We cruised out of Ft. Lauderdale once and stayed at a hotel close to the cruise port. At that time, the shuttle cost $8/person. There were four of us, so it would have been $32. When I went to sign up, the desk clerk quietly said, "I'm not supposed to tell you this, but it's about a $5 cab ride to the port." I thanked her, and she called a cab. It cost $5.50 for the ride, and he took us right to our ship. I gave the driver $10, plus another tip for handling our bags, and still saved money!!

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

I am glad she was honest with you.

@jimroscovius

7 ай бұрын

@tracymayertravel I gave her lots of credit for that.

@claudiasherman2601

7 ай бұрын

I took Lyft and was cheaper, plus didn’t have to wait for everyone to load and unload

@aginggracefully710

7 ай бұрын

Thanks so much!!!

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

My pleasure @@aginggracefully710

Appreciate your video. Doing my research in considering a cruise. You give EXACTLY the kind of tips I'm looking for.

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Thank you. I appreciate your comment. Happy to help.

Thanks for the tip. I am staying in Fort Lauderdale the night before my cruise. Good to know!

@tracymayertravel

Жыл бұрын

my pleasure! Enjoy your Cruise. :)

Yeah, we took a Lyft, no problem. I'm glad you followed your instincts!

@tracymayertravel

11 ай бұрын

Thank you. What a scam. :)

Thanks for sharing this information! It’s really sad that establishments will be so desperate, they willingly scam people to get them to use their shutter service, sham on them 😮

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Totally agree.

This is so helpful. THANK YOU!!

@tracymayertravel

5 күн бұрын

Glad to help. :)

Thanks for sharing Happy Sailing!

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

My Pleasure. Happy Sailing to you too.

Thanks for sharing this. I’ll be going on a cruise there in Jan 2024 so this is very helpful@.

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

My Pleasure. I hope as many people as possible see it.

Thanks for the info

I’ve used Uber on three occasions while sailing out of Lauderdale. Never had any issues. They picked us up within five minutes after contacting them. We were at the dock within 20 minutes. All was good.

@rockhopper01

7 ай бұрын

Uber definitely way to go. The airport has a nice RideShare pickup, and both the port and most downtown hotels less than 10 minutes apart.

So interesting. We've stayed several times at Homewood in the past and each time taken a Lyft since we could book it through the Hilton app. Must have different management than when we stayed. There wasn't a sign at that time. Thanks for such an informative video!

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

My pleasure.

Thank you for this information!

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

You're Welcome

Thank you for sharing your trip. ☺ Smile

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@LMays-cu2hp

7 ай бұрын

@@tracymayertravel You are welcome.

Good on you to recognize false advertising by the hotel. We take the shuttle from a Hilton hotel to San Pedro and the last time it cost. $10 a each. That included getting picked up on the return. Its been over a year since we were last there, so I am expecting it to be higher. We might do what you did and take Lyft instead. Thanks for sharing.

@tracymayertravel

8 ай бұрын

Thank you, My pleasure.

Thanks for the warning.

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

My Pleasure

We had trouble with Uber getting out from the cruise port. First driver assigned dropped off his passengers then drove away. Second driver assigned never did arrive, cancelled by her after two minutes . I suspect she didn’t want to fight the traffic as incoming passengers were arriving. Third driver went to the wrong numbered pillar. I found him then discovered he charged extra for having to wait.

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

It was really crowded and we waited a long time for ours when we got off too.

Thank you. That was very helpful. We stopped staying at hotels before our cruise. Because they have raised the prices and don't include shuttle and parking and breakfast like they used to. In fact we stayed at one place that advertised shuttle free and didn't have one after all😢

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Oh man that is bad that they advertised one and didn't even have it.

@visaman

7 ай бұрын

Or it was a shuttle-free hotel.

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

The one I was at had one and they were trying to con people into using it.@@visaman

When I book a room the night before the cruise I find a place that has 1. free breakfast, 2. free shuttle.

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

I am going to start doing the same.

I'm taking a cruise out of Port Everglades in March 2024. Thanks for posting this information.

@tracymayertravel

6 ай бұрын

My Pleasure, Enjoy your cruise.

Thanks for the tip

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

my pleasure

We sailed on Adventure of the Seas out of FLL this past Sept and we took an Uber to the port. Cheaper than taking the shuttle by the scam hotel.

thank you for the FYI

I went through this EXACT scenario. I wish I had seen your video sooner.

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

I am sorry to hear it. So frustrating right? Hopefully my video will help someone else.

Thank you for this video! We had the reverse experience at Hilton Marina, Ft Lauderdale a few years ago. We asked for them to get us a cab. (had not really used Uber at that time but no issues now). Next thing I know, the hotel guy is telling us there's a van outside and they were waiting for us and he's rushing us out the door? We drag all of our bags (2 large, 2 back packs, husband is disabled might I add) out the door. The van was hired BY the hotel, we were crammed in there so tight that if there would have been an accident, we probably all would have died. This was NOT what I had requested at all. The charge was more for this van as well. Even worse, when we got to the port, the guy dropped us on the other side of the street at the port! Now we had to drag our large bags across the traffic (which was very unsafe yet again). I was so p#$%ed at that hotel. The was the icing on the cake for us at that Hilton. There had been other issues leading up to that. From that point on, we get out OWN transportation. Also, never again for the Hilton Marina. 😖

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Oh my gosh I am sorry to hear about your experience. It makes me made when people only care about making money and not anything else.

@ysykes489

7 ай бұрын

Thanks Tracy, several valuable lessons were learned that day. Have a great holiday! ☺

In May 2023 we stayed at a Marriott property near Port Everglades and it had free breakfast but you had to pay for the shuttle. You can schedule Uber ahead of time, you do not have to wait for the day of your trip. Uber for two (including tge tip) was cheaper than the shuttle. Uber was able to get into the port but she dropped us off a little bit away from the entrance. Luckily, we are able to walk and it was not that bad. My sister who uses a walker had the same thing happen to her that day so it was more difficult for her to get to the entrance. Both of us did not realize at the time we got dropped off that it was not the entrance. When you realize it, the driver is gone.

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Glad you were able to get there without a hassle. Uber was cheaper for me too.

@TravelistaShe-nu1gt

7 ай бұрын

When I was there the ap would not let me schedule Uber or Lyft ahead of time because of the port being 'a restricted area'. Maybe it has now changed...

Everyone has a scam now days. Uber & Lyft is big at all the cruise ports. Better than a taxi who will scam you also.

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

I was so mad when I realized what the hotel was up to.

good for you for exposing them

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Thank you

The only trouble I ever had using Uber to get to a cruise port was in Miami. Uber sent a driver who didn't speak English, which meant that my wife and I couldn't communicate with her about anything; and she somehow got lost in a huge industrial area of the port complex. When she finally figured out how to get to the cruise terminal, she got stopped by the Port Police (I never did find out why he stopped her), and the cop didn't speak Spanish. So we were there for several minutes while the cop dealt with her and whatever violation she'd committed. The cop did eventually allow the Uber driver to proceed, and she did get us to the ship.

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Miami is a tricky port to navagate. If you find yourself in a situation again where someone does not speak English is whatever city I find that google translate works really well. You just type in what you want to say and select the language it is automatic.

I've booked a FLL hotel that has an airport shuttle and a cruise shuttle is included in the rate. My plan is to call the hotel to figure out departure times for the shuttle, then reserve my check-in time for the cruise.

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Glad they have an included shuttle. That is what I should have made sure of.

I had a similar experience at the Cambria in Dania Beach. The only problem I had was that I could not reserve the Uber/lyft in advance as I prefer to do because it said 'restricted area'. The people at the desk told me about a shuttle service but I could not make sense out of the partial info they were giving me. And I think I had to call, or whatever. Finally in the morning, I was able to get online and call the ride service and yes they got right there. I will say though that the first driver canceled, and it took a few more minutes for someone else to pick it up and come over. They got there just as the other bus was loading. I think the Lyft was around $12, and since it's just me, I would have come out close to the same. I will do some double checking on this in Jan because apparently some of the drivers don't like having to go in there and stop and show ID and all that. I would think it adds to their time with no extra money for it. But thanks for your story cause it does confirm that I was not crazy to feel a bit uncomfortable with the whole thing.

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

I hate that feeling of people trying to take advantage of me. I wanted to put this out there so people are aware. I am glad you were able to get to the port.

I have never had a problem using an Uber from my hotel in Ft.Lauderdale the hotels always try to have you use there shuttles

@Wellch

7 ай бұрын

Their shuttles.

I was just in Port Everglades earlier this month, and I took Uber, and it was awesome and cheaper than to the shuttle.

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the current information. Love to hear it!

I will also add if your going on a cruise & you nickel & dime it, always remember to tip well on ship & off. These people work hard too.

@Wellch

7 ай бұрын

You’re

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Totally agree they work so hard and I never skimp on the tips.

We scheduled an Uber from our hotel and he drove us right up to our ship, no problem

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

I am glad. Thanks for watching.

As Florida residents we always drive and park at the terminals. However, we always go the day before and stay overnight. We have cruised out of the ports in Florida. We stay at the following - Tampa: Hard Rock - Miami: Kimpton Epic - Port Everglades: Hard Rock - Port Canaveral: Hilton Orlando / Buena Vista

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the Hotel Tips!

@dalegoodell6019

7 ай бұрын

Great hotel information -- thank you!

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Thank you@@dalegoodell6019

Thank you for sharing. We were thinking about using a rental car and then taking it back to the airport. Would you happen to know exactly where the pick up for uber is at the airport? Thanks in advance ☺️.

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

I am sorry I don't. I took the hotel van from the airport. That actually worked and was included. Have a great trip!

The issue comes in when the uber or Lyft driver does not have valid Identification. Several ppl have had to get dropped off at the gate and then walk the long way with luggage due to the driver's not having correct identification. The hotel is trying to save the customers the headache

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Interesting I had not heard about this... My driver was great and even made sure we had our ID's with us and not in the trunk before we left the hotel to get into the port.

@jimroscovius

7 ай бұрын

We use a private transfer service booked by our travel agent.

Yes the hotel told us the same thing

@tracymayertravel

3 ай бұрын

Makes me mad. How recently was this?

THX!!

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

My Pleasure

Thanks

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

My Pleasure

30 seconds of information in only 6:5 minutes..

No picture of the sign? Definitely fishy of the hotel to allow that sign to be up. I would have sent the pic to Uber and Corporate for the hotel. Thank you for the heads up.

Thank you! I asked my travel agent about the transportation and she did say to make sure that the Uber driver could take you directly to the terminal. I’ve never cruised before so I don’t know the difference between “port” and “terminal.” This kind of scared me because what if the port is HUGE and each terminal is miles away? And I am dropped of at the port but have to walk miles to my terminal?

@tracymayertravel

3 ай бұрын

Once your Uber Driver takes you into the port you will see signs for different ships and where to go. Jus tell them what ship you need to get too. Thanks for watching.

What is the best (most economical) way to get from the Ft. Lauderdale Airport to Embassy Suites on 17th Street in Ft. Lauderdale?

@tracymayertravel

Ай бұрын

If they don't have a hotel shuttle I would take an Uber or lift.

Wow that’s very disappointing. I’ve used Uber and also just walked.

THANKS A BUNCH!!!!

@tracymayertravel

9 ай бұрын

Glad to pass this info to everyone. :)

Yes, feel sorry for cabbies but they also have been taking advantage of people over the years. P.S. Recently took shuttle from port Miami to Miami airport, $10 pp.. I imagine Uber would of been same and taxi about $35.

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

That is a huge difference.

👍👍

They take advantage of tourists, a lot of companies/businesses do it, it's not a new thing..... it's everyone's responsibility to do their own research.

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

It is a real shame but true.

WE WERE JUST DIVERTED TO PORT CANAVERAL WE WENT OUT TO GET A SHUTTLE/TAXI TO PUBLIX. The shuttle lady told us $25 per person each way and my husband said Uhh no way. Lift is only $13. She told us the same thing, that they have had issues with Uber and Lyft not picking up people and leaving them at the wrong place. It was like they thought we were from another country and gullible. We got a Lyft to Publix and Back for $26

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Oh my gosh I am tired of all the scam artists trying to take advantage of people. Glad you weren't one of them.

@Kimberlymogan

7 ай бұрын

@@tracymayertravel sorry about the caps. I didn’t even notice them before hitting post

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Ha Ha no problem. I thought you were really mad about your experience.@@Kimberlymogan

@Kimberlymogan

7 ай бұрын

@@tracymayertravel hahaha well I am kinda mad they diverted us from our Bermuda stop to Port Canaveral an Nassau right into the storm, whereas Bermuda is fine and safe. But I still wouldn’t yell at you hahahah

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

@@Kimberlymogan Sorry about the change.

why didn't you post a picture of the sign or screen shot of the Uber cost?

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Great idea I wish I would have gotten those. This was one of the first videos I ever did.

Not really a scam, but they could have provided more context. We cruised out of FL and used Lyft. Our driver did not speak English and had never dropped off at the port before. We arrived just outside the gate and he tried to drop us there. We told him we needed to go to the ship because of our luggage so he reluctantly pulled up to the gate. We all had to show our passports and our boarding passes. The removed our luggage from the trunk and used a dog to sniff for drugs. They asked the driver several questions in Spanish, but after about 10 minutes we were allowed in.

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

we just drove up and had to show our passports and I believe they looked at the bags in the trunk.

Wow I hope you contacted the corporate number of the hotel that you stayed at obviously hotel staff were probably getting a cut from the shuttle to the port! I think also, you should contact corporate for Uber and let them know that this hotel is doing this! I haven’t seen this I would question it when I travel I use uber a lot. My most recent cruise was a charter. You could pay in advance for a shuttle from the host hotel to the port the price seemed high, so I did not sign up for it. I think the only perk was they may have got your bags from your room. Big whoop. They were leaving from the backside of the hotel. my friend and I took a regular shuttle to the porch for eight dollars each plus tip. This was in Fort Lauderdale and we were staying very close to the port. When you disbarK don’t pay for the transfer by the cruise line. Or any of these other buses that they have to fill off before they leave they’re usually chaos people cutting the line, etc.. I find the easiest way is to get in a taxi already lined up. Get an Uber once you have collected your bags and are outside.

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

One of the hotel workers when I asked about the Uber sign told me to put the address in the app and see what happens. I think she knew it worked. I don't think they got kick backs but the management was trying to scare people into taking their overpriced shuttle.

@laureljaneg

7 ай бұрын

I just think the sign is bizarre

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Me too@@laureljaneg

That’s nonsense we used Uber from downtown Fort Lauderdale and it was totally fine.

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Yup trying to get the word out far and wide. Uber worked great for me too.

My advice use Uber not the shuttle

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Agree totally

@jimlink3285

7 ай бұрын

@@tracymayertravel just returned from cruise from FLL. Uber rocks. However the mess at that port coming home needs addressed

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Yes that is a huge mess@@jimlink3285

This KZread could have been 1.5mins.

If you were afraid of port rejection why did you not think of a taxi? Like you we have never tried Uber. We haven’t had trust in Uber either, in my mind as a one time taxi driver and a family owned taxi business taxis and drivers are licensed and been checked by the city. Just my opinion.

@tracymayertravel

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the information. I looked at taxi prices and the Uber was cheaper so I figured I would take that. I had heard of people taking Ubers in so figured it might work.

@TripReviews

7 ай бұрын

@@tracymayertravel happy that it worked for you. 👍 up to this point I’ve shied away. Maybe partly because it would require data plan on my phone plus the fact it would cost me much more to log into it since the states is a foreign land for me. I now have put a data plan on my phone but it would still cost me more in the long run unless I used the hotel wifi. Cheers.

@haroldallison4777

7 ай бұрын

We used Uber and had no issues

@YudronWangmo

7 ай бұрын

I got scammed by a scary taxi driver at the Fort Lauderdale cruiseport.

@TripReviews

7 ай бұрын

@@YudronWangmo I feel that I got scammed in Miami to the cruise port. Stayed at Holiday Inn right near the port. Concierge said the taxi was a cheap price, can’t remember right now but when we got in tje cab it was a flat rate of something like $30. Yes. I feel ripped off, not a fault of the driver as he did go by the set out legal flat rate price but the hotel employee was wrong as he told me a low price but this was not the price of a taxi, it was the price of a group shuttle. Since he found us the cab we assumed it was tje price he quoted, I was Leary when getting into the car but we wanted to get to the ship. On tje way from the port to the airport we paid the same flat rate.

I would let people know that you do have a choice, however I always use the hotel shuttle. Reason: hotel will be liable for us in case of accident. I feel safer with shuttle. When you get off of the ship at ports, we use tours purchased from the ship. Reason: The tour will be covered by the ship’s insurance & you will be back to board your ship on time. 🛳️ Bon Voyage!