While I have set foot in Fort Lauderdale on train stops to and from Miami I have never stayed there so I needed to do some planning and this is where both the internet and Cruise critic members helped immensely to decide where to stay.
First I had to decide how many days and nights I could afford to spend pre-cruise and given the costs of the cruise that would be an issue. Travelling in the middle of winter across the north tier states from Seattle to Chicago and onto to Washington DC before turning south for warmer weather also had to be factored in. In the end I choose to come in two days early which really gives me and evening, one full day and embarkation morning to see some of the sites.
I know the Amtrak station isn't located near many of the better hotels and attractions and I don't want to be hauling around three pieces of heavy luggage all over the place.
So after checking Hotwire - Hotels.com etc. and advice from Cruise Critics members on the Florida board I opted to take the Marriott Renaissance Cruise Port hotel - it gets good reviews - is next door to the port entrance and depending on which terminal we sail out of perhaps walkable from the hotel.
I have an on-line cruising buddy who is from the Vancouver area who has stayed there and recommends it and he has fairly high expectations when it comes to accomodations.
The only problem was that I was outside of the Hotwire booking period and for budget reasons wanted to get that expense out of the way but I happened to hear that there was an online special being offered both by Marriott and the usual travel discounters - the problem with the Marriott was that the special price - about $100.00 cheaper per night was only good the first night as the second night was part of the weekends which are there busier days.
So I started checking on-line sources - most were showing the discounted price for both nights so I opted to got that route but in my price comparsion I noticed for instance that Expedia had a higher service fee than Hotels. com - I ended up taking it through Hotels.com - while higher than I like to pay - having work for the YMCa for over 40 years - staying in there lower price accomodations was never an issue - at about $135.00 a night it is a considerable saving and if I can walk to the port I will save some money there as well.
After I booked this hotel I posted to our roll call and it appears a number of others are staying there as well - so many in fact there has been a suggestion that perhaps we have a land based meet and greet the night before with one person even offering to contact the hotel and see if a room could be reserved for such a gathering - will keep you updated on that.
Well with the hotel taken care off I realized that I knew little about the city so I search and found there tourist info site. www.sunny.org which I bookmarked - but being a little of the old school also sent away for a hard copy - also visited my local Auto Association office and picked up more info there.
Haven't given a lot of thought of how to spent my time in Fort Lauderdale because after four + days on the train I don't know how tired I might be.
I like to walk and take in the sights that way - am a photography junkie or addict - generally like to do a HOHO type of touring especially the first time in the city so will likely utilize the Sun Coast Trolley - get a day pass and go from there - as mentioned I am not a big beach fan so will likely just walk over and talk a look but the Intercoastal Waterway has always intrigued me.
Hope you enjoy - feel free to comment.
Next up - Amtraking it across America.
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