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PortMiami

Miami, USA · Caribbean

PortMiami is the world's busiest cruise port — 7+ million passengers a year — serving Royal Caribbean's Icon-class ships, Carnival's fleet, MSC, Norwegian + more. Located on Dodge Island, downtown-adjacent, 20 minutes from Miami International (MIA). Fort Lauderdale (FLL) is 45 minutes north but sometimes cheaper for flights + gives access to Port Everglades cruise port. Pre-cruise nights in South Beach or Downtown Miami are the standard play.

7.4 million passengers (2024)

How to get here from the airport

Miami International Airport

MIARecommended
13 km from port · 20 min transit

Transit options: Uber $25-40 · Miami Beach shuttle $18-25 · Metrobus 150 $2.65 · Airport-Port shuttle $12

Closest + most convenient. Uber pickup at Central Parking (Terminal 3 rideshare zone).

Hotels near MIA →Sleeping in MIA →

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

FLL
45 km from port · 55 min transit

Transit options: Uber $60-90 · Shared shuttle $30-45 · Amtrak + connect to Metrorail (2h+)

Cheaper flights often — factor Uber cost. Adds ~35 min to journey.

Hotels near FLL →Sleeping in FLL →

Cruise lines + terminals

Royal Caribbean
Terminal A (Crown of Miami)
Icon of the Seas + Symphony of the Seas homeport here.
Carnival Cruise Line
Terminals D, E, F
MSC Cruises
Terminal AAA (MSC dedicated)
Newest terminal, 2022
Norwegian Cruise Line
Terminal B
Virgin Voyages
Terminal V
Adult-only Scarlet Lady + Valiant Lady
Disney Cruise Line
Terminal 4
Disney Wish + Fantasy
Peak season: November-April · Caribbean cruise high season · Christmas week most expensive

Ferry connections from this port

This cruise port is also a ferry hub — great for cruise-plus-ferry combined itineraries.

→ Bahamas (Bimini)
Balearia Caribbean · 2h 15m
Miami-Bimini ferry from PortMiami — day trip or overnight.

Pre-cruise tips for Miami

  • 1Book pre-cruise night at a Downtown Miami hotel — walkable to port or 5-min Uber.
  • 2MIA has a MetroMover free connection to Downtown — cheaper than Uber if bags allow.
  • 3Cruise arrivals to PortMiami peak 09:00-13:00 on turnaround days — clear customs early.
  • 4Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) is a completely different port — do NOT confuse.
  • 5Priority Boarding at Suite/Elite tier = save 30-60 min vs standard line.

Where to stay pre-cruise

Downtown Miami (walkable to port)Miami Beach / South Beach (10-20 min)Brickell (5 min)Coconut Grove (15 min)

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FAQs — Miami cruise port

MIA or FLL for a Miami cruise?
MIA — 20 min to PortMiami vs 55 min from FLL. Only choose FLL if flight is significantly cheaper (>$150 saving) or if you're cruising from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) which is FLL's port.
How early should I arrive at PortMiami before cruise?
3 hours before published all-aboard time. Cruise lines allow 11:00 boarding for 16:00 departures. Priority Boarding cuts wait times significantly.
PortMiami vs Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale)?
They're different ports serving different ships. Check your cruise ticket. Getting the wrong one = 60-min taxi + $80 fare + possibly missing your ship.
Can I do a Miami cruise as a foreigner without US visa?
Closed-loop cruises (return to same US port) often accept passports without US visa for many nationalities. Check the cruise line policy + your passport requirements.

Related

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