That was a very fair analysis. I'm a big fan of public transit (even if it's technically private) so I'd try Brightline. I'd probably spring for the Drinks Package - it's vacation after all!
Same here! I call it mass transit as I feel like "public transit" is a bit stereotyped unfortunately. I used to be a bus driver back in the day and have always been fascinated with moving people. haha, yes, for the price, it definitely makes sense to do the premium drink package!
Great review! I know in the future Brightline is planning to add a stop at the Port. This would be a very big selling point for me who lives on the space coast as it is a direct trip down to the port of Miami.
Yes! I think it will take a while but would love it if the train had a way to continue past downtown Miami directly to the Port Miami but fear that is a ways away. If they came up with a good transfer option, I would still consider it.
@@TheWeekendCruiser it’s too bad that there’s restrictions that Brightline can’t directly take their connect into the port of Miami just taxis and Uber‘s.
I live in Orlando and I just go ahead and pay for parking at the cruise port. Lots of people will avoid the port cost, and choose a less expensive parking area close by. To me, it’s not about saving, but the convenience of just getting in my car to go home. Plus I know it’s safe there. The train sounds like a good option especially with the pick up service. Interesting points. Thanks
Definitely agree with the convenience factor! Nothing like walking out the Port Miami and directly to your car! Especially, if you have a drive to Orlando ahead of you! Last thing you want is to add more time onto that! If they complete the Orlando to Miami route, that might be a game changer for you!
Brightline is absolutely unreliable. Too many accidents as the track isn't really set up for this service. They only invest into stations, trains, and real estate around them. Nothing else. Trains just fly through crowded vehicle crossings. The tracks also are neglected with trash being piled up, with furniture, and other large debris causing accidents. Absolutely not worth it as you still have to get an Uber to and from stations. The Port of Miami is still a pain to get to and from it. No transit still. Waiting for an Uber at the port can take a long time and overpriced.
I love Brightline! Glad they added the Plus program it was a massive challenge. In Ft. Lauderdale, the elevators (if I recall) are exactly by the main entrance before the desk. So if you're stopping by the desk you'll have to back track on the opposite direction of escalators.
Calling Uber the way to get there “directly” seems like an unfair way to describe it. You won’t have as much traffic on your train as in a road. I’d say your route can be delayed either way, but trains have a dedicated right of way so you can have a better shot there.
Delays can happen anywhere. The last video I made on Brightline detailing out the shuttles, my train was late by a significant amount. The point is there are a lot less things to go wrong when you sit in one vehicle versus needs 2 shuttles and a train to make the same thing happen. But yes, a delay can happen on anyway way you try to go from point A to point B.
Hey Mike, I have! I do take Tri-rail if I am going to Miami Int'l Airport. To get to Port Miami, the Tri-Rail is a cheaper option but it is significantly further away from the port. You would want to transfer to the Metro-rail to take you to Miami Central Station. You also still need need to take an Uber to and from each station cutting into any cost savings. There are talks about opening a tri-rail station at Miami's Central station beside Brightline and opening Tri-Rail East (east of 95) which would change this but those are years away.
I'm about an hour North of Orlando so I'll be interested in if/when that leg of the journey is open. But the option to vacation and leave your car safely at home is worth everything. Pick-up at home is a game-changer!!!
We think alike! If I can not drive and have someone else handle my transportation logistics, I love it! Yes, I too can't wait for the Brightline to head to Orlando! Port Canaveral transers!
Hey there! You are correct! They have a lot of great shuttle options these days and I have been fortunate to take two different ones and made a new video. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VxgrF-XVE1g.html
Brandon, thanks for this great video, I really enjoy your channel. Next month, I will be staying at a hotel near the Miami Airport then need to get to Port Everglades to leave on my cruise. Do you know if the Brightline free transfer can pick up from a MIA Airport hotel and drop off from FLL station to Port Everglades? Thanks!
Thanks Dan! Brightline does not have the proper permits to pick up or drop off from the airports at this time. However, if your hotel is within 5 miles of the station, they would still be able to pick you up there.
That would be awesome and have many friends that would value this! The train tracks do run into the port and are active! Though, I had rather them figure out a good way to get to Port Canaveral from Brightline! Also, wasn't this one of Branson's Virgin Train ideas? With the lawsuit going on now this might be in jeopardy.
I'd love a video on how to travel from Boston/Providence area to the cruise ports in FL and the best way to get to a cruise while not spending a fortune! I know there's a port in Boston but the selection isn't the same as the FL departures.
Hey Jenna, as someone who started cruising while living in Boston, this is actually something I know about but there is not an easy answer. Book a flight to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) as it will be the cheapest and you can find those direct with JetBlue or Spirit. Do come in the night before and find a reasonable hotel. I tried getting the cheapest AirBNBs and had horrible experiences! Also, consider Baltimore Cruise Terminal when you can find a cheap Amtrak ticket.
Miami Airport is very close to the Port of Miami and Fort Lauderdale airport is even closer to where the cruise ships leave in Fort Lauderdale. Just check out flights. You can Uber or take taxis to the cruise ports for not much. I imagine that the Tampa ships are close to Tampa airport --- you can check that out also.
I need to get back out there and try it. Lots of people talking about the new shuttle option to the ship. The trains schedules are great. Florida drivers are horrible.
This was perfect because I am in Ft Lauderdale and was considering this ... but I can go cheaper by using the Trirail over brightline. Only difference is there is no complimentary pick up with Trirail system and the cost of uber will balance out. Mass transit here in S Florida is horrible.
can I get a pick up from Detroit? I took an Uber from Orlando Airport to Cocoa Beach which is like a $26 fare and I thought the driver was going to have a stroke because he didn't want to go to that far and that was so stressful I don't know if we are going to do that again. I don't think I would take a 30+ mile uber...
I have always used uber to get from Orlando to Port Canaveral and never had an issue. Think it is all about who you get. Taking an uber from Fort Lauderdale down to Miami right before rush hour, I definitely got some rides cancelled. No Brightline for you yet, but Amtrak can make it happen from Detroit to Orlando in about 3 days haha
@@TheWeekendCruiser we can go from Dearborn to Seattle in 55 hours, empire builder. one of the most beautiful train rides on the planet. I can get from Toledo to DC with options to Baltimore or New York or Boston in about 14 hours. Southern cities are too far.
@theweekendcruiser Can you please try again, is it me or does this seem like there is a Port of Miami Shuttle that now goes right into the port? Supposedly they claim to have "Port Cruiser Shuttles" that run every 10 mins after train arrival up to 1:10pm.
Hey BitterSweet! You are in luck! I did get the chance to try out the shuttle! It makes Brightline much better! It is a great experience and if coming from West Palm a no brainer. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VxgrF-XVE1g.html
That’s a shame, I could’ve sworn you were gonna choose the train. But I see what you’re saying you just wanna keep it simple. I’m a fan of the trains but I have to wait till it comes to Orlando.
Trust me, I looove mass transit and am always looking at how to ditch the car. In this case, I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Will prob shoot another brightline video later this month as the shuttle to the port is now running. Granted, you still have to take an Uber back to the station when you return.
@@TheWeekendCruiser I will look forward to seeing the new video about the Brightline shuttle running to the port. By the way, which port ? Miami or a different one? I’m assuming it’s Miami not Fort Lauderdale.
I'm wondering about how to get to Port Everglades from the station in Ft Lauderdale. I'm thinking about this for when they get the Orlando section done, I would take it from Orlando as a convenience thing and not having to drive the 3 to 4 hours in that 95 traffic if its easy to get to the port.
totally get it and I am excited for that leg of the train to be completed too! Currently, you will need to take an uber from the station to the port. There are long term planes to connect it but nothing anytime soon.
just wanted to say thank you. sucked it up and tried it for our oasis of the seas cruise. Not gonna lie... I use to always avoid port of Miami due to the drive etc from North Florida but they won me over. Did the west palm station with pre pay to miami. Easy, simple, done.. Such a great service.! Once Orlando opens I will def be a freq user for now on! * Hey any chance you tried the Fort Lauderdale station to port everglades? I'm attempting that one next in April. figured it will be a simple lyft/uber ride.
Glad to hear! Yes, the trains are a great experience! Have not done Port Everglades yet but they should have a shuttle to the port. Getting back would then be a ride share. Might be trying it out second weekend of December though!
Hello thanks for the video. How are they verifying vaccinations upon entering the ship? Are they just checking vaccine cards only or verifying online with names? Thanks
To my knowledge, they are only verifying vaccine cards or information and I do not know of a secondary verification. It could be happening in the background and I just don't know about it...
Very interesting review! Can you recommend where to park for a Freedom of the Seas weekend trip? I heard you can book parking in advance with some companies.
There aren't a lot of great ones out there. Premium Cruise Parking is the one I have heard most often used. For the price differences, I would just rather have my car in the port parking lot. It's a lot of hassle for a 3 night cruise.
If getting the normal ticket, it will be a shared van. If buying the premium ticket, it is a tesla. I don't think they have many options but they have good customer service I have called to ask questions before.
Thanks Heather and this means a lot on this video! I honestly wasn't sure how it was going to do as it wasn't specific to a cruise ship and my analytical side certainly came out some! Glad you enjoyed and thank you 😀
Brightline has way too many accidents for me to ever ride them. There were 4 accidents within a six day time period just last week, and 10 since they resumed service in November. One of last week's accidents (in Delray Beach) was fatal. I am a big proponent and user of public rail transport, and have taken trains/metros all over the world. I frequently ride Tri-Rail here in South Florida without any concern, and have done so for over 20 years. But Brightline has a serious problem and I will not ride it until they resolve their safety issues.
It is def an issue but how do you keep driver's from going around barriers? I hope the publicity of train and car collisions are getting more people become aware and stop going around barriers.
This makes me really mad, if any of this is being paid for by Florida taxpayers then they should NOT cut off the cruise ships in Cocoa beach area. If it's all for the Miami area people, they better be the only ones paying for it!
It is a private venture. Though, I am sure they have received grants and/or tax breaks. Will be interesting to see how it plays out long term. They will first start Orlando service and I believe then try to connect Tampa. Not sure if they have plans for off- shoots to other locations. Would also love it if they connected Cocoa Beach and Port Canaveral!
@@TheWeekendCruiser It is private money. Florida is not good with grants and tax breaks. We like to tax tourists instead. There is no income tax here either :).
Thank you Jevon! I know they want to go to port Miami and are working on that but unless they have received appropriate permits in the last 2 weeks, that is not the case. Though, I see where people get confused because they advertise they go anywhere with in 5 miles of the station, they forget to mention the locations that are excluded including Port Miami and the airports. Glad to check out the video if you want to link to it and see if that has changed.
Brandon, once again you’ve made an excellent video! I’d like your thoughts on this scenario. I’m disembarking next month at POM from a cruise on Jewel OTS. That same afternoon I embark at Port Everglades on Vision OTS. I’d already decided on taking Brightline, but am not sure on how best to get from POM to Central Station to connect to Brightline. Also, how to get to Port Everglades from the Fort Lauderdale Brightline station. Time’s not an issue, and I’d even be fine walking from POM to Central Station if you think that’s a reasonable option. What class of Brightline do you think best?Thanks!
Neither! Funny, I just scripted a video in this. As you are doing a side to side, the cruise line will provide a complimentary shuttle service from one port to the next. I just did this Friday from Miami to Everglades. Just coordinate with the guest departure officer and guest services when you board.
Wow, thanks Brandon! How fortuitous with the timing. I will indeed coordinate this with guest services on Jewel, as I didn’t even realize this was an option. Assume they will also provide the required COVID test.
I was in the Crown Loft Suite!!! Stay tuned for an awesome room video as that is my FAVORITE room I have ever stayed in so far! Did you spot me on the sailing?
@@TheWeekendCruiser no lol! I saw your video and guessed that was a crown loft suite because it looks like there’s a second level. How much did you pay for it? The best cabin I ever tried was Grand Suite on Quantum
@@anonymousman9824 I used an offer from the Casino and upgraded it for $200. The reservation was made at the height of COVID when no one was booking sailings.
is there a way to walk to the port to use brightline on both sides? i remember in the early days of uber people would get as close as possible that might save you more if you could cut the uber cost even more or find a loophole.
There really isn't. Port Miami is in an island and Terminal A, the primary terminal for RC, is in the far east side. You are looking at at least a mile walk from Bayside Marketplace as the closest drop off. If Terminal G, this would be doable and I have done it but Terminal A is a no go.
@@ThePrissy11 The Train’s brakes aren’t like the ones on cars it takes up to a mile for some trains to fully stop. When you see a red light on traffic lights you stop right? The same thing applies to red flashes lights on a railroad crossing. It’s not rocket science!😤
