vpFREE2 Forums

NCL warning

#1

I will be writing a long trip report on NCL Escape, which we thought was worst NCL. (overcrowded, not enough public areas, noisy, though food and dining room service was improved, more extra fees for stuff and more selling than ever). We also think from this that the cruise line is continuing to degenerate and not worth even our heavily discounted so-called complimentary fares. This will be our last trip on NCL.

Meanwhile a WARNING, do not buy NCL transfers from Miami to airports. We had no problem going to port, but after disembarking from ship we found a line of people for FLL/Fort Lauderdale and no buses. One bus had apparently already left, and as we waited in hot sun our line got longer and longer, eventually numbering over 200 people...and they continued to try to sell more transfers. We waited from at least 9 am to 11 am in the hot sun.

We were told they were trying to get more buses, but it seemed like they intended for the first bus (out of three scheduled to go to FLL at 8:45, 9:15, and 9:45 am) to go to FLL and return for second pickup, and so on, which is impossible since trip to FLL is about 40 minutes ONE WAY!, not counting loading and unloading of people and luggage.

They did not organize us by time of airline departure, handicapped, or anything. There were only a couple of benches for a very few people to sit as hundreds of people lined up. (And anyone who rented or borrowed wheelchairs from NCL had to return them prior to waiting in line.)

I cannot say 100% but I believe people who had transfers to Miami airport also had to wait for long times, in at least some cases.

We were told by a woman trying to sell yet more transfers, this was not an unusual occurrence.

On top of all that, if you needed a bathroom after exiting the ship, there were none we saw as you got luggage and once yOu exited the terminal you were not allowed back in. The only toilets were a port- a -potty type SHED some distance away from the bus transfer line (behind terminal B) and it had wobbly stairs and rails almost falling off, you had to go up stairs (no wheelchair access) and toilets did not flush and filled with toilet paper, it was filthy, and no sinks (I think).

#2

Miss Craps and all others–

We frequently fly into Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and then cruise in and out of the port of Miami.

We usually arrive the day prior and then stay over-nite in FLL. We have used a shuttle service

called QLS numerous times and have always been VERY HAPPY with their superior service.

They are rated 5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor. The only “catch” is that they only pick-up from certain

hotels in FLL to transfer to Port of Miami. They list them on their web site – there are plenty to

choose from and it’s never been an issue. We usually buy the round trip – 2 weeks ago, we

got picked up from our FLL hotel as scheduled but upon return when when we walked off the cruise ship late

(CBP stopped off-load for an hour. . . ) QLS had a few vans etc all there, ready to go. They found

us on their list and we walked right onto the shuttle. For the cost – the service is outstanding. I think

this is one of those things that you kind of get what you pay for. Yes–I know we all pay/play plenty in the

ship’s casinos–but the bus and transportation folks don’t know that. I prefer to pay a small amount

for my own arrangements and have the peace of mind of knowing that I’m taken care of rather than being

lumped with the masses by NCL. Also, if I was only going from the Port of Miami to the Miami airport-- I

think I’d just take a cab. They’ve got them all qued by the cruise docks ready to go. Just my 2 cents from

cruising in and out of FLL and MIA many times. . . Jean H

The QLS web site: Miami airport transportation | FLL Airport Shuttle | Port of Miami Shuttle

Miami airport transportation | FLL Airport Shuttle | Port of Miami Shuttle

Get answers to your Fort Lauderdale Airport transportation questions from QLS. We specialize in Airport-to-Pier …

···

From: “Misscraps misscr…@…com [vpFREE]” <vpF…@…com>
To: harrahscasi…@…com; vpf…@…com
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2017 2:59 PM
Subject: [vpFREE] NCL warning

I will be writing a long trip report on NCL Escape, which we thought was worst NCL. (overcrowded, not enough public areas, noisy, though food and dining room service was improved, more extra fees for stuff and more selling than ever). We also think from this that the cruise line is continuing to degenerate and not worth even our heavily discounted so-called complimentary fares. This will be our last trip on NCL.

Meanwhile a WARNING, do not buy NCL transfers from Miami to airports. We had no problem going to port, but after disembarking from ship we found a line of people for FLL/Fort Lauderdale and no buses. One bus had apparently already left, and as we waited in hot sun our line got longer and longer, eventually numbering over 200 people…and they continued to try to sell more transfers. We waited from at least 9 am to 11 am in the hot sun.

We were told they were trying to get more buses, but it seemed like they intended for the first bus (out of three scheduled to go to FLL at 8:45, 9:15, and 9:45 am) to go to FLL and return for second pickup, and so on, which is impossible since trip to FLL is about 40 minutes ONE WAY!, not counting loading and unloading of people and luggage.

They did not organize us by time of airline departure, handicapped, or anything. There were only a couple of benches for a very few people to sit as hundreds of people lined up. (And anyone who rented or borrowed wheelchairs from NCL had to return them prior to waiting in line.)

I cannot say 100% but I believe people who had transfers to Miami airport also had to wait for long times, in at least some cases.

We were told by a woman trying to sell yet more transfers, this was not an unusual occurrence.

On top of all that, if you needed a bathroom after exiting the ship, there were none we saw as you got luggage and once yOu exited the terminal you were not allowed back in. The only toilets were a port- a -potty type SHED some distance away from the bus transfer line (behind terminal B) and it had wobbly stairs and rails almost falling off, you had to go up stairs (no wheelchair access) and toilets did not flush and filled with toilet paper, it was filthy, and no sinks (I think).