Sunday, March 31, 2024

The best cruises from Miami for every type of traveler

miami cruise ship

RCCL later added to the project another building (named "Innovation Lab") that serves as the corporation's headquarters. Innovation Lab is sized 1860 m2 (20,000 ft2) and also hosts the company's ship design studio. The 2019-signed Carnival-PortMiami agreement included the company's commitment to homeport at Terminal F ships for 20 years, with the option of two additional 7-year lease extensions. On May 4, 2018, from Barcelona were delivered two large passenger boarding bridges. Tailor-made for "Terminal F’", each bridge is 2-ton and 4-sectioned (telescopic), with length 32 m (105 ft).

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This service is not exactly cheap when compared with taxis or Uber but has the advantage of handling luggage straight to your cruise ship. If staying overnight in hotels close to the airport, in South Beach, or elsewhere in Miami, the best way to get to the Port of Miami is with Uber, Lift, or by Taxi. But there are a few tricks and tips to consider - more about driving and parking below. If you’re driving to the port, then you obviously need a place to park your car. As in other port cities, there’s an industry surrounding cruise parking for passengers.

Miami Cruise Parking Lot Costs

miami cruise ship

For years, the low-cost ships of Carnival Cruise Line were the go-to vessels for the best cruises out of Miami for budget travelers. But Carnival's Miami-based ships have had new competition for the title in recent years from the even-lower-cost vessels of MSC Cruises — a fast-growing line that has been taking the Miami market by storm. Unlike some other cruise lines, Virgin Voyages also eschews buffets, dress codes and big Broadway-style theater shows. In place of the latter, the line offers such entertainment as dance parties, DJ sets and unconventional performances in a multi-purpose room. As of October 2021, the uncontested best cruises from Miami for adults are the four- and five-night sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean offered on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady.

Flying to Miami (MIA) and getting to Miami Port

If you want to take the transportation for the Port of Miami, please let the Front desk know at your check in time. Located in the trendy Mary Brickell area and overlooking the river, this downtown property is less than two miles from the port. The hotel has an outdoor pool with sun terrace, a fitness center and a choice of several dining options. The hotel’s Cruise Package includes a shuttle 1-way to the port of Miami for two guests, and it takes about 10 minutes to get there.

Stays with views for days

Carnival draws a lively, outgoing crowd looking to be part of the action, and that's what you'll find on Carnival Celebration. The typical Carnival customer shoots up a hand when an entertainer asks for a volunteer to come on stage or jumps up to dance with the waiters during the dinner show. If this sounds like you, you've found your ship for a cruise from Miami. Carnival famously markets itself as the Fun Ship line, and this massive, 19-deck-high ship takes the tagline to heart with loads of fun-focused activities.

The large number of options means that there's a little something for everyone when it comes to Miami cruises. That's great because the best Miami cruise for you may not be the same as the best cruise out of Miami for someone else, depending on your travel style. It's a tough question to answer, in part because there are so many choices. If your cruise line has a broad boarding window (something like noon to 4 p.m.), then you can arrive at any point during that window. We suggest waiting until the second half of the boarding window to actually arrive.

The Eurostars Langford can arrange a Port shuttle service by a third party to the Port of Miami. Also a transfer (taxi company) can be organized at the reception or with the concierge. In the case you would like to arrange a shuttle pick-up to the Port, simply inform the front desk staff at the moment of your arrival. You can also use other options such as yellow cabs or the Uber/Lyft apps. Discover the style and life of Miami while you enjoy your stay at the Courtyard Miami Downtown Brickell hotel which places you few steps from James L. Knight Center.

'Biggest, baddest ship on the planet': World's largest cruise ship stokes environmental concerns - CNBC

'Biggest, baddest ship on the planet': World's largest cruise ship stokes environmental concerns.

Posted: Mon, 29 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Independent Shuttles

Seafarer’s Park offers a swimming pool, restaurant, tennis courts, basketball court, and a sand volleyball court. It’s where you might find some crew from the cruise ships blowing off steam in between cruises. While that means you’ll have to deal with South Florida traffic, it is a convenient way to get to your ship. Driving offers you the ability to arrive exactly when you want and to leave to get home as soon as you debark the ship. There is also ample parking at the Port of Miami, but know that it will cost $22 per day ($25-$28 if sailing from the Royal Caribbean terminal). PortMiami's cruise terminals -- among the most modern in the world -- have been designed to quickly move passengers from land to sea.

miami cruise ship

Top Destinations on Cruises from Miami

Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, arrives at PortMiami - NBC 6 South Florida

Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, arrives at PortMiami.

Posted: Wed, 10 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

While initially dubbed the "cruise line for millennials" in media coverage, Virgin Voyages was designed to appeal to not just young adults but older adults who are "young at heart," executives have said. In its first two year of operations, it's been drawing passengers in a wide range of ages. There is space for oversized vehicles like RVs, but the rate is an additional $22 each day. Cash and all major credit cards are accepted, but debit cards are not. One thing to watch is that many hotels in the touristy areas like South Beach have expensive charges to park and also charge resort fees.

And the Pressure Drop, the first open freefall waterslide on a cruise. Cruise passengers traveling to Miami should be aware that the city–as is the entire state of Florida–is located in the hurricane belt. Because storms and hurricanes are common during the months between early June and the end of November, it is advisable to purchase travel insurance when traveling to and from the area during this period. Cruise Terminal A – the Crown of Miami –  was built specifically for Royal Caribbean in 2018, enabling it to handle Royal’s largest ships with the latest technology for an expedited check-in process.

Dating to November 2022, Carnival Celebration is the world's 14th biggest cruise ship. Scheduled to begin sailing in April 2025, MSC World America will be the world's seventh-biggest cruise ship when it debuts and the biggest MSC Cruises ship ever deployed to North America. Unveiled in January, Icon of the Seas is the world's biggest cruise ship. We’ve got you covered with all your parking options, including costs and discounts. Premier Cruise ParkingIf you want to park in a garage where your car is protected from the searing Miami sun, then look into this company.

Prices vary considerably, based mainly on convenience to the port. This is your week to enjoy everything you’ve ever loved about every vacation — all rolled into one. Click here to finding pricing and locations closest to the PortMiami Cruise Terminal. If you are travelling in from the Interstate, look for the signs for the PortMiami tunnel. It’s a quick and free way to get directly to the port without having to get off the Interstate and drive in downtown Miami. From the south, take I-95 North and take Northwest 2nd Street exit.

Independent LotsIn addition to parking your car at the port, there are a number of independent lots on the mainland, across from the cruise port. While these lots aren’t near as convenient as parking right at the ship, they do offer transportation to and from the cruise ship. Of course, there are a number of hotels near the Miami cruise port. Hotels closest to the port usually offer higher-end accommodations due to being near trendy downtown and also usually have nicer atmosphere. You can also try staying in South Beach, with its famous art-deco hotels.

The port’s recent infrastructure expansion added three new cruise terminals with ongoing construction of future facilities. The port is also finalizing its Shore Power Program that will give the port the capability to plug three cruise ships into shore power. This will allow a cruise ship to turn off their primary engines while docked, reducing air emissions.

Cruises from Miami: Best Miami Cruises

miami cruise ship

Each of these 2-ton walkways is 4-sectioned (telescopic) and has length 32 m (105 ft). The bridges were designed by Adelte (Spain) and custom-made for "Terminal F" - to serve large liners with LOA length over 300 m (984 ft). Various studies on LNG bunkering were conducted, regarding whether these operations (LNG supply to berthed vessels) to be land or water-side.

Family rooms redefined

miami cruise ship

Carnival Terminal F's renovations officially started on January 29, 2021 (with the groundbreaking ceremony) and are scheduled for completion by October 2022. Terminal F's groundbreaking was attended by Christine Duffy (CCL's President) and Daniella Levine Cava (Miami-Dade Mayor), along with construction companies representatives and county commissioners. The 2-story terminal covers a total area of 3557 m2 (38280 ft2).

Azamara introduces maiden ports in 2025-2026 winter cruises

Icon of the Seas: World's largest cruise ship sets sail from Miami - Sky News

Icon of the Seas: World's largest cruise ship sets sail from Miami.

Posted: Sun, 28 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The Comfort Suites Miami Airport North offers a free one-way shuttle. Please note this shuttle is first come first serve so register at the Front Desk during check-in. If required, a return transfer can be booked, a fee will be charged for this. In addition to the port, there are several options from independent parking lots in the area. Cruise Terminal B – the Pearl of Miami – was built for Norwegian Cruise Line and opened in 2021 and can accommodate ships carrying as many as 5000 passengers. Miami International Apirport is just eight miles away from PortMiami.

Cobranded Cards

The Western Caribbean voyages stop at Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; and Ocean Cay. Notably, Scarlet Lady offers many stylish, adult-oriented nightspots and bars, creating a hopping scene late into the night. Passengers are able to shake their phones to have Champagne delivered to wherever they happen to be standing, get inked at an onboard tattoo parlor and belt out tunes in a colorful karaoke lounge.

Inexpensive Miami Cruise Hotels Near the Port (Highly Rated)

Brightline plans to expand the railway to Tampa and Jacksonville. In 2017 started discussions for turnaround operations by vessels of Virgin Voyages and NCL-Norwegian. However, Carnival Cruise Line remained the Port’s largest customer (2+ million passengers in 2017).

Located on Dodge Island, which is just across the bridge from downtown Miami, the cruise terminals are in a busy area of town where parking space is at a premium. Still, if you need to park for your cruise, then you’ll have no problem finding a spot. The port itself offers convenient parking right at the ship, but it comes at a steep price.

The extra package cost is lower than the price of parking at the Port of Miami, which charges $22 per day. To be sure, if you don’t plan to stay in a hotel before your trip already, it’s not worth it to book a room just to get the parking. But if you already want to stay nearby before your cruise, then a hotel with a parking package can save you money over parking at the port.

WATCH: World's largest cruise ship 'Icon of the Seas' pulls into PortMiami - WPLG Local 10

WATCH: World's largest cruise ship 'Icon of the Seas' pulls into PortMiami.

Posted: Wed, 10 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

That’s a great way to help passengers save money and hassle of parking at the port. Note that parking at Royal Caribbean’s Terminal A is $25 per day for sailings of six nights or more. The great news about being in a tourist hotspot like Miami is that there’s an entire industry catering to tourists and cruise passengers to help you with anything you need. That means you have an number of transportation options to get to the port. Terminals D & EOften serving Carnival ships, Terminals D & E are where you will likely go if you are sailing the world’s largest cruise line. Terminal D in particular is bright, open and airy, making check-in a breeze.

The massive Miami Cruise Port serves over 20 cruise lines including Oceania Cruises, MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and the Disney Cruise Line. It is also the home port of five of the world’s biggest cruise liners from Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruises. La Quinta Inn & Suites Miami Airport East enjoys a convenient location just a short drive from Miami and the beaches. Guests can enjoy a cooked breakfast buffet and an outdoor swimming pool while for those visitors staying a little longer, a guest launderette is an added bonus. Enjoy your stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Miami Airport with newly redesigned rooms and suites that give guests a nice view of the Miami skyline. After a long day of exploring Miami’s attractions, relax while using world-class accommodating amenities.

There is also a modern fitness center and two restaurants, one with a riverside terrace and one with an aviation theme. The Homewood Suites Miami Downtown/Brickell is an excellent 4-star hotel nestled in the posh Brickell neighborhood. The accommodation rooms and suites of this extended-stay hotel offer guests an exclusive and intimate view of Biscayne Bay and is only 4 miles from Miami Seaquarium. The Extended Stay America can arrange a shuttle service to the port for a fee.

Subtle colors and an ample reception space invite you to this beautiful hotel and the décor of the lobby is unique and inviting. This popular hotel has a gallery whereby friends and family do socialize not to forget that this hotel is pet friendly too. Another and very popular option is to book a room with/or without breakfast and take a taxi (+/- $35) or Uber/Lyft (+/- $20) the next day. Our advice is to first select the hotel accommodation that meets your travel needs. Search by budget, size, amenities, and location and then organize your port transfers. MSC World America and Icon of the Seas, in particular, have several similarities, including public area venues segmented into "districts," as MSC Cruises calls them.

Specifically designed for adults only — no children under the age of 18 are allowed on board — the 2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady is all about grownup fun. We're talking everything from rollicking dance parties to a drag show. Icon of the Seas will offer more cabins with extra bunks to accommodate families with multiple children, including new room designs. Some family suites will even feature separate rooms for the little ones. These days many of us have gotten used to airport security, complete with long lines, body scanners, and strict rules on what you can and cannot bring. By comparison, security at the Port of Miami is much more enjoyable.

We cover all of your options in full detail (with prices and locations) in our Port of Miami cruise parking article. Cruise to the Caribbean aboard Celebrity Silhouette or Celebrity Summit, luxurious ships where you’ll enjoy impeccable service and endless entertainment. Savor world-class cuisine in our onboard restaurants, enjoy exhilarating performances at our state-of-the-art theater, and rest and recharge at The Spa. Spend your days lounging under the sun, snorkeling in crystal-clear water teeming with fish, and exploring historic architecture and forts. After a busy day in port, unwind in luxuriously appointed accommodations or visit one of the exciting bars or lounges onboard, where you can dance the night away. During a Miami cruise aboard Celebrity Silhouette or Celebrity Summit, you won’t have to lift a finger—just sit back and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

After this initial check, you’ll put any carry-on items through an x-ray machine and then you’ll walk through a metal detector. Terminal CAn older terminal that often served Norwegian Cruise Lines before that cruise line moved next door, Terminal C still gets use from cruise lines like Disney and MSC. From here you can get a great view of all of the Miami area, looking out east to South Beach or west to downtown. Terminal BTerminal B (pictured above) is home to a Norwegian Cruise Lines. Terminal ACurrently one of the crown jewels of the Port of Miami, Terminal A is exclusive to Royal Caribbean and is a monument to the cruise line. Featuring a modern styled look, Terminal A is at the far east end of the port, and is large enough to handle Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships, which are the largest in the world.

How long does it take to get to the airport from the Port of Miami? We mentioned it above, but it takes about minutes in normal traffic to get to the Miami airport from the cruise port. Expect 45 minutes to one hour if you are headed to Fort Lauderdale.

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