Miami cruise port guide: Everything to know about hotels, sites, transfers

Table Of Content

• MSC Cruises achieves milestones in World-class ship construction
• Port of Miami Terminal Information: Cruise Line by Cruise Line
• Get Started
• WOW-WORTHY SIGHTS IN THE MAGIC CITY
• Visit the Wynwood Arts District
• Miami cruise port: A guide to cruising from Florida’s biggest port
• (NEW) Carnival Terminal F
• Independent airport shuttle from Miami airport to the cruise port

The Fort Lauderdale Airport Shuttle runs every 5 to 20 minutes, but does require a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. Pricing depends on the designated vehicle and your number of passengers. Cargo shipping growth was attributed to the seaport's USD 1 billion investments in infrastructure improvements that allowed handling of Post-Panamax ships (with min draft 12 m / 40 ft).

MSC Cruises achieves milestones in World-class ship construction

Unleash your creative side with a jaunt through the Wynwood Art District during your Miami cruise. Every façade in this art-centric neighbourhood comes decked out in vibrant life-size murals by globally recognised talents. And don’t miss Wynwood Walls, a collection of old warehouses adorned with abstract paintings, graffiti quotes and unique sculptures.

Port of Miami Terminal Information: Cruise Line by Cruise Line

In 2018, PortMiami implemented the NOAA agency's (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) PORTS system (Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System). The system is a public-private partnership for reducing in-port ship accidents (by over 50%) and transit delays for commercial shipping traffic. PortMiami's annual benefit from the PORTS system was estimated at around USD 300 million. The system serves a total of 31 US seaports, supporting 85% of the USA's cargo shipping traffic.

Get Started

Note that the 1820s lighthouse and fishing piers are temporarily closed. The drive to Key Biscayne from the port will take 25 to 40 minutes via taxi, depending on traffic. PortMiami is on Dodge Island, so the closest stretch of sand — and a very trendy one — is South Beach.

WOW-WORTHY SIGHTS IN THE MAGIC CITY

Independent LotsIn addition to parking your car at the port, there are a number of independent lots on the mainland, across from the cruise port. While these lots aren’t near as convenient as parking right at the ship, they do offer transportation to and from the cruise ship. From a bustling city centre with shimmering skyscrapers to endless beaches, Miami is an urban paradise all year long. Enjoy a plethora of things to do before your cruise out of Miami. If you crave an exhilarating day of adventure on the water, head to Oleta State Park for a myriad of water sports in the Biscayne Bay. If you’re needing an art fix, explore the Perez Art Museum or historic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

Visit the Wynwood Arts District

From there, hop on Miami Trolley's Coral Way route to take you the rest of the way. The trolley drops off at the port every 15 to 20 minutes from early until mid-evening all days except Sunday. For a complete listing of cruise lines, their schedules at PortMiami, and all other important information about cruising from PortMiami, please consult our Cruise Guide .

The new terminal building (nicknamed 'Crown of Miami') serves exclusively RCCL/RCG-Royal Caribbean Group-owned ships. The new facility was designed by Arquitectonica and built by Fincantieri Infrastructure. It is adjacent to Royal Caribbean's Terminal A. Construction works started on March 10, 2022, with scheduled completion and inauguration in December 2023. The new MSC Terminal can handle three large vessels simultaneously (max daily passenger capacity 36000) and is fitted with shorepower connectivity. MSC Terminal AAA (completed in October 2022) has capacity to handle MSC WORLD-Class liners (fleet's ever-largest, with passenger capacity 7000).

PortMiami Reopens, Cruise Ships Have Delayed Embarkations - Cruise Hive

PortMiami Reopens, Cruise Ships Have Delayed Embarkations.

Posted: Sun, 17 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

On November 28, 2018, Richard Branson (Virgin Group's Founder) and Tom McAlpin (Virgin Voyages' President and CEO) officially announced the plans for a new/exclusive cruise terminal in PortMiami. The 2019-signed Carnival-PortMiami agreement included the company's commitment to homeport at Terminal F ships for 20 years, with the option of two additional 7-year lease extensions. In 2010 were handled 4,33 million cruise passengers (1 in 7 in the world).

You’ll see signs at the terminal directing you to the spot where you can let out passengers (and pick them up afterward). Simply pull up and drop them off, similar to what you would do at an airport. That’s a great way to help passengers save money and hassle of parking at the port. If so, you may be eligible for free parking at the Port of Miami.

Once across, look for signs directing you to the appropriate terminal as you may lose service. Other restaurants and shops for purchasing last-minute toiletries and other items can also be found in downtown Miami, which is just over the bridge that connects to the port. Cruisers can also arrive at the Port of Miami from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), which is about 25 miles away. As is the case with MIA, you have the option to arrange a shuttle with your cruise line. Take on the tropics on a short Caribbean getaway unlike any other.

From non-stop thrills to mouthwatering dining options and Broadway musicals, Independence of the Seas® is your ticket to a memory-maxing adventure. This family-favourite ship takes you to some of the coolest destinations in the tropics. In between isles, make every day onboard unforgettable with delicious dining, jaw-dropping entertainment, adrenaline-amping rides and supercharged slides – like the The Perfect Storm. Uncover the best holiday for families and couples looking for Caribbean cruises from Miami.

If you're young and traveling with friends, the Moxy South Beach (starting at 30,000 points per night) was designed just for you. While it might not have all the amenities more upscale hotels have, it's got great views and rooms with quad bunk beds. If you have kids or additional time, the JW Marriott Turnberry Resort & Spa (starting at 40,000 points per night), farther out in Aventura, is a terrific bet since it has its own water park and lazy river.

Terminal GTerminal G sits at the far west end of the cruise port. It’s literally across the street from Garage G, making it extremely easy to park and get to your ship in just a couple of minutes. The terminal currently sees use from Royal Caribbean on weekend trips when the cruise line has multiple ships in port. If you're taking a cab to the Miami cruise port on the day of your sailing, your driver will need to follow signs for your ship's terminal after entering the port. Specific drop-off locations are designated at each terminal, and each terminal has its own designated taxi area. Whether you’re on a short getaway or weeklong wander, conquer record-breaking thrills and discover epic ways to chill at the award-winning Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Click here to read our full article on Miami hotels with cruise shuttles. The biggest draw, however, is that they offer much cheaper prices than the port. That said, the reviews we’ve seen of these independent lots aren’t always stellar and the lots seem to change hands often. In our opinion, it’s a safer bet to park at the port or with a hotel that offers parking.

Until 2018, RCI represented annual capacity 0,8 million passengers (~15% of the Port's overall traffic). With the new terminal, this capacity was expected to increase to ~2 million. Carnival Terminal F's renovations officially started on January 29, 2021 (with the groundbreaking ceremony) and are scheduled for completion by October 2022.