Miami

PortMiami moves more cruise passengers than anywhere else on earth. For most travelers it is a departure hub rather than a port of call, which makes Miami less a port day and more an opportunity to add a night or two before sailing.

Getting to the ship

The cruise terminals sit on Dodge Island in Biscayne Bay, connected to the mainland by the Port Boulevard bridge and the PortMiami Tunnel.

• From Miami International Airport (MIA): Taxis and rideshares take 15 to 25 minutes outside rush hour. A flat taxi fare or standard rideshare rate applies.
• From Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL): Allow 45 to 60 minutes. Many cruisers fly into FLL for cheaper airfare; pre-booked shuttles or rideshares connect directly to the pier.
• Luggage drop: Porters greet your vehicle curbside at your assigned terminal. Tip $2 to $5 per bag, verify your terminal luggage tags, and proceed through terminal security with your carry-on.

Half a day in the city

• Bayside Marketplace & Downtown: Directly across the bridge from the port, Bayside offers waterfront dining, boat tours of Star Island's celebrity homes, and open-air shopping.
• South Beach & Art Deco District: A 15-minute taxi across the MacArthur Causeway brings you to Ocean Drive. Walk past pastel 1930s hotels, visit Lummus Park, or take a morning walk along the beach path.
• Wynwood Walls: Twenty minutes north of the port, this former warehouse district is home to world-renowned large-scale street art, artisan coffee shops, and independent galleries.
• Little Havana: Head to Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) for authentic Cuban espresso (cafecito), handmade cigars, and Domino Park.

Embarkation tips

PortMiami handles up to ten mega-ships in a single day. Traffic on the island access road builds rapidly between 11:00 am and 1:30 pm. Book a morning rideshare, ensure your boarding pass is downloaded to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet before you arrive, and carry your physical ID and medication in your day bag.