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I'm arranging a surprise retirement vacation trip for my wife in January 2010. At this point we are arriving in Lauderdale on the 16th and leaving on the 30th. I would like to surprise her with side trips or stays in Key West and /or the Bahama's (Atlantis) for a few days each... Can anyone assist with ideas of side trips to these locations other than flying...I heard of a Jet Express boat that goes to the keys does anyone know about that and is the Bahama/ Lauderdale idea realistic meaning is there a Jet express boat that goes there and back as well or just cruise lines ?
Lauderdale Key West and bahama's
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There's no boat from Ft. Lauderdale to Key West, but considering the drive is at least 4 1/2 hours, a flight would probably be the best way to go. I've only flown between Miami and Key West, so I'm not familiar with the other flights.
I absolutely love Key West and think you'd be really happy spending some time there (the more, the better). You can search this forum for lots of places to stay, restaurant recommendations and tourist activities.
As far as I know there is only one ferry to Key West leaving from Marco Island and it takes at least 3 ½ hours. That would not be very convenient for you plus it could be a rough ride in January. Also, Key West can be ‘quite coolish’ and windy. Driving there is either pleasant or tiring. It is all about traffic and weather.
Bahamas will be warmer. Discovery sails there from Ft. L. I do not know anything about that ship. Perhaps someone here can comment. You will need passports.
http://www.discoverycruiseline.com/
Otherwise, the shortest is a three day cruise to Bahamas leaving from Miami on Jan 22; or a four day cruise leaving Jan. 24. You may not be interested in this option although the Norwegian Sky is most likely much bigger than Discovery and consequently more stable. It is not a luxury ship (3 ½*). Here is one review:
http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review_page2.cfm?ShipID=150
Schedules and pricing. Not bad at all.
http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/cruisesearch/cruisesearch.html?destinationCode=BAHAMAS+FLORIDA&utm_source=MSN&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=Bahamas&s_kwcid=TC-9954-1503128702-e-43855072
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=15515&id=npfy
As you know, there are many other cruise options.