Ft Lauderdale VS Miami

[Statz2k10]

I appreciate all the responses. I def want to check out South Beach because of all your reviews.

We will be on Norwegian Cruises. Does anybody know where this port is? I'd like to be able to search it on a map to get an idea on hotels near the area.

[rusty78]

Originally Posted by Statz2k10

I appreciate all the responses. I def want to check out South Beach because of all your reviews.

We will be on Norwegian Cruises. Does anybody know where this port is? I'd like to be able to search it on a map to get an idea on hotels near the area.

Just Google "Port Of Miami" and you will get more information than you need...lists hotels...parking...restaurants...things to do...etc...have fun

[Nolefan34]

Statz>

Hotels near the Port of Miami are going to be expensive, because that is downtown Miami. If money is not a factor, then you've got the Hyatt Regency (downtown), the Intercontinental, the Marriott, and several other choices. You also have in Brickell (near downtown) the 4 Seasons, JW Marriott, and the Conrad.

Now if you are on a budget, one hotel I'd highly recommend is the Hampton Inn in Coconut Grove. It is about a 2 mile drive from the port, located on US1 at the intersection of SW 27th Avenue. If you are renting a car, this is a very easy drive to South Beach and to the Port of Miami. You only need to take 3 roads to get to/from South Beach.

[ruski]

Also Mandarin hotel on Brickel.

[JohnLee1]

Originally Posted by Statz2k10

If you take away the night life of both Miami and Ft Lauderdale which is nicer to visit? We really don't care about the night life too much because we'll get enough of that on the cruise. We'd just like to have somewhere nice to hang out during the day and maybe at night that is safe enough to walk around.

Still Miami. There's nothing to see in Ft. Lauderdale. You can have your pick between Miami, Miami Beach, or any must-go-to place in the Miami area (Dade County). Ft. Lauderdale is the least boring place in the Ft. Lauderdale area (Broward County) and it's still an only wants quite, boring, old person's paradise.

Between any place in Florida, especially South Florida, Miami is always the obvious choice.

[Nolefan34]

Statz>

You said you have to check out of the hotel by 12PM and be at the ship by 3PM latest. That is not very much time. I do not see how you even have any time to see Fort Lauderdale, since commuting back and forth would take 1.5-2 hours, maybe more depending on traffic. DO NOT underestimate traffic and commuting. I-95 can be murder between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. I would strongly advise staying in Miami. You've got everything you want to see right there. Commuting between hotel/port will be minimal. That way you can maximize your time before the cruise.

I would forget about Fort Lauderdale. Like the other poster said, there is nothing to see there really. It is a large suburbia with a small downtown and a bunch of high-rise condos on the beach. Miami is much more interesting. You do not need to go to bars and clubs to have fun. Take a walk on Collins Avenue, Ocean Avenue, Washington Avenue, and especially Lincoln Road. There is lots to see there. You can walk for a few hours, eat lunch, and then leave for the ship.

Also, are you renting a car? You probably don't need one if you are only going to be in Miami several hours. You can simply take a Yellowcab from the airport to Miami Beach for about $15-20, and then take one back to the port later on. I do not see the need for you to rent a car.