Cruises From Miami, Florida

Miami, Cruise Capital of the World

Miami is situated on the mainland of Florida. To the east offshore, there is a chain of barrier islands. The most southerly of the islands is Key Biscayne. Traveling north the next is Virginia Key, followed by Fisher Island, and finally comes Miami Beach. The bay between the islands and the mainland is named Biscayne Bay. Miami was founded as a tiny citrus fruit farming community. But when a railway was extended to the settlement, its pleasant climate and coastal position were a popular draw to incomers, and as a consequence the town grew quickly.

In the early part of the twentieth century hotel magnates saw the possibilities in the Atlantic Ocean beaches of Miami Beach, and so began the construction of the iconic Art Deco hotels in South Beach. The storms of 1929 resulted in huge damage to the area, but after a pause of repair and reconstruction new developments sprung up as quickly as before.

In the 1960s there was a huge migration into Miami of Cuban refugees who were fleeing the government of Fidel Castro. Slowly Miami assumed the feel of a Caribbean city, with cheerful energy mixed with a laid-back vibe.

Today Miami is an international hub for entertainment, business, tourism and culture. The port is a huge center and Miami is often described as the Cruise Capital of the World. The port hosts several major cruise lines, with cruises to the beautiful Caribbean or sometimes beyond. Today the number of cruises from Miami on offer each year is well over seven hundred and fifty.

Miami Cruise Ship Terminals

Miami Cruise Port is sited at Dodge Island, a piece of reclaimed land in Biscayne Bay created by the joining of 3 islands, Sam’s, Lummus and Dodge. Dodge Island is just 2 miles from downtown Miami. Port Boulevard, a bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway, links Dodge island to the city.

The port operates 10 cruise terminals. Terminals AA/AAA, A, B, C, D, E, F and G are positioned at the north side of Dodge island, terminal V on the west, and terminal J on the south. Container vessels also berth along the south of Dodge island. The combined distance end-to-end of all cruise ship docks is around 2 miles, and eleven big cruise liners can dock simultaneously.

Terminal AA/AAA is operated by MSC Cruises, terminal A by Royal Caribbean Cruises, terminal B by Norwegian Cruise Line, terminal F by Carnival and terminal V by Virgin Voyages.

Every cruise terminal has the basic amenities, such as check-in, bagagage handling, shops, cab rank, and cafe.

Cruise Terminal J has been upgraded into a 'boutique' facility to service the mid-size ships operating in the luxury market.

Parking is convenient at facilities situated in front of individual cruise terminals.

Cruises From Miami

Miami is home to many of the world's best known cruise lines, including Azamara Cruise Lines, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International, and Oceania Cruises.

Between them, these companies offer a great choice of cruises from Miami including the Bahamas (Nassau and Freeport), the Eastern Caribbean (Tortola, St Thomas, St Maarten and San Juan), the Western Caribbean (Roatan, Belize, Cozumel and Grand Cayman), and the Southern Caribbean (St Lucia, Barbados, Oranjestad and Willemstad). More extended trips are also available such as trans-Panama Canal to the west coast of the US, or voyages further south to South America and the Amazon.

Things To Do Near Miami Cruise Port

South Beach (widely known as SoBe)
South Beach, a well-known Art Deco era seafront district has everything, laid-back cafes, boutique shops, fine eateries, wonderful people-watching, gorgeous historic hotels, a long, wide beach and funky shops. SoBe is just a 20 minutes cab ride from the cruise port.

Coral Gables
Coral Gables was built in the 1920s, and here there’s a mix of cool bars, classy eateries, fashionable shops and modern art galleries. Take swimsuit and make for Venetian Pool, a unique public pool hewn from a rock quarry.

Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove, dating from the 1870s, is Miami’s oldest district. It is a neighborhood of fashionable shops, lively bars, eateries and chic galleries. Venture into Vizcaya Gardens and Museum, a superb estate commissioned by a businessman with the aim of reconstructing an Italian Renaissance-era property.

Fairchild Tropical Garden
Garden enthusiasts should make time to see Fairchild Tropical Garden, where a series of large ponds wind through verdant fauna and flora.

Little Havana
For a sample of today’s Cuban lifestyle, venture into Little Havana, the district where lots of migrant Cubans fled to after getting away from their homeland. Saunter the length of the main street Calle Ocho, check out cigars being rolled at the El Credito Cigar factory, tour the Cuban Museum and visit a bar for a taste of real Cuban coffee.

Bayside Marketplace
It’s a short walk from the port to Bayside Marketplace, a popular shopping mall. The mall is open air, so can be very hot in summer. It has lots of cafes, fashion stores, tourist stalls and eateries.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is located at the southern end of Key Biscayne barrier island. It is the home of a historic lighthouse originally constructed in 1825 then rebuilt in 1846. There's lots to do at the park including surfing, sunbathing, picnicking, swimming and hiking along over a mile of sandy Atlantic coastline.

Traveling To Miami's Port

Cruises from Miami are easily accessible, thanks to its good air and road links.

By Road

From the North
Head South along the I-95. Take the Eastbound I-395 (signed Miami Beach) exit. Continue along I-395 East then follow the directions for the Port Miami Tunnel. At the exit from the Tunnel follow the signs to your desired terminal.

From the South
Head North along the I-95. Take the Eastbound I-395 (signed Miami Beach) exit. Continue along I-395 East/MacArthur Causeway then follow the directions for the Port Miami Tunnel. At the exit from the Tunnel follow the signs to your desired terminal.

Parking is available at all terminals.

By Air

The port of Miami is 6 miles east of Miami International Airport. To travel from airport to cruise port, catch a taxi or catch the shared-ride blue super shuttle bus.

Cruise Port Map (click on image for larger image)



Cruise Port Location(s) @ googlemaps.com  PortMiami

Port Authority  Miami Dade County

Port Website   PortMiami

Currency  USD

Timezone  EST/EDT