Port Miami — Local services in Miami

Back in 2023 when Disney Cruise Line sailed out of Port Miami we got on the Disney Dream. Even though the hotel was very close to the port the amount of traffic too quite some time to get to the port therefore make sure you factor that in. The parking and traffic definitely delayed a lot things but overall I though the port was organized and a good amount of signs to know where your cruise ship will be. I highly recommend grabbing some Cuban Coffee before heading over. The Cruise Port Miami, officially known as Port Miami, is one of the largest and busiest cruise terminals in the world. Located on the southeastern tip of Florida, the port serves as a gateway to the Caribbean, Latin America, and other global destinations. Known as the "Cruise Capital of the World," Port Miami is a premier departure point for millions of passengers each year, making it a central hub in the global cruise industry. Port Miami boasts an impressive collection of state-of-the-art terminals and infrastructure that cater to some of the world's most popular cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises. The port’s expansive facilities can accommodate the largest cruise ships, ensuring that it remains a key player in the cruise industry. It offers both homeporting services, where passengers begin and end their cruise vacations, and transit calls for ships that are stopping in Miami on their way to other destinations. The port is conveniently located near downtown Miami and is easily accessible from Miami International Airport, making it a convenient starting point for travelers. Beyond the cruise experience itself, the area surrounding the port offers a variety of attractions. Visitors can explore the vibrant culture, dining, shopping, and nightlife of Miami, as well as nearby destinations like South Beach, Little Havana, and the Art Deco District. Port Miami is also committed to sustainability, implementing eco-friendly initiatives such as reducing emissions, enhancing recycling programs, and investing in green infrastructure. With its extensive cruise offerings, modern amenities, and prime location, Cruise Port Miami remains a top choice for travelers looking to embark on unforgettable...

Located on Dodge Island, POM is the largest passenger port on earth. There were about five ships docked at the pier we were on. Very cool to see!

Our 2018 Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Celebrity Equinox brought us here for start and ending.

ARRIVAL: It's a choreographed mess of people and luggage anxious to board for their vacations. The complex is divided into lettered sections which helps a tremendous deal. Pull up to your letter and give all the luggage you don't want to carry to any of the porters, free of charge. Naturally, tips are customary. But, be sure to have the luggage tags given to you by your cruise line affixed so your bags don't get lost! We received our bags about three hours later at our stateroom door which is normal.

Head into the designated terminal where your ticket and passport gets checked. Security is next, which flows much faster than TSA. Then comes the check-in for your cruise. For Celebrity, there were different queue lines for specific classes which took maybe 20 minutes from line to boarding. After this, head up the gangway to your ship!

DEPARTURE: Depending on your ship, you normally disembark by time so it's not pure madness. We left the ship around 8:15 and headed straight to one of the six baggage claim rooms. Your cabin attendant should've dropped off departure luggage tags a night or two before so you know which carousel to find. It's amazing to see the amount of luggage that came out! Porter service is available here too but we didn't utilize them.

Next is a real quick passport check with immigration, then you're out on your own, back on land.

Uber pick up was available and arrived quickly. We were in the car by 9am.

OVERALL: Smooth flow,...

The port of Miami of Course is huge. Probably the biggest, or at least the busiest in the world. There are 4 or 5 different terminals for each cruise line.

Boarding a cruise can take about 45 min on average from the time you arrive. Once your ride drops you off in front of your terminal, there is plenty of staff that will quickly tag your luggage and they will be outside of your cabin once you board. Make sure of course, that you have your reservation printed or even better, you can do an online check-in that will expedite the process. I always tip these guys $1 or $2 per piece of luggage.

Oh! Small piece of advise. I always sneak in a bottle of booze inside one of the cases, and so far, in more than 15 cruises with different lines, I've never had an issue. 😉 I do put it in a plastic bottle of soda or something that is not going to break. 👍

The terminals are clean and so are the bathrooms. The staff is very friendly for the most part.

They don't have any convenience stores, food or drinks in any of the terminals. But don't worry once you board your ship there will plenty 😉

Have fun, in my opinion a cruise is one of the best vacations you could ever have. Value wise is for sure the most fun you'll have for your money.

The rating should be a 4.5 because nothing is perfect. But I'll give it 5 stars. Mostly the issues that I find is that it gets very hectic when you arrive back and it's time for an Uber or a friend to pick you up. So be the first out of the ship or be the last 😉 😂

I will post other reviews about the different cruise lines we...