post cruise

my husbnd and I are hoping to do a western Caribbean cruise form Florida - either Fort Lauderdale or Tampa - we would like to spend a few days in Florida afterwards. We are totally lost on where to stay - et - never been to Florida so want to get it right - any help re area to stay - transport from cruise ship port - what to do and see in fat everything and anything.

Thanks so much

Barbara

post cruise

Florida is a big state! If you narrow down what port you%26#39;d leave from it would help. I think you can find nice places at any of Florida%26#39;s ports. In the Tampa area and if you want to be on water, you could look for a hotel on Clearwater ';Beach'; not Clearwater. Or St Pete Beach just to the south. You could also rent a car and head down to the Ft. Meyer%26#39;s Beach, Sannibel Island, and Naples area. If that appeals to you post a message to Tourmaline the local groundhog, I mean Destination Expert down there.

From Ft. Lauderdale there are simply too many options to list, but staying right there would be an option. The east side of the state is lined with town after town with beaches. You may want to consider a car though unless you%26#39;re going to stay near the port that your cruise uses.

post cruise

thanks for the speedy reply. We appreciate your help - will do a bit of research and hopefully choose the right location.

Choose the right cruise first. It is the main part of your holiday and the expensive part.

Then try the forums for cruises, or the tampa or Ft Lauderdale forums.

If you choose Ft Lauderdale, stay there or Boca next door. If you choose Tampa you can do Clearwater or St Petes, but I prefer the barrier islands just south like anna Maria, Siesta Key, Longboat key.

For transport you are going to need a car with the tampa choice. With FL Lauderdale you might get away w/o depending on where you stay. But I%26#39;d rec one anyway. I always cruise out of Miami and some of the car cos had shutlles form the cruise port to pick up a car. Or, you take a shuttle/taxi to the airport and get a car there. All this can be determined once you choose which cruise you are going on ;-)

I agree with choosing the best cruise first, then determining where to stay. From either Miami, Ft Lauderdale, or Tampa, you would have more freedom for a few days if you rent a car. Taxis will be available, but may get expensive. If you leave from Tampa, definitely look around Longboat Key, Siesta Key - much more of the ';Old Florida'; feel with beautiful beaches and laid back lifestyle. Ft Lauderdale - there are quite a few hotels on the beach very close to the cruise terminal within short taxi ride to public transport. You can also use the bus system and Trirail to get about down there and in Miami. Many of the interesting venues are easy to reach using public transport. If staying in Miami, might consider South Beach or Coconut Grove areas. You%26#39;d need a car or a cab to get to SoBe. Also, check with the cruise line you choose - they frequently offer packages that include stays at places in their ports of call.