By Sarah Pruzansky, Cruise & Travel Writer | May 17, 2019 ( Comments)
Pulsing Miami, Florida with its beaches, nightclubs, Latin-Caribbean cuisine, and artwork, contains one of the largest cruise ports in the world (alongside Port Everglades and Port Canaveral). Offering over 750 cruises to approximately 5 million passengers a year, working with over 20 cruise lines, and continuing to expand its terminals, you can imagine the Port of Miami cruise schedule is bustling just as much, if not more, than the city itself! The popularity of this cruise terminal means not only do you start your vacation in a gorgeous, vibrant destination, but you have a greater selection of cruises to choose from, including the debuts of brand new ships and cruise lines (like Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady setting sail in 2020).
You probably want to make the most of your short time in Miami though before you board your ship, which is why it's important to know everything ahead of time on how to get to the Port of Miami, information on Miami cruise port parking, hotels near the Miami cruise port if you're coming from out of town, which terminal to go to, and even a little bonus of what things you can enjoy near the Port of Miami in the meantime.
Here's our guide for the "Cruise Capital of the World":
Port of Miami Driving Directions
If inputting the Port of Miami address onto your phone, enter this address: 1015 N America Way, Dodge Island, Miami, FL 33132
If you prefer to print instructions, whether you're traveling southbound on I-95, northbound on SR-826, taking I-395 from Miami Beach, or taking I-75 from Florida's west coast, you'll want to check out our page on specific driving directions, based on where in Florida you're travelling from. Simply enter your address and we'll give you directions to the Miami cruise port.
The Miami International Airport is about 20 minutes west of the port while the Ft. Lauderdale International Airport and the West Palm Beach International Airport are 45-120 minutes north of the port. Here are the addresses to input if you plan to rent a car and drive to the port from there (although we recommend booking a flight that will arrive a day or two before your cruise to give you the time to explore and enjoy Miami as well as account for potential problems that could cause a delay in your arrival time):
Miami International Airport
2100 NW 42nd Ave
Miami, FL 33126
Ft. Lauderdale International Airport
100 Terminal Dr
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
West Palm Beach International Airport
1000 James L Turnage Blvd
West Palm Beach, FL 33415
You can also travel to the cruise port via taxi, Uber, or Amtrak. To travel by taxi from the Miami airport to the cruise port, it'll be approximately $25, but if travelling from a farther distance like the Fort Lauderdale airport the price could go up to $75 one-way. Keep in mind taxis are usually busy during disembarkation time, meaning you may need to wait awhile to get back to the airport or home at the end of your vacation.
You can also use transportation apps like Uber or Lyft for a much lower cost.
Once you arrive at the port, simply follow the signs to your ship's specific cruise terminal or your onsite parking.
Typically Royal Caribbean's ships will be found at terminals A and G, MSC at AA, AAA and F, Norwegian at B and C, Carnival at D and E, Disney at F and K, Celebrity at G, Oceania and Regent at J, and Virgin Voyages at V. But this can be subject to change, so it's best to confirm with us at iCruise ahead of time which terminal your ship will be departing from. Click here for a list of all cruise lines that depart from Miami.
Miami Cruise Port Parking
If driving to the Miami cruise port yourself, it's important to understand Miami cruise parking, where to park and how the fares work. Options include booking a parking spot at one of the Miami port terminals which is a higher rate than other parking options but more convenient and secure, parking at other off-site Miami parking lots, parking at the Miami Airport (you don't have to actually have a flight to park here, but will need to pay for the spot) and taking a shuttle, or choosing a hotel that allows you to stay parked on the premises while on your cruise.
Most important to keep in mind is that you will likely need to pay for each night that your car is parked while on your cruise, so a spot that costs approximately $5 a night while you're on a 7-day cruise would come out to at least $35.
Other prices, like parking at the terminal, can go much higher than that, potentially an additional $100-200 or even more (not including additional costs for oversized vehicles)! So make sure to double check prices before making your parking plans (also look for special discounts, such as potential free parking for disabled veterans):
Miami Cruise Parking
Miami Parking Lots
Miami Airport Parking
We'll go over hotels in a bit more detail here:
Hotels Near Miami Cruise Port
Several Miami hotels offer Park and Sail packages for guests going on cruises from the Port of Miami. Important to keep in mind when booking these Miami cruise port hotels is to see if
1) You'll actually be saving money compared to other parking options 2) The hotel provides a shuttle service (some don't, meaning you may need to take a taxi from the hotel - this can still be cost effective but an important factor to note when determining whether or not this option will save you money)
Call the hotel ahead of time before booking for information on their car parking packages and if they offer a shuttle service. Some nearby Miami cruise port hotels and Miami airport hotels (that offer either Park and Sail, shuttle service, or both) you may want to look into are:
1. Novotel Miami Brickell
1500 SW 1st Ave
Miami, FL 33129
2. Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Brickell Downtown
50 SW 12th St
Miami, FL 33130
3. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Miami Downtown/Medical Center
1311 NW 10th Ave
Miami, FL 33136
4. Residence Inn by Marriott Miami Airport
1201 NW 42nd Ave
Miami, FL 33126
5. Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Airport South Blue Lagoon
777 NW 57th Ave
Miami, FL 33126
6. Crowne Plaza Miami Airport
950 NW 42nd Ave
Miami, FL 33126
7. Comfort Suites Miami Airport
657 Minola Dr
Miami Springs, FL 33166
8. Holiday Inn Express Miami Airport Doral Area
8436 NW 36th St
Miami, FL 33166
For more hotel offerings, use our hotel search tool.
Things to Do Near Port of Miami
So you've made it. You've flown or driven into the city, checked into your hotel and now it's time to wait for your cruise. You have plenty of time to kill before embarkation begins, so what do you do? Explore Miami of course! With plenty of locations to eat, grab a cup of coffee, or shop, you're sure to enjoy your pre-cruise vacation.
Whether you have a day or two until your cruise or are looking for something to do near the port before embarking the ship, or even something to do when you get back, here are some things near the Port of Miami that you may enjoy:
1. Bayside Marketplace
401 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33132
2. Thriller Miami Speedboat Adventures
401 Biscayne Vldv #T5880
Miami, FL 33132
3. Bayfront Park
301 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33132
4. Perez Art Museum Miami
1103 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33132
5. Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
1101 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33132
This isn't to mention the numerous food options and other things to do in South Beach, Wynwood Art District and more.
Although, one of the most important steps in planning a cruise is to select one! That's what our cruise travel agents are here for - to help you find the best cruise at the most reasonable price so that you get the cruise vacation you're looking for. Simply contact us today and we'll help you book your next cruise from Miami.
