Miami cruise port: A information to cruising from Florida’s greatest port

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For those who love cruising, you are most likely already acquainted with the Port of Miami cruise terminal, formally referred to as PortMiami. In 2023, Miami was the busiest cruise port in America. In line with PortMiami knowledge, it welcomed 7.3 million passengers within the fiscal yr.

Miami is the best place from which to set sail to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico and past. Greater than 20 cruise traces sail from PortMiami, so you should not have any bother discovering a ship and itinerary that works for you.

The port can also be simple to get to. Airports close to Miami cruise port embody Miami Worldwide Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide Airport (FLL), and there are many factors lodges for a pre- or post-cruise keep.

Crusing out of Miami is a ceremony of passage, and the sailaway is really probably the most lovely on this planet. As your ship units off, timed with the setting solar, town’s high-rises and golden seashores glisten as they bid you bon voyage.

PortMiami cruise port overview

Norwegian Getaway in Miami. MICHEL VERDURE/NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

PortMiami cruise terminal info

Deal with: 1015 North America Method, Miami, Florida 33132

Variety of terminals: 9

PORTMIAMI

Whereas PortMiami is accessible, contact your cruise line for those who require a wheelchair switch from the cruise terminal entrance to the ship. The port does not present that service.

Cruise traces crusing from PortMiami

Terminal A: Royal Caribbean
Terminal AA/AAA: MSC Cruises (opening in 2024)
Terminal B: Norwegian Cruise Line
Terminal C: Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises
Terminal D: Carnival, Holland America, Princess Cruises
Terminal E: Carnival, Holland America, Princess Cruises
Terminal F: Carnival
Terminal G: Royal Caribbean (opening in 2027)
Terminal J: Luxurious cruise traces, corresponding to Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Terminal V: Virgin Voyages

Associated: Find out how to e-book a cruise utilizing factors and miles

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Airports close to Miami cruise port

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Miami Worldwide Airport is only a brief drive — about 20 to 40 minutes, relying on site visitors — from the cruise port. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide Airport is another, and the drive to PortMiami from there takes about an hour.

Tons of airways fly to MIA from U.S. gateways, together with Alaska Airways, American Airways, Delta Air Traces, Frontier Airways, JetBlue, Southwest Airways, Spirit Airways, Solar Nation and United Airways.

For those who’d favor to fly by way of FLL, your decisions embody Alaska, Allegiant Air, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Silver Airways, Southwest, Spirit and United.

There are generally purchase one, get one free airfare alternatives when flying to those airports. Contemplate the Alaska Airways Visa® bank card and get a Companion Fare certificates on the cardboard’s anniversary. The certificates permits a companion to fly with you for $99 (plus taxes and costs from $23) every account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or extra on purchases throughout the prior anniversary yr. It is legitimate on all Alaska Airways flights booked on alaskaair.com.

You can even deliver a companion alongside at no cost (really, simply the price of the ticket’s taxes) if in case you have the Southwest Companion Go. Delta additionally gives a companion certificates through a number of of its American Categorical-branded bank cards.

Outbound flight occasions do not at all times dovetail completely along with your cruise line’s disembarkation time, so that you may end up with time to kill on the airport.

Ensure you carry a bank card with airport lounge entry as a profit. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers you entry to Precedence Go lounges, whereas The Platinum Card® from American Categorical will open the door to the Amex Centurion Lounge at MIA.

American Categorical Centurion Lounge Miami. ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

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Find out how to get to the Miami cruise port

There are various methods to get from the Miami airport to the cruise port, together with:

Cruise line transfers

You possibly can often purchase a switch between the airport and the cruise terminal (or your resort) instantly out of your cruise line. Typically, that is reserved for vacationers who’ve bought their airfare from the cruise line, however you or your journey agent can name to ask if you should purchase the transfers a la carte.

For instance, Carnival Cruise Line gives transportation between each MIA ($22.99 per individual) and FLL ($36.99 per individual) and PortMiami on embarkation day. The road says your aircraft ought to arrive no later than midday (for MIA) or 11:30 a.m. (for FLL) on embarkation day.

Lodge shuttles

Choose lodges close to each MIA and PortMiami provide shuttle service to the port. Free transfers are much less frequent than they as soon as have been. Inquire while you make your reservations. For an concept of the switch value, the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Brickell Downtown gives a shuttle to PortMiami for $8 per individual.

Impartial airport shuttle from Miami airport to the cruise port

Quite a lot of native firms function shared and personal van shuttles and limo providers from each MIA and FLL to space lodges and the port. Contemplate distributors like Categorical Shuttle Miami, which gives shared rides for round $15 per individual from MIA and $25 per individual from FLL.

Costs will go up for personal rides and relying on the variety of passengers in your celebration and the kind of automobile requested (i.e., sedan, SUV, van, and many others.).

Impartial van/automobile providers

Automobile and van providers additionally provide non-public pick-up and drop-off. The fare from MIA to PortMiami is about $100 for the standard automobile that accommodates three folks. Add $20 for those who want a toddler automobile seat. A van accommodating as much as 10 folks is priced round $150.

Taxis and ride-hailing providers

Hailing a taxi to take you to PortMiami is easy. Taxi stands are on the arrival (floor) degree of the airport (exterior baggage declare).

Whereas there was a flat price fare to the cruise port, that is not the case. You will have to pay by the meter. The speed is $2.95 for the primary 1/6 mile then $0.85 for every extra 1/6 mile as much as one mile; then, it is $0.55 for every 1/6 mile thereafter. Ready time is $0.40 per minute. (There’s a $2 price for originating from the airport or PortMiami.)

“A minimal fare of $15 is established for journeys originated at MIA or the Port of Miami, no matter what the meter studying reveals. If the meter reveals a quantity higher than $15, then the higher quantity proven on the meter shall be paid,” in response to Miami-Dade County.

Trip-hailing providers corresponding to Uber and Lyft are additionally an choice. Pickup zones are on degree 1, arrivals.

UberX can run round $20 and UberXL round $30. Premier and Premier SUV vehicles can run round $35-55. All costs can differ throughout site visitors or high-demand occasions. The Uber trip from FLL will probably be dearer: round $40 for Uber X and $65 for UberXL. Premier and Premier SUV vehicles run from $80-100 from FLL.

Public transportation from close by airports or resort district

From MIA: Board Metrorail’s Orange Line (search for indicators to the Metrorail Practice Station) to Downtown Miami, which is able to take lower than half-hour. The fare is $2.25 per individual. It is a couple of 1 1/2-mile stroll from the Freedom Tower station to the port, so you will need to seize an Uber or taxi from there. Or take the Miami Trolley Coral Method route (free) all the way in which to the port. You possibly can monitor the trolley’s location in real-time with this helpful interactive map.

From FLL: Take the Tri-Rail commuter practice to MIA ($3.75 per individual on weekdays and $5 per individual on weekends). Then board Metrorail’s Orange Line ($2.25 per individual) and head downtown to the Freedom Tower cease. Lastly, board the free Coral Method Route Trolley and disembark at PortMiami.

Miami cruise port parking

SKWM/GETTY IMAGES

On-site parking

There are parking garages at seven Miami cruise terminals, plus floor heaps at terminals D and E. Every lettered parking facility corresponds with the terminal of the identical title apart from the “Okay” parking storage, which is closest to Terminal J.

For those who’re driving an over-length automobile (RV or automobile with trailer), head to Floor Lot E, which has extra-large spots. Additional charges apply (see beneath). On embarkation day, the parking amenities are open and staffed by a parking attendant from 6 a.m. to five p.m.

You could drop off your baggage on the terminal earlier than parking. A free shuttle runs from every parking facility to the terminal. Safety patrols all parking garages and much.

Parking begins at $22 per evening. Royal Caribbean’s Terminal A Storage fees a better price of $35 per day.

Accepted modes of cost embody money and main bank cards (however not debit playing cards). Nonetheless, Storage J is pay as you go solely (pay while you arrive), and automobiles have to show a particular decal all through the period of the cruise.

Park-and-cruise

Some lodges within the space, such because the InterContinental at Doral Miami, promote packages that embody a resort keep and parking for the size of your cruise. Others provide low cost paid parking for the Miami cruise port of their heaps (even for those who’re not staying on the resort), with costs starting from $6 to $15 per day. Simply issue within the money and time you will have to journey from the resort’s parking zone to the port and vice versa.

What’s the very best parking choice for the Miami cruise port? It depends upon your preferences. For the comfort of being proper on the cruise port, select an on-site lot. To save lots of a couple of dollars, park at a close-by lot or resort and commute from there to your cruise terminal.

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Motels close to Miami cruise port

JW MARRIOTT MIAMI TURNBERRY RESORT AND SPA/MARRIOTT.COM

Fortunately, there is no scarcity of factors lodges in Miami. Your hardest job will probably be deciding which one is finest to your wants and for those who favor to be near the cruise port, the seashore or downtown. Or, you may prioritize lodges close to Miami airport with a shuttle to the cruise port.

Your selection can even rely upon how lengthy you are staying, what you’d wish to see whilst you’re on the town and what number of resort factors you need to spend.

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Hilton lodges close to Miami cruise port

For a fast in a single day earlier than a cruise, we just like the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami/Brickell Downtown (41,000 to 70,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening).

It is in a implausible location with easy accessibility to the free Metromover that may take you to locations just like the Bayside Market (which can also be walkable).

The resort has a number of on-site eating places and is close to loads of others; it additionally has a shuttle to the port for about $10 per passenger. The chain’s free breakfast is a good way to start out the day; it will maintain you over till you get on the ship and might get pleasure from a leisurely lunch earlier than sailaway.

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Hyatt lodges close to Miami cruise port

For those who’d favor to be on the seashore, Hyatt has some strong choices that will not break the financial institution, together with Dream South Seaside and Hyatt Centric South Seaside Miami (each from 17,000 factors per evening).

For those who’re a Globalist elite with Hyatt, each the Hyatt Regency Miami and Hyatt Regency Coral Gables (each from 9,000 factors per evening) get good marks relating to complimentary upgrades and elite perks. And, for those who simply need an inexpensive place to relaxation your head, there are two Hyatt Place choices beginning at 6,500 factors per evening close to Miami airport.

Marriott lodges close to Miami cruise port

In the identical neighborhood because the Hampton Inn, you will discover the upscale, full-service JW Marriott Miami. Nights begin at 35,000 factors, so you should utilize a Marriott 35k free evening certificates on some dates of the yr. Relying in your elite standing tier with Marriott Bonvoy, you may be eligible at no cost breakfast at this resort.

You probably have youngsters or extra time, the JW Marriott Turnberry Resort & Spa (beginning at 40,000 factors per evening), farther out in Aventura, is a terrific wager because it has its personal water park and lazy river.

For those who’re younger and touring with mates, the Moxy South Seaside (beginning at 30,000 factors per evening) was designed only for you. Whereas it won’t have all of the facilities extra upscale lodges have, it is acquired nice views and rooms with quad bunk beds.

Non-points lodges

Miami is filled with all kinds of lodges that do not take part in a conventional loyalty program.

For an important day splurge, go for the Acqualina Resort & Residences on Sunny Isles Seaside. The grounds are beautiful and you may really feel as for those who’re in a palazzo within the Mediterranean someplace.

Faena Lodge Miami Seaside is for anybody who desires a glimpse of a rock star or celeb … sightings are frequent at this stylish spot.

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Eating places close to Miami cruise port

Calle Ocho has some nice eating choices. JEFFREY GREENBERG/UCG/UNIVERSAL IMAGES GROUP

PortMiami is in shut proximity to many fascinating neighborhoods so there is no lack of alternative to search out each vacation spot eating and good native eats.

Little Havana alongside Calle Ocho (SW Eighth Avenue), the place to get pleasure from Cuban delicacies, is only a 15-minute taxi trip away. To see and be seen, try the eating places alongside Miami Seaside’s Collin Drive (12 minutes from the port). Or, for those who’re doing a pre- or post-cruise keep within the Brickell neighborhood, there are various glorious eating choices alongside the waterfront on Brickell Bay Drive and Brickell Key Drive.

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Issues to do close to Miami cruise port

South Seaside. POLA DAMONTE/GETTY IMAGES

Miami is one among Florida’s hottest trip locations and the embarkation level for main cruise traces. You can spend weeks right here and nonetheless not see every part. If you wish to tack on a while earlier than or after your cruise, listed below are some issues to do in Miami.

Hit the seashore

There are 35 miles of lovely seashores fronting Miami, from Sunny Isles Seaside within the north to South Seaside on the southern finish. Throw in Key Biscayne and some different islands and you’ve got a plethora of decisions.

How far is the cruise port from the seashore? PortMiami is on Dodge Island, so the closest stretch of sand — and a really stylish one — is South Seaside. It is about 10 minutes by taxi.

For those who’re extra thinking about bird-watching than people-watching, head south to Key Biscayne Seaside or Invoice Baggs Cape Florida State Park (1200 Brandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne). On the tip of Key Biscayne, it has 400 acres of nature hemmed in by a 1-mile seashore.

You possibly can lease bikes to trip the paths or benefit from the day on the seashore. Notice that the 1820s lighthouse and fishing piers are quickly closed. The drive to Key Biscayne from the port will take 25 to 40 minutes through taxi, relying on site visitors.

Tour sassy South Seaside

Even for those who do not need to go to the seashore, you continue to have to pay South Seaside a go to to get a way of what makes Miami tick. Stroll alongside Ocean Drive and get misplaced within the Artwork Deco Historic District, or get pleasure from some buying, eating and gallery-hopping on the well-known pedestrian Lincoln Highway Mall.

To get that excellent selfie with Miami because the backdrop, head to South Pointe Park and Pier, the place you will get a view of not solely South Seaside but additionally Fisher Island, PortMiami and Downtown Miami. In case your go to contains an in a single day keep, that is additionally the place to expertise Miami’s nightlife at its finest.

Take the children to the science museum

Households will need to make the 10-minute drive from the port to go to the Frost Museum of Science (1101 Biscayne Boulevard). Right here, your loved ones can marvel on the 500,000-gallon aquarium, kid-friendly contact tanks and the 250-seat 3D planetarium. There are additionally displays on the photo voltaic system, physics of flight, biology, mild and lasers and extra.

Go to the Wynwood Arts District

For those who’re into up to date artwork, discover NW Second Avenue and its facet streets. That is principally an out of doors museum with quite a lot of colourful wall murals. As you stroll and uncover the neighborhood’s artwork, you possibly can cease at craft breweries, artwork galleries and stylish eating places and cafes. A number of firms provide informative strolling excursions.

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Purchasing close to Miami cruise port

Bayside Market is a good place to select up any last-minute necessities earlier than your journey. CHUYN/GETTY IMAGES

If it is advisable fill up on some last-minute cruise provides, PortMiami is close to two main buying facilities: Bayside Market and Brickell Metropolis Centre.

Bayside Market (401 Biscayne Blvd) is an open-air buying and leisure complicated on the waterfront. For those who’re seeking to decide up sunscreen and shampoo to your cruise, there are just a few drugstores right here, together with CVS (200 Biscayne Blvd).

You possibly can stroll to Bayside Market from PortMiami, nevertheless it’s simpler to take a taxi (about quarter-hour) or get on the free Coral Method Trolley and disembark on the Biscayne Boulevard cease.

You probably have high-end buying in your thoughts, head on over to Brickell Metropolis Centre (701 S. Miami Ave), the place 4 flooring and greater than 120 shops are devoted to designer labels and luxurious. The Saks Fifth Avenue right here is 107,000 sq. ft.

There’s additionally a dine-in movie show, CMX. For eating places, there are various to select from. We like Luke’s Lobster, Pubbelly Sushi and Quito la Huella (Latin American farm-to-table natural fare).

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To get to Brickell Metropolis Centre, take the free Metromovers Brickell Loop and exit on the Brickell Metropolis Centre station. Or, board a free Miami Trolley: the Brickell Trolley for those who’re coming from the south or the Biscayne Trolley for those who’re coming from the north.

For those who’re staying in Brickell earlier than your cruise, there are many drugstores close to the neighborhood’s many lodges.

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