port miami cruise port schedule

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Miami (Florida)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-04-24 05:43

Port Miami cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Miami, Florida. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

PortMiami and Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale are the world's largest/busiest cruise ports and the USA's main turnaround/departure ports for roundtrip Caribbean voyages. Both seaports and their respective airports are relatively nearby to each other. PortMiami's area is sized 518 acres (0,8 mi2 / 2,1 km2). The city has the world's largest number of cruise company headquarters, including Carnival , RCI-Royal Caribbean International , MSC , NCL-Norwegian , Celebrity , Oceania .

Miami Metro is USA's 8th-most populous and 4th-largest, with population around 5,5 million. The city is a leader in international trade, commerce, finance, media, entertainment, arts. In 2010, it was ranked USA's 7th and world's 33rd in terms of human capital, business activities, information exchange, politics and culture. Nicknamed "Capital of Latin America", Miami is USA's largest city with Cuban-American citizens.

The city has USA's 3rd tallest skyline with over 300 skyscrapers. Downtown has USA's largest concentration of international banks, large national and multinational corporations. PortMiami is one of USA's fastest growing containership ports . It contributes annually with around USD 43 billion to the economy and supports over 334,000 jobs countrywide.

Miami cruise port

PortMiami (locode URMIA) is currently ranked the world's second-largest cruise port (after Port Canaveral).

The world's top-10 busiest cruise ports (by annual passengers numbers/stats 2023) are in Florida USA ( Port Canaveral/Orlando (4,07M), Miami (4,02M), Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale ), Mexico ( Cozumel ), Bahamas ( Nassau ), China ( Shanghai ), Spain ( Barcelona ), Bahamas (Out Islands), Texas USA ( Galveston ), Italy ( Civitavecchia-Rome ).

Miami is also among the most fortunate ports where newest cruise ships make show-off visits and many schedule inaugural homeporting seasons. Port's facilities are among the most modern, providing easy processing and boarding. PortMiami serves 20+ cruise companies and 60+ different passenger ships.

On August 3, 2014, was opened Miami Port Tunnel. The tunnel is undersea (beneath Biscayne Bay), with length 4200 ft / 1300 m and consisting of 2 parallel tubes (1 in each direction). It connects MacArthur Causeway (Watson Island) with PortMiami (Dodge Island) removing the heavy traffic to the cruise port from downtown Miami.

In 2016, PortMiami handled nearly 4,98 million cruise passengers and also added new (MSC-exclusive) terminal for year-round homeporting. Also were started projects to enlarge MSC's cruise terminals (AA and AAA) and were added new passenger-boarding bridges.

For FY2017 (fiscal year/season 2016-2017 September 30) the cruise port reported a record year with over 5,3 million cruise passengers - the world's highest-ever number. In 2017 started works on "Terminal A" (completed in November 2018). Viking OCEAN made inaugural visits in November 2017 with Viking Sky (Nov 12) and Viking Sun (Nov 17). Among the Port's most famous newcomers in 2018 were Carnival Horizon, Norwegian Bliss, Symphony OTS. In 2019 here was homeported MSC Meraviglia .

For season 2017-2018, PortMiami expected 5,3+ million passengers (4,9 million in 2016). The 6-million pax threshold was reached during season 2018-2019. Discussions on long-term agreements are ongoing with NCLH and Carnival Corporation . 2017's growth came from RCI-Royal Caribbean (~350,000 more). The number grew further after RCI inaugurated "Terminal A" (and homeported Oasis-class liners) and MSC inaugurated "Terminal F" (for Meraviglia-class and Seaside-class liners).

In 2017 started discussions for turnaround operations by vessels of Virgin Voyages  and NCL-Norwegian . However, Carnival Cruise Line remained the Port’s largest customer (2+ million passengers in 2017).

Various studies on LNG bunkering were conducted, regarding whether these operations (LNG supply to berthed vessels) to be land or water-side. The port expects to receive its first LNG-powered cruise liner in 2022.

On May 4, 2018, from Barcelona to PortMiami were delivered 2x large-sized "Seaport Passenger Boarding Bridges". The tailor-made (fully assembled) bridges were for the renovated "Terminal F’". Each of these 2-ton walkways is 4-sectioned (telescopic) and has length 32 m (105 ft). The bridges were designed by Adelte (Spain) and custom-made for "Terminal F" - to serve large liners with LOA length over 300 m (984 ft).

In late-October 2019 was approved the agreement for Brightline Miami to be rebranded "Virgin Trains" and Virgin Group to build a train station (Virgin Trains PortMiami) at the cruise port. The new station serves high-speed trains and connects PortMiami directly with the USA's intercity railway system (via Aventura, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach ) to Orlando International Airport. Brightline plans to expand the railway to Tampa  and  Jacksonville .

On August 31, 2020, Miami-Dade County' commission authorized the issuance of up to USD 0,5 billion in special obligation bonds, of which USD 335 million was designated for PortMiami and the rest going toward development projects related to the County's general fund.

• The approval came as cruising out of US homeports remained banned through October 1, and all major cruise companies suspended departures through October 31.
• Before the Coronavirus crisis (2020) paralyzed the cruise shipping industry, the County agreed to pay USD 700 million toward 7 projects - 5 new cruise terminals and 2 cruise company headquarters. Five shipowners (Carnival Corporation, NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, MSC, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group, Virgin Voyages) agreed to repay USD 5,8 billion over the next 20-62 years.
• The biggest part of the USD 335 million in bonds (USD 130 M) was allocated for the building of the Virgin Voyages Terminal.

On November 15, 2022, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group signed a 36-year lease agreement that includes developing and exclusive operation of PortMiami's Terminal G.

• By the deal, RCG will construct a new facility (exclusive passenger terminal for ships of RCI-Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises) and will also redevelop RCI's headquarters (at PortMiami) which lease was extended through 2072.
• By May 2020, RCI spent ~US$70 million to upgrade its headquarters prior to halting construction works to mitigate financial losses during the COVID crisis.
• By the new lease deal (2022), Miami-Dade is now financing the RCI headquarters' completion as well as Terminal G's construction. In turn, Royal Caribbean guarantees a minimum annual passenger movement ~600,000 (during Terminal G's reconstruction), 1,5 million (following the completion/scheduled for 2027) and 2,1 million passengers annually (from 2038 to 2063). RCI also agreed to repay the cost of finishing its headquarters via increased rent and to pay back up to 53% (US$172,5M) of Terminal G's redevelopment costs.
• Terminal G's lease includes 3x 7-year renewal options, while RCI's headquarters lease has 2x 5-year renewal options.
• The deal also provided for RCI's shared use of Berth 10 Terminal (scheduled for completion in October 2028) - together with MSC.
• The 2022-signed agreement replaced the expiring in 2033. Reportedly, the lease will generate ~US$2,5 billion (from Terminal G) and ~US$260 million (from RCI's headquarters) and will create ~12000 permanent jobs, including ~1000 additional positions with RCI (+50% over 2022's staff count).

In Miami is also headquartered CMI-Cruise Management International and its subsidiary CMI Leisure (smaller-sized and expedition cruise ship management company). Since 2022, CMI is owned by Anglo-Eastern (1974-founded company that manages 600+ vessels/crew recruitment and management, technical services).

Since January 2024, in Block 55 at Sawyer's Walk (premium retail shopping and residential area in Downtown Miami) is headquartered MSC Group (the world's second-largest container shipping company/after Maersk).

World's largest cruise ports

Based on 2016 passenger traffic numbers reported by CLIA, Miami cruise port was ranked world's largest (4,898 million pax). Follows the list of world's busiest cruise ports with annual shipping traffic over 1 million passengers.

• Miami FL (4,898 million)
• Port Everglades Fort Lauderdale FL (3,890 million)
• Port Canaveral Fl (3,686 million)
• Cozumel Mexico (3,637 million)
• Shanghai China (2,847 million)
• Barcelona Spain (2,683 million)
• Civitavecchia-Rome Italy (2,340 million)
• Nassau Bahamas (2,035 million)
• Canary Islands Spain (combined 1,981 million)
• Balearic Islands Spain (combined 1,957 million)
• USVI (combined 1,777 million)
• Galveston TX (1,730 million)
• Grand Cayman Island (1,712 million)
• Southampton UK (1,7 million)
• St Maarten Island (1,669 million)
• Jamaica (combined 1,655 million)
• Venice Italy (1,606 million)
• Marseille France (1,597 million)
• Sydney Australia (1,309 million)
• Naples Italy (1,306 million)
• New Orleans NOLA (1,070 million) - excluding USA river cruise passengers.

PortMiami statistics

PortMiami is a major US seaport located on Dodge Island (Biscayne Bay, Florida). It is ranked the world's largest passenger port (serving both cruise and ferry shipping traffic). The port is linked to Watson Island via PortMiami Tunnel (building cost USD 1 billion). Dodge Island combines 3 islands (Dodge, Lummus, Sam's) into one.

PortMiami has capacity to handle the world's biggest passenger ships and is homeport (turnaround port) for numerous large-sized vessels. However, port's prime shipping business are container ships , ranking it Florida's largest container cargo port and USA's 9th-largest. Annually, it handles 4+ million cruise ship tourists, around 7,4 million cargo tons and 1+ million TEU-containers.

Currently, PortMiami has 9 passenger terminals, 6 gantry crane-equipped wharves (total 9 gantry cranes serving containerized cargo), 7 Ro-Ro docks (serving ferries and car carriers), 4 reefer yards (for refrigerated containers), breakbulk warehouses. The port has 2 super post-Panamax gantry cranes (among the world's largest) with capacity to handle 22,000-TEU boxships.

In 1997 was started USD 250 million port redevelopment project for facility upgrades and expansion in order to accommodate the industry's demands. PortMiami Tunnel was built 2010-2014, linking (via SR 836) directly the seaport with USA's interstate highway system, thus bypassing downtown's congestion. By this project were also constructed new cruise terminals, roads, terminal parking garages, new lighting, landscaping, signage. Security Gates (opened in 2006) increased the port's processing rate for container trucks.

In 2007, the port served over 3,787 million cruise passengers. In 2010 were handled 4,33 million cruise passengers (1 in 7 in the world). In 2015 were handled nearly 4,9 million cruisers. For FY11 (fiscal year 2011), PortMiami reported an economic impact in Miami-Dade County of USD 18 billion, providing around 176,000 local jobs.

On December 9, 2018 (Sunday), the port reported its ultimate one-day record for cruise shipping traffic - 52,000 passengers. The list of berthed liners included Carnival Horizon , Carnival Magic , Disney Magic , MSC Divina , Norwegian Getaway , Oceania Riviera , Allure of the Seas , Empress of the Seas , and the high-speed catamaran San Gwann (FRS Caribbean - German company serving the ferry route Miami- Bimini Islands ).

Port Boulevard connects PortMiami with Downtown. This link is a causeway over the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway. ICW has length 3000 mi (4800 km) and runs along the USA's Atlantic (Eastern Seaboard) and Gulf of Mexico coasts (from Manasquan River NJ, around Gulf of Mexico to Brownsville TX). According to US federal law, ICW must be maintained at min-depth 3,7 m (12 ft). ICW is toll-free, but since 1978 commercial users (cargo barges) are charged a fuel tax, which is used for facilities maintenance.

PortMiami Deep Dredge project (budget USD 180 million, completed in 2016) increased the harbor's max draft to 15 m (48 ft) allowing access to Super Post Panamax boxships after the Panama Canal expansion completion.

In March 2018, NCLH unveiled details on NCL's exclusive new Cruise Terminal B scheduled for completion in 2019 (read more in the port's "Terminal" section).

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. It also improves hazardous spill response. 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. PORTS provides real-time maritime data to vessel operators and harbor pilots, including information on currents (in and around port), water levels, waves, water salinity, bridge clearances (air gaps), visibility, winds (speed and direction), air and water temperatures.

On May 10, 2018, was officially opened Carnival's "Fleet Operations Center". The 35,000 ft2 facility allows simultaneous real-time monitoring of all ships in the fleet. The main feature is its 74 ft (22,5 m) long video wall composed of 57x LED screens. The data processed here includes itinerary information, current position, weather conditions, logistics, environmental status, guest operations. The interactive world map shows also the current locations of all Carnival Corporation ships (all brands). The center is staffed 24 / 7. The Corporation also owns similar monitoring centers in Seattle and Hamburg.

FY2018 (Sept 2017-Sept 2018) was another (4th consecutive) record year, with 5,8% growth in containerized cargo volumes (total 1,084 million TEUs) and 4,7% increase in cruise shipping (total 5,592 million 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). In 2018, the port handled over 250 such vessels, following a deep dredging project and the installation of Super Post-Panamax gantry cranes. Cruise shipping growth was attributed to expanded business opportunities (adding 3 new cruise companies - Viking Ocean, Seabourn, Victory Cruise Lines), extended homeport seasons and homeporting larger passenger liners.

In early January 2019, MSC signed with Miami-Dade County a letter of intent for expanding the company's PortMiami operations. The project's approval was received on Sept 19, 2019. By this project (completed in November 2023) MSC increased its annual capacity by building two (exclusive) cruise terminals (AA, AAA). The project included design, construction and management of the buildings (pax capacity 7000/28000 daily movements), berths (2 mega-liners), terminal parking garages, administrative offices, storage facilities plus infrastructure. MSC planned to homeport here several ships, including of the WORLD class (fleet's largest).

FY2019 (Sept 2018-Sept 2019) was again record-breaking for both container shipping (+3,4 % increase, to 1,12 million TEUs) and cruise shipping (+22% increase, to 6,824 million passengers). In 2019 were signed terminal development projects with Carnival Corporation, MSC, NCLH-Norwegian, Virgin UK, CMA-CGM (for Terminal Link Miami). The port generated ~USD 7,8 billion (economic impact) and supported ~27,500 South Florida jobs.

In FY2019, the cruise port handled 6,823816 million passengers, providing 27500 jobs and contributing ~USD 7,8 billion to the state's economy.

In February 2021, Miami-Dade County signed a deal with FPL-Florida Power & Light Company (subsidiary of NextEra Energy Inc) and 6 major cruise companies (Carnival Corporation, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group, MSC, NCLH-Norwegian, DCL-Disney, Virgin) for funding the Shore Power Pilot Program ( shoreside power capabilities at cruise berths). In May, the program received USD 2 million funding by DERA Program (Diesel Emissions Reduction Act).

In February 2023  was subcontracted PowerCon AS (Hadsund Denmark-based engineering and manufacturing company specializing in electrical power conversions) to deliver 5x shore power systems for cruise vessels. For this particular project was established the subsidiary PoweCon USA. The cruise shore-power facilities are to be installed at four PortMiami cruise terminals - Terminal A (RCI-Royal Caribbean International), Terminal B (NCL-Norwegian and MSC), Terminal F (CCL-Carnival), and Terminal V (Virgin Voyages). When completed (2023-Q4), the combined shore-power system will be the world's largest.

April 9, 2023, was PortMiami's record-breaking day when were handled a total of 67594 tourists visiting on 8 different ships (Carnival Celebration, Carnival Horizon, Explorer of the Seas, MSC Seascape, Norwegian Encore, Oasis of the Seas, Seabourn Ovation, Scarlet Lady).

FY2023 (October 1st, 2022, through September 30th, 2023) became PortMiami's record year for cruise shipping, with handled a total of 7,299294 million passengers (~7% increase over FY2019).

Cruise itineraries to and from Miami Florida

Follows a list of destinations visited by ships leaving out of Miami:

• World Cruises - around the world voyages from Miami are offered in January, as well as shorter itinerary segments part of the main round-trip itinerary.
• South America itineraries from Miami are operated by luxury lines or by budget lines ships on relocation routes to Brazil ( Santos or Rio de Janeiro ) or Argentina ( Buenos Aires ). Round-trip itineraries usually visit ports in the Southern Caribbean, Brazil (often the Amazon River region), then go back to Florida.
• Bahamas itineraries from Miami visit Nassau (New Providence Island) and Freeport (Grand Bahama Island) , often combined with Florida ports (mainly Key West ). Major lines also include exclusive stops at their Bahamian private islands. These are Coco Cay (Royal Caribbean) , Half Moon Cay (Carnival, Holland America) , Princess Cays (Princess) , Castaway Cay (Disney) , Great Stirrup Cay (NCL Norwegian) .
• Short-break (3-day) cruises to Bahamas stop in Nassau. Some 3-day and most 4-day itineraries additionally include a private island stop, while 5-day itineraries add Freeport.
• Short-break (4-day) roundtrips to Mexico stop in Key West and Cozumel .
• 7-day Western Caribbean itineraries visit ports in Honduras, Belize, Mexico, also Grand Cayman Island (George Town) and Jamaica.
• 7-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries visit ports in BVI, USVI, Dutch Antilles, also Puerto Rico, Bahamas (Nassau) and the lines private islands.
• B2B (back-to-back) cruises combine two 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries into a 14-day roundtrip itinerary.
• 8-day Southern Caribbean itineraries visit Grand Turk Island , Dominican Republic, Aruba (Oranjestad) , Curacao (Willemstad) .
• Panama Canal transits  between Miami and California ports ( Los Angeles , San Diego , San Francisco ) are offered with one-way itineraries (up to 16 days in length). They include transition through Panama Canal and usually visit ports in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Mexico (Mexican Riviera).

Seasonal ship relocations (RepositionCruises.com) include Panama Canal transits from Florida to Alaska in late Spring. The itineraries end either in California ports or in the turnaround ports for Alaskan roundtrip from Vancouver BC or Seattle WA . The reverse routes (Alaska to Florida) are in early Fall.

Transatlantic crossings from Florida to Europe are offered in Spring. Relocation routes from Miami usually include the Canary Islands and Mediterranean ports, and often Bermuda (stopping at King's Wharf ). The longest relocation itineraries end in Baltic Sea turnaround ports ( Amsterdam , Copenhagen , Hamburg ).

Transatlantic crossings from Europe to Florida usually depart from the UK (Southampton, Dover, Harwich) or Mediterranean (Barcelona, Civitavecchia-Rome, Piraeus-Athens) and often stop in Bermuda (Kings Wharf).

Miami cruise terminal

Port Miami has been the "Cruise Capital of the World" and also "Cargo Gateway of the Americas" for many years. It kept that title for more than two decades and accommodated world's biggest cruise ships of all major passenger shipping companies. PortMiami lost the title in late-2000 to Port Everglades .

The port is situated in Biscayne Bay, Miami, FL on Dodge Island. There the Sam's Islands, the Lummus and the Dodge (famous historic islands) combine in one. The Port of Miami is related to four important projects &ndash: the Panama Canal expansion, the Port of Miami Tunnel, the bridge and rail line restoration and the Port of Miami Deep Dredge Project. The ship schedule offers voyages all the year. The Miami International Airport is 8 mi/13 km away, the Fort Lauderdale International Airport - 25 mi/40 km.

Port Miami has 9 terminals. Located at the Dodge Island north part are terminals B/C, D, E , F, G, on the west is terminal H (V) and on the south – terminal J. The most modern cruise terminals are D and E. They started to operate in 2007 and host mega-liners. The luxury market is operated by cruise terminal J - facility made to look like a boutique. All passenger terminals offer cafes, check-in, shops, bars and cab ranks. Multi-Agency Facility is available at terminals D and E.

Miami cruise terminals B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J

• port address - "1741,1751 Africa Way, Dodge Island, Miami Florida 33132"
• location (on Dodge Island) - 8 mi / 13 km (25-min drive distance) from Miami International Airport, 25 mi / 40 km (45 min drive distance) from Fort Lauderdale International Airport
• Port entrance is via Biscayne Blvd (Port Bridge).
• Terminal address - "zzz Cruise Boulevard, Port of Miami, Miami, FL 33132"
• In the above address replace "zzz" with the corresponding address (by terminal) listed below:
• (new) "Terminal A" (address "1015 North") - here dock Royal Caribbean ships only. Berth length is 1300 ft (396 m).
• Terminal B (address "1751 North") - here dock NCLH-Norwegian ships only
• Terminal C (address "1741 North")
• Terminal D (address "1435 North") - here dock Carnival ships only.
• Terminal E (address "1265 North") - here dock Carnival ships only.
• Terminal F (address "1103 North")
• Terminal G (address "909/1055 North") - here dock Royal Caribbean ships only (berth length 1000 ft / 305 m)
• (west, Bimini Tent) Terminal H (address "897 South") - for Resorts World Bimini (Bimini SuperFast).
• Terminal J (address "1120 Caribbean Way") Terminal J is primarily for docking luxury cruise ships from the fleets of Azamara, Crystal, Oceania, Regent. This terminal underwent a USD 3 million refurbishment which upgraded the furniture, more lounge seating was added, along with new check-in counters.

Terminals D and E are the newest (both open in 2007) and can berth the world's largest cruise ships with capacity up to 5000 passengers. Their buildings are 3-story facilities (sized 105,000 ft2 / 9750 m2. Each terminal has a VIP lounge, separate security screening facility (embarkation), airline counters, conveyor baggage system.

(expanded) MSC Terminal F

In December 2016 started construction works for renovating and expanding "Terminal F" to be able to homeport MSC Seaside in December 2017.

Miami-Dade funded the USD 38 million reconstruction project, which increased the terminal's capacity up to 6000 passengers. MSC Seaside has max capacity of 5179 passengers. Planned terminal enhancements included an expanded waiting area (1500 seats), larger VIP waiting area (exclusive lounge for "MSC Yacht Club" VIP passengers), new "group passengers" dedicated lounge, improved baggage-claim area, 60 ticket counters, also implementing the latest technology for faster passenger embarkation/debarkation process.

The 2-story terminal covers a total area of 3557 m2 (38280 ft2). The new terminal was officially opened/inaugurated on December 7, 2017, MSC Seaside's scheduled dock in PortMiami was on December 21, 2017.

On May 4, 2018, from Barcelona were delivered two large passenger boarding bridges. Tailor-made for "Terminal F’", each bridge is 2-ton and 4-sectioned (telescopic), with length 32 m (105 ft). They serve ships with LOA length over 300 m (984 ft).

(NEW) Carnival Terminal F

In September 2019, CCL-Carnival Cruise Line received approval for major expansion and renovation of "Terminal F". The upgraded (471000-ft2 / 43760-m2 sized) facility can handle the Excel-class vessel Carnival Celebration (homeported since November 2022).

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.

Carnival Terminal F's renovations officially started on January 29, 2021 (with the groundbreaking ceremony) and are scheduled for completion by October 2022. Terminal F's groundbreaking was attended by Christine Duffy (CCL's President) and Daniella Levine Cava (Miami-Dade Mayor), along with construction companies representatives and county commissioners.

Terminal F is PortMiami's 3rd cruise terminal dedicated to Carnival ships as well as currently the largest in North America.

(NEW) MSC Cruise Terminal (AA, AAA)

In July 2018, Miami-Dade County and MSC signed an agreement for extended preferential berthing rights and MoU for building a new "Cruise Terminal AAA" at PortMiami (company's exclusive homeport in the USA).

The new agreement extended the old (Saturdays) preferential berthing rights to Sundays as well.

MSC Terminal AAA (completed in October 2022) has capacity to handle MSC WORLD-Class liners (fleet's ever-largest, with passenger capacity 7000).

The 2018-signed MoU agreement received approval from Miami-Dade's Commissioners on April 9, 2019 and the deal was officially signed on September 19, 2019. MSC designed and started construction works on a large building (to serve its two cruise terminals - AA, AAA) plus two new berths. For the terminal's design was contracted Arquitectonica (global architecture, landscape and interior design company).

PortMiami's MSC terminals AA and AAA can serve 2 turnarounds/homeported ships simultaneously and have max capacity 28000 passengers daily.

On July 8, 2021, MSC and Fincantieri signed a contract for the construction of PortMiami's newest MSC Cruise Terminal. The project (valued ~EUR 350 million/~USD 414M) was signed by Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC) and Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri).

The new MSC Terminal can handle three large vessels simultaneously (max daily passenger capacity 36000) and is fitted with shorepower connectivity .

The 4-story building houses office areas and has multi-level parking (min capacity 2400 vehicles), 4 passenger boarding decks, a new road connection, two new docks (berths with total length 750 m / 2460 ft) plus a 3rd berth (built/financed by Miami-Dade County).

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.

Starting in 2025, MSC World America will be also homeported at the new terminal.

(NEW) Royal Caribbean Miami Terminal A

In September 2015, the world's second-largest cruise ship company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd/RCCL announced its plans to build a US$100 million terminal at PortMiami.

In June 2016, PortMiami leased 10 acres (0,04 km2) of land to RCCL to build and exclusively operate a dedicated terminal. Here are also homeported two of RCI's largest liners - Allure of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas .

The new "Terminal A" facility is sized 170,000 ft2 (15,800 m2) and is able to handle the world's largest passenger ships of the OASIS-class. According to the MoU (memorandum of understanding) between Royal Caribbean and Miami-Dade County, the Terminal's completion date was July 31, 2018. By the deal, RCCL leased the land and financed the whole project. RCCL was responsible for the Terminal's design and construction of the facilities (including parking garages with combined capacity 1000 vehicles).

The plans for the new Royal Caribbean terminal were approved by Miami's Board of County Commissioners on July 7, 2016. Under the agreement, RCCL fully financed the construction, except US$15M that PortMiami paid for infrastructure/road works.

Annually, Royal Caribbean pays Miami-Dade County US$7,5M in rent.

The project's value was estimated at USD 247 million for PortMiami - after taking into consideration up-front costs and annual rent for current cargo shipping purposes. For comparison, the Port's annual revenues are US$1,2M (from cargo activities) and US$9,5M (from cruise shipping).

Royal Caribbean is leasing the land for an initial 20-year period (until 2048) at base rent US$9,5 million per year (annual increase 1,5%). In addition to the base rent, Miami-Dade County receives US$5,50 per cruise passenger in excess of 1,55 million pax.

The new terminal building (nicknamed 'Crown of Miami') serves exclusively RCCL/RCG-Royal Caribbean Group-owned ships.

As of 2016, PortMiami handled ~750,000 Royal Caribbean passengers (per year) or ~15% of the Port's entire cruise traffic. The new terminal generates at least 1,8 million cruisers (or ~30% of the projected traffic) with estimated economic impact ~USD 0,5 billion. The facility generated ~4000 new local jobs.

Construction works started on March 8, 2017. RCCL later added to the project another building (named "Innovation Lab") that serves as the corporation's headquarters. Innovation Lab is sized 1860 m2 (20,000 ft2) and also hosts the company's ship design studio.

"Terminal A" was officially inaugurated on November 2, 2018. The opening ceremony was attended by Richard Fain (RCCL's CEO), Michael Bayley (RCI's CEO), Carlos Gimenez (Miami City Mayor), and Rebecca Sosa (Port Commissioner).

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.

(NEW) NCL-Norwegian Cruise Terminal B

On May 2, 2017, was announced that Miami-Dade County commissioners approved the agreement with NCLH/Norwegian Cruise Line Holding for a new terminal at PortMiami.

The facility has berthing capacity of two vessels (simultaneously), having 2 berths for large-sized vessels (up to 5000 passengers each). The facility was inaugurated in February 2020, with the arrival of Norwegian Encore (homeported here for winter 2019-2020 season).

NCL terminal's construction officially started on April 26, 2018 (ground-breaking ceremony). The project was officially approved on April 10th, and works started on May 1st, with planned completion in Fall 2019.

The new Terminal B's cost was estimated at ~USD 100 million. The facility incorporates PortMiami's existing terminals B and C into a single/new "Terminal B". 

Miami-Dade shares the county's parking and marketing revenues. The expected numbers for fiscal 2018 were ~US$180,000 (parking) and US$210,000 (marketing).

NCLH's new terminal was expected to generate ~US$24 million in gross revenue (starting FY2018), with an estimated increase of 3% each year. By the April 2018-signed agreement, NCLH guarantees Miami-Dade a minimum of 1,3 million passengers annually. The deal created ~160 new full-time jobs.

By the agreement, NCLH received preferential berthing rights at the new Terminal B. This means priority docking of vessels from the fleets of NCL , Oceania  and RSSC-Regent . The required minimum number of ship calls (per fiscal year) is 45, which is 15 more than the previous agreement.

The building's design is inspired by nautilus (marine mollusks of the cephalopod family Nautilidae). It features a spiraled, multi-level facade and open-floor interior.

The building is sized approx 166,500 ft2 (15,500 m2) and implements all modern technologies that support faster and more efficient passenger processing, as well as expedited security screening and luggage check-in.

The new Terminal B has a dedicated waiting hall, separate bar lounge, service area, new parking garage, valet parking area (accessing the building directly).

(NEW) Virgin Voyages "Terminal V"

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.

"Virgin Voyages Terminal" is a 3-story building (sized 100,000 ft2 / 9300 m2) located on PortMiami's northwestern side (address "718 N Cruise Blvd"). Approval for the project was given on September 20, 2019, with a subsequent berthing agreement deal.

Construction works started in October 2019, with scheduled completion in November 2021. The USD 150 million (~EUR 137 million) facility was officially renamed from "Terminal H" to "Terminal V". Virgin Voyages has brand's name on a for-profit train connecting Miami with West Palm Beach (via Aventura and Boca Raton). Virgin's cruise operations from PortMiami were planned to start in April 2020 with Scarlet Lady .

In late-October 2019 was approved the agreement for Brightline Miami to be rebranded "Virgin Trains" and Virgin Group to build a train station (Virgin Trains PortMiami) at the cruise port. The new station serves high-speed trains and connects PortMiami directly with the USA's intercity railway system and Orlando International Airport. Construction works on Virgin Trains PortMiami are scheduled for completion in 2022.

PortMiami's "Terminal V" was officially opened/inaugurated on February 13, 2022. The ceremony was attended by Richard Branson, Tom McAlpin and Daniella Levine Cava (Miami-Dade County Mayor).

Cruise ship terminal directions and parking

• From North - take I-95 South, drive eastbound I-395 (Miami Beach). Continue driving on I-395 East (MacArthur Causeway). The entrance of Port Miami Tunnel (Road 887) is on the left. Follow the signs to your Cruise Terminal.
• From North (via Downtown Miami / Port Bridge) - take I-95 South. Exit 3B-Bayside. Drive south to Northeast 5th Street, turn left. 5th Str leads onto PortMiami Bridge. Continue over the bridge and follow the signs to your terminal.
• From South - take SR-826 North to SR-836 East. Drive eastbound on SR-836 to I-395 East (Miami Beach). Continue driving on I-395 East (MacArthur Causeway). The entrance of Port Miami Tunnel is on the left. Follow the signs to your Cruise Terminal. You can also take I-95 North and drive eastbound I-395 (Miami Beach).
• From South (via Downtown Miami / Port Bridge) - take I-95 North. Exit at Northwest 2nd Street. Drive straight to NW 5th Street, make a right. 5th Str leads onto PortMiami Bridge. Continue over the bridge and follow the signs to your terminal.
• From Miami Beach - take I-395 (MacArthur Causeway), drive westbound, exit on Biscayne Blvd ramp and make U-turn on North Bayshore Drive to enter MacArthur Causeway eastbound. Then continue on I-395 East (MacArthur Causeway).
• Parking rates (subject to change) - USD 20.00 per day. All parking lots are outdoor and located in front their corresponding terminals. Special arrangements are offered for cruise passengers with disabilities.

Miami port, besides its 9 cruise terminals also has facilities to handle cargo ships (bulk carriers and container vessels) and dry dock facilities for marine vessel refurbishments and repairs.

• UN-LOCODE (United Nations location code) - USMIA
• eight dedicated cruise terminals
• supported by excellent road, rail and air infrastructure
• deep water channel - North Ship Channel has 2 turning basins - west (Fisher Island) and east (Main).
• deep water berths
• sheltered harbor area
• access unrestricted by tides
• no restrictions on length and GT tonnage of cruise ships
• The cruise port is accessible the whole year round – 24/7, 365 days a tear.
• Cruise ships usually arrive in Miami in early morning (7 or 8 am) and depart from Miami in late afternoon (at 4, 4:30 or 5 pm) and in the evenings (at 7 pm).

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Miami - user reviews and comments

• Carnival Sunrise 3.730 passengers 25 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Amera 835 passengers 25 Apr 2024 - 09:00
• Freedom Of The Seas 4.541 passengers 26 Apr 2024 - 06:00
• Valiant Lady 2.860 passengers 26 Apr 2024 - 06:30
• MSC Magnifica 3.017 passengers 26 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Conquest 3.581 passengers 26 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Icon Of The Seas 7.600 passengers 27 Apr 2024 - 06:00
• MSC Seascape 5.877 passengers 27 Apr 2024 - 06:00
• Independence Of The Seas 4.356 passengers 27 Apr 2024 - 06:30
• Carnival Horizon 4.716 passengers 27 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Explorer Of The Seas 3.938 passengers 28 Apr 2024 - 06:30
• Norwegian Breakaway 4.819 passengers 28 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Celebration 6.338 passengers 28 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Magic 4.428 passengers 28 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Freedom Of The Seas 4.541 passengers 29 Apr 2024 - 06:00
• Carnival Conquest 3.581 passengers 29 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Sunrise 3.730 passengers 29 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Valiant Lady 2.860 passengers 01 May 2024 - 06:30
• Norwegian Sky 2.405 passengers 02 May 2024 - 07:00
• Freedom Of The Seas 4.541 passengers 03 May 2024 - 06:00
• MSC Magnifica 3.017 passengers 03 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Conquest 3.581 passengers 03 May 2024 - 08:00
• Independence Of The Seas 4.356 passengers 04 May 2024 - 00:00
• MSC Seascape 5.877 passengers 04 May 2024 - 06:00
• Icon Of The Seas 7.600 passengers 04 May 2024 - 06:00
• Independence Of The Seas 4.356 passengers 04 May 2024 - 06:00
• Carnival Magic 4.428 passengers 04 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Sunrise 3.730 passengers 04 May 2024 - 08:00
• Valiant Lady 2.860 passengers 05 May 2024 - 06:30
• Norwegian Breakaway 4.819 passengers 05 May 2024 - 07:00
• Norwegian Sky 2.405 passengers 05 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Horizon 4.716 passengers 05 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Celebration 6.338 passengers 05 May 2024 - 08:00
• Freedom Of The Seas 4.541 passengers 06 May 2024 - 06:30
• MSC Magnifica 3.017 passengers 06 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Conquest 3.581 passengers 06 May 2024 - 08:00
• MSC Meraviglia 5.386 passengers 07 May 2024 - 08:00
• Independence Of The Seas 4.356 passengers 09 May 2024 - 06:00
• Carnival Sunrise 3.730 passengers 09 May 2024 - 08:00
• Valiant Lady 2.860 passengers 10 May 2024 - 06:30
• Freedom Of The Seas 4.541 passengers 10 May 2024 - 06:30
• MSC Magnifica 3.017 passengers 10 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Conquest 3.581 passengers 10 May 2024 - 08:00
• Icon Of The Seas 7.600 passengers 11 May 2024 - 06:00
• MSC Seascape 5.877 passengers 11 May 2024 - 06:00
• Carnival Horizon 4.716 passengers 11 May 2024 - 08:00
• Norwegian Breakaway 4.819 passengers 12 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Celebration 6.338 passengers 12 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Magic 4.428 passengers 12 May 2024 - 08:00
• Independence Of The Seas 4.356 passengers 13 May 2024 - 06:00

Miami cruise port: A guide to cruising from Florida’s biggest port

Editor's Note

If you love cruising, you're probably already acquainted with the Port of Miami cruise terminal, officially called PortMiami. In 2023, Miami was the busiest cruise port in America. According to PortMiami data, it welcomed 7.3 million passengers in the fiscal year.

Miami is the ideal place from which to set sail to the Bahamas , Caribbean , Panama Canal , Mexico and beyond. More than 20 cruise lines sail from PortMiami, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding a ship and itinerary that works for you.

The port is also easy to get to. Airports near Miami cruise port include Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), and there are plenty of points hotels for a pre- or post-cruise stay.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Sailing out of Miami is a rite of passage, and the sailaway is truly one of the most beautiful in the world. As your ship sets off, timed with the setting sun, the city's high-rises and golden beaches glisten as they bid you bon voyage.

PortMiami cruise port overview

PortMiami cruise terminal information

Address: 1015 North America Way, Miami, Florida 33132

Number of terminals: Nine

While PortMiami is accessible, contact your cruise line if you require a wheelchair transfer from the cruise terminal entrance to the ship. The port doesn't provide that service.

Cruise lines sailing 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: Luxury cruise lines, such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises Terminal V: Virgin Voyages

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

Airports near Miami cruise port

Miami International Airport is just a short drive — about 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic — from the cruise port. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is an alternative, and the drive to PortMiami from there takes about an hour.

Tons of airlines fly to MIA from U.S. gateways, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country and United Airlines.

If you'd prefer to fly through FLL, your choices include Alaska, Allegiant Air, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Silver Airways, Southwest, Spirit and United.

There are sometimes buy one, get one free airfare opportunities when flying to these airports. Consider the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card and get a Companion Fare certificate on the card's anniversary. The certificate allows a companion to fly with you for $99 (plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year. It's valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.

You can also bring a companion along for free (actually, just the cost of the ticket's taxes) if you have the Southwest Companion Pass . Delta also offers a companion certificate via several of its American Express-branded credit cards.

Outbound flight times don't always dovetail perfectly with your cruise line's disembarkation time, so you might find yourself with time to kill at the airport.

Make sure you carry a credit card with airport lounge access as a benefit. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® gives you access to Priority Pass lounges, while The Platinum Card® from American Express will open the door to the Amex Centurion Lounge at MIA .

Related: Miami International Airport 101: The best ways to get to or from Miami

How to get to the Miami cruise port

There are many ways to get from the Miami airport to the cruise port, including:

Cruise line transfers

You can usually buy a transfer between the airport and the cruise terminal (or your hotel) directly from your cruise line. Sometimes, this is reserved for travelers who've purchased their airfare from the cruise line, but you or your travel agent can call to ask if you can buy the transfers a la carte.

For example, Carnival Cruise Line offers transportation between both MIA ($22.99 per person) and FLL ($36.99 per person) and PortMiami on embarkation day. The line says your plane should arrive no later than noon (for MIA) or 11:30 a.m. (for FLL) on embarkation day.

Hotel shuttles

Select hotels near both MIA and PortMiami offer shuttle service to the port. Free transfers are less common than they once were. Inquire when you make your reservations. For an idea of the transfer cost, the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Brickell Downtown offers a shuttle to PortMiami for $8 per person.

Independent airport shuttle from Miami airport to the cruise port

A variety of local companies operate shared and private van shuttles and limo services from both MIA and FLL to area hotels and the port. Consider vendors like Express Shuttle Miami, which offers shared rides for around $15 per person from MIA and $25 per person from FLL.

Prices will go up for private rides and depending on the number of passengers in your party and the type of vehicle requested (i.e., sedan, SUV, van, etc.).

Independent van/car services

Car and van services also offer private pick-up and drop-off. The fare from MIA to PortMiami is about $100 for a standard vehicle that accommodates three people. Add $20 if you need a child car seat. A van accommodating up to 10 people is priced around $150.

Taxis and ride-hailing services

Hailing a taxi to take you to PortMiami is simple. Taxi stands are on the arrival (ground) level of the airport (outside baggage claim).

While there used to be a flat rate fare to the cruise port, that's no longer the case. You'll need to pay by the meter. The rate is $2.95 for the first 1/6 mile then $0.85 for each additional 1/6 mile up to one mile; then, it's $0.55 for each 1/6 mile thereafter. Waiting time is $0.40 per minute. (There is a $2 fee for originating from the airport or PortMiami.)

"A minimum fare of $15 is established for trips originated at MIA or the Port of Miami, regardless of what the meter reading shows. If the meter shows a number greater than $15, then the greater number shown on the meter shall be paid," according to Miami-Dade County.

Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are also an option. Pickup zones are on level 1, arrivals.

UberX can run around $20 and UberXL around $30. Premier and Premier SUV cars can run around $35-55. All prices can vary during traffic or high-demand times. The Uber ride from FLL will be more expensive: around $40 for Uber X and $65 for UberXL. Premier and Premier SUV cars run from $80-100 from FLL.

Public transportation from nearby airports or hotel district

From MIA: Board Metrorail's Orange Line (look for signs to the Metrorail Train Station) to Downtown Miami, which will take less than 30 minutes. The fare is $2.25 per person. It's about a 1 1/2-mile walk from the Freedom Tower station to the port, so you'll want to grab an Uber or taxi from there. Or take the Miami Trolley Coral Way route (free) all the way to the port. You can track the trolley's location in real-time with this handy interactive map .

From FLL: Take the Tri-Rail commuter train to MIA ($3.75 per person on weekdays and $5 per person on weekends). Then board Metrorail's Orange Line ($2.25 per person) and head downtown to the Freedom Tower stop. Finally, board the free Coral Way Route Trolley and disembark at PortMiami.

Miami cruise port parking

On-site parking

There are parking garages at seven Miami cruise terminals, plus surface lots at terminals D and E. Each lettered parking facility corresponds with the terminal of the same name with the exception of the "K" parking garage, which is closest to Terminal J.

If you're driving an over-length vehicle (RV or vehicle with trailer), head to Surface Lot E, which has extra-large spots. Extra fees apply (see below). On embarkation day, the parking facilities are open and staffed by a parking attendant from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You may drop off your luggage at the terminal before parking. A free shuttle runs from each parking facility to the terminal. Security patrols all parking garages and lots.

Parking starts at $22 per night. Royal Caribbean's Terminal A Garage charges a higher rate of $35 per day.

Accepted modes of payment include cash and major credit cards (but not debit cards). However, Garage J is prepaid only (pay when you arrive), and vehicles need to display a special decal throughout the duration of the cruise.

Park-and-cruise

Some hotels in the area, such as the InterContinental at Doral Miami, sell packages that include a hotel stay and parking for the length of your cruise. Others offer cheap paid parking for the Miami cruise port in their lots (even if you're not staying at the hotel), with prices ranging from $6 to $15 per day. Just factor in the time and money you'll need to travel from the hotel's parking lot to the port and vice versa.

What's the best parking option for the Miami cruise port? It depends on your preferences. For the convenience of being right at the cruise port, choose an on-site lot. To save a few bucks, park at a nearby lot or hotel and commute from there to your cruise terminal.

Related: Best credit cards for booking a cruise

Hotels near Miami cruise port

Thankfully, there's no shortage of points hotels in Miami. Your toughest job will be deciding which one is best for your needs and if you prefer to be close to the cruise port, the beach or downtown. Or, you might prioritize hotels near Miami airport with a shuttle to the cruise port.

Your choice will also depend on how long you're staying, what you'd like to see while you're in town and how many hotel points you have to spend.

Related: The best hotels in Miami

Hilton hotels near Miami cruise port

For a quick overnight before a cruise, we like the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami/Brickell Downtown (41,000 to 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night).

It's in a fantastic location with easy access to the free Metromover that can take you to places like the Bayside Marketplace (which is also walkable).

The hotel has several on-site restaurants and is near plenty of others; it also has a shuttle to the port for about $10 per passenger. The chain's free breakfast is a great way to start the day; it'll hold you over until you get on the ship and can enjoy a leisurely lunch before sailaway.

Related: Best Hilton credit cards

Hyatt hotels near Miami cruise port

If you'd prefer to be on the beach, Hyatt has some solid options that won't break the bank, including Dream South Beach and Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami (both from 17,000 points per night).

If you're a Globalist elite with Hyatt, both the Hyatt Regency Miami and Hyatt Regency Coral Gables (both from 9,000 points per night) get good marks when it comes to complimentary upgrades and elite perks. And, if you just want a cheap place to rest your head, there are two Hyatt Place options starting at 6,500 points per night near Miami airport.

Marriott hotels near Miami cruise port

In the same neighborhood as the Hampton Inn, you'll find the upscale, full-service JW Marriott Miami. Nights start at 35,000 points, so you can use a Marriott 35k free night certificate on some dates of the year. Depending on your elite status tier with Marriott Bonvoy , you might be eligible for free breakfast at this hotel.

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.

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.

Non-points hotels

Miami is packed with all sorts of hotels that don't participate in a traditional loyalty program.

For a special occasion splurge, go for the Acqualina Resort & Residences on Sunny Isles Beach. The grounds are stunning and you'll feel as if you're in a palazzo in the Mediterranean somewhere.

Faena Hotel Miami Beach is for anyone who wants a glimpse of a rock star or celebrity ... sightings are common at this trendy spot.

Related: The best Marriott hotels for every budget in Miami Beach

Restaurants near Miami cruise port

PortMiami is in close proximity to many desirable neighborhoods so there's no lack of opportunity to find both destination dining and good local eats.

Little Havana along Calle Ocho (SW Eighth Street), the place to enjoy Cuban cuisine, is just a 15-minute taxi ride away. To see and be seen, check out the restaurants along Miami Beach's Collin Drive (12 minutes from the port). Or, if you're doing a pre- or post-cruise stay in the Brickell neighborhood, there are many excellent dining options along the waterfront on Brickell Bay Drive and Brickell Key Drive.

Related: The best credit cards for dining

Things to do near Miami cruise port

Miami is one of Florida's most popular vacation destinations and the embarkation point for major cruise lines. You could spend weeks here and still not see everything. If you want to tack on some time before or after your cruise, here are some things to do in Miami.

Hit the beach

There are 35 miles of beautiful beaches fronting Miami, from Sunny Isles Beach in the north to South Beach at the southern end. Throw in Key Biscayne and a few other islands and you have a plethora of choices.

How far is the cruise port from the beach? PortMiami is on Dodge Island, so the closest stretch of sand — and a very trendy one — is South Beach. It's about 10 minutes by taxi.

If you're more interested in bird-watching than people-watching, head south to Key Biscayne Beach or Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park (1200 Brandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne). At the tip of Key Biscayne, it has 400 acres of nature hemmed in by a 1-mile beach.

You can rent bikes to ride the trails or enjoy the day at the beach. 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.

Tour sassy South Beach

Even if you don't want to go to the beach, you still need to pay South Beach a visit to get a sense of what makes Miami tick. Stroll along Ocean Drive and get lost in the Art Deco Historic District, or enjoy some shopping, dining and gallery-hopping at the famous pedestrian Lincoln Road Mall.

To get that perfect selfie with Miami as the backdrop, head to South Pointe Park and Pier, where you can get a view of not only South Beach but also Fisher Island, PortMiami and Downtown Miami. If your visit includes an overnight stay, this is also the place to experience Miami's nightlife at its best.

Take the kids to the science museum

Families will want to make the 10-minute drive from the port to visit the Frost Museum of Science (1101 Biscayne Boulevard). Here, your family can marvel at the 500,000-gallon aquarium, kid-friendly touch tanks and the 250-seat 3D planetarium. There are also exhibits on the solar system, physics of flight, biology, light and lasers and more.

Visit the Wynwood Arts District

If you're into contemporary art, explore NW Second Avenue and its side streets. This is basically an outdoor museum with a variety of colorful wall murals. As you walk and discover the neighborhood's art, you can stop at craft breweries, art galleries and trendy restaurants and cafes. Several companies offer informative walking tours.

Related: The best times to visit Miami

Shopping near Miami cruise port

If you need to stock up on some last-minute cruise supplies, PortMiami is near two major shopping centers: Bayside Marketplace and Brickell City Centre.

Bayside Marketplace (401 Biscayne Blvd) is an open-air shopping and entertainment complex on the waterfront. If you're looking to pick up sunscreen and shampoo for your cruise, there are a few drugstores here, including CVS (200 Biscayne Blvd).

You can walk to Bayside Marketplace from PortMiami, but it's easier to take a taxi (about 15 minutes) or get on the free Coral Way Trolley and disembark at the Biscayne Boulevard stop.

If you have high-end shopping on your mind, head on over to Brickell City Centre (701 S. Miami Ave), where four floors and more than 120 stores are dedicated to designer labels and luxury. The Saks Fifth Avenue here is 107,000 square feet.

There's also a dine-in movie theater, CMX. For restaurants, there are many to choose from. We like Luke's Lobster, Pubbelly Sushi and Quito la Huella (Latin American farm-to-table organic fare).

Related: Your guide to the Amex Platinum Saks Fifth Avenue credit

To get to Brickell City Centre, take the free Metromovers Brickell Loop and exit at the Brickell City Centre station. Or, board a free Miami Trolley: the Brickell Trolley if you're coming from the south or the Biscayne Trolley if you're coming from the north.

If you're staying in Brickell before your cruise, there are plenty of drugstores near the neighborhood's many hotels.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Updated as of 4/18/2024.

• Port Overview
• Transportation to the Port
• Uber & Lyft to the Port
• Dropping Off at the Port
• Cruise Parking
• Cruise Hotels
• Hotels with Parking Deals
• Uber & Lyft to the Ports
• Things to Do
• Cozumel Taxi Rates
• Free Things to Do
• Restaurants Near the Cruise Port
• Hotels & Resorts With Day Passes
• Closest Beaches to the Cruise Port
• Tips For Visiting
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Parking Discounts
• Hotels with Shuttles
• Which Airport Should I Use?
• Transportation to the Ports
• Dropping Off at the Ports
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
• Inexpensive Hotels
• Hotels near the Port
• Hotels With Shuttles
• Budget Hotels
• Carnival Tips
• Drink Packages
• Specialty Restaurants
• Faster to the Fun
• More Articles
• CocoCay Tips
• Norwegian Tips
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Harvest Caye
• How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
• Best Time to Book a Cruise
• Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• Cruises Under $300
• Cruises Under $500
• Spring Break Cruise Deals
• Summer Cruise Deals
• Alaskan Cruise Deals
• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
• Cruising with Kids
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Port of Miami Cruise Guide: Everything About Sailing From Miami

When it comes to cruising, there’s simply no bigger — or busier — port than the Port of Miami. Also known as PortMiami, the cruise side of the port handles about 6 million passengers in a typical year, making it the most popular starting point for cruises on the entire planet.

By our count, the Port of Miami has eight active terminals with more on the way (including the current or soon-to-be “flagship” terminals of several major cruise lines), services over 1,200 sailings in the typical year, and offers a year-round warm weather locale to start (and end) your cruise.

With so much going on at the port, you might have questions about cruising from the city. For instance, how do you get to the port? Where do you park? What sort of tips and advice is there to make embarkation smoother?

We’ve dug into the all the details of cruising from PortMiami below. It will give you everything you need to know before you set sail.

In This Article...

• Distance from Miami Airport: 10 miles
• Number of Terminals: 8 (AA/AAA under construction and F being renovated)
• Passengers Carried Each Year: ~6 million
• Cruise Ship Dockings Each Year: 1,200+

Port of Miami Location

The Miami cruise port sits in a perfect location, on Dodge Island just over the causeway from downtown Miami. About three miles from the open waters of the Atlantic, the port is protected from the ocean yet still close enough to make it a short time to get out to sea.

The port is also near the Miami airport, which is roughly 10 miles away. The ride over will take 15-25 minutes by car.

If you are driving to the port, the address is:

1015 North America Way Miami, Florida 33132

The entire South Florida area is a hotspot for tourism, so you might be coming from anywhere in the area. In that case, here is the distance and expected drive time from a number of popular spots:

• Miami Airport: 10 miles | 15-25 minutes
• Fort Lauderdale Airport: 30 miles | 40-60 minutes
• Hollywood: 20 miles | 25-45 minutes
• South Beach: 6 miles | 10-15 minutes
• Doral: 15 miles | 30-40 minutes
• Brickell: 3 miles | 10 minutes
• Downtown Miami: 2 miles | 5-10 minutes

Things to Do Near the Port of Miami

As we said, downtown is near the port, meaning there are a number of interesting things to do and see right nearby.

FTX Arena Home of the Miami Heat, along with a number of special events, FTX Arena is right at the foot of the bridge that crosses to the cruise port. If you’re staying in the area before or after your cruise, check out the schedule to see if there is a concert or sporting event to give you something to do without going far.

Frost Science Museum A great place to visit with kids, the Frost Science Museum is just a couple of blocks from the cruise port. The museum offers a lot of science-focused exhibits, along with aquariums and a planetarium. Head up to the roof to get a dramatic sweeping view of the entire port area in the thoughtfully-designed open-air wildlife exhibit.

Freedom Tower The Freedom Tower is perhaps Miami’s most famous building. Originally built in the 1920s, the tower looks small and a bit out of place next to the towering modern skyscrapers nearby. Still, there is a lot of history here as it served as a processing center for Cuban refugees following the Communist revolution. Today it houses an art museum and is a gem in the history of Miami.

Cruise Terminals at the Port

As you would expect given the number of cruises that leave Miami, it has the capacity to dock a number of cruise ships as once. In fact, with a total of eight terminals (with several more on the way), more than a half-dozen ships can be berthed at any given time. Below we’ve listed current terminal and those under construction or soon to be built.

Terminal A Currently one of the crown jewels of the Port of Miami, Terminal A is exclusive to Royal Caribbean and is a monument to the cruise line. Featuring a modern styled look, Terminal A is at the far east end of the port, and is large enough to handle Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships, which are the largest in the world.

Terminal AA/AAA  Slated for completion in 2023/24 at a cost of $300 million, this terminal complex (pronounced “Double A” and “Triple A”) will be home to MSC and act as a flagship terminal at the port, with the ability to dock two ships at once. It is planned at the far east end of the terminal complex, making them the last terminals as you make your way out of the main channel to the open ocean.

Terminal B Terminal B (pictured above) is home to a Norwegian Cruise Lines. Featuring a large rounded façade that’s reminiscent of an ocean wave and a spectacular piece of modern architecture, the terminal — known as “The Pearl of Miami” — acts as the flagship home for one of the world’s largest cruise lines. 

Terminal C An older terminal that often served Norwegian Cruise Lines before that cruise line moved next door, Terminal C still gets use from cruise lines like Disney and MSC. From here you can get a great view of all of the Miami area, looking out east to South Beach or west to downtown.

Terminals D & E Often serving Carnival ships, Terminals D & E are where you will likely go if you are sailing the world’s largest cruise line. Terminal D in particular is bright, open and airy, making check-in a breeze.

Terminal G Terminal 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.

Terminal F Terminal F is undergoing a nearly $200 million renovation (which is likely to be completed by the time you read this) to become the new home to Carnival’s Excel class ships, like Carnival Celebration. It marks the third terminal dedicated to Carnival, with plans to keep ships there for at least 20 years.  

Terminal J Sailing on a cruise line with smaller ships, like Regent Seven Seas or Oceania? There’s a good chance you’ll sail from Terminal J. The cruise terminal is on the southern side of the island, opposite of the rest of the cruise port traffic. Its location with no other ships around make getting to your cruise a bit less hectic than some of the busier terminals.

Terminal V Notice that all the terminals go in alphabetical order, until you reach Terminal V? That’s because this is home to Virgin Voyages. The new terminal sits on the west end of Dodge Island, serving the adults-only cruise line.

Hotels in the Miami Port Area

When you cruise, it’s usually a good idea to arrive to the port city the day before your trip. Not only are there lots of things to do in the Miami area, but it also give you plenty of time should you run into a delay getting to the port. You don’t have to stress about missing the ship due to a flat tire or delayed flight on cruise day.

Of course, there are a number of hotels near the Miami cruise port. Hotels closest to the port usually offer higher-end accommodations due to being near trendy downtown and also usually have nicer atmosphere. You can also try staying in South Beach, with its famous art-deco hotels. It’s only about 10-15 minutes from the port and offers lots to see and do before a cruise.

If you’re not picky, however, you can save some cash by staying at hotels nearer the airport or elsewhere around the city. These hotels don’t have the “flash” of a swanky downtown Miami or South Beach hotel, but offer a comfortable place to stay for cheaper.

Below, we’ve listed just a few hotel options (there are hundreds — if not thousands in the Miami area).

Hotels Near the Cruise Port:

• Hampton Inn & Suites Miami/Brickell-Downtown
• DoubleTree Biscayne Bay

Hotels Near the Airport (Usually Less Expensive):

• Comfort Suites Miami Airport
• Hampton Inn Miami Airport South/Blue Lagoon
• Hyatt Place Miami Airport-West/Doral

One thing to watch is that many hotels in the touristy areas like South Beach have expensive charges to park and also charge resort fees. If you want to stay in South Beach, be sure to ask about these possible charges before you book so that you don’t see surprise charges you weren’t expecting. 

Getting to the Port (Transportation)

The great news about being in a tourist hotspot like Miami is that there’s an entire industry catering to tourists and cruise passengers to help you with anything you need. That means you have an number of transportation options to get to the port.

We’ve covered all of your options in-depth here in our port transportation page . For most people, however, they will use one of a handful of options.

Driving to The Port Live in Florida? Then you might be thinking about driving to the cruise port. While that means you’ll have to deal with South Florida traffic, it is a convenient way to get to your ship. Driving offers you the ability to arrive exactly when you want and to leave to get home as soon as you debark the ship. There is also ample parking at the Port of Miami, but know that it will cost $22 per day ($25-$28 if sailing from the Royal Caribbean terminal). See details on parking below for more details.

Uber/Lyft If you fly in for your cruise — or simply don’t want to deal with driving — then Uber and Lyft offer service throughout South Florida to the Miami cruise port (including the airports). Getting a ride at any time you want is as simple as opening the app and requesting a ride at your location. Estimated rates from points of interest are below and will vary based on traffic. Keep in mind these rates are for the car, not per person.

• Miami Airport: $20-$25
• Fort Lauderdale Airport: $40-$45
• Hollywood: $30-$35
• South Beach: $10-$15
• Doral: $25-$30
• Brickell: $10-$15
• Downtown Miami: $10-$15

Taxi Taxis are usually more expensive and less convenient than using a rideshare program like Uber or Lyft. Still, for those without a rideshare account or who simply prefer to take a cab, you can pick one up at the airport or request one from area hotels. Rates from the Miami airport are a flat $27. Estimated fares are below from the location listed to the port:

• Miami Airport: $27 (Flat Rate)
• Fort Lauderdale Airport: $65-$75
• Hollywood: $60-$70
• South Beach: $20-$25
• Brickell: $20-$25
• Downtown Miami: $10

Hotel Shuttles If you are staying at a hotel in the area, then know that many of them offer shuttles to the cruise port. Some hotels offer the service for free while others charge a nominal amount for the service. Either way, it’s a simple way to get to the ship on cruise day. See our full list of hotels in Miami with cruise shuttles to the port .

For all of your options on getting to the Miami cruise port, (including public transportation and more details on each of the items above), see our port transportation page here .

Parking at the Cruise Port

If you’re driving to the port, then you obviously need a place to park your car. As in other port cities, there’s an industry surrounding cruise parking for passengers. We cover all of your options in full detail (with prices and locations) in our Port of Miami cruise parking article .

To keep things simple, you have two main options — park at the official port parking or with an independent parking lot.

Official Port Parking The Port of Miami offers parking garages and lots near all of the cruise terminals. Parking is literally across the street from the ship. In total there are thousands of parking spaces — you don’t need to reserve a space or worry about finding a spot. 

Parking at the port is convenient, but it’s also expensive. Rates run $22 per day. There is space for oversized vehicles like RVs, but the rate is an additional $22 each day. Cash and all major credit cards are accepted, but debit cards are not.

Note that parking at Royal Caribbean’s Terminal A is $25 per day for sailings of six nights or more. The rate is $28 per day for cruises of five nights or less.

Are you a disabled cruiser? If so, you may be eligible for free parking at the Port of Miami. If your car has special modifications — such as ramps or driving controls — or you have a Florida Disabled Veteran license plate then you can park for free. For more details, see our article on free parking for disabled passengers here .

Independent Lots In 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.

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.

Hotels with Parking Miami is known for its tourism and that means there are countless hotels in the area. If you stay in the area between the airport and cruise port, then the hotels also cater heavily to cruise passengers.

As a perk, many hotels near the Port of Miami offer cruise parking deals. You stay one night and parking while you are on your cruise is included in your room package or is a small additional daily fee. As a bonus, many of the hotels also offer shuttles to the cruise port. Given the high cost of parking at the cruise port, hotel parking can save you considerably. You can see our list of Miami hotels with cruise parking here .

Dropping Off/Picking Up Passengers

Dropping off passengers at the port? Or picking up someone after your cruise? That’s a great way to help passengers save money and hassle of parking at the port.

While navigating around the port can be a little confusing given the twists and turns and the number of terminals, picking up and dropping off is simple. 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.

Numerous signs throughout the port area will direct you to the correct terminal for your ship. It may help to drop off or pick up at the very beginning or end of the terminal as there is less traffic here and it may be less of a hassle to stop and let out passengers.

Security & Check-In

These days many of us have gotten used to airport security, complete with long lines, body scanners, and strict rules on what you can and cannot bring. By comparison, security at the Port of Miami is much more enjoyable.

While the specifics of each terminal may be a little different, you’ll usually drop off any bags you want to check (simply meaning you don’t want to carry them on and rather have them delivered to your cabin later), enter the terminal and be asked for your boarding documents and ID. After this initial check, you’ll put any carry-on items through an x-ray machine and then you’ll walk through a metal detector.

Assuming that there’s no contraband or prohibited items in your luggage, you’ll collect it on the other side of the x-ray machine and then proceed to check-in.

These days many cruise lines have made a switch to allow passengers online check-in. There, your entire account is set up before cruise day. If you opt for this, you’ll proceed directly to the ship. Your room keys will be waiting in a sealed envelope at your cabin.

If you don’t do online check-in, no problem. You’ll wait in line for a cruise line representative. There are usually dozens of them working in the terminal, making the line move quickly. When it’s your turn, you will set up your onboard spending account, get your room keys and then proceed to the ship.

Disembarkation

Unfortunately, all good things have to come to an end, and that also means your cruise. So what’s it like to get off of a cruise ship in Miami?

Thanks to its popularity as a cruise port, we’ve found that Miami is one of the best in the business at getting folks off the ship as quickly as possible. When announced that you can depart the ship, you’ll re-enter the terminal that you left from but be directed to the disembarkation part of the facility.

Here, you will pick up any luggage that you set outside your cabin door for the crew to pick up. Many people, however, choose to simply carry all of their luggage off to get off the ship sooner.

Once off the ship and in the arrival hall, you will wait your turn for a Customs and Border Patrol officer to check your travel documents to return into the United States. Most terminals now have electronic kiosks that allow you to scan your passport or just take a photo and then continue on your way. It can literally take just minutes from leaving the ship until being out of the terminal. After that, you simply head outside to find your transportation from the cruise terminals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time should I arrive for my cruise from Miami? When you book your cruise, you’ll be assigned a boarding time or given a window when the cruise ship boards at the port. For instance, Carnival lets you select a 30-minute boarding time of your choice. Other lines simply tell you that boarding is open from, say, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you are given a boarding time, then obviously you should get to the port at this time. Entering the port, parking, and walking to the ship is usually pretty quick. For that reason, we suggest planning only about 10-15 minutes time extra. So if your boarding time is 1:00 p.m., then plan to actually get to the Port of Miami around 12:45.

If your cruise line has a broad boarding window (something like noon to 4 p.m.), then you can arrive at any point during that window. We suggest waiting until the second half of the boarding window to actually arrive. There is usually a big rush of people who want to board as early as possible, leading to longer lines. Waiting a little later can make check-in a breeze as the crowds have died down.

Is there anything to do at the port? If you are early for your cruise or need to kill some time before catching a ride to the airport or home, there is a small park at the Miami cruise port. Seafarer’s Park offers a swimming pool, restaurant, tennis courts, basketball court, and a sand volleyball court. It’s where you might find some crew from the cruise ships blowing off steam in between cruises.

If you want to walk over the causeway bridge, there are restaurants and things to do in downtown Miami. But in general, there isn’t a ton to do right at the cruise port. You’ll want to exit the area and head to downtown Miami most likely if you have time to spare.

How can I see what ships are in Miami the day I sail? Chances are slim that you’ll be the only cruise ship in port the day that you sail out and when you get back. If you’re interested in the other cruise ships that you’ll see while in port, then you can see a full schedule at Crew-Center.com . It’s a neat way to know what other mega ships you will see while on your trip.

How long does it take to get to the airport from the Port of Miami? We mentioned it above, but it takes about 15-25 minutes in normal traffic to get to the Miami airport from the cruise port. Expect 45 minutes to one hour if you are headed to Fort Lauderdale.

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Do I pay for parking at Garage G after the cruise is over? Thank you

When arriving at the port for a Royal Caribbean cruise do you drop of luggage in front of the ship and then park or do you park and bring it all with you from the parking garage?

You can do either. When you turn into the terminal when driving, you’ll see a huge wall with “Bag Drop” painted on it. Here you can drop luggage and then proceed to parking. Or if you want to just walk it in, you can do that too.

I need transportation from the Port of Miami to the Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale-Plantation on January 25th for 5 people. Could you give me an estamate of the cost for this? thank you

We see estimates of about $40 for a regular Lyft and about $80 for Lyft XL (larger car). Given the number of people and luggage, you’ll either need two cars or Lyft XL to fit everyone.

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Miami Cruise Port (Florida, USA): Guide and Review (2023)

All you must know about Miami cruise port: how to get to the port and the cruise terminals, embarking and disembarking, flying, driving and parking, what to do before or after a cruise.

By: Editor-in-Chief Updated: May 23, 2023

In this review, you will find quite a few helpful insider tips about the port of Miami, regardless of whether you are a savvy cruiser or have a cruise scheduled from Miami for the first time.

Unless you are a resident of South Florida, a couple of questions come to mind: "Should you get to Miami on the day before the cruise?", "Should you stay in Miami after a cruise?", "For how long should you stay?", "What is there to do, and is it worth the time and expense? And the topmost question is: "Where to stay overnight in Miami?"

Where is the cruise port in Miami?

• Embarking and Disembarking
• All Miami Cruise Port Terminals
• Flying to Miami and Getting to the Port
• Flying to Ft-Lauderdale and Getting to the Port

Driving to the Port of Miami

• Parking by the cruise terminals or nearby

Staying in Miami overnight

How to get around miami.

You will also wonder about the best way to get to the city: "Is it better to fly, or to drive to Miami?", "Are there any transportation alternatives?", "How to get around if staying overnight?"

But let's start from the beginning and the most relevant questions: "Should you get to the city the day before the cruise? Where is the port of Miami? What's the best way to get to Miami and the port?"

Unless you live within a reasonable driving distance, you should go to Miami at least on the day before the start of your cruise. Flying to Miami on the day of the cruise is risky - you may miss the cruise if a flight gets delayed -, and to be by your cruise terminal on time, you should get to Miami airport before noon.

Bear in mind that many savvy cruisers like to fly on the morning of the cruise and brag about never missing a cruise. It's up to you to take the risk, take a red-eye flight, stress out or get yourself on a cruising mood beforehand.

The Port of Miami is on a man-made island (know as Dodge Island) between Downtown Miami and South Beach. With around 5 million passengers per year, Miami is the busiest cruise port in the World. Hence being known as the Cruise Capital of the World.

This staggering number is concentrated on the weekends when up to eight mega-ships moor at its eleven terminals. Inevitably, disembarking and embarking in Miami during a weekend can be far from smooth and, at times, frustrating.

Google map of the Port of Miami

If you have a look at the map above, it is clear that the Port of Miami (on Dodge Island ) is connected by a bridge to Downtown on the West mainland. Some cruisers presume, wrongly, that the access to the port is easy.

However, many cruise passengers staying overnight at hotels in Downtown or Brickell and seeing the cruise ships from the window get frustrated once they realize that the distance is way too long to walk (between 2.5 and 4 miles). In particular when dragging luggage over a bridge in the hot and humid Miami weather. Keep reading to learn more about Embarkation / Disembarkation and Staying Overnight .

Walking to the port with luggage is out of the question. When staying overnight at a hotel nearby, you will not need to walk because most hotels in Downtown Miami provide shuttle buses to the cruise port.

If staying overnight in hotels close to the airport, in South Beach, or elsewhere in Miami, the best way to get to the Port of Miami is with Uber, Lift, or by Taxi. Driving (your car or a rented one) is not complicated. But there are a few tricks and tips to consider - more about driving and parking below.

Embarking and Disembarking in Miami cruise port

If embarking on a cruise, it isn't advisable to try to get to the port before 11:00 am as you will be going against the current . Most staff at the Terminals are focusing on disembarking guests, and the terminals may not be even fully ready as most cruise ships will not start the embarkation process before 11:00 am. However, if you arrive in Miami on a very early flight, there are sitting areas at the terminals but do not expect more than just a seat, a bathroom, and a long wait.

Naturally, when disembarking a cruise ship, most travelers want to get out of the port as fast as possible either to get home or to explore Miami before getting on a flight. Although the same transport limitations to embarkation apply, there are a few interesting alternatives.

Many cruise lines offer tours of Miami including a transfer to the Airport and secured locking for your luggage. But if you want to explore Miami on your own there are booths offering all sorts of excursions, tours, and hop-on-hop-off buses.

City Sightseeing Bus at the Port

Photo © IQCruising.com

The Cruise Terminals in Miami Port

The Port of Miami has been under huge renovations for a few years with the constructions of two new terminals - Terminal A (Royal Caribbean) and Terminal B (Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)- but also with the renovations of Terminal C, and building of Terminal H.

The Terminal A in Miami Cruise Port

Photo © IQCruising (2022)

Here you gave a list of the cruise terminals in the port of Miami and the cruise lines these terminals serve:

• Terminal AA/AAA: under construction, with two berths, to serve MSC Cruises
• Terminal A: opened in November 2018 , serves as homeport to Royal Caribbean International.
• Terminal B: completed in 2021, serving Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL).
• Terminal C: under renovation, to be joined with Terminal B.
• Terminal D: MSC Cruises, Fred Olsen, Hapag Lloyd.
• Terminal E: Carnival Cruises, Aida, Princess Cruises and P & O Cruises
• Terminal F: Carnival Cruises
• Terminal G: Celebrity, Royal Caribbean
• Terminal J: Oceania Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Azamara, Regent Seven Seas and Silversea.
• Terminal K: recently approved and under renovation for Disney Cruise Line.
• Terminal V (H): used to be Terminal H, is under renovation to be the terminal of Virgin Voyages.

The Terminal B in Miami Cruise Port

Flying to Miami (MIA) and getting to Miami Port

For those flying to South Florida to embark a cruise ship in Miami on the same day, traveling to the port is very straight forward regardless of the arrival airport - Miami or Fort Lauderdale.

From Miami Airport (MIA) to the Port of Miami

Miami's Airport can be chaotic at times - in particular on weekends in the morning. Most cruise lines offer transfers from the airport to the port. This service is not exactly cheap when compared with taxis or Uber but has the advantage of handling luggage straight to your cruise ship.

Cruise Shuttles, Taxis, Uber and Lift

The downside of cruise line transfers to the port is that most of these are only available on the specific day of embarkation and disembarkation, although the prices can be appealing - Carnival charges $33 per person (round trip).

The cruise traveler will find Yellow taxis right outside the exit doors of the airport and, generally speaking, even on rush hours you may not have to wait more than a few minutes in line. Taxis charge a $27 flat-fare per ride (not per person). Uber and Lift cost between $16 and $30 (depending on traffic and if using premium services). Both Uber and Lift apps are very well designed and you will be able to indicated precisely your waiting location.

Flying to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport (FLL) and and getting to Miami Port

When booking a flight to embark on a cruise sailing out of the Port of Miami, it is advisable to check prices including flights to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport. You may find much better prices, in particular, if flying from outside the United States. The Fort Lauderdale airport is only 30 miles (48 km) north of the Port of Miami.

Most Cruise Lines also offer transfers from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport (FLL) to the Port of Miami. Carnival offers this service for $62 round-trip per person. By contrast, Uber and Lift regular service is around $35 per trip (not per person) and a standard taxi will charge over $75 per ride.

Independent Shuttles

A good alternative to Cruise Lines Transfers, Taxi, Uber or Lift is the service provided by independent shuttle companies that can easily be booked online. There are quite a few and IQCruising does NOT in any way endorse, sponsor or gets paid to advertise any of them. Cruise travelers should check these services and prices, which can be very competitive, and also check for reviews online before booking.

Here are some of the best know companies offering the Shuttle Service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport (FLL) to the Port of Miami:

• Express Shuttle Miami
• Super Shuttle
• Go Airport Shuttle
• My Florida Shuttle Bus
• Miami Port Shuttle
• Bus Ticket Reservations

Private Car and Limo Services

Like with Independent Shuttles, IQCruising does NOT in any way endorse, sponsor or gets paid to advertise any of the many Private Car and Limo services offering transfers all over south Florida between its Airport and Port. In fact, we strongly advise to check online reviews before booking. However, you may find useful some of the links for these companies:

• Family Car Service
• Luxury Limousines
• Price 4 Limo

Unless you are a resident of Miami or the big residential areas close by and know your way around the web of streets, roads, flyovers around Downtown, there are a few insiders tips that can be useful for those driving to the Port of Miami.

I-95 Tunnel Sign, Miami

There are two main driving accesses to the Port of Miami. Either driving trough Downtown Miami – can be chaotic but not too bad on weekend early mornings – or trough the Port Tunnel . The latter is advisable unless you are staying in a hotel Downtown or in Miami Beach. The Tunnel entrance/exit is on MacArthur Causeway (I-395) that connects mainland Miami to South Beach, right in the middle of Watson Island (very close to the mainland).

If traveling from North or South, the I-95 connects directly to the MacArthur Causeway. Be aware that there are other connections to South Beach so look out for the sign: 395 East to Miami | Port of Miami via Tunnel | Miami Beach . This will be the Exit 2D regardless if driving from north or south.

When driving from West Florida , the MacArthur Causeway is a continuation of the Dolphin Expressway (I-395) and you will only need to follow the sign: 395 Miami Beach and look out for the sign ‘Port of Miami via Tunnel’, the exit will be on the left lane.

The Tunnel doesn’t have access if driving from South Beach and you will have to Exit on Biscayne Boulevard (Exit 2) and make a U-turn on N. Bayshore Drive to re-enter the MacArthur Causeway. Alternatively, just drive Downtown and follow the Port of Miami signs to cross the Port Bridge.

Once on the Port of Miami, there are clear signs indicating the Terminals and where cruise ships are docked. Most cruise lines always dock on the same terminals although these may change. Here is a list of the cruise lines homeporting in Miami and the cruise terminals used:

• Azamara: Terminal J
• Carnival Cruises: Terminals D, E and F
• Celebrity Cruises: Terminal G
• Crystal: Terminal J
• Disney Cruise Line: Terminal K, under renovation.
• MSC Cruises: Terminal D
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Terminal B
• Oceania Cruises: Terminal J
• Regent Seven Seas: Terminal J
• Royal Caribbean: Terminals A and G
• Virgin Cruises: Terminal V, under renovation

Obviously, the exit of the Port of Miami follows the reversed routes. Just be aware that signs can be rather small and lookout for one of two options: Exit Via Tunnel or Exit Via Port Bridge . The first will take you to the I-95, Dolphin Expressway and also to South Miami. The exit Via Port Bridge is only advisable if going to Downtown, Brickell, Coconut Grove or Key Biscayne.

Parking in and close to the Port of Miami

Parking in the Port of Miami is commendable: both convenient and safe. There is lots of space and all terminals have covered parking just across the main entrances and are clearly signed. Parking is not cheap at $25 per day ($175 for a 7-day cruise) but is absolutely safe. Check pricing updates on the official website Port Miami Parking .

There is also a good number of Private Companies offering Parking outside the Port that includes Free Round Trip Shuttle for less and equally secure. Some claim half price costs but most charge around $80 for seven days. Just as an example and not as advertisement you may want to check the following parking services :

• Premier Cruise Parking
• Parkway Parking
• We Park in Miami
• Safe Cruise Parking

Car Rental in Miami

Car Rental Center at the Airport

A good alternative to driving your own car to the Port of Miami is to rent a car. Most companies do not charge much to drop-off a car at a different location than the one where you rent it (within the state of Florida) and, considering the cost of parking in Miami ($25 per day at the Port or $15 with private services), you should at least consider it.

The drop-off is at the Miami International Airport and from here a FREE shuttle will take you directly to the Port of Miami, right to the Terminal of your cruise ship. Once disembarking the cruise, just get on the Car Rental Shuttle (which stops by all the Terminals) to get back to the Airport . If you rent a car in advance it may work out cheaper and more conveniently.

Miami is a city of multiple charms with lots of attractions to enjoy during a longer stay. Unfortunately, most touristic promotions have been focusing on a few main sites and leave out many other interesting aspects of the city that are worth exploring. Besides the Beach (on South Beach), the Seaquarium, the typical Everglades experience or Little Havana there is much more to enjoy on a overnight stay in Miami.

Vizcaya Museum Garden, Miami

After all, how many have traveled 25 miles to Aventura Mall not knowing that Dadeland Mall is just 15-minutes away by train? Or went to Bal Harbor to have a look at luxury shops, when you can find the same and even more stores within walking distance at the Brickell City Center or at the Design District (15-minute Trolley free ride away)? Why pay for a tour to the Vizcaya Gardens and Museum, to Wynwood or Little Havana when you have a Trolley that allows you to explore it on your own for free? What about renting a car – with a free shuttle from the port to the Car Rental center at the Miami Airport - and explore at leisure off-the-beaten-track places like the fabulous Miami Zoo, or Cape Florida.

Unlike most areas in Miami, Downtown (next to the Cruise Port) is very well served by public transportat ion (and most is free) with direct connections to the Airport, the Viscaya Museum, the Design District, the Entertainment District, Wynwood and all around Downtown - the Historical Center of Miami. All major points of interest in Miami are easy to reach by public transportation including South Beach, Little Havana, Dadeland, Key Biscayne and as far north as the Aventura Mall and Ft. Lauderdale.

Although it is easy to drive your personal car to the port, as do limos, taxis (and also Uber and Lift), hotel shuttles or sightseeing buses it is not always easy to find transportation when thousands of passengers are on the move. Ignored by most, there is a Trolley (FREE) with a stop next to Terminal J and another stop close enough to Terminal F - find below the terminals where cruise ships dock. However if your cruise ships docks at any of the other terminals the walk can be quite long - over 3/4 mile (1 km) to Terminal B.

Coral Way Trolley, Miami

This Trolley route goes all the way to Coral Gables but has a few convenient stops next to Bayside and Downtown and can be a good way to get in and out of the port. The Trolley runs every 20 minutes, every day of the week between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm (8:00 am to 8:00 pm on Sundays) but with limited service on holidays like Christmas, New Year and Thanksgiving.

Metro Mover, Miami

Other Public Transportation can be particularly useful when moving around Downtown area prior to Embarking or Disembarking. The free automated electrical MetroMover (aka People Mover) has 21 stations in three loops that connect all major places of interest in the area including Brickell or the Perez Art Museum, and close to major hotels.

Many other Trolley Routes (also free) crisscross downtown, connecting to farther places like Coconut Grove (ideal to visit Vizcaya Gardens), the Design District, Wynwood, Little Havana and Coral Gables. The Downtown Bus Terminal, close to the Government Center, has routes to South Beach, Key Biscayne (good for the Seaquarium) and as far as the Aventura Mall.

Train Station at the Airport

At the Government Center , the MetroRail has a Station with direct connections to the Airport and south to Dadeland (next to Dadeland Mall). The MetroRail also connects to the Tri-Rail (a commuter train to Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach) and to the Amtrack Silver Service Route to New York and Tampa.

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Miami Cruise Port (PortMiami)

Last updated on February 5th, 2024 at 09:33 am

Set off on your cruise adventure from the glamorous port of Miami, Florida. Known for its vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, and diverse culture, this vibrant city offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. Discover its iconic Art Deco architecture and indulge in delicious cuisine before embarking on your dream cruise.

1015 North America Way , Miami , Florida, 33132 ,

Miami is considered the Cruise Capital of the world, with over 4.8 million cruise passengers visiting it’s port in one year. Cruises originating from Miami Cruise Port embark from the Port of Miami which is located at 1015 N. America ...

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Top Tours & Excursions In Miami Cruise Port (PortMiami)

Miami sightseeing - hop on hop off.

Get a great view on this open-topped hop-on-hop-off bus tour with 20 stops across the city. See the most notable areas of Miami including Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, South Beach, Little Havana, and more. Explore and relax at your own pace...

Duration : Anytime between 9am and 6pm

Activity : Easy

Wheelchair Accessibility : No

Tour Includes: Pick-up/Drop-off at Bayside Marketplace

Sport Fishing Tour Miami

Fish from some of the best spots in Miami, including Biscayne Bay and South Beach. The crystal blue water and warm climate provide an opportunity to catch a wide array of fish species including marlin, tuna, sailfish and more!...

Duration : 4 Hours

Tour Includes: Rod, reel, bait, tackle and fishing licence.

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Miami Cruise Port

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Miami’s cruise port is the largest in the world and the second most important economic engine in Miami-Dade County.  It is recognized as the Cruise Capital of the World and the Gateway of the Americas for cargo transportation .

The Miami cruise port has several modern terminals designed to facilitate the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers.  Some of the terminals are exclusive to certain cruise companies, such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises or Virgin Voyages .  The port also has an underwater tunnel connecting Dodge Island to MacArthur Highway, reducing traffic in downtown Miami .

The cruise port of Miami receives more than 5 million passengers a year and serves more than 20 companies and 60 different ships.  Some of the world’s largest and newest ships call at or homeport in Miami, such as Symphony of the Seas, Norwegian Bliss or MSC Meraviglia .

If you want to know more about the cruise port of Miami, here is an article with titles, subtitles, lists and frequently asked questions in bold:

Miami Cruise Port: Everything You Need to Know

What is the cruise port of miami.

The Cruise Port of Miami is the largest in the world and the second most important economic engine of Miami-Dade County. It is recognized as the Cruise Capital of the World and the Gateway of the Americas for cargo transportation.

The port is located on Biscayne Bay on Dodge Island, near downtown Miami. The port has several modern terminals designed to facilitate the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers. Some of the terminals are exclusive to certain cruise companies, such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises or Virgin Voyages. The port also has an underwater tunnel connecting Dodge Island to MacArthur Highway, reducing traffic in downtown Miami.

The port receives more than 5 million passengers a year and serves more than 20 companies and 60 different ships. Some of the world’s largest and newest ships call at or homeport in Miami, such as Symphony of the Seas, Norwegian Bliss or MSC Meraviglia.

How to get to the Cruise Port of Miami?

There are several options to get to the Miami Cruise Port from Miami International Airport (MIA) or from other points in the city. Some of the most common are:

• Taxi: It is the fastest and most comfortable option, but also the most expensive. The approximate price from the airport to the port is $25 to $30 each way, depending on traffic and distance. The estimated time is 15 to 20 minutes.
• Shuttle: It is a cheaper option than the taxi, but less flexible. It is a shared service that picks up and drops off passengers at different points of the airport and the port. The approximate price is 15 to 20 dollars per person and way. The estimated time is 30 to 45 minutes.
• Uber or Lyft: They are mobile applications that allow you to request a private vehicle with a driver. They are an alternative to the taxi that is usually cheaper and easier to use. The approximate price from the airport to the port is 15 to 20 dollars each way. The estimated time is similar to that of the taxi.
• Public transport: It is the cheapest option, but also the slowest and most complicated. It involves taking a bus or train from the airport to downtown Miami and then another bus to the port. The approximate price is 5 to 10 dollars per person and way. The estimated time is one hour or more.

Which terminal corresponds to me according to my cruise?

The Cruise Port of Miami has 10 different terminals, numbered A through J. Each terminal is assigned to one or more cruise companies and their respective ships. It is important to know which terminal corresponds to you according to your cruise to get to the right place and avoid delays or confusion.

Here is a list of terminals and the companies that use them:

Terminal A: Royal Caribbean

Terminal b: norwegian cruise line, terminal c: disney cruise line, terminal d: carnival cruise line, terminal e: carnival cruise line, terminal f: msc cruises, terminal g: bahamas paradise cruise line, terminal h: azamara club cruises, celebrity cruises, oceania cruises, regent seven seas cruises, terminal j: crystal cruises, silversea cruises, viking ocean cruises, terminal v: virgin voyages.

To confirm your exact terminal, we recommend checking your travel documentation or contacting your cruise company before your departure.

What documents do I need to board my cruise?

The documents you need to board your cruise depend on your nationality and the itinerary of your trip. In general, the following is required:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of return.
• Visa or electronic permit (if required) for the countries you visit during the cruise.
• Printed or electronic boarding pass sent to you by your cruise company.
• Completed health form requested by your cruise company.

It is important that you review the specific requirements for your case in advance and that you bring all the original and proper documents. Otherwise, you may have trouble boarding or entering any country.

What services are there in the port terminals?

The terminals of the Cruise Port of Miami are equipped with various services to facilitate and enhance the passenger experience. Some of the most common services are:

• Waiting area with seating
• Information screens
• Check-in and baggage drop-off counters
• Security control and customs
• Access walkways to the ship
• Shuttle service between terminals and car parks
• ATMs and currency exchange
• Shops and vending machines
• Bathrooms and water fountains

Each terminal may have additional or specific services depending on the company that manages it. For example, some terminals may offer lounges, luggage storage, medical service or children’s areas.

What time do I have to arrive at the port to board?

The time you have to arrive at the port to embark depends on the schedule set by your cruise company. In general, it is recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before the departure of the boat to have enough time to carry out all the necessary procedures.

However, some companies may assign you a specific time or time slot to show up at the port. This is done to avoid crowding and improve passenger flow. In that case, you must respect the indicated time and not arrive too early or too late.

To confirm your exact or approximate time of arrival at the port, we recommend checking your travel documentation or contacting your cruise company before your departure.

What can I do if I have free time before or after the cruise?

If you have free time before or after the cruise, you can take the opportunity to get to know Miami and its surroundings. Miami is a vibrant and multicultural city that offers many options for all tastes and interests. Some of the things you can do are:

• Visit the historic and cultural center of Miami, where you will find museums, theaters, galleries and emblematic buildings such as the Freedom Tower or the Gesu Church.
• Enjoy the sun and the beach in Miami Beach, a tourist area famous for its festive atmosphere, art deco hotels and nightlife. You can also stroll along Ocean Drive or Lincoln Road Mall, two of the most popular and lively streets in the area.
• Explore the Little Havana neighborhood, the heart of the Cuban community in Miami. Here you can taste the typical gastronomy and music of Cuba, visit the Cuban Museum or the Cuban Memorial, or play dominoes in the Máximo Gómez Park.
• Get to know the neighborhood of Wynwood, the center of urban and alternative art in Miami. Here you can admire the murals and graffiti that decorate the walls of the Wynwood Walls or the Wynwood Art District, as well as visit the galleries and workshops of local artists.
• Discover the neighborhood of Coconut Grove, one of the oldest and greenest in Miami. Here you can enjoy nature in the Vizcaya Park or the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden, or relax on the terraces and cafes of the CocoWalk.
• Venture into the Everglades, a national park that is home to one of the most unique and diverse ecosystems in the world. Here you can observe the native fauna and flora, such as alligators, flamingos or mangroves, taking an airboat tour or on foot along the enabled trails.

Frequently Asked Questions about Miami Cruise Port

Can i leave my car at the port during my cruise.

Yes. The Cruise Port of Miami has several guarded and covered car parks for passengers who want to leave their car during their cruise. The price is $22 per day and is paid when you leave the parking lot. It is advisable to reserve your place in advance on the port’s website.

What sanitary measures are in place at the port due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

The Cruise Port of Miami follows the recommendations and protocols established by health authorities and cruise companies to ensure the safety and health of passengers and staff. Some of the measures are:

• Mandatory use of a mask in the port facilities
• Temperature control and rapid antigen test at port entrance
• Social distancing and capacity limitation in common areas
• Frequent disinfection and use of hydroalcoholic gel
• Natural or filtered ventilation at terminals
• Staggered, contactless boarding

These measures may vary according to the evolution of the health situation and the rules in force. We recommend that you check the updated information on the port’s website or with your cruise company before your departure.

What can I do if I lose or have something stolen at the port?

If you lose or have something stolen at the port, you should go to the nearest customer service center or police station to report the incident. You can also call +1 305 347 4800 to contact the port’s lost and found service. If the lost or stolen item is of value or contains personal information, we advise you to report it to the competent authorities.

What can I do if I have a problem with my cruise?

If you have a problem with your cruise, such as a cancellation, itinerary change, onboard incident or subsequent claim, you should contact your cruise company directly to resolve it. The Cruise Port of Miami is not responsible for the services provided by cruise companies nor can it intervene in their decisions.

What can I do if I need special assistance at the port?

If you need special assistance in port due to a disability or medical condition, you must request it in advance from your cruise company and the Cruise Port of Miami. Some of the services offered are:

• Adapted access and ramps in terminals and car parks
• Wheelchairs and electric scooters available on request
• Adapted shuttle service between terminals and car parks
• Qualified staff and appropriate signage for the hearing or visually impaired

To request special assistance at the port, you can call +1 305 347 4800 or send an email to [email protected] .

The Cruise Port of Miami is the largest in the world and the second most important economic engine of Miami-Dade County. It is the Cruise Capital of the World and the Gateway of the Americas for cargo transportation.

The port has several modern terminals designed to facilitate the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers. The port receives more than 5 million passengers a year and serves more than 20 companies and 60 different ships. Some of the world’s largest and newest ships call at or homeport in Miami.

To get to the port, there are several options from the airport or from other points in the city, such as taxi, shuttle, Uber or Lyft or public transport. To board the cruise, documents such as passport, visa or electronic permit, boarding pass and sanitary form are required. The port offers various services such as free Wi-Fi, waiting area, security and customs control, access walkways to the ship, shuttle service between terminals and car parks, ATMs and currency exchange, shops and vending machines or toilets and water fountains.

If you have free time before or after the cruise, you can take the opportunity to get to know Miami and its surroundings. Miami is a vibrant and multicultural city that offers many options for all tastes and interests. You can visit the historical and cultural center of Miami, enjoy the sun and the beach in Miami Beach, Explore the neighborhood of Little Havana, Get to know the neighborhood from Wynwood, Discover the neighborhood from Coconut Grove, or venture into the Everglades.

We hope this article has been useful and informative to prepare your trip to the Port of Cruises of Miami. If you have any questions or suggestions, Do not hesitate to contact us or leave us a comment. Good trip! 🚢

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Port Miami cruise ship schedule

Miami cruise ship calendar 2024 provides a list of cruise ships scheduled to arrive in port with detailed information, including dates and estimated time of arrival and departure. To view how busy is the port we have included the maximum passenger capacity for each vessel. This timetable displays dates and times cruise liners are scheduled to sail into the port with the name of the ship, cruise operator, and the number of passages based on double occupancy. Please note, that the following cruise ship schedule is created on updated itineraries from the major cruise lines. The cruise ship schedule I subject to change and might be affected by various reasons including weather conditions, or itinerary changes by the cruise lines. Port of Miami is situated in Biscayne Bay on Dodge Island. The Port has 8 terminals. Dodge Island's north part are terminals B/C, D, E, F, and G, Terminal H is on the west side, and on the south Terminal J. Cruise terminals D and E started to operate in 2007 and hosts the world's largest cruise ships.

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11 Reason To Sail on Cruises From Galveston

I n no uncertain terms, a cruise port makes all the difference regarding your entire vacation. After all, the location of your departure sets the tone for your trip moving forward, determining which destinations you’ll reach once you’re on the high seas.

While specific destinations like Miami or Canaveral boast unique strengths, something might also be said for the Port of Galveston, Texas. A smaller port overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston may not be the largest or busiest destination from which to depart. Yet, there are plenty of amicable reasons to look into this idyllic Texan island for your next cruise-going experience.

1. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Offer Cruises From Galveston

Looking at it plainly, Galveston has three cruise terminals making up its port. In contrast, far larger alternatives, like the Port of Miami, have eleven terminals. Because of this, Galveston unfortunately cannot house many of the industry’s prestigious cruise lines. However, the port’s terminals support several large-scale cruise corporations, with Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, MSC, and Disney Cruises departing from Galveston regularly.

2. The Nearby Cruise Destinations Are Well Worth It

Admittedly, inevitable drawbacks are attached to cruises from Galveston. Considering how much farther west it is than ports in Florida or along the East Coast, most cruise lines out of Galveston cannot travel to their company’s private islands as many are in the Eastern Caribbean. However, Galveston’s location along the Gulf of Mexico has its distinct perks, including ready access to the Western Caribbean and parts of South and Central America. Though some guests might regret losing a chance at CocoCay, it’s hard to be upset when trekking along the shores of Mexico, Honduras, or Belize.

3. It’s Easier To Navigate Than Larger Ports

There’s no simple answer when it comes to determining the total cost of cruises from Galveston over any other port in the U.S. Like most ports, the final cost of the cruise depends on numerous factors, including the time of year you’re sailing, the location of your cabin, and the cruise line you plan on traveling with. However, the convenience of navigating the port itself makes Galveston a perfect option for anyone new to cruise vacations. Avoiding the large-scale crowds and tedious boarding lines as other major ports, Galveston remains a hassle-free destination for most novice travelers out there.

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4. galveston is conveniently located in the central u.s..

Given Galveston’s distinct location in eastern Texas , it’s one of the most readily accessible ports for travelers across the U.S. Located in the heart of America, travelers from the Western U.S. will have just as easy time reaching it as vacationers from the Midwest or East Coast. After all, who wants to sit on a lengthy plane ride to reach their port of call? Also, Galveston lacks the same high value of traffic as Miami or other popular ports, making it relatively hassle-free to reach.

5. The Port Terminal Is Reasonably Close to the Airport

Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport is the closest airport to Galveston. Roughly 41 miles northwest of the port, travelers can easily navigate from the airport to their cruise terminal in under an hour. Galveston is also close to several major cities, making it an option, albeit a farther one, for anyone flying into Austin or Dallas. However, given Houston’s short driving distance to Galveston, William P. Hobby Airport is your best bet for air travel.

6. The Boarding Process Is Quick and Seamless

As mentioned above, Galveston doesn’t have the same volume of passengers flooding through its port as Miami, Canaveral, or Port Everglades. As a result, boarding a ship is comparatively tamer—especially since the port opened up its third and latest terminal in 2022. Having been constructed in the past two decades and carefully refurbished, these terminals are in fantastic shape, making the onboarding process much more efficient for vacationers. The terminals also come equipped with innovative new features, with Terminal 3 offering mobile check-in and state-of-the-art facial recognition devices.

7. There Are Plenty of Hotels Nearby

Another notable feature of Galveston is the number of hotels near the port. (Because let’s face it: what’s more accessible than simply waking up, hopping in your car, and practically walking onto the ship without worrying about losing track of time?) What’s more, many of the hotels in the Galveston area have special offers for anyone traveling onboard a cruise ship. These offers include free or discounted parking rates and a helpful shuttle that ferry passengers back and forth from the hotel to the ship. While several hotels in Galveston have these amenities, some of the best include the Hilton Galveston Island Resort and the San Luis Resort .

8. Parking Is Easy

Don’t let Galveston’s size fool you—the port itself has plenty of options when it comes to parking. As previously suggested, anyone staying at a nearby hotel might want to consider leaving their car parked there and taking a shuttle, taxi, or Uber over to their terminal. Additionally, travelers can reserve a space in the port’s parking lot ahead of their trip. These parking spaces are safe and secure, and port employees will assist with any luggage brought aboard on cruises from Galveston.

9. Galveston Itself Is a Beautiful Place To Visit

The main reason we believe you should depart from Galveston on your next cruise is the opportunity you’ll have to see what it has to offer. Like most major cities, there’s plenty to do and see around town, with every prospective sight catering to travelers’ interests. For those interested in shopping, the Strand Historical District has plenty of independently owned stores that feature everything from odd tchotchkes to essential beach items. Galveston’s famous Moody Gardens is an educational park built around natural wonders such as exotic sea life, immaculate flowers, roaming monkeys, and sloths.

10. You’re Bound To Find Some Great Last-Minute Deals

As previously mentioned, Galveston is a more scaled-down port than Miami or Port Canaveral, but its three terminals still receive cruise ships constantly. Because of this constantly moving schedule, most travelers will find it incredibly easy to find last-minute deals on select cruises from Galveston—often days before the ship is booked to leave. Sure, it may not be practical for those traveling from longer distances to book something last-minute. Yet these last-minute deals are well worth it for anyone within a short distance of Galveston.

11. Galveston Is Steeped in Rich Maritime History

Galveston is a city rich in history, having first been settled by Indigenous Natives of the Akokisa and Karankawa tribes before the Europeans arrived in the 1600s. Over the next several centuries, Galveston became a hub for maritime trade, eventually attracting such notable figures as French buccaneer Jean Lafitte. All that being said, history buffs will delight at the chance to visit Galveston, taking in some of the numerous historical sights around town—like Lafitte’s personal hideaway at Maison Rouge or the Michael B. Menard House, named after one of Galveston’s original American settlers. Even those who don’t care for history will find these areas fascinating.

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Watch CBS News

Holland America crewmember missing after going overboard before vessel docks at Port Everglades

By Hunter Geisel

Updated on: April 13, 2024 / 4:52 PM EDT / CBS Miami

FORT LAUDERDALE  — A search is underway for a cruise ship crewmember who went overboard while the vessel was still at sea before docking in South Florida this weekend.

Around 11:18 a.m. Saturday, deputies with the Broward County Sheriff's Office Port Everglades District responded to a report of a missing crewmember on a Holland America cruise ship.

According to Holland America, the crew member was reported missing when the Rotterdam vessel docked in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday. After reviewing the security camera video, the crew member went "purposefully overboard" around 9:45 p.m. Friday while the vessel was still en route between Cuba and Key West, the cruise line told CBS News Miami.

BSO's Homicide and Crime Scene units have responded to Port Everglades to investigate, while the U.S. Coast has been notified and is currently searching the sea for the crew member.

"All of us at Holland America Line are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the team member's family at this difficult time," the cruise line shared in a statement with CBS News Miami.

This is a developing story. Tune into CBS News Miami on-air and online for the latest updates.

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Hunter Geisel is a digital producer at CBS News Miami. Hunter has previously produced digital content for local and national outlets, covering several topics from breaking news and current events to politics and pop culture.

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