Florida

ken_shabby

We had a holiday booked. Seven night cruise out of Miami, followed by about a week in the parks (mostly Disney). However, the cruise Company hae just sent us a warning aboy Zika virus everywhere the crusie goes, throwing Mrs Shabby into a panic. We can cancel the cruise for free until tuesday, but the flights are non refundable. So my question is open for all the yanks who post on here, plus those who travel a lot to Florida, if we cancel the cruise, what would you recommend as an alternative for seven nights in Florida, (or thereabouts - we can cheerfully hire a car) without going anywhere near theme parks?
All advice gratefully received.

Nug

Go to the Gulf Coast of Florida, Naples, Sanibel Island area and then maybe drive up the coast to Sarasota and then Clearwater/Tampa then across to Orlando. Naples is 2 hour drive from Miami. Mind you it's their "season" there so really busy.

limeygent

ken_shabby said:

We had a holiday booked. Seven night cruise out of Miami, followed by about a week in the parks (mostly Disney). However, the cruise Company hae just sent us a warning aboy Zika virus everywhere the crusie goes, throwing Mrs Shabby into a panic. We can cancel the cruise for free until tuesday, but the flights are non refundable. So my question is open for all the yanks who post on here, plus those who travel a lot to Florida, if we cancel the cruise, what would you recommend as an alternative for seven nights in Florida, (or thereabouts - we can cheerfully hire a car) without going anywhere near theme parks?
All advice gratefully received.

Maybe catch a flight to one of the Caribbean islands, tons of choices from Miami.
http://www.caymanislands.ky/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-cnTvLf02QIVwoizCh1HRgK7EAAYASAAEgLo1vD_BwE
https://www.farecompare.com/flights/Miami-MIA/caribbean

Swisdom

14 days at the parks

cafcfan

Is the missus tupped then? Otherwise Zika is a non-event isn't it? Read more here: https://nhs.uk/conditions/zika/

cafcfan

Nug said:

Go to the Gulf Coast of Florida, Naples, Sanibel Island area and then maybe drive up the coast to Sarasota and then Clearwater/Tampa then across to Orlando. Naples is 2 hour drive from Miami. Mind you it's their "season" there so really busy.

And Spring Break? Or does that really only impact Panama City?

Pedro45

Sanibel is lovely. You could also heads down to Key West for a couple of days and get your cruise experience going over to Dry Tortugaro.

Themightyath2

Nug said:

Go to the Gulf Coast of Florida, Naples, Sanibel Island area and then maybe drive up the coast to Sarasota and then Clearwater/Tampa then across to Orlando. Naples is 2 hour drive from Miami. Mind you it's their "season" there so really busy.

This... Anna Maria Island is stunning...

Blucher

Sanibel and Captiva are both really good.

agim

International Drive if you're looking for a hotel near the parks

AdTheAddicK

Anywhere on the gulf of Mexico is lovely. Stayed in Clearwater which is pretty

LoOkOuT

I hear Scunthorpe is nice that time of year.

SuperCliveMendonca

Themightyath2 said:

Nug said:

Go to the Gulf Coast of Florida, Naples, Sanibel Island area and then maybe drive up the coast to Sarasota and then Clearwater/Tampa then across to Orlando. Naples is 2 hour drive from Miami. Mind you it's their "season" there so really busy.

This... Anna Maria Island is stunning...

Yes agree Anna Maria Island lovely spot, the Keys also - 140 miles of driving with water either side of you down to Key West

ken_shabby

Many thanks to everyone for this. But..... we got an email from BA advising the flight in was cancelled and offering a replacement 7 minutes later. We had an option to change or cancel with full refund so we cancelled. Now going to Tokyo Sydney, Fiji and LA for half the price.