[carpej]

We use Park N Go at Orlando airport. They drop us off right at the Brightline Station. We then take the train to FLL station and then take an Uber to the ship. This Uber costs about $20 and is fast and easy. We do the "Smart Fare" on Brightline, the Premium Fare isn't really worth it. Flying back to Orlando then Park N Go shuttle to our car. Saves quite a bit to book and pay Park N Go online in advance. We took an 8:45am train and got to the ship at about 12:30. You only have to be at the train about 20 minutes early. by the way there is a 28 inch limit on the suitcases that you carry on for Brightline , larger you have to check them and it is $25 each. This was not a problem for us as our bags were fine and there is storage in each car. Smaller suitcases will easily fit in the overhead racks.

[MSGirl]

Originally Posted by NJSonja

It's going to be a one way cruise so any ideas how to get down there? Any recommendations? Ordinarily I'd take the car and park it there, but in this case, it won't help. TIA for any suggestions you may have.

Sonja

What does the cruise line , travel agent, booking agent recommend?

[Lancer]

Originally Posted by kkingston57

Noted you referred this airport as OIA which would be great. Real call letters are MCO. Wish they would change. Makes too much sense.

It’s was MCO long before Disney. Originally was McCoy Air Force Base.

[Gerrys]

One way rental from Enterprise. Cost is about $100. The also offer a veteran discount.

[dtennent]

We used Avis to get to the cruise terminal. When we got to the drop off, the place was very crowded waiting for the free shuttle. Ended up taking a cab which got us to the terminal much faster. Just make sure you confirm that you have purchased gas before dropping off the car.

[donfey]

Originally Posted by kkingston57

Noted you referred this airport as OIA which would be great. Real call letters are MCO. Wish they would change. Makes too much sense.

Orlando International Airport was originally a military base dating as far back as the 1940s when it was Pinecastle Army Airfield. In 1958 it was renamed McCoy Air Force Base after Colonel Michael McCoy, who was killed during a bombing competition.
The airport was designated MCO after the base name, and even though the military base closed in 1975, those letters haven’t changed. The airport became Orlando International in 1976.

BTW, O'Hare Airport, ORD, used to be Orchard Field, and actually had been an orchard.

[JanetandHarry]

We have the same issue and probably going on same cruise as you.

Our plan is to drive to Park and Go at MCO Then we are taking the Brightline to Fort Lauderdale where we will then take Uber to the Fort Lauderdale cruise port.

Our return flight ends at MCO and where we will pick up our car. This way we eliminate the uncertainties with potential flight delays. We will then have a short ride home.

[bjtraut52]

Originally Posted by kkingston57

Noted you referred this airport as OIA which would be great. Real call letters are MCO. Wish they would change. Makes too much sense.

MCO refers to McCoy AFB which Orlando took over in the 70’s after the base closed down.

[MrChip72]

Someone should rename the title of this thread, "how can I get from TV to the Fort Launderdale cruise port with the most steps involved".

[Escape Artist]

This may sound like an ignorant question but what types of cruises leave from Ft. Lauderdale? Are they cruising to Bermuda or the Bahamas or Europe?

[Arctic Fox]

Originally Posted by Escape Artist

This may sound like an ignorant question but what types of cruises leave from Ft. Lauderdale? Are they cruising to Bermuda or the Bahamas or Europe?

Depends on the time of year. Between October and March most cruises will be to the Caribbean. A lot of cruise ships then head to Europe for Mediterranean or Northern Europe cruises. A few will call in at Bermuda en route but, as a destination in itself, cruise ships leave from ports further north.

There will also be some Spring departures for other destinations - via the Panama Canal to Alaska, for example.

[MrChip72]

Originally Posted by Escape Artist

This may sound like an ignorant question but what types of cruises leave from Ft. Lauderdale? Are they cruising to Bermuda or the Bahamas or Europe?

90% are going to the Caribbean and Mexico. Usually 3-4 port stops on a 7-8 day cruise.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by JanetandHarry

We have the same issue and probably going on same cruise as you.

Our plan is to drive to Park and Go at MCO Then we are taking the Brightline to Fort Lauderdale where we will then take Uber to the Fort Lauderdale cruise port.

Our return flight ends at MCO and where we will pick up our car. This way we eliminate the uncertainties with potential flight delays. We will then have a short ride home.

We have been thinking of this cruise also. Since this ship leaves at 3 pm and presumably have to board 90 minutes earlier, too complicated to get there on time so we would elect to either get there a day early or drive to Lauderdale which means we have to fly back there.

Looking at princess ezair most flights either get to Lauderdale very late or next day.

We enjoy TA's but coming to the conclusion that westbound ones in the fall are more convenient.