We will be renting a car and driving to Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale. Do car rental agencies have car returns close by? We don't want to pay for a rental car while we're cruising. Our thoughts are to return the car while we're cruising and then re-renting one upon disembarkation. Any comments on this strategy would be appreciated.

Bob, Your best bet is to check directly with the car agency you are using or with your travel agent. They all vary a bit but you should be able to work it out fine. We've rented for just a day several times when our flights left really late after a cruise and usually use the cruise lines transfers to and from the airport where we pick up the car. That might be a good option for you.

Dear Bob, <BR> <BR>I have been looking for a rental agency near the pier for quite a few years now. <BR> <BR>Your best bet is to call ALL the car rental firms and see which agency might be closer than 20 miles. <BR> <BR>I believe you will be stuck with the car at the pier for the durantion of your cruise. <BR> <BR>I am a travel agent and have never found one. <BR> <BR>Best bet would be to drop your car at Orlando airport and either buy transfers from the cruise line or take the Mears Shuttle (which is very expensive). <BR> <BR>This is why you need a travel agent to do all this work for you. <BR> <BR>Paul <BR> <BR>

Paul, <BR> <BR>Never found one "what"? Do you mean a one way drop off or a rental car? Why would you want to drop in Orlando instead of Ft. Lauderdale airport? You lost me on that one. <BR> <BR>

Just another thought. It is nowhere near 20 miles to the FL airport and the car agencies there. It's actually a short drive.

I know hertz runs a shuttle to/from air port to Princess piers. (all ships in same area),have use this several times short ride.

Budget also has a shuttle from the airport to the pier.

I bet travel agent Paul appreciates all you non travel agents helping him out after his years of searching. I also found that Avis at the Ft. Lauderdale airport will shuttle you to Port Everglades.

The only concern left here is if any of the agencies will allow a one-way drop off in Ft. Lauderdale. Some places they are happy to and others either won't or charge a huge fee. It definately should be cheaper than an extra weeks rental unless they just won't do it. Good luck. ( We used Alamo in FL this Summer as that was where I found the best rate at that time ) Oh, by-the-way, I'm also a travel agent (cruise specialist)

<BR>Woops. I mis-read Bob's post. I thought he was driving to Port Canaveral. This is why I was mentioning Orlando. <BR> <BR>I know, I'm ready for the rest home. <BR> <BR>Paul

Can't go there Paul......we'd miss your information. Just take another cruise instead!

Avis rental is your best bet, I think. We will rent a full sized car for $44/day and drive from Ft. Lauderdale airport to our hotel and then to the Miami pier the next day. They have a dropoff right at the pier, and we will lease again for one day when we return from the cruise to take us to Ft. Lauderdalde and then the airport the following day. As a family of five I think this is our best bet and gives us lots of flexibility.

Bob turn your car in at Ft. Lauerdale airport. They have a free shuttle bus going to the port about every 30min or less.I flew in to there 2 days before my last cruise and rented a car.Then turned it the day of cruise no hassel at all.

If you are doing a one way drop off check with Alamo. We are renting a car in Orlando and dropping off at the Miami AIRPORT with no charge. If the car is dropped off at the Alamo office by the port there is a drop off charge. <BR>I guess they like the cars at their airport locations...I'm sure the same will be true in Ft lauderdale.Does this help you out?