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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.

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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.

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• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
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Updated as of 4/18/2024.

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• terminal-information

PortMiami Cruise Terminal Information

Last updated on March 7th, 2024 at 01:17 pm

Located in the vibrant city of Miami, PortMiami is one of the world's busiest cruise terminals. With its modern facilities and convenient access to the city's renowned beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cultural attractions, it offers an exciting departure point for cruises to the Caribbean and beyond. Explore the diverse neighborhoods, savor the flavors of Latin cuisine, and soak up the sun-drenched atmosphere before setting sail from this iconic departure point.

Miami is considered the Cruise Capital of the world , with over 7 million cruise passengers visiting it’s port each year. There are numerous place to shop , along with restaurants and things to do near the Port of Miami . Cruises originating from Miami embark from the Port of Miami which is located at 1015 N. America Way, Miami, Florida.

Miami International Apirport is just eight miles away from PortMiami. The port caters to travelers with on-port parking and easy access to public transportation, taxes and rideshares.

PortMiami is situated on Biscayne Bay and supports 335,000 direct and indirect jobs. The port also processes cargo through its ports. 

The port’s recent infrastructure expansion added three new cruise terminals with ongoing construction of future facilities. The port is also finalizing its Shore Power Program that will give the port the capability to plug three cruise ships into shore power. This will allow a cruise ship to turn off their primary engines while docked, reducing air emissions. 

Directions to Port of Miami

Driving from the north, you may take I-95 and exit at 3B Bayside. Keep going south and turn left into Northeast 5th Street, where you will eventually get to the bridge into the Port of Miami.

From the south, take I-95 North and take Northwest 2nd Street exit. Keep going and then turn right toward Northwest 5th Street. From here you will see the Port of Miami Bridge which will take you into the port entrance.

If you are travelling in from the Interstate, look for the signs for the PortMiami tunnel. It’s a quick and free way to get directly to the port without having to get off the Interstate and drive in downtown Miami.

Click the helpful links below: 

Port of Miami Transportation

Getting from Fort Lauderdale to Port of Miami

Port of Miami Hotels

Touring the area after your cruise? Store your luggage with Luggage Hero. Click here to finding pricing and locations closest to the PortMiami Cruise Terminal.

Port of Miami Cruise Terminals

Click for Port of Miami Parking

Royal Caribbean’s Terminal A

Cruise Terminal A – the Crown of Miami –  was built specifically for Royal Caribbean in 2018, enabling it to handle Royal’s largest ships with the latest technology for an expedited check-in process.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of Seas has its home port in Miami. The Titanic was once the world’s largest cruise ship. Over five times the size of the Titanic, the Icon of the Seas is over 1000 feet long and 20 decks tall.

Its 55 foot onboard waterfall is the largest waterpark at sea. Powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the Icon of the Seas will reduce its impact on port of Miami, but will also have a shoreside power connection that will allow it to plug into the electric grid while docked in port. 

Norwegian’s Terminal B

Cruise Terminal B – the Pearl of Miami – was built for Norwegian Cruise Line and opened in 2021 and can accommodate ships carrying as many as 5000 passengers.

Miami Cruise Terminals C, D & E have been built with mega-ships holding up to 5000 passengers. In order to move passengers through the terminal as quickly as possible, the highest-technology in screening is available, as well as a conveyor system, similar to an airport, to retrieve your luggage when you disembark.

Carnival’s Terminal F

Carnival’s expansion to Miami’s Terminal F broke ground in early 2021 in preparation for Carnival’s newest ship set to debut in 2022 – the Carnival Celebration.  Here’s a video of the proposed terminal renovations:

Terminal G is one of Miami’s landmarks with the iconic sails:

Miami Cruise Terminal J was built with smaller luxury cruise line passengers in mind – Azamara, Regent Seven Seas & Oceania.

Virgin Voyages Terminal V

Opened late 2021 with the arrival of Virgin’s Scarlett Lady, this state of the art terminal  – Palm Grove – is located on the north west side of the port (see link to map below).

MSC’s Terminal AA/AAA

MSC has broken ground on their new cruise terminal slated to open in 2023 and will be able to hold up to three ships at once. Here’s a rendering of the new terminal, built in partnership with Fincantieri (who is currently building the MSC Seashore at their shipyard in Italy).

Port of Miami Map

Port of Miami Webcam

Port of Miami Cruise Lines & Ships

The following cruise lines have ships that depart from Miami, mainly during the Spring, Fall and Winter months: Azamara Norwegian Carnival Oceania Celebrity Royal Caribbean MSC Viking Disney Regent Seven Seas Virgin Voyages

Miami Weather

Miami enjoys warm weather all year ’round, with highs reaching into the 70s and 80s. Hats and sunblock are highly recommended even during cloudy days. The humidity can be a bit stifling during the summer months, particularly for those accustomed to dry heat. June is the rainiest month of the year.

Cruise passengers traveling to Miami should be aware that the city–as is the entire state of Florida–is located in the hurricane belt. Because storms and hurricanes are common during the months between early June and the end of November, it is advisable to purchase travel insurance when traveling to and from the area during this period.

See Excursions in Miami

This page contains affiliate links for which we may receive financial compensation when a purchase has been made through one of our affiliate partners.

Cruise Planning at this Port

Transportation

Park & Cruise Hotels

Hotels Close to the Port

Fly & Cruise Hotels

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Cruising From Miami

Getting to PortMiami

By Liz Cepeda

March 27, 2023

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Port of Miami Guide

A Guide to Miami Cruise Port Terminals

The city is a world class destination for you to enjoy before or after you set sail on your cruise. Iconic views at Miami Beach, lively South Beach, pristine Everglades National Park, bustling streets in Little Havana, beautiful architecture in the Art Deco Historic District, and much more await you.

With more than 20 cruise lines berthing 55 ships, PortMiami is one of the world’s leading cruise destinations. More than 4 million cruise passengers traveled through the port in 2022.

Cruise ships sail to points across the Caribbean , the Bahamas, Mexico and other thrilling ports from South Florida’s cultural and economic center.

Easily accessible from Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, the port is minutes from Downtown Miami and major interstates.

If you are planning a pre- or post-cruise stay in Miami, there are plenty of hotels close to the Port of Miami that cater to virtually any taste and budget.

Read also : Where should I stay for a cruise from Miami?

Port of Miami in Florida Miami Cruise Terminals Getting to Miami Cruise Port Port of Miami Parking Best Time to Visit & Cruise Where to stay near the port Where to shop near the Port of Miami Sights to See Best ways to get around Miami

Miami Cruise Terminals

Modern and efficient, the future 11 cruise terminals at PortMiami are designed for quick boarding and disembarkation. Many have undergone extensive renovations, while others will be updated to offer a better travel experience for cruise passengers. Passenger drop-off is offered in front of each terminal, and parking is also available at the port.

Opened in 2018, Terminal A is home to Royal Caribbean Cruises and is the largest cruise terminal in the United States. The iconic sails of Terminal G make it an instantly recognizable landmark in Miami, and the terminal also serves Royal Caribbean. Terminal J is a boutique facility that caters to luxury cruises and smaller ships.

Moving from Terminal F, MSC Cruises will sail out of a newly designed Terminals AA/AAA in 2024. Carnival’s ships are based at Terminals D and E, and the newly renovated Terminal F from 2022. Norwegian Cruise Line operates out of Terminals B and C, while the new Terminal K will be the base for Disney Cruise Line. Terminal V opened in 2022 for Virgin Voyages .

Miami has several cruise terminals and they are:

• Terminal AA/AAA – MSC Cruises (2024)
• Terminal A – Royal Caribbean | The Crown of Miami
• Terminal B – Norwegian Cruise Line | The Pearl of Miami
• Cruise Terminal C – Disney Cruise Line | MSC
• Terminals D & E – Carnival, Princess Cruises, P&O, Holland America Line
• Terminal F – Carnival Cruises
• Terminal G – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises
• Terminal J – small vessels and luxury cruises (Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas)
• Terminal K – Disney Cruise Line (Pending)
• Terminal V – Virgin Voyages | Palm Grove

Getting to Miami Cruise Port

PortMiami sits across from Miami’s soaring skyline and south of scenic Biscayne Bay. The sprawling port is connected to the city via Port Boulevard and is easily accessible from any destination in and around Miami. Interstates 95 and 395 are less than five minutes away, and Miami International Airport is about a ten-minute drive from the port.

If traveling to the cruise terminals at PortMiami by car, you can use the following address on your GPS : 1015 North America Way, Miami, FL, 33132. Signs will guide you to cruise terminals and parking lots, which are close to all terminals.

From Miami International Airport (7 miles): Estimated Driving Time: 20 minutes (depending on traffic)

– Via Port Tunnel: Get on FL-836 E in Miami from Miad Cir

– Continue on FL-836 E and keep left to continue on I-395 E. Then keep right to continue on MacArthur Causeway and use the left 2 lanes to take the Miami Beach exit.

– Continue onto Port Miami Tunnel and use the left lane to continue toward Port Blvd. Use the left lane to turn slightly left onto Panama Way and use the left lane to turn slightly left onto N Cruise Blvd. Then turn left onto Europe Way and follow the signs to your pier terminal.

From Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (26 miles): Estimated Driving Time: 45 minutes (depending on traffic)

– Get on I-95 S in Dania Beach from Terminal Dr, Perimeter Rd and FL-818 W/Griffin Rd

– Follow I-95 S to Port Miami Tunnel in Miami. Use the left 2 lanes to take exit 2D toward I-395 E/Miami Beach

– Merge onto MacArthur Causeway and use the left 2 lanes to take the Miami Beach exit towards Port of Miami Tunnel and follow the signs for your pier terminal.

Cruise line transfers

Many cruise passengers arrive and depart by air. Most cruise lines provide shuttles for passengers arriving from across the U.S. and beyond at Miami International Airport. These transfers can be arranged in advance online or by calling to the cruise line (2 to 4 days prior to sailing depending on which cruise line).

Note : These shuttles are mainly only available on the day of embarkation or disembarkation. As it’s recommended to arrive at least 1 day before your voyage, this option is not suitable for most cruise passengers.

Cruise line transfers are not cheap at are charged per person. Currently for example Carnival Cruises charges $22.99 per person for a transfer from the airport to the Port of Miami. Other and cheaper options include taxi, Uber or Lyft. An Uber or Lyft is mostly the cheapest way to get to your departure terminal.

Taxi – Uber/Lyft

There is no longer a flat rate of $27 from the airport to the port, this was removed after the covid period. A taxi from the airport to the port will cost you approx. $40.

In addition to taxis, ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are available from points across the city and surrounding area. It basically means you use a very simple smartphone app to request a ride, and your driver uses his/her personal vehicle. These are great hassle-free options to get to your cruise terminal and are often more comfortable than a cab.

Prices of Uber/Lyft start around $20 from Miami airport to cruise port and even less for a shared pool ride. The cost of UberXL is approx. $41 while Premier and SUV cars run around $50 to $90. Prices can vary during traffic delays or high-demand times.

These rates are per car or taxi, not per person.

Public Transportation to Port of Miami

If you prefer to use public transit , you can use Metrorail’s Orange Line from Downtown Miami. You will then need to transfer to the Metromover of City of Miami Coral Way Trolley from the Government Centre Metrorail/Metromover Station.

You can download the Go Miami-Dade Transit app and guide to help you plan your journey by bus, train or mover car from anywhere in the city.

Trains also bring cruise passengers to and from Maimi. Virgin Trains USA (formerly operating as Brightline ) connect Miami with Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando in the near future. Comfortable express trains depart from and arrive at Virgin MiamiCentral in Downtown Miami.

Amtrak train services from New York City, Washington, Richmond, Savannah, Orlando and other cities across the Eastern Seaboard operate from Miami Station, which is close to the Tri-Rail/Metrorail Transfer Station.

Hotels with Free Shuttle

As flight delays can always happend due to bad weather or cancelations we can recommend to book a stay at a hotel at least for one day ahead of your cruise. Some hotels close to the port offer a shuttle service for a small fee and some airport hotels such as the Comfort Suites hotel offer a complimentary shuttle service from the airport and to Miami cruise port.

At some properties you can even leave your car parked at the hotel to avoid costly port parking.

Similarly, there are rental car companies that provide courtesy shuttles after you drop off your vehicle.

Private Transportation to Miami Cruise Port

A variety of companies provide private transportation between Miami Airport and the Port of Miami cruise terminals. They offer drop-off or pick-up service between the International Airport and the cruise port. These shuttles can also be booked for getting you to/from a hotel to the terminal and airport. It’s a stress-free way to travel in comfort as driver will be waiting for you and will drop you off at your destination.

Check fares for Private Transportation to Cruise Port .

How to get from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport to Miami Cruise Port

Anybody looking to travel the 30 miles from Fort Lauderdale airport (FLL) to Miami’s Cruise Port will be well served by a fantastic transport nexus specifically tailored to the bustling cruise network. But with so many transportation options available, it’s good to have in mind what each one offers, so that you can plan accordingly. Whatever transportation you choose, its best to allow at least 45 to 60 minutes for you journey from the airport to your Miami hotel or cruise terminal.

Cruise Line Transfer

Reserving your airport transfer through the cruise line promises a level of convenience, comfort and assurance that other options might not meet. You will often be greeted by cruise company representatives, conducted to a comfortable coach, and be safe in the knowledge that if the shuttle is delayed the cruise will not be leaving without you.

The comfort and assurance of the official option does come at a cost however, with many shuttle services costing around $25 to $35 per person. Charges like this may be fine if you are travelling alone, but they soon add up to a large bill if you are travelling with family.

Airport & Private Shuttles

Any airport departure gate will be well served by independent shuttle companies, and in Fort Lauderdale there are plenty of shuttle services catered to cruisers. Opting for an independent airport shuttle service will often be cheaper than a cruise line’s official shuttles. Rather than a coach, expect a minibus, and if travelling alone, expect to share the journey with other cruisers.

Private shuttles are a viable option for small groups, working out around $30 a head, this competes with the official cruise lines’ shuttle services. If you want to upgrade from an economy vehicle to something a little more stylish there are also private car and limo companies throughout the area offering private and stylish transportation between airport and seaport.

Check rates for transfers from Ft Lauderdale to Miami

Hotel Shuttles

The hotels of Fort Lauderdale near the port are well prepared to service cruisers, but often hotels in the area will only provide shuttle journeys to the nearby Port Everglades Cruise Terminal in Fort Lauderdale itself.

If you are looking to travel further afield to the Port of Miami, you may need to make your journey through a private travel service.

Taxis and Uber Journeys

Another form of independent travel between airport and cruise terminal are taxis, which don’t require pre-booking. However, ordering a traditional taxi at the rank right outside the airport can be expensive, with a one-way trip costing at least $72, and these services are less flexible than more recent competitors in the taxi market.

For the best taxi experience consider an established rideshare app like Uber or Lyft. With established pick up and drop off points, and drivers who are familiar with the route and the time it will take, these services are a great reliable way to conduct your journey, with convenient free apps giving you the option of pre-booking your journey, and shared pool rides starting from as little as $32.

Unlike other services, rideshare apps charge for the use of car, not for each passenger, so your money can go a long way if you are travelling in a large party, with 4 people able to make the trip for as little as $40, that’s $10 each. Also, if you want to splash out a bit more, these apps can be used to book a high-end SUV for your journey, providing a costlier but more luxurious travel experience. All payments can be conducted securely through the app via credit card, meaning you don’t need to worry about getting a hold of cash.

Public Transport

Using the train to travel from FLL to the Port of Miami can be an incredibly cheap option, but does require more familiarity with the area, and may be a difficult journey to conduct with large parties bearing lots of luggage.

The journey consists of taking a Tri-Rail train to Miami International Airport (for under $5), before taking the Metrorail Orange Line (at around $2 a head), changing at the Freedom Tower stop to board a free train on the Coral Way Route to reach Port Miami. This journey can cost as little as $6, but requires a bit more work than laying back in a coach, and the extra effort required may not be welcome to those who want to relax as soon as they touch down at the airport, and cut down their journey time.

But for a well-travelled, single passenger or small party, this can be a great travel option at an unbeatable price.

Port of Miami Parking

If you are driving your own vehicle to the port, parking garages and lots are conveniently located at all the cruise terminals. There are designed parking spots in each garage for disabled permit holders, and a wheelchair accessible shuttle connects passengers from their vehicle to their cruise terminal.

If you are driving a recreational vehicle or have a trailer, there are spots for oversized vehicles at Lot 2 close to Terminal E. All parking facilities are patrolled by security.

All parking areas at cruise terminal and Lot 2 are open on cruise days only. Long-term parking states at around $22 per night. On non-cruise days, you will need to contact PortMiami or port security to gain access to your vehicle.

Payment for parking is available using major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. You can also pay using major U.S. Traveler’s Checks or cash. Parking at Garage J is only available on a pre-paid basis.

Affordable short term parking is available at two designated lots. These are great options for friends, family and others if you are being picked up. Cell phone waiting lots are found across from Terminal B and Terminal 2 (POMTOC).

Additional several Miami hotels offer cruise parking for the duration of your voyage. You pay a fee/ night to leave your car at the hotel or book a parking package which includes a night stay, shuttle service and cruise parking.

Read also : Miami Cruise Parking

Best Time to Visit and Cruise from Miami?

Miami is a year-round destination with plenty to see and do regardless of when you visit. Generally, mid-February through to May are great times to visit the city. The humidity of summer and uncertainty of Hurricane Season have not arrived, and you will find warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine.

If you are visiting Miami Beach , the best time is between March and May. You will find sunny days and comfortable temperatures hovering between the high 70s and low 80s. You also avoid peak season rates common during the winter and summer months with a spring-time visit.

Hurricane season typically runs from the beginning of June until the end of November. Most rain falls on Miami between May and September, while the winter period between December and February are the driest.

Read also : What’s the Best Time for a Caribbean Cruise from Miami?

Useful Information About Miami for Cruise Passengers

Miami has an extensive public transit system , which connects you to all major attractions in the city. Metrobus, Metrorail, and free trolley buses make it easy to explore Miami without a car. Miami Beach and Downtown are easily explored on foot, although having a car or traveling by taxi and public transit are the best way to get between districts.

Downtown Miami is home to the city’s major attractions and is the commercial hub of the city. From theaters and shops to government officers and corporate headquarters, the district is a bustling part of the city with plenty of hotels and things to do.

To the north is Midtown and the hip Design District, while Cuban culture flourishes with authentic Latin restaurants and shops in Little Havana to the west. Coconut Grove is a lush part of the city with historic sites, fine dining and luxury hotels.

Miami Beach sits on a barrier island east of Downtown Miami. Often thought of as part of Miami, it is a separate and distinct municipality. The popular beach destination on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean is home to several oceanfront resorts, sandy beaches, and colorful South Beach.

Where to stay near the port?

Downtown Miami and Brickell are the closest neighborhoods to PortMiami with top hotels like the InterContinental Miami, The Gabriel Miami, Hyatt Centric Brickell, Four Seasons, and Kimpton EPIC Hotel .

Hotels with breathtaking views and luxury options abound in Downtown, which is home to popular tourist attractions including Bayside Marketplace , Bayfront Park , Museum Park and Lummus Park. While still very much urban, Brickell offers a more suburban feel. Plenty of hotels are found in the neighborhood, which also offers fantastic dining and shopping at Mary Brickell Village.

Miami Beach and South Beach are unbeatable locations with oceanfront hotels offering idyllic views close to pristine white sand beaches. These diverse areas are home to top dining, from fine dining world class restaurants to delicious dishes at casual beachside haunts.

Lincoln Road is lined with lively bars and is a popular spot to enjoy a walk, and the Bass Museum of Art is also in the area. Favourite hotels close to PortMiami include The Redbury South Beach, 1 Hotel South Beach, The Confidante Miami Beach, The Marlin Hotel, Loews Miami Beach Hotel, The Palms Hotel and Spa, and Hampton Inn Miami Beach .

A hotel close to Miami International Airport is perfect if you have a late flight into the city or are flying out early in the morning. The airport is less than a ten-minute drive or shuttle bus ride from cruise terminals. Also nearby are the peaceful neighborhoods of Coconut Grove and Coral Gables, 15 to 20 minutes south-west of the port.

Coconut Grove overlooks Biscayne Bay while Coral Cables is a picturesque neighborhood with fantastic shops, beautiful mansions and historic sites. Luxurious options include The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove Miami, Biltmore Hotel, Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables, Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, and Hotel St. Michel.

Read also : Best Hotels near Port of Miami

Where to shop near the Port of Miami?

If you forgot to pack something or need to do some last-minute shopping, there are two shopping centers close to PortMiami.

Just across from the causeway linking the port with the city, Bayside Marketplace is an open-air shopping and entertainment destination. The waterfront complex overlooks Biscayne Bay and has several dining options and more than 120 shops.

Bayside Marketplace is just a 25-minute walk from the port, or you can hop on the free Coral Way Trolley and use the Biscayne Boulevard stop. It is also close to the Metromover’s Bayside station. Please not the heat/humidity of Miami can be extreme.

Ride sharing options are also available such as Taxi, Uber and Lyft. It’s a $10-12 cab ride and probably $8 or less in Uber.

Brickell City Centre is another shopping destination close to the port. With over 120 stores and services spread across four floors, the shopping center has something for everyone. You can also enjoy a bite at one of several eateries. There is also a dine-in movie theater. The shopping center is served by the Metromover’s Brickell City Centre station as well as the free Brickell Trolley.

Sights to see

Miami and the surrounding area have a lot to offer, from interactive museums and picturesque parks to eye-catching architecture and inviting beaches. Whether you have some time to spare or are looking for attractions close to the city’s cruise terminals, there are fabulous destinations close to PortMiami.

Here are a few great attractions to consider visiting during your stay in Miami:

Bayside Marketplace : With panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, this major shopping and entertainment destination is a great destination for retail therapy and last-minute souvenir shopping. The complex is also a popular spot to grab a bite to eat with Segafredo, Hard Rock Café, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and other popular eateries. Bayside Marketplace also has a dock where you can book a boat tour of the city.

Frost Science and Perez Art Museum Miami : Located in Downtown Miami, this art and science destination offers fun for all ages with at two unforgettable museums. Frost Science is home to 3-D planetarium and an aquarium with touch-tanks, as well as other mind-bending exhibits. Hanging gardens overlooking Buscayne Bay and a stunning collection of modern and contemporary art are found at Perez Art Museum Miami. Once you are finished explore one or both of these museums, you can enjoy a walk along the bay or relax at a park.

South Beach : One of Florida’s most iconic destinations, South Beach is famous for its lively atmosphere and beautiful sandy beach. Swim in the turqoiuse waters, or rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the waters off Florida’s magnificent coast. You can also stroll along Lincoln Road, a pedestrian mall lines with buzzing restaurants and bars. South Pointe Park is a fun spot for kits to play in interactive water fountains, while Sunset Harbour is a great place to cycle, shop and eat.

Brickell City Centre : This luxury shopping destination has more than 120 stores. From top fashion labels to the latest gadgets, you will find everything you need. There are also great eat-in restaurants and food halls to enjoy a meal. For film buffs who like to have a cocktail or meal while enjoying a movie, the complex also has a dine-in theater.

Española Way : Located between Washington and Pennsylvania Avenue in Miami Beach, this cobblestone street offers Mediterranean-inspired charm and style. The pedestrian street is home to intimate boutique hotels and welcoming sidewalk cafes, as well as live music and street entertainment. Española Way is a terrific spot to people watch and relax before your cruise or during your stay in Miami.

Read also : Best Things to do Before and After a Miami Cruise

Best ways to get around Miami

Miami is a sprawling city that can be covered by car, public transport, or other options. With neighborhoods spread across an area of about 55 square miles, you can cover more ground when not exploring by foot.

These options are also great solutions to avoid the intense humidity of Miami’s summers.

Car : If you do not have your own car, renting one is a great way to explore Miami. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to visit different parts of the city, from Miami Beach and Downtown to Little Havana and Coral Gables.

Car rental agencies have offices at PortMiami, Miami International Airport, Downtown, and other parts of the city.

Uber and Lyft : Ride-hailing services provide an affordable option to travel between Miami’s neighborhoods.

Uber and Lyft can also be cheaper than a taxi or renting a car, especially if you do not plan to be on the road during your entire stay in the city.

Limousine and chauffeured services : If you are looking for luxury or just want to be pampered, there are limo services from various service providers in Miami.

Rates depends on the type of car or limo you hire as well as how long you plan to use the service.

Public transit : Buses, trains and trolleys connect virtually every part of Miami. Trolleys are free and frequent, while the Metromover gives you easy access to Downtown and Brickell.

Metrorail is a good option for destinations further afield, including South Miami, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Buses also link neighborhoods throughout Miami and Miami Beach.

(Latest update December 21st 2023)

Please contact us if any information is incorrect or not up-to-date.

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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 (Florida)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-05-06 23:30

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

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Cruise from Miami, Florida

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THE WORLD'S BEST FAMILY VACATION

Introducing the new Icon of the Seas℠ , a whole new class of Royal Caribbean® adventure. Let your adrenaline surge at the largest waterpark at sea. Here, every day is a sun day with an all-you-can-swim buffet of seven unique pools — the most ever on a cruise. And families discover adventure for all ages at Surfside ℠ , a stay-all-day destination right onboard that opens the floodgates on family fun.

Icon of the Seas℠ arrives Early 2024

Dec 10, 2023 – Feb 11, 2024 Ultimate Americas Cruise 36 Destinations, 64 Nights

EXPLORE MORE

Blazing With Adventure

Feel the heat of adventure in The Magic City and cool off with with a cruise to the Bahamas or Caribbean on some of our most amped up ships yet.

Oasis of the Seas

This family-favorite ship takes you to some of the coolest destinations in the tropics. In between isles, make every day onboard unforgettable with delicious dining, jaw-dropping entertainment, adrenaline-amping rides and supercharged slides — like the The Perfect Storm.

EXPLORE OASIS OF THE SEAS

Freedom of the SeaS

Trade “sea days” for “see more” days on an all-around all-star - Freedom of the Seas®. Experience more to do onboard the ship, with fewer days between some of the world's most exotic travel destinations.

EXPLORE FREEDOM OF THE SEAS

INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS

Take on the tropics on a short Caribbean getaway unlike any other. From non-stop thrills to mouthwatering dining options and Broadway musicals, Independence of the Seas® is your ticket to a memory-maxing adventure.

EXPLORE INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS

A BOLDER WAY TO GETAWAY WEEKEND CRUISES

Break up with your weekly routine and set sail on a memory filled getaway that’ll take you so much further than a standard staycation. Royal Caribbean® offers plenty of bolder-than-ever weekend sailings to some of the Caribbean’s most stunning shores onboard the world’s most incredible cruise ships — no days off required. Which means you can fill your year with even more bucket list adventures.

Miami Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in miami.

Art Deco Hotels Collins Avenue, Miami, Florida

South Beach is a bright hot spot no matter what time of day. Soak up the sun along the shore and admire the Art Deco gems along lively Ocean Drive. Stroll busy Collins Avenue, sip mojitos in beach bars, dance in ultra-hip nightclubs, and enjoy the best people watching in the city.

Called Culture

Older Men Close Up Smoking Cuban Cigars, Miami, Florida

Experience Miami’s Cuban traditions along Calle Ocho in Little Havana. Here you can wander streets filled with fiery salsa sounds and meet locals smoking cigars over a game of dominoes. From its colorfully painted rooster statues to its hand-rolled cigar shops and open-air fruit markets, this is as authentic as it gets.

Blank Canvas

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

Local Cuisine

Miami is an international culinary powerhouse. Michelin-starred chefs fill many kitchens and Latin American flavors highlight many menus. You can’t miss the city’s signature Cuban food: Enjoy pastelitos (pastries) for breakfast, lunch on a famous frita (spicy burger), then savor ropa vieja (beef stew) for dinner. If seafood is your thing, crack into succulent stone crab claws, a true South Florida delicacy.

Bayside Marketplace, across from the port, is a popular waterfront shopping spot for visitors. Locals love the quirky boutiques in Coconut Grove. Lincoln Road Mall spans 10 blocks of shops— and Miracle Mile is a long string of specialty stores. Cruise to Miami and head to Calle Ocho for hand-stitched guayabera shirts and hand-rolled Cuban cigars.

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Miami Shore Excursion Reviews

Popular Things to Do in Miami

The City of Miami, in Southern Florida, is everything you've seen in the movies and much, much more. Home to just under half a million people, this lively cruise homeport is sunny and bright and full of life and culture. You can book excursions to check out the stunning Art Deco architecture along Collins Avenue in South Beach, get a taste for Cuban culture in Little Havana or visit some truly amazing museums and galleries. If none of that appeals (or you've already seen and done it all), there's always the beach, which is surprisingly beautiful for a largely urban area -- try a scenic boat ride on the bay or splurge on some fun water sports excursions. Cruisers spending an extra night or two in town can live it up at any number of dazzling high-end clubs, bars and restaurants.

Miami is hot and humid nearly year-round, with a brief respite during the early winter months. Currency is the U.S. dollar. English is spoken everywhere, but thanks to a large Cuban and Latin American population, Spanish is prevalent as well.

Find Things to Do in Miami on Viator

Miami Cruise Tips, Activities, and Overview

Food and drink in miami.

Good sustenance stops include the News Cafe (800 Ocean Drive) for all-day casual fare. For a great dining experience that's chic-with-a-view, ask for a table on the outdoor patio at La Marea at The Tides (1220 Ocean Avenue). For authentic casual Cuban fare, try Casa Larios (7705 W. Flager St.) for bistec de palomilla, vaca frita, carnero asado and tres leches cakes. Also consider Versailles (3555 SW 8th St., Miami) right in the heart of Little Havana. Authentic, but ask for the English menu if you don't want to navigate the Spanish one. Try picadillo or ropa vieja at reasonable prices.

Beaches in Miami

Best Beach for a Half-Day Visit : Miami's South Beach, about a 20-minute cab ride from the port. Best Beach for the Dedicated Beach Bum : The beach at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area (1200 S. Crandon Boulevard), on Key Biscayne where you can find everything from kayak rentals to food stalls.

Don't Miss in Miami

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Royal Caribbean cancels all cruises to popular destination due to gang violence

• Updated: May. 01, 2024, 3:19 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 30, 2024, 2:47 p.m.

Royal Caribbean will cancel cruise trips to Labadee, Haiti, until at least September due to ongoing violence in the country, according to a report from Royal Caribbean blog. The company had previously suspended visits to Labadee through the end of May. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) AP

• Zach Mentz, cleveland.com

Global cruise line operator Royal Caribbean has extended its cancellation of ship stops to Labadee, Haiti, due to ongoing violence in the region, the company announced.

Royal Caribbean cruises to Labadee will be canceled until at least September, according to a report from Royal Caribbean blog . Guests who booked cruises for summer and early fall are being notified by the company of the changes. Some trips have been replaced with another port or sea day while others have been canceled and refunded.

In March, Royal Caribbean announced it would suspend visits to Labadee through the end of May.

“We have not had any security concerns; this was done out of abundance of caution,” Jonathon Fishman, director of corporate and incident communications for The Royal Caribbean Group, told the Miami Herald .

Labadee is a private beach resort located on the northern coast of Haiti, which maintains sovereignty over the 260-acre area but leased it to Royal Caribbean in 1985. The exclusive resort is fenced off from Haiti and has its own security.

Haiti, in recent months, has been overwhelmed by civil unrest and violent gangs, which has forced the closing of the country’s main international airports, burnings of police stations and prison raids. About 2,500 people were killed or injured by gang violence in Haiti from January to March, according to the United Nations Integrated Office .

Haitian Prime Minster Ariel Henry in March announced he would resign from his position as the country works to establish a transitional presidential council.

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4 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise

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Day 5: orlando, florida.

Royal Caribbean builds on its biggest edge over Carnival, Norwegian

R oyal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line have bet big on the Caribbean. All of the major cruise lines have multiple ships sailing in that region due to passenger demand out of Florida.

The Caribbean isn't far from Miami, Port Canaveral, and Fort Lauderdale. That makes it easy for all the major cruise lines to have multiple ships calling on ports like Nassau, Cozumel, Roatan, Key West, and a handful of others.

Related: Royal Caribbean passengers face key price hikes

In addition, all of the cruise lines operate private islands. Those offerings vary quite a bit. Carnival Cruise Line ( CCL ) , MSC Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line offer islands that are basically just beaches. Norwegian's island requires passengers to travel from their cruise ship on a smaller tender boat, while the other cruise lines can dock at their islands.

Royal Caribbean, however, has changed the game when it comes to private islands. Its Perfect Day at CocoCay offers the traditional beach experience as well as a lot more. It has a free-to-use beach as well as multiple added-fee options. Those include a Beach Club with a fancier lunch and its own pool, a water park, and a new adults-only area, Hideaway Beach, with a heated pool.

CocoCay has been Royal Caribbean's most popular destination and the cruise line plans to build on that model.

Royal Caribbean doubles down 

Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean's ( RCL ) most popular destination. That makes sense because it offers a quiet beach day for passengers who want that while adding the free pool, the largest in the Caribbean, as well as the added-fee experiences.

Royal Caribbean calls on CocoCay as often as it possible can with two ships docking in port each day. All of its 3 and 4-day sailings stop at the private island as does Icon of the Seas, the largest ship in the world, and its upcoming Utopia of the Seas.

The company has even been adding CocoCay stops for select sailings of its Celebrity Cruises ships, and it's expanding the Perfect Day model beyond CocoCay.

Cruise passengers like CocoCay because it' offers choices, but it's also safe, free of pushy vendors, and does not require spending any money (although you certainly can if you want to). That's a stark contrast to visiting Nassau and Cozumel, two ports that many of the same ships call on, which Carnival, MSC, Disney, and Norwegian also stop at.    

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Many passengers, across all the cruise lines, opt to stay on the ship in certain ports with Nassau and Cozumel at the top of the list. Frequent cruisers have called on those ports many times and few passengers see either stop as one to get excited about.

Royal Caribbean has a plan to fix that.

Royal Caribbean building more private destinations 

Carnival, it should be noted, is following Royal Caribbean's model by building its own version of CocoCay in Freeport. Celebration Key will offer pools, a water park, as well as beaches.

Royal Caribbean, however, has plans for what it's calling "Beach Clubs" in both Nassau and Cozumel. The Nassau Club has been public knowledge for a while, but the Cozumel news was only recently shared.

CEO Jason Liberty talked about his company's plans for the private destinations during the cruise line's first-quarter earnings call . 

"The newest addition to our growing portfolio of private destinations is the Royal Beach Club in Cozumel, Mexico, that is set to welcome guests in 2026. With a combination of activities for every type of vacationer, Royal Beach Club Cozumel will further enhance our guests' experience, giving guests the ultimate beach day," he said.

Royal Caribbean has not shared pricing for its beach clubs, but they will be an added-fee option, not an included one like the core CocoCay experience. Liberty also shared some news on the Nassau project.

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"Earlier this week, we also celebrated another important milestone when we officially broke ground on Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, which is scheduled to open next year," he added.