Port Guides
Miami, Florida
PortMiami proudly calls itself the Cruise Capital of the World — and the numbers back that up. More passengers embark from Miami each year than any other port on Earth, and it's easy to understand why. Sitting at the crossroads of the Americas, Miami offers direct Caribbean access, a world-renowned airport, and one of the most exciting cities in the country right outside the terminal door.
Whether you're arriving a day early to soak in South Beach, grabbing a Cuban coffee in Little Havana, or hopping on a cruise to the Bahamas, Mexico, or beyond — Miami sets the tone for an unforgettable vacation from the very first moment.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
Port Miami operates multiple terminals.
The main port address is Dodge Island, 1015 N America Way, Miami, FL 33132
NEAREST AIRPORTS
MIA – Miami International Airport – 8 miles, 20-40 minutes
FLL – Fort Lauderdale International Airport – 27 miles, 45-70 minutes
AVERAGE TEMPS
Temperate year round, lows in 60 and highs in upper 80s
PARKING INFO
Port Miami operates from 9 different terminals. There are multiple garage and surface parking lots. Check the PortMiami parking page for more information.
Getting to Miami
PortMiami is incredibly accessible. Miami International Airport (MIA) is just 8 miles away — roughly 30 minutes, although traffic does vary — making it one of the most convenient fly-cruise connections in the world. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is about 30 miles north and is often the more affordable flight option, with a ride-share or taxi taking around 45 minutes depending on traffic.
If you're driving, PortMiami sits on Dodge Island in Biscayne Bay, connected to downtown by a short causeway. Paid parking is available on-port, and several off-site lots offer competitive rates with shuttle service to the terminals. Given Miami's traffic, we strongly recommend arriving the afternoon or evening before your sailing and spending a night in the city. Many cruise lines operate from the port and departing guest traffic can lead to back ups.
 
Shuttle Services & Car Services
Depending where you are staying before heading to embarkation, there are shuttles and car share (Uber, Lyft) and taxis available.
 
Staying Overnight
We always recommend arriving at least the day before your cruise. Doing so ensures you don't risk missing embarkation for your long-awaited vacation, and also gives you time to explore the world in a bit more depth. You have many options for accommodations in the greater Miami area.
Guest Recommendations
A selection of our guest's favorite hotels:
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Miami Beach - Luxury:
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​The Setai, Miami Beach
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Fontainebleau Miami Beach
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The Miami Beach EDITION
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Miami Beach - 4 Star:
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Loews Miami Beach Hotel
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The Betsy South Beach
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Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club The Savoy
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Cruise Port/Downtown - Luxury:
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Four Seasons Miami
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EAST Miami Brickell City Centre, Miami
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InterContinental Miami
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Cruise Port/Downtown - 4 Star:
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Kimpton EPIC Hotel Miami
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Hyatt Regency Miami
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Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay
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Hampton Inn & Suites Miami/Brickell-Downtown Leonard
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Airport:
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EB Hotel Miami
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Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon
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Embassy Suites by Hilton Miami International Airport
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Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel & Executive Meeting Center
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Courtyard by Marriott Miami Airport
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Things to do in Miami
There are so many worthwhile reasons to extend your trip in Miami. Whether you are in the mood for beach time, culture or shopping, Miami offers something for every taste and budget.
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South Beach & the Art Deco Historic District
Few neighborhoods in the world are as visually striking as South Beach. The Art Deco Historic District along Ocean Drive is a must-walk — pastel-painted buildings from the 1930s and 40s, neon signs, sidewalk cafés, and the ocean just steps away. It's one of those places that feels like a movie set, except it's completely real. Grab breakfast at one of the Ocean Drive classics, stroll down to the beach, and soak in that Miami energy before you board.
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Little Havana
A short drive from the port, Little Havana offers some of the most authentic culture in Miami. Walk Calle Ocho, stop for a café cubano at Versailles Restaurant — a Miami institution — and pick up a hand-rolled cigar. It's a neighborhood that pulses with music, color, and history, and it offers a wonderful contrast to the glitz of South Beach.
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Wynwood Walls
Miami's Wynwood Arts District is home to the famous Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum of large-scale murals created by some of the world's most celebrated street artists. It's a fantastic afternoon stop and highly Instagrammable. The surrounding neighborhood is packed with galleries, craft cocktail bars, and independent restaurants worth exploring.
Danny's Insider Tips
Foodie Experience: Little Havana Food Tour
"Miami is one of the great food cities of the Americas, and nowhere is that more alive than on Calle Ocho in Little Havana. A food tour through this neighborhood is one of my favorite things to recommend to any client arriving a day early — Cuban coffee, hand-rolled cigars, fresh ceviche, and pastries from family-run bakeries that have been feeding this community for generations. It’s a crash course in Miami’s soul, and it’s delicious."
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History & Culture: Wynwood Walls + Art Deco Historic District
"The Wynwood Walls are one of the most remarkable outdoor art experiences in the country — giant murals from world-renowned street artists transforming what was once a warehouse district into a living gallery. Pair it with a walk through South Beach’s Art Deco Historic District along Ocean Drive, where the pastel-painted buildings from the 1930s and 40s tell the story of an era when Miami reinvented itself as the playground of America. Two neighborhoods, two chapters of the same extraordinary city."
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Browse all Miami tours & experiences through our partner Project Expedition: Explore Miami Tours & Experiences
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Danny’s Pick: A Day in South Beach
"There is nothing quite like a South Beach morning. Grab a coffee, walk down to the sand early before the crowds arrive, and just soak in that light. The water is warm, the architecture is stunning, and the energy is unlike anywhere else in America. If you’re here with family, build in a half-day at the Frost Science Center on Biscayne Bay — one of the best science museums in the country and a genuinely great time for all ages."
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Danny’s Pick: Little Havana — Calle Ocho
"A short drive from the port and a world away from South Beach, Little Havana is one of my favorite neighborhoods in all of Miami. Stop at Versailles Restaurant — a Miami institution since 1971 — for a café cubano and a window into the heart of Cuban-American culture. Walk Calle Ocho, pick up a hand-rolled cigar, listen to the domino players in Maximo Gomez Park. This is real Miami, and I love it every single time."
ACCESSIBILITY
Accessible handicap parking is available on a first-come basis in every lot. If you wish mobility or wheelchair assistance in the terminal, please notify your Harr Travel advisor or the cruise line.
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What to expect when embarking at
Miami
Arrive with your travel documents ready: passport, cruise booking confirmation or barcode, and any health or other documentation your cruise line requires. Check your cruise terminal prior to approaching the terminal. Porters are available to take your checked luggage right at the curb, so you won't need to haul bags all the way to check-in. Give your porters a couple of dollars per bag as a tip — it's appreciated and a customary gesture.
 
You will go through port security after dropping off your bags, then check in with the cruise line in the terminal building. From there, you board and start your adventure!
Disembarking at Miami
Disembarkation in PortMiami follows the same general rhythm as most major cruise ports. You'll be assigned a disembarkation number or color, and you'll be called off the ship in waves. Self-assist disembarkation — where you carry all your own bags off — typically gets you off the ship earliest and is a great option if you have an early flight out of Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
If you have arranged for transportation, confirm with the transportation provider your pickup location and time, and cruise line terminal. On-demand shuttles, taxis and Uber are also available in port.
Cruise lines sailing from Miami
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NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
Norwegian operates year-round from Miami focusing mostly on on Eastern and Western Caribbean, the Bahamas, and the Panama Canal. They also offer seasonal transatlantic and longer in-depth voyages. Norwegian operates primarily from Cruise Terminal B.
Ready to book your next voyage from
Miami?
You have many options for the perfect cruise vacation from beautiful Miami. We can't wait to explore them with you!