Since we took the Brightline in Aug. to a cruise, I'll give a report. First let me start off by saying I have some mobility problems which influenced our decisions. We used to take the cruise express and would board at 301 and rt. 44. Getting into and out of the bus became more difficult and the service plaza stop if I needed it just compounded the problem.
We were fortunate to get a ride from a neighbor to the Brightline. We'll have to return the favor the next time the neighbor cruises. We were dropped off at the train station not the airline terminal where Groom goes. The walk from terminal C to the train station is somewhat lengthy. The train station is modern and comfortable. boarding the train was no problem for me since the platform and train were level.
While prices for the train are somewhat pricey, the trick is to download the app, open an account and watch the emails that they send. Starting about a month before you want to leave they run promotions covering your travel time. These are discounts, bogos etc. We ended up getting seats in first class for about the same as economy. It came with a $10 Uber voucher which we used to get from the train to the ship. The ride was very comfortable. There was a rest room. They provided complimentary soft drinks and snack. The seats were roomy. The wifi was very good. For us it was much nicer than the bus. Our Uber was waiting for us at the station and we were at the ship in 15 min.
You can probably find a cheaper way to go but not one any more enjoyable.

True - but it’s such a relaxing way to travel - train travel is the best!

How does it work for luggage once you first get to the train station?

Brightline to Cruise Terminal
 

In January, we did Groome to Brightline and then took a taxi (Uber and Lyft also options), and it was great. The taxi ride was very short and not very expensive.

We are going out of Fort Lauderdale in January for a cruise. Just looked up parking right at cruise terminal. 20$ maximum per day. 10 day cruise 200$. My car. No rental. Seems worth it me.

Our situation was different. Sailed out of Port Everglades and then flew back to Miami. Our day flying back from Rome was 23 hours so we stayed overnight in Miami and drove home the next day. I spent way more time than I cared to looking at all the possibilities. Renting both ways was the cheapest with the most flexibility.

We had carry on sized luggage and you can just roll it onto the train and store it in your car. Large luggage can be checked for a price.

Why is that a rip-off? Because they raised the prices? That's their right. And you did the right thing - you shopped it and found a better price. A rip-off would be if they told one price and charged another.

Going to Brightline station, taking train and than taxi to port morning of cruise seems dangerous to me. One thing goes wrong and bye bye cruise. Wife not a strong swimmer.

Think that if we do this and probably will, will plan to get to port day ahead of time to be on the safe side.

Ya don't ask, ya don't get! Well done.

We are coming FROM a cruise. Brightline offers shuttles from the airport, but I think we'll have to take a cab from the cruise terminal to the train station. Overall time to get home will be about the same as with the bus.

Brightline often offers discounts - Mrs Fox just grabbed a "50% off - so stay alert.

If we were going TO a cruise we'd go "same day", as we always did for the bus.

I am sending a (very polite, of course) e-mail to Stephen Tobin (CEO of Yankee Trails).

We thrive on the danger.

Use Brightline
 

We used the Brightline train from MCO and was very pleased with the service. Used a limo to Orlando Airport at reasonable cost and then picked up the train right at the airport.

We used the Brightline train from MCO and was very pleased with the service. Used a limo to Orlando Airport at reasonable cost and then picked up the train right at the airport. Then Uber or Lyft from train to port. very easy.

despite all your aggravation, I wish you a joyous, carefree trip :coolsmiley: