A good night.
A better morning.
Find a place to stay, work out how you’ll reach PortMiami, and leave room to enjoy being here.
Boarding day
Where do cruise ships dock in Miami?
Our Miami terminal guides include Terminal AA and Terminal A. Confirm your terminal for your ship and sailing date in your cruise documents, then use its guide for the address and arrival instructions.
Which cruise lines sail from PortMiami?
Our PortMiami guide directory includes Norwegian, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and ten more. Sailings vary by season; check the dated sailing calendar and your cruise documents to confirm departures and terminal assignments.
How much is parking at PortMiami?
PortMiami runs two long-term tiers rather than one rate, and which one you pay follows your ship. Garage AA for MSC and Garage B for Norwegian are $35 per vehicle, per space, per day. Garages C, D, F and G, plus Surface Lot E, are $25 a day. Garage A, serving Royal Caribbean at Terminal A, is not priced on the port's own page at all — its operator quotes it separately. Check your terminal before you budget: the parking guide pairs each garage to its terminal and carries the floor-by-floor clearance table.
Disclosure: some affiliate links here — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How we build these guides: picks are researched from public reviews and official sources — venues re-verified July 30, 2026. See every partner and what it pays us.
Where to Stay
Hotels near PortMiami for the night before
Photo: InterContinental Miami by IHGInterContinental Miami
Why: A waterfront choice for spending time in downtown Miami before sailing.
More details
Downtown hotel directly on Biscayne Bay beside Bayfront Park.
Pro tip: Check the exact room layout and total for your dates. Confirm cruise parking and terminal transfers separately from ordinary hotel amenities.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- ihg.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: YVE Hotel MiamiDowntown Miami hotel on Biscayne Boulevard with the on-site Biscayne Tavern.
Why we picked it: A downtown location to compare when neighborhood dining matters to your stay.
Pro tip: Check the exact room layout and total for your dates. Confirm cruise parking and terminal transfers separately from ordinary hotel amenities.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- yvehotelmiami.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Hilton Miami DowntownBiscayne Boulevard hotel with a rooftop pool and on-site dining.
Why we picked it: A downtown pool-and-dining option for a pre-cruise stay.
Pro tip: Check the exact room layout and total for your dates. Confirm cruise parking and terminal transfers separately from ordinary hotel amenities.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- hilton.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Hampton Inn & Suites Miami/Brickell-DowntownA Brickell hotel near neighborhood restaurants and the Metromover.
Why we picked it: A Brickell base for travelers who want to explore the neighborhood before sailing.
Pro tip: Check the exact room layout and total for your dates. Confirm cruise parking and terminal transfers separately from ordinary hotel amenities.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- hilton.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice · checked 2026-09-09
Photo via Google MapsAll-suite hotel in the medical district with microwaves, mini-fridges and an outdoor pool.
Why we picked it: A suite layout to compare when your group wants an extended living area.
Pro tip: Check the exact room layout and total for your dates. Confirm cruise parking and terminal transfers separately from ordinary hotel amenities.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- marriott.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Comfort Suites Miami Airport NorthAn all-suite Miami Springs hotel with hot breakfast near Miami International Airport.
Why we picked it: A suite alternative when an airport-area stay is convenient for your arrival.
Pro tip: Check the exact room layout and total for your dates. Confirm cruise parking and terminal transfers separately from ordinary hotel amenities.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- comfortsuitesmiamiairport.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice · checked 2026-09-09
- comfortsuitesmiamiairport.comshuttle · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Hampton Inn Miami Airport EastAirport-area hotel with breakfast and an outdoor pool east of Miami International.
Why we picked it: Another airport-area stay for comparing the night before a cruise.
Pro tip: Check the exact room layout and total for your dates. Confirm cruise parking and terminal transfers separately from ordinary hotel amenities.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- hilton.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Airport South Blue LagoonMiami Airport South–Blue Lagoon Hampton with breakfast and an outdoor pool.
Why we picked it: An airport-area base to compare when your arrival flight drives the hotel decision.
Pro tip: Check the exact room layout and total for your dates. Confirm cruise parking and terminal transfers separately from ordinary hotel amenities.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- hilton.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Miami Airport & Convention CenterHotel connected to Miami Airport Convention Center with on-site dining choices.
Why we picked it: An airport/convention-area alternative with food available on site.
Pro tip: Check the exact room layout and total for your dates. Confirm cruise parking and terminal transfers separately from ordinary hotel amenities.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- macc.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: Miami Marriott Biscayne BayDowntown waterfront hotel with a pool, dining and balcony room options.
Why we picked it: A Biscayne Bay base for travelers adding a waterfront stay to their cruise.
Pro tip: Choose a balcony or view category explicitly if it matters to your stay; arrange transport to your assigned terminal.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- marriott.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice, address · checked 2026-09-09
- geocoding.geo.census.govlocation · checked 2026-09-09
Photo: citizenM Miami WorldcenterA hotel in Miami’s Worldcenter district on NE 2nd Avenue.
Why we picked it: Adds a central Worldcenter choice alongside the existing airport and Brickell hotels.
Pro tip: Check the exact room’s occupancy before booking for a family and confirm whether your rate includes breakfast.
Parking: Confirm overnight and cruise parking terms with the hotel.
Sources for reviewed details
- marriott.comdescription, hotel features, visit advice, address · checked 2026-09-09
- geocoding.geo.census.govlocation · checked 2026-09-09
Where to Eat
Every restaurant worth eating at near PortMiami
Photo: Café Bastille Downtown MiamiCafé Bastille Downtown
Why: Croissants, crepes, and proper cappuccino, with a bit of Parisian charm in downtown Miami Order: The croissant basket with jam and butter, or sweet crepes with Nutella. Their cappuccino is legit.
More details
Pro tip: Sit outside on a nice morning for the full Parisian cafe experience. It gets busy on weekends, so go early.
Parking: Street parking or nearby garage. Metered spots available on surrounding blocks.
Photo via Google Maps4 min$-$$VariousWaterfront food court with tons of options — everyone picks what they want
What to order: Multiple vendors: burgers, pizza, Cuban food, seafood. Kids can pick their own meal while parents grab something different.
Kids: Outdoor seating, plenty of room to move around, harbor views that keep kids entertained. Bathrooms readily available.
Pro tip: The real draw is the waterfront setting and live music. Let kids burn energy walking around before getting back in the car.
Parking: Paid parking garage at Bayside. Validate with purchase.
Directions
Photo via Google Maps5 min$CubanAn authentic Cuban chain near the port. Reliable, fast, and kid-friendly.
What to order: Cuban breakfast: eggs, toast, ham, and cafe con leche. Kids love the croquetas and sweet plantains. Portions are huge.
Kids: Kids' menu available. Familiar flavors even in Cuban dishes. Quick service means less waiting with antsy kids.
Pro tip: A longtime Miami institution. It's not fancy, but it's consistent and fast — perfect for cruise morning.
Parking: Multiple locations — the one near the port has its own lot.
Directions
Photo: Roberto Vizcon8 min$$New AmericanBehind the art museum, a breezy waterfront cafe with a seasonal menu of bright, fresh flavors
Closed Tue & Wed
What to order: Menu changes seasonally. Always fresh, local produce. Great vegetarian options. The setting is the star — outdoor seating overlooking Biscayne Bay.
Pro tip: Verde opens at 11am, so it's a lunch stop, not a breakfast one — combine it with a quick walk through the museum's outdoor sculpture garden, which is free and has amazing views. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Parking: Use the Pérez Art Museum parking garage. Validate if you visit the museum.
Directions
Photo: Area 318 min$$$SeafoodBiscayne Bay views with sustainable seafood and farm-to-table fare
What to order: Weekend brunch is exceptional. The seafood is sustainably sourced. Don't skip the view — request waterfront seating.
Pro tip: Located on the 16th floor of the EPIC Hotel. Even if you don't eat here, the views of Biscayne Bay and Miami River are worth seeing.
Parking: Valet at the hotel or nearby parking garages in downtown.
Directions
Photo via Google Maps10 min$$$New AmericanBrickell waterfront bar and restaurant known for bottomless brunch with housemade sangria
What to order: Bottomless brunch includes housemade sangrias like Crimson Coast and Isla Brisa, plus bottomless mimosas or Aperol spritz.
Pro tip: Weekend brunch draws a crowd at this Miami River spot, so arrive early or book ahead.
Parking: Valet available. Street parking near Brickell can be tricky on weekends.
Directions
Photo: Phong Truong12 min$CubanCuban diner serving Wynwood since 1988 — authentic cafecito and sandwiches that'll hold you until dinner
Closed Sun
What to order: Cuban sandwich with croquetas, or the tortilla especial omelet. Traditional Cuban coffee done right.
Pro tip: Popular with local commuters for early-morning fuel. Generous portions.
Parking: Small lot and street parking. Can get crowded during morning rush.
Directions
Photo: B Bistro + Bakery12 min$$American BreakfastLocal favorite known for croissant French toast that kids and adults both love
What to order: The croissant French toast is the signature — crispy outside, custardy inside. Also great pancakes and egg dishes.
Kids: Straightforward breakfast menu that kids love. Nothing too fancy or unfamiliar. High chairs available.
Pro tip: Popular weekend brunch spot — go early or expect a wait. The portions are generous.
Parking: Street parking in Brickell area. Some metered spots and nearby garages.
Directions
Photo: Sunny Side Cafe & Eatery25 min$$American BreakfastCheerful, bright spot with thick pancakes, waffles, and healthy options too
What to order: Classic American breakfast: thick pancakes, Belgian waffles. Healthy options like chia pudding and acai bowls for the adults.
Kids: Bright, cheerful atmosphere. Classic breakfast foods kids love. Outdoor seating on nice days.
Pro tip: Only go here if you have extra time — South Beach adds 25+ min each way. But if you're staying nearby, it's worth it.
Parking: Street parking in South Beach — can be challenging. Consider paid lot.
Directions
Photo via Google Maps—$AmericanRight at the port when you need a quick, filling meal before boarding
What to order: Burgers, sandwiches, American comfort food. Nothing fancy, but it's right there when you need it.
Kids: Familiar American food. TVs showing sports keep kids entertained. Quick service.
Pro tip: It keeps limited hours, so check before you count on it. Midday is the busiest stretch, and later in the afternoon is calmer.
Parking: You're already at the port.
Directions
Things to Do
Things to do near PortMiami before you board
Photo: Sherryl SantosBayfront Park
Why: Downtown waterfront park with lawns, a seaside path and performance spaces. Best for: Anyone wanting fresh air and views without a big commitment.
More details
Previously checked opening hours
Last checked 2026-08-10 · Confirm current terms
These details are due for review. Confirm availability, fees and arrangements directly before relying on them.
google.com · check current informationPro tip: Check the day’s opening, admission and transport arrangements before setting your itinerary.
Photo via Google Maps4 minFree1–2 hrShopping, dining and entertainment overlooking Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami.
Previously checked opening hours
Last checked 2026-08-10 · Confirm current terms
Mon-Thu 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Fri-Sat 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMThese details are due for review. Confirm availability, fees and arrangements directly before relying on them.
google.com · check current informationBest for: Consider your group's interests and available time
Pro tip: Check the day’s opening, admission and transport arrangements before setting your itinerary.
Official informationDirections
Photo: Adam Cook5 minFree30 minA playground at Bayfront Park with climbing features and a marine-themed play sculpture.
Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time
Pro tip: Check the day’s opening, admission and transport arrangements before setting your itinerary.
Official informationDirections
Photo: Kim Peebles8 min$14–181–2 hrAn art museum with collection areas devoted to Miami, Latin America, the Caribbean and the African diaspora.
Closed Tue & Wed
Best for: Art lovers, couples, anyone who appreciates architecture
Pro tip: Check the day’s opening, admission and transport arrangements before setting your itinerary.
Check availability on ViatorOfficial informationDirections
Photo: Kalidash Roy8 min$20–262–3 hrInteractive exhibits and creative play at a museum designed for children.
Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time
Pro tip: Check the day’s opening, admission and transport arrangements before setting your itinerary.
Official informationDirections
Photo via Google Maps10 minFree1–2 hrAn open-air shopping center in Brickell with shops and a climate-ribbon canopy.
Previously checked opening hours
Last checked 2026-08-10 · Confirm current terms
Mon-Sat 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM – 7:00 PMThese details are due for review. Confirm availability, fees and arrangements directly before relying on them.
google.com · check current informationBest for: Teens who want to shop, anyone escaping the heat
Pro tip: Choose your shops in advance and check their hours; this is an open-air center, so plan for the weather.
Official informationDirections
Photo: Miami Catrachos10 minFree1–2 hrA Brickell shopping and dining center with a mix of shops, services and restaurants.
Previously checked opening hours
Last checked 2026-08-10 · Confirm current terms
Mon-Sat 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sun 12:00 – 6:00 PMThese details are due for review. Confirm availability, fees and arrangements directly before relying on them.
google.com · check current informationBest for: Couples, foodies, anyone wanting a local vibe
Pro tip: Choose a particular shop or restaurant and check its opening time; individual tenant hours vary.
Official informationDirections
Photo: Sandra Chaloka10 min$24.95–29.952–3 hrA science museum with an aquarium and planetarium in downtown Miami.
Best for: Families with kids who like animals and hands-on learning
Pro tip: Check the day’s opening, admission and transport arrangements before setting your itinerary.
Check availability on ViatorOfficial informationDirections
Photo: Juan Domingo Vega Fernández15 minFree1–2 hrA Miami district combining designer shopping, art and dining.
Best for: Design enthusiasts, shoppers, Instagram fans
Pro tip: Check the day’s opening, admission and transport arrangements before setting your itinerary.
Official informationDirections
Photo via Google Maps—Free—An elevated people mover serving downtown Miami, Omni and Brickell.
Best for: Train-loving kids, tired parents
Pro tip: Check current service alerts and the return route before riding; maintenance can change the normal loops.
Official informationDirections- ———
A dedicated outdoor street-art museum in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood.
Best for: Art lovers planning a Wynwood outing.
Pro tip: Check museum tickets separately from a walk around the neighborhood’s public murals.
Official information - ———
A historic house museum with gardens on Biscayne Bay.
Best for: History, architecture and a garden visit.
Pro tip: Check opening days and the access information for both the house and gardens before planning your visit.
Official information - ———
Miami Beach park with beach access, a playground and a splash zone.
Best for: An outdoor stop during a Miami Beach day.
Pro tip: Allow for the return journey from Miami Beach, and check current beach conditions and parking before leaving.
Official information
Let them watch you sail
We sail from PortMiami. You can watch our ship leave on a live camera at the port: https://cruisedayguide.com/guide/miami/webcam
Getting to Your Ship
Which terminal is yours? Terminals here are assigned by ship and sail date, so without your sailing we have to show all 9 terminals.
True at more than one terminal here
- Have your passport and booking confirmation ready at the check-in counters — Terminal AA and Terminal C
- Arrive during the check-in window in your cruise-line documents. — Terminal A and Terminal E
- The terminal is LEED Silver certified with modern amenities throughout — Terminal A and Terminal F
All PortMiami parking & transport options →
Drop-off
Pull up to the covered drop-off area directly in front of the terminal. Porters with luggage carts are waiting curbside — tip $2-3 per bag. This is the world's largest cruise terminal, so signage is excellent. An additional berth of this same building appears on schedules as Terminal AAA — the same covered drop-off and the same check-in hall serve it, and ships from other lines berth there on busy days, so follow the ship-name signage rather than assuming MSC.
Parking
Park in Garage AA ($20/day short-term, $35/day for cruises). The garage has 7-foot clearance. You can reserve parking in advance through the MSC website or MSC for Me app. Take the covered walkway directly to check-in.
Check-in Tips
- Download the MSC for Me app and complete online check-in before arrival — this is the fastest way through
- MSC's terminal is built for volume — the port states it can process 36,000 passengers a day across three ships, so queues tend to move even on busy mornings
Last-Minute Needs
There's a small convenience area inside the terminal for last-minute items. For better selection, stop at a CVS or Walgreens on your way — the closest is on Biscayne Blvd, about 5 minutes before reaching the port.
Drop-off
Follow signs to Terminal A — look for 'The Crown of Miami' with its distinctive peaked roof design. Drop off luggage curbside with porters (tip $2-3 per bag), then drop off passengers at the terminal entrance before parking.
Parking
Garage A is operated by Royal Caribbean and you MUST reserve parking in advance through their website. Select your sailing date online to see the rate — PortMiami's own parking page does not publish one for Garage A. Keep your confirmation handy — you'll need it to enter the garage.
Check-in Tips
- Complete online check-in before arrival — Royal Caribbean guests get a SetSail Pass in the Royal Caribbean app, Celebrity guests get an Xpress Pass in the Celebrity app
- The terminal has expedited security screening for international guests
Last-Minute Needs
There's a small shop in the terminal for basics. The Royal Caribbean building nearby has cafeterias if you need a snack. For drugstore items, stop at CVS on Biscayne Blvd before reaching the port.
Drop-off
Follow signs to Terminal B — known as 'The Pearl of Miami.' Drop off luggage with porters at the curbside drop-off area (tip $2-3 per bag). The drop-off is well-organized with clear NCL signage.
Parking
Garage B is operated by Norwegian Cruise Line at $35/day. The garage is adjacent to the terminal with a short covered walk to check-in. No advance reservation required, but arrive early on busy sailing days.
Check-in Tips
- Complete online check-in through the NCL app before arrival for fastest boarding
- The terminal has modern waiting areas with comfortable seating near the boarding area
- Check-in counters are positioned efficiently close to where you'll board
- The terminal is LEED Gold certified — one of the greenest cruise terminals in the world
Last-Minute Needs
Limited options inside the terminal. Seaman's Center across from Terminal E has some supplies. Better to stop at CVS or Walgreens on Biscayne Blvd before entering the port.
Drop-off
Pull up to the curbside drop-off in front of the terminal on North Cruise Blvd. Porters are available curbside — tip $2-3 per bag. Terminal C hosts ships from several different lines, so watch for your ship's name on the signage rather than a cruise-line logo.
Parking
Park in Multi-Level Garage C at 1648 N Cruise Blvd — $10/day short-term (no overnight) or $25/day for the length of your cruise. It's directly across from the terminal.
Check-in Tips
- Terminal C is PortMiami's flexible multi-line terminal — assignments can shift, so re-confirm your terminal with your cruise line the day before sailing
- Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber makes Terminal C its Miami home starting January 9, 2027 — the line holds preferential berthing rights here under its agreement with Miami-Dade County, and other lines still use the terminal on other dates
- Margaritaville at Sea guests: your arrival window and boarding pass come by email and in the line's Guest Portal — bring the pass printed or on your phone, and go by the arrival time it shows
- Follow your cruise line's check-in window rather than showing up at opening — staggered arrival keeps the lobby moving on busy overflow days
Last-Minute Needs
No shops of note inside the terminal. Stop at a CVS or Walgreens on Biscayne Blvd on your way in — about 5 minutes before reaching the port.
Drop-off
Follow signs to Terminal D for Carnival, Holland America, Princess, or P&O cruises. Drop off luggage curbside with porters (tip $2-3 per bag). Multiple cruise lines share this terminal, so look for your specific cruise line's signage inside.
Parking
Park in Garage D — affordable at $10/day short-term or $25/day for cruise duration. The garage connects to the terminal via covered walkway.
Check-in Tips
- Complete online check-in through your cruise line's app before arrival
- Terminals D and E were expanded in 2018 to handle larger ships — expect a big, busy terminal on sailing days
- Multiple cruise lines use this terminal, so follow signage for YOUR specific cruise line
- Have your boarding pass (digital or printed) and government ID ready at check-in
Last-Minute Needs
Seaman's Center is directly across from Terminal E with basic travel supplies. There's also a cafe in the port administration building. For better selection, stop at a drugstore before entering the port.
Drop-off
Follow signs to Terminal E — it shares facilities with Terminal D for Carnival, Holland America, Princess, and P&O cruises. Drop off luggage with curbside porters (tip $2-3 per bag), then follow signs to your cruise line's check-in area.
Parking
Use Garage D or Surface Lot E. Garage D is $10/day short-term, $25/day for cruises. Surface Lot E is for oversized vehicles only (RVs, trailers) at special rates — call 305-960-5463 for assistance.
Check-in Tips
- Complete online check-in before arrival through your cruise line's app
- Terminals D and E work together as one large facility — follow interior signage to your cruise line
- The terminal has been renovated with modern amenities and efficient passenger flow
Last-Minute Needs
Seaman's Center is directly across from Terminal E — the closest option for snacks and basic supplies. The port administration building also has a small cafe.
Drop-off
Follow signs to Terminal F — one of Carnival's terminals at PortMiami, renovated in 2022. The covered drop-off area has porter service ready (tip $2-3 per bag). The facilities are top-notch.
Parking
Park in Garage F at $10/day short-term or $25/day for cruise duration. The garage is adjacent to the terminal with an easy covered walk to check-in. Lost ticket fee is max $275, so keep it safe.
Check-in Tips
- Complete online check-in through the Carnival app and have your boarding pass ready
- This is Carnival's third facility at PortMiami, renovated in 2022
- Despite its size, the terminal is designed for efficient flow — follow the Carnival signage
Last-Minute Needs
Limited options at the terminal itself. Seaman's Center near Terminal E has basics. Best to stop at CVS or Walgreens on Biscayne Blvd before reaching the port for any last-minute needs.
Drop-off
Terminal J is on the SOUTHSIDE of the port — follow signs carefully as it's separate from the main cruise terminal area. This boutique terminal serves Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Azamara, and Crystal Cruises. Drop-off is intimate and personalized.
Parking
Park in Garage J at 1122 Caribbean Way, or Garage K next door at 1124 Caribbean Way. PortMiami's published rate list covers Garages AA, A, B, C, D, F and G and Surface Lot E — the two southside garages are not on it, so the port prints no price for them and you will not know yours until you arrive or ask. The southside garages are typically less crowded than the main terminal area.
Check-in Tips
- Complete online check-in through your cruise line's app or website before arrival
- This boutique terminal is designed for small vessels and luxury cruises — expect a more intimate, personalized experience
- Lines are typically shorter here than at the high-volume terminals
- The terminal caters to premium cruise lines, so service levels are high from the moment you arrive
Last-Minute Needs
Very limited options at this terminal. The southside location means you're farther from the Seaman's Center. Definitely stop at a drugstore before heading to the port — Walgreens on Biscayne Blvd is your last good option.
Drop-off
You can't miss Terminal V — it's the striking three-story building with geometric, palm tree-inspired architecture. Drop off luggage and passengers at the covered entrance. The terminal opened in 2022 and the design is intentionally Instagram-worthy.
Parking
PortMiami puts Terminal V with Multi-Level Garage G at 921 N America Way, and prices Garage G at $25/day for the length of your cruise, or $10 a day short-term with no overnight. Virgin's app will have the latest parking instructions for your sailing.
Check-in Tips
- Download the Virgin Voyages app and complete online check-in before arrival — this is essential for the streamlined boarding process
- The terminal design reflects Virgin's modern, adult-focused brand — expect a different vibe than traditional cruise terminals
- The 100,000 square foot facility is LEED Gold certified
- Remember: Virgin Voyages is 18+ only, so the terminal atmosphere is geared toward adults
Last-Minute Needs
Terminal V has some amenities that match Virgin's boutique approach, but selection is limited. Stop at a drugstore before arriving — CVS on Biscayne Blvd is convenient on your way to the port.
Photos by Andy Hacker, Catalin Lupu, Janice Williams, and others via Google Maps.
Passport & Documents
Bring a valid passport even on a closed-loop cruise — one that leaves and returns to the same U.S. port, where a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID are technically enough — because only a passport gets you home if you miss the ship at a foreign port (full document list in our first-time cruise tips).
Need to apply? The nearest passport acceptance facility is the Miami Main Post Office (2200 NW 72nd Ave, Miami) — appointments recommended, call 305-470-0812.
Last-Minute Stops
Pick up anything you forgot before heading to the port.
Publix — Downtown Miami
Groceries, snacks, water, sunscreen — closest grocery to PortMiami
311 SW 7th St, Miami, FL 33130
DirectionsCVS Pharmacy — Brickell
Pharmacy, Dramamine, phone chargers, toiletries
1201 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131
DirectionsTarget — Midtown Miami
Everything last-minute — clothes, toiletries, snacks, electronics
3401 N Miami Ave Ste 100, Miami, FL 33127
DirectionsUSPS — Downtown Miami
Post office — drop mail before you sail
150 SE 2nd Ave Ste 103, Miami, FL 33131
DirectionsGetting There & Parking
Compare parking and the other practical ways to reach PortMiami.
Parking for your cruise
Driving & Port ParkingCruisers driving from Florida or nearby statesCosts & travel details
Cost$25 per day in Garages C, D, F, G and Surface Lot E
PortMiami has parking garages at each terminal. The port is on an island — take the Port Boulevard tunnel from I-395 (toll-free) or the MacArthur Causeway from South Beach. Garages AA (MSC) and B (Norwegian) are $35 per vehicle, per space, per day. Garages C, D, F and G are $25/day long-term and $10 short-term with no overnight — Carnival sails from Terminals D and E and parks in Garage D. Surface Lot E, the open-air option and the only one without a height limit, is $25 per space per day, doubling to $50 if your vehicle takes two spaces. Garage A, serving Royal Caribbean at Terminal A, is the one garage the port does not price on its own page; it refers you to the garage operator's site instead.
Pro tip: Debit cards are NOT accepted — bring a credit card or cash. Follow signs to your specific terminal number; the port is large and garages are not interchangeable. Check the clearance for your garage before you drive in, because the first floor is much taller than the rest: Garage D drops to 6ft 8in above the ground floor, Garage C to 6ft 10in. The garages are staffed 6am to 5pm on cruise days and the free terminal shuttle runs on cruise days only.
Verified Sep 7, 2026 · PortMiami — Parking Information · See something outdated? Tell us
Other ways to reach the ship
From Miami International Airport (MIA)Most cruisers flying inCosts & travel details
CostNo published fare — PortMiami publishes no passenger transfer prices, so take the app's estimate or the meter as your number.
MIA is about 10 miles from PortMiami — roughly 20 min by car, traffic permitting. This is the closest major airport.
Pro tip: Most cruise lines offer shuttle service from MIA — check your cruise line's website for booking and pricing, since neither the port nor the lines publish a standing rate. For a group of 3+, price a single rideshare against per-person shuttle seats before you book.
Late-Night Arrivals at MIAFly-in cruisers whose flight lands late the night before the cruiseCosts & travel details
CostNo published fare for the airport-to-hotel leg — it is quoted by the meter or the app, and each property sets its own shuttle hours.
A flight that lands late the night before changes which hotel is the right one. Hotel airport shuttles thin out or go on-call in the late evening, and an on-call pickup after midnight is a wait on the curb with your bags. Plan the last leg as a taxi or rideshare, and choose the hotel on the room and the location instead.
Pro tip: Ask what time the hotel's last airport pickup runs, not whether it has a shuttle — that answer is what the shuttle is worth to you. Then decide where you would rather be at 9 AM: the airport hotels sit minutes from MIA but about 20 from PortMiami, longer in morning traffic, while a downtown room is a longer ride tonight on empty roads and roughly 10 minutes from the terminal in the morning.
From Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)Cruisers who found better flight deals to FLLCosts & travel details
CostBroward County publishes $86 for a taxi from FLL to the Port of Miami and $90 for a luxury sedan, calling both estimates subject to a fuel surcharge. No shared-shuttle or rideshare fare is published for this route.
FLL is about 28 miles north of PortMiami — plan on 35-55 min by car straight down I-95, and more during rush hour. Flights into FLL often cost less than MIA, but weigh the savings against the longer transfer.
Pro tip: I-95 traffic can be brutal during rush hour. If your flight arrives during peak times (7-9 AM or 4-7 PM), add extra buffer. Landing the day before and staying near FLL — or in downtown Miami — turns a stressful sail-day transfer into an easy morning ride.
Brightline Train from Fort Lauderdale (FLL)Cruisers who'd rather ride the rails than sit on I-95Costs & travel details
CostBrightline prices its trains dynamically and publishes no fixed Fort Lauderdale to Miami fare. Its connecting shuttle and the last leg to the port are quoted at booking.
Brightline's Fort Lauderdale station is downtown, not at the airport — a dedicated Brightline shuttle covers the airport-to-station leg. The train reaches MiamiCentral in under 40 minutes, and MiamiCentral is less than a 10-minute drive from PortMiami.
Pro tip: The airport shuttle runs 8 AM-7 PM at roughly 30-minute intervals, first-come first-served — no advance reservations, so a very early boarding window means rideshare instead. Premium fares include a complimentary Uber within five miles of the station, which covers the MiamiCentral-to-port leg.
Hotel Shuttle ServicesCruisers who want to bundle hotel + parking + transportCosts & travel details
CostBundled into the room rate and quoted by the property; no standing package price is published.
Many Miami hotels offer cruise shuttle packages, especially those near the airport. Quality and timing vary widely.
Pro tip: Verify shuttle times before booking — some only run once in the morning — and confirm how many parking nights the package actually includes, because that count varies by property and a seven-night sailing needs eight days of parking. The best packages include both legs, to the port and back. Price the total against a week in the port garage at $25 or $35 a day plus the room you would have booked anyway.
Uber/Lyft from AnywhereFlexibility and door-to-door serviceCosts & travel details
CostNo published fares — pricing is dynamic. Downtown is the shortest hop, South Beach a little longer, MIA about 10 miles out and Fort Lauderdale about 28.
Rideshare is readily available throughout Miami. The port has designated pickup/drop-off areas.
Pro tip: On busy embarkation days (Saturdays especially), prices can surge, so the app's estimate the night before is not the price you will pay in the morning. The port drop-off area is well-organized — drivers know where to go.
TaxiCruisers who prefer a quoted fare over surge-based rideshareCosts & travel details
CostNo fare published by the port for any taxi route — agree the fare or confirm the meter before you set off.
Traditional taxis are available at the airports and can be hailed downtown.
Pro tip: Taxis can be the better deal when rideshare is surging, but treat any figure you have read online as unverified: neither PortMiami nor the cruise lines publish passenger fares. Confirm the rate with the driver or the stand dispatcher before getting in.
What to Pack
The essentials you'll actually need — plus a few things most people forget
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Carry-On Day Bag
Pack these in a bag you keep with you at boarding — your checked luggage won't arrive until 3-4pm
Boarding Tips
Download the Royal Caribbean app and complete online check-in
You'll get your boarding group assignment and can set up your on-board spending account ahead of time. This alone can save you 30+ minutes at the terminal. Upload your photo for facial recognition boarding — it makes the security line faster.
Arrive at your assigned boarding time — not earlier
They've gotten strict about this. Showing up early means waiting in the terminal with no access to the ship. Your assigned time gets you on the ship fastest. If you have Crown & Anchor status, you may have priority boarding — check the app.
Bring small bills for the curbside porters — $2-3 per bag is the customary tip
This one applies at every cruise port, not just to Royal Caribbean sailings: the porters who take your checked bags at the curb are longshoremen working for the port, not cruise line staff, so the gratuities on your onboard account never reach them, and they carry no card reader. Within that band, the low end covers a small case and the top of it is fair for an oversized one, or when someone wrestles a heavy bag out of your trunk for you. Tag your bags with your stateroom number before you get out of the car, then hand them over and keep your carry-on with you.
Pack a carry-on bag with swimsuits, meds, and essentials
Your checked luggage won't reach your cabin until 3-4pm. Pack a day bag with swimsuits, medications, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and your phone charger so you can start enjoying the ship immediately.
Head straight to the pool deck or Windjammer for lunch
The main dining room is packed right after boarding. The Windjammer buffet and the pool deck grill have shorter lines, and you'll snag a good lounge chair while everyone else is still exploring.
Book specialty dining and shows on Day 1
Popular restaurants and shows fill up fast. Open the app as soon as you board and reserve your top picks. The chef's table and specialty dinner shows sell out first.
Download the Royal Caribbean app before you arrive — you'll need it for check-in, daily schedules, restaurant reservations, and as your digital key to your stateroom.
First cruise? Embarkation day in the order it happens walks through the whole day, and the muster drill, explained covers the one thing you cannot skip.
All PortMiami guides
Ships sailing from PortMiami
- Celebrity Beyond terminal & parkingCelebrity
- Allure of the Seas terminal & parkingRoyal Caribbean
- Brilliant Lady terminal & parkingVirgin Voyages
- Carnival Celebration terminal & parkingCarnival
- Carnival Conquest terminal & parkingCarnival
- Carnival Firenze terminal & parkingCarnival
- Carnival Horizon terminal & parkingCarnival
- Carnival Magic terminal & parkingCarnival
- Carnival Sunrise terminal & parkingCarnival
- Celebrity Xcel terminal & parkingCelebrity
- Explora I terminal & parkingExplora Journeys
- Explora III terminal & parkingExplora Journeys
Terminals at PortMiami
- Terminal AA parking & drop-offMSC Cruises
- Terminal A parking & drop-offRoyal Caribbean / Celebrity
- Terminal B parking & drop-offNorwegian Cruise Line
- Terminal C parking & drop-offMulti-Line
- Terminal D parking & drop-offCarnival, Holland America, Princess
- Terminal E parking & drop-offCarnival, Holland America, Princess
- Terminal F parking & drop-offCarnival Cruise Line
- Terminal J parking & drop-offLuxury Cruises