Welcome to Cruise Talk the Internet's most popular discussion forum dedicated to cruising. Stop by Cruise Talk anytime to post a message or find out what your fellow passengers and industry insiders are saying about a particular ship, cruise line or destination.
>>> Reader Reviews >>> CruisePage.com Photo Gallery >>> Join Our Cruise Club.
Latest News...Disney Cruise Line announced today that the honorary role of "godparent" for its new ship, the Disney Treasure, will be held by The Walt Disney Company cast, crew, Imagineers and employees around the world. The profound declaration is a heartfelt tribute to the more than 200,000 dreamers and doers who make every Disney entertainment, vacation and at-home experience possible. Disney Cruise Line is proud to celebrate...
Latest News...Carnival Cruise Line is adding to its line-up of 2026/27 deployment with sailings from New York City on Carnival Venezia, and more Long Beach sailings on Carnival Firenze and Carnival Radiance. Our two Carnival Fun Italian Style ships offer great options from the east and west coasts, conveniently connecting New York and Long Beach to popular destinations, while delivering unique experiences on board...
Latest News...Vacationers are in for more ways to make memories across Royal Caribbeans latest combination of tropical and Northeast 2026-27 getaways. The lineup of 12 Royal Caribbean ships rounds out a variety of adventures across Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico and the Northeast for every type of family and vacationer to get away any time of year. Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members...
I have nothing else to say. I've been saying this for years, our port officials have been asleep while our local politicians have been lining their pockets with cash with this tunnel construction.
quote:Originally posted by Carlos Fernandez:...with this tunnel construction.
Had to look that one up, interesting concept:
http://www.portofmiamitunnel.com/Documents/POMTProjectSiteMap.pdf
http://www.portofmiamitunnel.com/video.html
[ 06-26-2010: Message edited by: dmwnc1 ]
Plus, while FLL used to be a better airport than MIA (just because MIA was so incredibly awful), the "New" MIA is (or soon will be) an excellent airport.
quote:Originally posted by dmwnc1:Had to look that one up, interesting concept:http://www.portofmiamitunnel.com/Documents/POMTProjectSiteMap.pdfhttp://www.portofmiamitunnel.com/video.html[ 06-26-2010: Message edited by: dmwnc1 ]
This tunnel will be a reality. Construction has already begun or will be in the next month.
Ernie
quote:Originally posted by dougnewman: Plus, while FLL used to be a better airport than MIA (just because MIA was so incredibly awful), the "New" MIA is (or soon will be) an excellent airport.
I could not agree more Doug. FLL looks sort of like the terminals at Port Everglades. Dated tacky palm tree carpet from the 80's along with overcrowded and musty terminals. It's due for a major overhaul.
Meanwhile at MIA, the airport everyone loves to hate, major construction over the past 20 years (it's been under construction for as long as I can remember) is finally paying off. Many of the terminals are spacious, modern, bright, and a pleasure to fly in and out of. The new central car rental facility and Intermodal Center will only enhance the experience.
I flew out of MIA recently to London, and the experience could not have been better. I NEVER thought I would hear myself say that about MIA. The only bad thing that will remain is getting picked up from baggage claim. The lower level is still hot and always smells like bus fumes. Meanwhile at FLL, I have had to endure dated terminals too small to handle the crowds from these discount airlines, and limited facilities. Basically FLL has not grown and modernized with the growth of the area.
As for the ports, I like both for different reasons. I still enjoy sailing out of FLL because of the horn and light spectacle put on by the Point of Americas condos at the harbor entrance. Miami is more beautiful to sail out of, but unfortunately there is no festive sound and light show. Without question the terminals at the Port of Miami are light years ahead of Port Everglades, except Terminal 18 used for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. That is an excellent terminal, but still not as scenic as the Port of Miami terminals. It's essentially still a large shed, like most of the Port Everglades terminals, it's just well designed and nicely finished on the inside.
Ernie.
[ 06-26-2010: Message edited by: eroller ]
And of the two ports in question I always did enjoy sailing out of Miami more, beautiful like Ernie said! And one of the few places where you could see them all pretty lined up in a row.
quote:Originally posted by eroller:Remember it's the first and last impression of every cruise. If it's a lousy experience than it will impact your perception of the entire trip.[ 06-26-2010: Message edited by: eroller ]
Very good point sir!
quote:Originally posted by dmwnc1:And of the two ports in question I always did enjoy sailing out of Miami more, beautiful like Ernie said! And one of the few places where you could see them all pretty lined up in a row.
I have yet to see it in person, but having 6 ships in a row seems quite spectacular. IDK if any other port has that lineup.
Royal Caribbean has all but pulled out. I think next year they will only have MAJESTY OF THE SEAS sailing out of Miami. Pretty amazing, especially considering their headquarters is located right in the port.
Carnival and NCL are really keeping the port afloat. Celebrity as well with CENTURY and a Solstice Class ship for the first time.
During the Summer, on some weekend days there are no cruise ships in port, or just one. Sad. Of course the same can be said for Port Everglades. Right now only OASIS is docked on most Saturdays.
One advantage that Port Everglades has over Miami in terms of capacity is a daily cruise ship. They used to have two until BAHAMAS CELEBRATION moved up to Palm Beach. Anyway that helps to inflate the passenger capacity numbers. Of course Miami has three 3-4 day ships year round and Port Everglades has none.
quote:Originally posted by GregD:I have yet to see it in person, but having 6 ships in a row seems quite spectacular. IDK if any other port has that lineup.
As I have mentioned in prior threads I use to fly to Miami on vacations just to see the cruise ships all lined up. Some of my favorite pictures have the Emerald Seas, Holiday and Celebration, Norway (before the added decks), Boheme, NCL's Starward and Skyward, Britannis, Song of Norway and Song of America, Nordic Prince, and quite a few others lined up in different arrangments. They were smaller then and more could fit alongside. It was very cool!
DEC 5thCelebrity InfinityLiberty Of The SeasCarnival GloryCarnival ValorNorwegian StarNorwegian Pearl
DEC 11Norwegian EpicCrystal SerenityCelebrity CenturyCelebrity EclipseAzamara JourneyCarnival Liberty
DEC 26Norwegian DawnNorwegian PearlCelebrity EclipseLiberty of the SeasCarnival GloryCarnival Valor
JAN 2same as above but replaceN. Dawn with Regatta
Edited: Dec 5th added and Jan 15th removed due to schedule changes
[ 06-28-2010: Message edited by: dmwnc1 ]
quote:Originally posted by dmwnc1:Ernie, I checked cruisecal for Miami and from Nov. 14th thru late April most every weekend will have at least one day with 5 ships docked alongside with these notable exceptions where there will be six:DEC 11Norwegian EpicCrystal SerenityCelebrity CenturyCelebrity EclipseAzamara JourneyCarnival LibertyDEC 26Norwegian DawnNorwegian PearlCelebrity EclipseLiberty of the SeasCarnival GloryCarnival ValorJAN 2same as above but replaceN. Dawn with RegattaJAN 15Norwegian StarNorwegian EpicCelebrity CenturyCelebrity EclipseCarnival DestinyCarnival Liberty
JAN 15Norwegian StarNorwegian EpicCelebrity CenturyCelebrity EclipseCarnival DestinyCarnival Liberty
It's great to see the Port of Miami has some busy days ahead of it! There is nothing like driving along MacArthur Causeway and seeing all the ships lined up.
Perhaps all the publicity about Port Everglades overtaking Miami will entice them to step up their efforts and recruit new business?
quote:Originally posted by eroller:There is nothing like driving along MacArthur Causeway and seeing all the ships lined up.Ernie
Dont forget to take pictures for us if you can on some of those days w/six ships docked! Dec 26th and Jan 15th look most interesting! You might be busy driving b/t FLL and MIA since you also have the 3 Queen Weekend (Jan 15/16) at that same time!
[ 06-27-2010: Message edited by: dmwnc1 ]
quote:Originally posted by dmwnc1:It was indeed impressive to see them all gathered every weekend. I dont think we will ever see those days again.
I think there could have been more of interest in a line-up of ships in Miami than there is in the whole worldwide cruise fleet today.
I remember seeing the following line-up:AMERICAN ADVENTUREBRITANISCOSTA ALLEGRACOSTA ROMANTICATwo HOLIDAY-class (not sure which)NORWAYSEAWARDSEABREEZE ISOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS
quote:Originally posted by dmwnc1:Dont forget to take pictures for us if you can on some of those days w/six ships docked! Dec 26th and Jan 15th look most interesting! You might be busy driving b/t FLL and MIA since you also have the 3 Queen Weekend (Jan 15/16) at that same time!
Yes that should be a fun weekend! I hope I am in town. I love to cruise in January (best weather, no kids, cheapest prices) so I might end up being away. We shall see.
quote:Originally posted by eroller:Yes that should be a fun weekend! I hope I am in town. I love to cruise in January (best weather, no kids, cheapest prices) so I might end up being away. We shall see.Ernie
I would love to see pictures and yours are always quite good. Maybe if you are at sea we can get Carlos or Altcruiser? Another great photographic opportunity!!!
So far this year our only regular is the Sea Princess. However we have had some memorable ships come through like the QM2,Queen Victoria,Carnival Splendor,and others
Cam J
quote:Originally posted by dmwnc1:I would love to see pictures and yours are always quite good. Maybe if you are at sea we can get Carlos or Altcruiser? Another great photographic opportunity!!!
I will be in FLL during January but I will miss one of the Queens. I leave on the Allure 1/09 and then again the following week. Not sure what kind of photos that I can get of the ships but will try.
quote:Originally posted by Atlcruiser:I will be in FLL during January but I will miss one of the Queens. I leave on the Allure 1/09 and then again the following week. Not sure what kind of photos that I can get of the ships but will try.
Unfortunately it will be the QM2 that you miss on the 15th. Depending on the order of arrival and departure you should get some decent shots on the 16th. Sunrise and sunset for FLL are 7:09am and 5:51pm respectfully.
As for PE in my last cruise on Solstice embarkation on T18 was the best I've seen yet, unfortunately the same cannot be said about disembarkation. T18 as modern in terms of passenger terminal as it might be does not have baggage conveyor systems, luggage is just thrown in groups by letters. Then there is the long line to get to customs (with luggage on hand) and the porters trying to skip he not so civilized lines. Then there's the oh so wonderful view.
Those things concern me as a traveler but as a citizen of Miami-Dade county I really feel we are loosing in terms of the amount of cruise passengers which will use our hotels, restaurants and will contribute to our local economy which really needs this.
quote:Originally posted by Carlos Fernandez: T18 as modern in terms of passenger terminal as it might be does not have baggage conveyor systems, luggage is just thrown in groups by letters.
My most recent cruise was from Miami on CENTURY and the terminal worked flawlessly ... of course, it was designed for ships carrying twice as many passengers. But of course those terminals work just as well for the larger ships they were designed for.
Ultimate Bulletin BoardTM 6.1.0.3
More Vacation & Cruise Specials...