It has been some time since my last cruise, but the addiction is hitting hard. I've been planning (way) ahead for when my daughter (she will be 8 months old on Monday the 29th) would be old enough to appreciate the cruise expierence. During my planning, I was thinking about how far I would want to drive versus flying to the port of embarcation. Before, I always flew to the port city, but I lived in Denver at the time, so driving wasn't pratical unless I went to Galveston. Now, I live in Cleveland, and New York City, Baltimore, Norfolk, and even Charleston, SC are a day's drive away, and Tampa and Port Canaveral are a day and a half, enough time to arrive at the port, board, and eat lunch before the lifeboat drill. My question is how far would you want to drive for a cruise? Thanks for your help.
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I'm TomS, and I approved this message.
We drove from Connecticut to Florida several times for a cruise.
TM
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CRUISES
Century 4/1998
Mercury 4/2000+4/2006+7/2007
Sensation 4/2002
Infinity 4/2003
Summit 4/2004+4/2005
Carnival Liberty New Year's Eve 2007
Liberty of the Seas 5/2008+11/2009
Solstice 4/2009
Oasis 4/2010
Allure 1/16/ 2011
Equinox 4/11/2011
I will be driving from the St. Louis area to Galveston in November (and adding an hour to the trip so I can stay on major highways and avoid the majority of Houston). If the price of the cruise was right, I would consider driving anywhere. I enjoy flying, but am aggravated with the ever-increasing limitations on luggage size and the increasing fees related. I enjoy driving too and am ok with cheap (but decently rated) hotels or staying with friends scattered throughout the country.
For our usual Galveston cruise the 4 hour drive is about the same time to port as if we flew, but without the luggage restrictions and shuttle hassles, so its foolish not to drive. New Orleans is the next port over, and at 8 hours we may occasionally drive, but we're far more likely to jump on a Southwest flight. Anything further than that and driving would not even be a consideration.
I've driven to Galveston several times as it is the closest for me. I've flown to Florida..But would be willing to drive to New Orleans if the right cruise came along...Or to fly to other ports if the right flight sale came my way..
Living in Florida I guess I am a bit spoiled. 5 ports all with in "wake up and drive to ship" distance. My first cruise was out of FLL, with a few stops along the way, I think it took us 4 hours to get to the port. Last 2 cruises were out of MIA and about 5 hours of total time to get there. It's just a matter of getting up early enough on departure day, and for the 2 MIA cruises we were on in time for a good lunch.
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Past cruises:
Carnival Imagination - Dec 2011 4n Western
Carnival Imagination - Nov 2010 4n Western
Costa Atlantica - Dec 2009 7n Eastern
My opinions are mine and mine alone. They do not represent the opinions of The Walt Disney Company nor any of its subsidiaries.
Hello cruisemates,
We drove many times from Québec City to Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral.Plan your trip well in advance not to rush.We were only adults in a car.Now our daughter lives in Palm Coast,we fly to Orlando to continue to FLL the same day.
Have a nice day,
We usually fly out of Ontario Int. in California which is about 15 minutes from home. I will drive to LAX which is about 1 hour away. To far to drive any place else.
I have actually never flown for a cruise! We live in the Phoenix area and have only taken cruises out of LA and San Diego so far. It's a 6 hour drive to both. I was with a group for one which was great because we chartered a bus and it took us right up to the terminal.
I am realizing why we have always driven now that I am ready to book my airfare to Seattle in September... So worth it though!
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*Krista*
Golden Princess 9/8/2012
Carnival Elation 11/02/2009
Carnival Pride 04/24/2006
Carnival Pride 05/23/2004
Carnival Elation (I think) 1999
I have driven three hours; would probably drive as much as eight or nine hours but it is dollar driven; i.e., cost of fuel and parking at port versus air (and parking or taxi at home).
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Marc
Silver Explorer (17nts) - Antarctica - Jan 12
Seven Seas Mariner (17nts) - Monte Carlo - Rio - Nov 12
Seven Seas Voyager (17nts) - Bangkok - Mumbai - Apr 13
Hi.
The average cost of Port parking is between 15$ to 20$ per day including the day you came in and the day you get out.
MTL
Always something to consider yeah. Thankfully for me I have friends in the Lauderdale and Miami areas. With a little planning I am able to park at their place. Which is going to come in handy if I am able to get on the 14n DCL Wonder in December. Wasn't looking forward to spending $280 or more on parking. Probably more since I am planning to fly out at least 2 days early to get some Disneyland time in.
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Past cruises:
Carnival Imagination - Dec 2011 4n Western
Carnival Imagination - Nov 2010 4n Western
Costa Atlantica - Dec 2009 7n Eastern
My opinions are mine and mine alone. They do not represent the opinions of The Walt Disney Company nor any of its subsidiaries.
I would personally drive about 12 hours tops. Plane tickets are just too expensive for me to justify normally. If I found a great rate though, I might consider flying.
Because of the airfare leaving FLL or MIA on weekends when the ships return, I rent a car and drive 12 hrs. One way air to FLL & MIA is reasonable. Car rental including drop off cost and taxes is costing me $135 for my Carib. cruise in a few week. I've done this in the past and works out fine. Added benefit, no problem bringing home bottles of liqour. ;-)
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Experiences over the years enabled me to have all the answers, but not necessarily corresponding with your questions.
How far would you drive?
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