Miami Cruise Port: Guide to Florida’s Biggest Port 

Miami Cruise Port, officially called PortMiami, is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. Known as the “Cruise Capital of the World,” it welcomes millions of passengers each year. The port is located near downtown Miami, making it easy for travelers to explore the city before or after their cruise.  

With modern facilities and connections to major cruise lines, PortMiami offers a wide range of Caribbean and international itineraries. Its proximity to Miami International Airport also makes it a convenient starting point for cruise vacations. 

Let’s explore PortMiami and discover the exciting things to do in Miami Cruise Port and around the cruise port area. 

Overview of Miami Cruise Port  

Miami Cruise Port features multiple cruise terminals serving major cruise lines. These terminals offer efficient embarkation and disembarkation processes, with amenities like parking facilities, security checkpoints, and waiting areas for passengers. 

Where is Miami Cruise Port Located? 

PortMiami is located on Dodge Island in Biscayne Bay, just east of downtown Miami, Florida. Its address is 1015 North America Way, Miami, FL 33132. 

Port of Miami Cruise Terminals 

There are 8 to 9 active cruise terminals in Miami Cruise Port designed for efficient boarding and disembarking. Each terminal has passenger drop-off areas and parking options.  

Here is the detail of some terminals and the Cruise lines that sails from these Port Miami Cruise Terminals: 

• Port of Miami Cruise Terminal A – Royal Caribbean International (Crown of Miami) 
• Port of Miami Cruise Terminal B: Norwegian Cruise Line 
• Port of Miami Cruise Terminal C: Shared by Disney Cruise Line and MSC Cruises 
• Port of Miami Cruise Terminal D: Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Holland America. 
• Port of Miami Cruise Terminal E: Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Holland America. 
• Port of Miami Cruise Terminal F: Carnival Cruise Line 
• Port of Miami Cruise Terminal J: Caters to Luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises 
• Port of Miami Cruise Terminal V: Opened in 2022 for Virgin Voyages 
• Port of Miami Cruise Terminal AA/AAA: New terminal for MSC Cruises, opening in 2024 
• Port of Miami Cruise Terminal G: New terminal for Royal Caribbean, opening in 2027 

PortMiami Cruise Terminals are designed to be accessible to all passengers. If you need wheelchair assistance from the terminal entrance to the ship, you should contact your specific cruise line directly. The port itself does not offer this service, so it’s important to arrange it with your cruise company before your trip to ensure a smooth embarkation process.  

Note: Cruise line assignments can change, and some terminals may be used by multiple lines depending on scheduling and agreements. For the most current information, it’s best to check the Miami Cruise Port official website or contact your specific cruise line directly. 

Airports Near Miami Cruise Port 

Following airports are near Miami Cruise Port:

Miami International Airport (MIA) 

• Distance from Miami International Airport to Miami port is 8 miles away (Closest to the port) 
• Travel time from Miami Airport to Miami Cruise Port is 15 to 20 minutes by car (without heavy traffic) 
• Many transportations options are available from MIA to Miami Cruise Port 
• Airlines serving MIA: Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, United 

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) 

• Fort Lauderdale airport to Miami Cruise Port distance is about 25 to 30 miles. This Airport is north of Miami cruise port 
• Travel time from FLL to Miami cruise port is about 30 to 45 minutes by car 
• FLL offers cheaper flights than MIA 
• Airlines serving FLL: Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Silver Airways, Southwest, Spirit, United 

Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) 

• Distance from Palm Beach Airport to Miami cruise port is about 70 miles north 
• Travel time from PBI to Miami cruise port is 1 to 1.5 hours by car 
• Can be an option for those combining a cruise with other Florida travel plans 
• Airlines serving PBI:  American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Breeze Airways, Xtra Airways and Bahamasair. Air Canada operates seasonal flights to PBI. 

Transportation options from these airports to the cruise port include taxis, ride-sharing services, shuttle buses, and rental cars. Many cruise lines also offer transfer services from MIA and FLL. 

Hotels Near Miami Cruise Port with Shuttle Service 

Miami offers several hotel options for cruise passengers looking to stay near the port. These accommodations cater to various budgets and preferences, ranging from luxury resorts to comfortable mid-range hotels.  

Many of these properties provide convenient amenities for cruisers, such as shuttle services to the port, package deals that include parking and easy access to local attractions.  

Staying near the cruise port allows travelers to start their vacation early, explore Miami, and ensure a stress-free embarkation day. 

Brickell/Downtown Miami Hotels Near Cruise Port 

Downtown Miami Hotels are slightly farther from port and can be busy.  Here are the few Downtown Miami hotels near port of Miami: 

• InterContinental Miami: InterContinental hotel is 1.7 miles and takes 6 to 8 min drive by car (costing around $16, depending on your specific terminal). 
• Hyatt Regency Miami: Hyatt Regency is 2 miles and takes 8 to 10 min drive by car. Taxis are available 24/7 hours a day. The cost is about $14 to $20 for 2 or 3 people depending on traffic. For four people, the average fare is $25.  
• JW Marriott Marquis Miami: JW Marriott Marquis is 1.8 miles and takes 6 to 8 min drive by car. 
• Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton: It is 2.7 miles from cruise port Miami, and it takes 10 to 15 min to drive by car. 

Port of Miami Hotels with Cruise Shuttle 

The Port of Miami Hotels are closest to cruise terminals and offer shuttle services. 

• YVE Hotel Miami: YVE Hotel is the best hotel near Miami cruise port. It is 1.3 miles from port and takes 3 to 4 min drive by car. This hotel offers shuttle services too. 
• Holiday Inn Port of Miami-Downtown: Holiday Inn Port of Miami-Downtown is 1.4 miles, takes 4 to 5 min drive by car and doesn’t provide any transportation. 

South Beach Hotels 

South Beach Hotels are farther from Miami Cruise Port. 

• Loews Miami Beach Hotel: Loews Miami Beach is 5.8 miles and takes 18 to 20 min drive by car. 
• The Setai Miami Beach: This hotel is 6 miles and takes 20 min drive by car. 
• 1 Hotel South Beach: It is 6.9 miles and takes 20 to 22 min drive by car. 

How to Get to Miami Cruise Port 

Following are the few ways to get to Miami Cruise Port: 

Miami Hotels with Shuttle Service 

Several hotels near the port offer complimentary shuttle services to cruise passengers. When booking, look for hotels advertising this amenity. Some hotels charge for shuttle service, for example, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton offer shuttle to cruise port in $8 per person. Be sure to reserve your shuttle spot in advance, as space can be limited. 

Public Transportation to Port of Miami 

Miami’s Metrorail and Metromover systems provide affordable options to reach the cruise port. Take the Metrorail to Government Center station, then transfer to the free Metromover to reach the port area. From there, a short walk or taxi ride will get you to the Cruise terminal. 

Taxi (Uber/Lyft) 

Ride sharing services and taxis are readily available in Miami. They offer a convenient door-to-door option, especially if you have luggage. Prices vary based on your starting location, but this is a quick and hassle-free choice. 

Cruise Line Transfers 

Many cruise lines offer their own transfer services from the airport or specific locations to the port. It is more expensive than public options, these transfers are reliable and timed to coincide with ship departures. 

Carnival Cruise Line provides transportation from Miami International Airport for $23 per person and from Fort Lauderdale for $37 per person to Miami Cruise Port on embarkation day. 

Driving 

If you’re arriving by car, the Port of Miami has on-site parking facilities. While convenient, this option can be costly for longer cruises. Consider nearby off-site parking lots for savings. 

Miami Cruise Port Parking 

There are several options for parking at Miami cruise port. Best parking for Miami Cruise Port includes following option: 

• Official Port Parking 
• Off-site parking lots or Hotel Park & cruise packages 

Official Miami Port Parking 

• Location: 1015 North America Way, Miami, FL 33132 
• Cost: Miami Port Parking price starts at $22 per day for standard vehicles and for most areas. Terminal A, used by Royal Caribbean, charges more at $35 daily.   
• Pros: Closest to terminals, secure because security keeps an eye on all parking areas. 
• Cons: Most expensive option 

Off-Site Parking or Hotel Park-and-Cruise Packages 

Some nearby hotels offer deals that include a night’s stay and extended parking. Others let you park in their lots for less, even if you’re not staying there. 

• Costs: range from $7-$15 per day. Costs vary, but can be cost-effective for longer cruises 
• Pros: More affordable, often include shuttle service 
• Cons: Requires extra time for transfers 

Best Restaurants Near Miami Cruise Port 

Miami cruise port area offers a variety of dining options for travelers. From quick bites to upscale restaurants, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.  

Many eateries are within walking distance or a short ride from the port, making it easy for cruisers to grab a meal before or after their voyage. Local flavors, fresh seafood, and international cuisines are all well-represented in the nearby dining scene.  

Here’s a brief detail of best restaurants near Miami cruise port: 

Zuma Miami Restaurant 

Zuma Miami restaurant is about 1.8 miles from the port, just a 5-minute drive from the Miami cruise port.  Modern Japanese food with an upscale dining experience. Known for shared plates in izakaya style.  

Zuma Miami Menu has a robata grill and sushi bar. The weekend Zuma Miami brunch is popular among both locals and tourists. The decor is stylish and offers waterfront views. 

Novecento Brickell 

Novecento Brickell is about 2.4 miles from the port, just a 10-minute drive from the Miami cruise port. This Argentine steakhouse offers international dishes. Novecento Brickell Miami is famous for its high-quality steaks and seafood.  

The atmosphere is casual but elegant, making it a great spot for both lunch and dinner. There is outdoor seating available, and the Novecento Brickell menu features pasta and vegetarian options. 

La Mar by Gastón Acurio 

La Mar by Gaston Acurio is located about 2.5 miles from the Miami cruise port, just a 10-minute drive away. La Mar by Gastón Acurio menu offers a unique blend of Peruvian, Asian, and Andean dishes, showcasing fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, and sauces, with plenty of vegetarian options.  

La Mar by Gaston Acurio is situated in the Mandarin Oriental hotel and specializes in ceviche and other seafood dishes. Guests can enjoy stunning views of Biscayne Bay, a ceviche bar, and an anticucho grill. The restaurant is also famous for its pisco-based cocktails. 

Nearby neighborhoods have great dining options too. Little Havana Restaurants (15-minute taxi ride), known for Cuban food. Miami Beach’s Collins Drive (12-minute taxi ride) has trendy spots to dine and be seen. 

Shopping Near Miami Cruise Port 

PortMiami is located near two major shopping centers Bayside Marketplace and Brickell City Centre.  

Bayside Marketplace 

Bayside Marketplace Miami is Located at 401 Biscayne Blvd, this open-air complex offers over 120 shops and various dining options with a view of Biscayne Bay.  

It’s a 23 minute walk from the Miami Cruise Port. It’s more convenient to take a 5 minute taxi ride or use the free Coral Way Trolley (getting off at the Biscayne Boulevard stop) and the Metromover (Bayside station).  

Rideshare options like taxis ($10 to $13) or Uber (around $8) are also available. For cruise essentials, you’ll find drugstores like CVS (200 Biscayne Blvd). 

Brickell City Centre 

Brickell City Centre is located at 701 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33131, USA. You can visit this place for upscale shopping. This four-story complex houses over 120 stores featuring designer labels and luxury brands, along with several eateries and a dine-in movie theater.  

Transportation to Brickell City Centre is easy via the free Metromover’s Brickell Loop (exit at Brickell City Centre station) or the free Miami Trolley (Brickell Trolley from the south, Biscayne Trolley from the north).  

If you’re looking for unique finds, the Wynwood Art District is known for its boutiques and art galleries. For those with more time, a trip to Dolphin Mall or Sawgrass Mills outlet mall can provide bargain hunting opportunities, though these require a longer drive from the port area. 

Things to Do Near Miami Cruise Port 

Following are the best things to do in Miami Cruise Port: 

Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) 

Perez Art Museum Miami is in Downtown Miami, about a mile from the cruise port. This modern art museum offers stunning architecture and diverse exhibitions. Its waterfront setting provides beautiful views of Biscayne Bay. 

Frost Museum of Science Miami 

Frost Science Museum Miami is adjacent to PAMM, this science museum features a planetarium, aquarium, and interactive exhibits. It’s great for families or anyone interested in science and nature. 

Wynwood Art District Miami 

Wynwood Art District is a short drive from the cruise port. This neighborhood is famous for its colorful murals, art galleries, trendy shops, and hip restaurants. It’s perfect for art lovers and those seeking a unique urban experience. 

Little Havana Miami  

Little Havana is about 15 minutes’ drive from the port. Little Havana offers a taste of Cuban culture. Solo cruisers can enjoy authentic cuisine, watch cigar rolling, or join in a game of dominoes at Maximo Gomez Park. 

South Beach Miami 

South beach is a bit farther about 15 to 20 minutes Miami Cruise Port. South Beach is worth a visit for its iconic Art Deco architecture, beautiful beaches, and lively atmosphere. Ocean Drive is famous for people-watching and dining. 

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens 

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens Miami is stunning Italian Renaissance-style villa, and its elaborate gardens offer a glimpse into Miami’s luxurious past. It’s about 15 minutes from the Miami Cruise Port.  

Bayfront Park Miami 

Miami Bayfront Park is right next to Bayside Marketplace, this park offers green spaces, walking paths, and often hosts events and concerts. 

FAQs – Miami Cruise Port