PortMiami: The Cruise Capital of the World
PortMiami lives up to its title — more cruise passengers pass through this port than any other on Earth. The stunning new terminals, including Royal Caribbean's Crown of Miami and MSC's dedicated facility, make embarkation surprisingly smooth for such a busy port.
Located on Dodge Island in Biscayne Bay, the port offers gorgeous views of the Miami skyline. South Beach, Little Havana, Wynwood, and the Art Deco District are all within easy reach for pre-cruise exploration.
Getting to the Port
- From MIA Airport: 15-20 minutes via SR-836 and Port Boulevard
- From South Beach: 15-20 minutes via MacArthur Causeway
- From Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 35-45 minutes via I-95
- Uber/Lyft: $15-25 from MIA, $40-55 from FLL
- Brightline: High-speed rail from Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach to MiamiCentral station downtown, then short taxi/rideshare to port
Getting Around Miami
- Metromover: Free elevated rail connecting downtown, Brickell, and Omni areas — runs every 90 seconds during peak hours. Miami-Dade Transit
- Metrorail: Heavy rail connecting airport to downtown ($2.25 fare). Brickell and Government Center stations near port area
- Coral Way Trolley: Free trolley service through Coral Gables and downtown neighborhoods
- Miami Beach Trolley: Free service along South Beach (temporarily suspended — check current status)
- On Foot: Downtown and Brickell are walkable; South Beach best explored by foot
Parking Options
- On-site parking: Covered garages at each terminal
- Cost: $22/day
- Off-site: Limited options; on-site is most convenient
- Reserve ahead: Highly recommended — this port is busy
Nearby Hotels
- Hilton Miami Downtown: Bayfront location, easy Metromover access to port area
- Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach: Oceanfront Art Deco elegance on South Beach
- InterContinental Miami: Bayfront views, walking distance to port via PeopleMover
- Faena Miami Beach: Luxury South Beach experience
- Hampton Inn Brickell: Budget-friendly downtown option on the Metromover line
Pre-Cruise Activities
- South Beach: Art Deco architecture, Ocean Drive, iconic beach
- Little Havana: Cuban coffee, Calle Ocho, authentic culture
- Wynwood Walls: World-famous street art district
- Vizcaya Museum: Stunning Italian Renaissance estate on Biscayne Bay
- Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM): Contemporary art with bay views
- Everglades National Park: UNESCO World Heritage Site — airboat tours through the River of Grass about 45 minutes west. Book through Viator or park concessioners
- Biscayne National Park: 95% underwater park just south of Miami — snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boat tours
History & Heritage
PortMiami's story began in 1896 when Henry Flagler's railroad reached the small settlement. The port grew from a modest passenger terminal in 1915 to become the world's busiest cruise port, earning the "Cruise Capital of the World" title in 1994. The dramatic skyline view from Dodge Island — with cruise ships dwarfing the Art Deco buildings — captures Miami's transformation from frontier town to global gateway.
The port sits on what was once known as Lummus Island, expanded and renamed Dodge Island in the 1960s. Today's state-of-the-art terminals, including the stunning new MSC Terminal AAA (opened 2025) and Royal Caribbean's Crown of Miami, represent nearly $2 billion in recent investment.
Practical Tips
- Embarkation: Most terminals offer mobile check-in starting at 10:30 AM — complete online to save time
- Weather: Miami is hot and humid year-round; dress light, stay hydrated, and embrace air conditioning
- Currency: USD; credit cards accepted virtually everywhere
- Cuban Coffee: Order a "cortadito" at Versailles or La Carreta for authentic café con leche experience
- Art Basel: Early December brings massive crowds for the annual art fair — book hotels months ahead
PortMiami Area Map
Interactive map showing cruise terminals, South Beach, Little Havana, and Wynwood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: PortMiami or Port Everglades?
A: Different ports — PortMiami is in Miami (MIA airport); Port Everglades is in Fort Lauderdale (FLL). Check your booking carefully.
Q: How's the Miami traffic?
A: It can be challenging. Allow extra time, especially during rush hour or special events. The Metromover helps avoid downtown congestion.
Q: Is the Metromover useful?
A: Absolutely — it's free and connects downtown hotels to the port area. Runs every 90 seconds during peak hours.
Q: Best time to visit Everglades National Park?
A: December through April is dry season — cooler temperatures, fewer mosquitoes, and wildlife concentrated around water sources.