Welcome to Miami
This guide is tailored for cruise passengers visiting Miami. Miami, a vibrant gateway to the Americas, welcomes you with its sunny beaches, cultural diversity, and lively atmosphere. Make the most of your limited time as a cruise passenger by exploring the best of Miami's offerings.
Port Facts
The Port of Miami is one the world's largest cruise ports, the gateway to the Caribbean. The Port of Miami can accomodate the largest cruise ships. It has 7 passenger terminals and it servers nearly 4 million cruise passengers a year.
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Carnival, Oceania are most frequently seen. Most of the cruises are either 3, 4 or 7 day cruises to the Bahama's, Caribbean and Mexico.
Things to Do
The question should be, what can you not do? Miami is in the South-East part of Florida. Hundreds of cruise ships call here bringing millions of tourists each year. Miami offers a wide range of activities from beaches, shopping, golf but also tours to explore the city and the surroundings. Tours to the nearby Everglades to visit the famous crocodile farms or to take air boat rides, tours to the Florida Keys and many other options are available.
South Beach offers a distinct selection of small hotels you would not expect in a US city. Very intimate and colorful decors set the tone (sometimes even going too far). If you have a chance to visit South Beach, just take a stroll on Collins Avenue, Ocean Drive and see for yourself. If you want to go shopping, Lincoln Road Mall is for you. Here you can find just about anything. Also plenty of restaurants and coffee places available where you can choose to sit either in or outside.
Rainy day? No worries, Aventura Mall, one of the biggest malls in the USA is just a few blocks away. It features hundreds of boutique style shops, department stores and of course the famous food court.
If you like to see the cruise ships depart (or arrive if you are up very early), go to most Southern most point of South Beach and walk on the boulevard. Amazing spot where the ships sail by just meters away.
You can also discover Miami on your own by bicycle. Throughout the city you will find these bicycle rack where you can rent a bike for a small fee.
More examples of tours available:
- Miami City tour
- Everglades tour
- Key West
- Sawgrass
- Day trips to the Bahamas
- Waterskiing/wakeboarding
- Surfing/wind surfing
- Scuba diving and snorkeling
- Bike rentals
- Duck tours
- Golf
- Parasailing
Top 5 Attractions
- South Beach: Relax on the sandy shores and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Miami's most famous beach.
- Art Deco Historic District: Explore the iconic pastel-colored buildings and unique architecture of this historic area in Miami Beach.
- Little Havana: Experience the rich Cuban culture with lively streets, music, and delicious food.
- Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM): Discover contemporary and modern art in a stunning waterfront setting. (Entrance fees may apply)
- Jungle Island: Visit this interactive zoological park for family-friendly animal encounters. (Entrance fees may apply)
Nice to Know Facts
- Miami is known for its diverse cultural events, including the renowned Art Basel Miami Beach.
- The city's architecture features a mix of Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and modern designs.
- Miami's vibrant nightlife offers a variety of entertainment options, from trendy clubs to beachside bars.
Airport
Miami International Airport (MIA) is one of the busiest airports in the country. The airport is located about 15km from downtown and the Port of Miami making it very convinient for cruise passengers.
From Miami there are direct connections to most major cities in the USA as well as to Europe, South America, Latin America and Canada.
MIA website: www.miami-airport.com
Note: If you are departing from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) we recommend you to fly to Fort Lauderdale Airport as this is much closer. The distance Miami Airport to Port Everglades is 30 miles. Taxi fares can run up to $80.
Beaches
Miami offers a long stretch of wide sandy beaches ideal for sunbathing and beach sports. Swimming is also good but please take caution as the waves and currents can be strong at times.
Transportation
Public transportation, taxis, limo service, trains, shuttle services and car rentals. Whatever your preference, it's there and well arranged in Miami. Taxi's are not too expensive and when going to and from the airport from your hotel, they usually have fixed prices. This will be in your favor as traffic can be quite heavy at times.
Explore Miami and nearby attractions with these transportation options:
- Taxis: Convenient for short trips and exploring the local area.
- MetroRail: Ideal for those who want to travel to downtown Miami efficiently.
- MetroBus: Offers routes to various neighborhoods and attractions.
Easily Accessible Destinations:
- South Beach: A popular destination for sunbathing and people-watching. (Approx. 10 km, 6 miles, 20 minutes)
- Little Havana: Immerse yourself in Cuban culture and enjoy authentic cuisine. (Approx. 8 km, 5 miles, 15 minutes)
Public transportation
Public transportation in and around Miami is very well organized. Buses run frequent and will take you just about everywhere in Miami and it's suburbs. To see all the options in more detail, as well as time tables and maps, click here.
South Beach local bus runs every 10-15 minutes and makes rounds on South Beach. It only costs your 25cent to travel on this bus (exact change required) and is a very easy way to get from one place to another. For the route, please see the image below.
Touristic Information
Experience the magic of Miami with its iconic beaches, thriving art scene, and delicious cuisine. Immerse yourself in the city's unique blend of cultures and enjoy the dynamic energy that defines Miami.
Local Foods
Indulge in the flavors of Miami:
- Cuban Sandwich: Savor this classic sandwich filled with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami.
- Stone Crab: Try the local delicacy, often served with mustard sauce.
- Miami Vice: Cool off with this refreshing cocktail that combines a strawberry daiquiri with a piña colada.
Local Customs
Embrace the laid-back atmosphere of Miami and enjoy the cultural diversity. Miami is known for its friendly and open-minded community. Remember to greet locals with a smile and be courteous in your interactions.
Fun for Families
Up to 6 Years Old: Spend quality time at Jungle Island, where children can interact with animals and enjoy engaging shows.
7-12 Years Old: Visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami for a family-friendly art experience or explore the fascinating Art Deco Historic District.
13-18 Years Old: Discover the vibrant scenes of South Beach, Little Havana, and the contemporary art at PAMM.
Google Maps
Explore Miami on Google Maps
Main Local Tourism Office
Discover more about Miami - Local Tourism Office
Notice: Content and travel advice presented is created by a port moderator and/or AI, courtesy of ChatGPT. It is specifically designed for cruise passengers visiting this port of call. A port moderator could be a local individual, destination expert, port authority, or a tourism agency. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that you verify critical information like visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation with official sources before departure.