Elevate Your Cruise with a Pre-Cruise Stay
by Kelly Greenstone, Travel Advisor with Skye's The Limit Vacations
One of the best ways to elevate a cruise vacation is by turning it into a true land-and-sea escape. Instead of rushing from the airport to a budget hotel and then straight to the cruise port, I recommend extending the vacation experience. Especially for 3 and 4 night cruise itineraries - and depending on your port.
Why Add a Pre-Stay to Your Cruise?
Cruises are one of my favorite ways to see the world. Between exploring the ports, onboard activities, dining reservations, and entertainment, there is always something happening. Time seems to fly. By adding a pre- or post-cruise resort stay, you intentionally build in time to rest and recharge and slow things down a bit from the start.
The Perfect Pre-Cruise Plan
I always suggest arriving at least one to two nights before embarkation. Flights can be delayed, luggage can be rerouted, and no one wants the added stress of worrying about making it to the ship on time.
Every client itinerary is thoughtfully designed, but here are two examples of how I structure a seamless pre-cruise stay:
Port Canaveral (Orlando Area)
We arrange private transportation from the airport to the hotel. The drive is about an hour, so having a driver ready makes the experience seamless. While rideshare services are available, a pre-arranged transfer ensures a smooth start to your vacation.
There are plenty of great hotel options near the port, and we especially like TownePlace Suites. It is a newer property with comfortable and spacious rooms and convenient proximity to everything.
Once settled at the hotel, we enjoy the pool, take a walk to the waterfront park, and grab dinner at Zarrella's Italian & Wood Fired Pizza, a local favorite for wood-fired pizza.
The next morning, we wake up refreshed and ready for embarkation.
Adding that extra day creates breathing room, and we can all use more of that.
Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale)
This one is truly my favorite. My first visit to Fort Lauderdale, I thought that a lot of the hotels were overpriced and, well, not that great. Until we found my favorite spot in Fort Lauderdale...Pelican Grand Beach Resort.
Located on a beautiful stretch of beach, the resort offers great food, a rooftop spa, and a pool area with the area's only lazy river and poolside food and beverage service. Oh, and did I mention the rocking chairs across the back porch? And, the sunrises and sunsets. Worth waking up for!
Instead of rushing to the port from your run of the mill hotel, you wake up refreshed, enjoy a leisurely coffee overlooking the ocean, and head out feeling relaxed and ready.
Fort Lauderdale makes logistics easy. The close proximity between the airport, Port Everglades, and Pelican Grand Beach Resort keeps everything simple. And simplicity is the foundation of a truly relaxing vacation.
Why This Combination Works So Well
As a travel professional, my goal is to design experiences, not just trips.
By pairing a cruise with a pre-cruise stay you will:
Minimize travel stress
Maximize relaxation
Add a touch of luxury without increasing complexity
It is a small addition that transforms the entire tone of the vacation. Let's test it out on your next cruise vacation! Kelly@skyesthelimitvacations.com
