CRUISES FROM MIAMI

Cruises Departing Miami, FL

Miami is the cruise capital of the world, offering an extensive selection of cruises, with the vast majority to the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Mexico.

For travelers looking for a cruise from Miami, the choices can range from short Bahamas getaways to weeklong Eastern or Western Caribbean cruises and much longer voyages. Miami's location in South Florida also makes it convenient for travelers arriving by air, driving from other parts of Florida, or adding a few days in Miami before or after their cruise.

Epix Cruise and Travel can help you compare cruise lines, ships, itineraries, departure dates, staterooms, and pricing to find an option that fits your travel plans.

PortMiami Is Miami's Main Cruise Port

Unlike some cruise cities that have multiple separate cruise ports, Miami's major cruise operations are concentrated at PortMiami. PortMiami is located on Dodge Island, immediately east of downtown Miami. The port is connected to the mainland by the PortMiami Bridge and a dedicated tunnel that provides direct access to major roadways.

PortMiami's main administrative address is:

1080 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132

Your actual cruise terminal address will depend on your cruise line and ship. PortMiami has numerous terminals, and terminal assignments can change, so always check your cruise documents before heading to the port.

Cruise Lines Sailing from Miami

One of the advantages of choosing a cruise that departs Miami is the enormous variety of cruise lines represented at PortMiami.

Major cruise lines currently sailing from Miami include:

  • Royal Caribbean International

  • Carnival Cruise Line

  • Norwegian Cruise Line

  • MSC Cruises

  • Virgin Voyages

  • Some premium and luxury cruise lines

Which Terminal Does Each Cruise Line Use?

PortMiami has several cruise terminals that are associated with particular cruise lines.

  • MSC Cruises — Terminal AA, 2200 N. Cruise Blvd.

  • Royal Caribbean — Terminal A, 2000 N. Cruise Blvd.

  • Norwegian Cruise Line — Terminal B, 1761 N. Cruise Blvd.

  • Carnival Cruise Line — primarily Terminals D, E, and F

  • Virgin Voyages — Terminal V, 718 W. Cruise Blvd.

  • Other cruise lines — Terminal C, Terminal J, and other facilities depending on the ship and sailing

PortMiami notes that Terminal C serves ships from several cruise lines, while Terminal J is designed for smaller vessels and luxury cruises. Terminal assignments can change, so verify the terminal for your specific sailing.

Cruises from Miami to the Caribbean

The Caribbean is the primary attraction for many travelers searching for cruises from Miami. Depending on the itinerary, you can cruise from Miami to destinations throughout the:

  • Eastern Caribbean

  • Western Caribbean

  • Southern Caribbean

  • Bahamas

  • Mexico

  • Central America

Eastern Caribbean itineraries commonly include destinations such as St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

Western Caribbean cruises can visit destinations such as Cozumel, Costa Maya, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and other ports.

Longer Southern Caribbean itineraries can reach islands farther south, including Aruba, Curaçao, and other destinations.

Mexico Cruises from Miami

Miami is also an important departure point for Mexico cruises. Cruises from Miami to Mexico can visit destinations along the Caribbean coast of Mexico, including:

  • Cozumel

  • Costa Maya

  • Other Caribbean Mexico destinations

Mexico can also be combined with other Western Caribbean ports on a single itinerary. For travelers who want a combination of beaches, cultural attractions, shopping, snorkeling, and other activities, a Western Caribbean cruise can provide several different experiences during one vacation.

Bahamas Cruises from Miami

The Bahamas are particularly accessible from Miami because of the port's location in South Florida.

Short Bahamas cruises can be a good option for travelers who don't have time for a full weeklong vacation. Depending on the cruise line and itinerary, sailings may visit Nassau, Bimini, or a private island or destination operated by the cruise line. Some cruise lines also offer longer itineraries that combine the Bahamas with other Caribbean destinations.

Other Cruise Destinations from Miami

Miami is not limited to Caribbean and Mexico cruises. Longer cruises departing from Miami can reach a much wider range of destinations.

Depending on the cruise line and sailing, itineraries can include:

  • Panama Canal

  • Central America

  • South America

  • Northern South America

  • Transatlantic crossings

  • Longer Caribbean voyages

  • Repositioning cruises

PortMiami describes its cruise network as extending beyond the Caribbean and Mexico to destinations throughout the Americas and beyond.

Parking at PortMiami

If you're driving to your cruise, PortMiami provides parking facilities near its cruise terminals on both the north and south sides of the port.

Major parking facilities include:

  • Garage AA — 2200 N. Cruise Blvd.

  • Garage A — 2000 N. Cruise Blvd.

  • Garage B — 1756 N. Cruise Blvd.

  • Garage C — 1648 N. Cruise Blvd.

  • Garage D — 1400 N. Cruise Blvd.

  • Garage G — 921 N. America Way

  • Garage J — 1122 Caribbean Way

  • Garage K — 1124 Caribbean Way

For most county-operated garages, current long-term cruise parking is $25 per vehicle per day. Garage B currently lists a $35 daily rate, while Garage AA also lists $35 per day for overnight parking. Garage A is privately operated and may have different rates. Oversized vehicles can use Surface Lot E, which currently charges $25 per space per day.

Free shuttle service is available on cruise days between certain parking areas and cruise terminals.

Parking rates can change, so verify current rates before your cruise.

Miami Cruise Port
PortMiami - Cruise Port Miami

Flying to Miami for Your Cruise

Miami International Airport (MIA) is the most convenient major airport for passengers flying into Miami for a cruise.

PortMiami is approximately 9 miles from Miami International Airport. PortMiami also provides access from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, which is approximately 26 miles away.

Travelers arriving at MIA can reach PortMiami by:

  • Cruise-line shuttle

  • Taxi

  • Uber or Lyft

  • Private car service

  • Rental car

  • Public transportation

Miami International Airport lists cruise-line transportation, taxis, rideshare services, and public transportation among the available options for reaching PortMiami.

Most cruise passengers will find a taxi, rideshare, private car, or cruise-line transfer more straightforward than using multiple public transportation connections with luggage.

Hotels Near PortMiami

If you're flying into Miami or traveling from another part of Florida, staying overnight before your cruise can give you additional time to enjoy Miami and provide a buffer against travel delays.

Three hotels to consider are:

Hyatt Regency Miami

400 Southeast Second Avenue
Miami, FL 33131

The Hyatt Regency Miami is located along the Miami River near downtown, Brickell, Bayfront Park, and the waterfront. The hotel is approximately 1.6 miles from PortMiami and offers a convenient downtown location for cruise passengers.

InterContinental Miami

100 Chopin Plaza
Miami, FL 33131

The InterContinental is located in downtown Miami near Biscayne Bay and is approximately 1.5 miles from PortMiami. The hotel offers cruise-related packages and can assist guests with arranging transportation to the port.

Hampton Inn & Suites Miami/Brickell-Downtown

50 Southwest 12th Street
Miami, FL 33130

This hotel is in the Brickell district, close to restaurants, shops, and the free Metromover. Hilton lists PortMiami and Miami International Airport as being within a short drive of the hotel.

Hotel prices and availability vary by date, so compare your options before booking.

Miami Weather by Month

Miami has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year. Winters are generally warmer and drier, while late spring through early fall brings higher humidity and substantially more rainfall.

The following average high and low temperatures are based on 1991–2020 climate normals for Miami International Airport.

  • January — Average high: 76°F | Average low: 62°F
    January is one of Miami's more comfortable months, with warm afternoons and relatively lower humidity.

  • February — Average high: 78°F | Average low: 64°F
    February remains warm and generally comfortable, making it a popular period for visiting South Florida.

  • March — Average high: 81°F | Average low: 66°F
    March brings warmer afternoons while humidity is generally still moderate compared with summer.

  • April — Average high: 84°F | Average low: 71°F
    April is noticeably warmer, with increasing humidity and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

  • May — Average high: 87°F | Average low: 74°F
    May marks the beginning of Miami's wetter and more humid period, with warm temperatures both day and night.

  • June — Average high: 90°F | Average low: 77°F
    June is hot and humid, and afternoon thunderstorms become more common.

  • July — Average high: 91°F | Average low: 78°F
    July is typically very warm, with high humidity and frequent summer showers or thunderstorms, although showers and thunderstorms usually roll in and out quickly.

  • August — Average high: 91°F | Average low: 78°F
    August is among Miami's hottest and most humid months and might feel uncomfortable for some.

  • September — Average high: 90°F | Average low: 77°F
    September weather is very similar to August.

  • October — Average high: 86°F | Average low: 75°F
    October remains warm, although temperatures begin to ease later in the month.

  • November — Average high: 81°F | Average low: 68°F
    November generally brings more comfortable humidity and cooler evenings.

  • December — Average high: 79°F | Average low: 66°F
    December is warm compared with most of the United States and is generally one of the more comfortable months to visit Miami.

These are long-term climate averages rather than a forecast for a particular cruise date. Weather conditions can vary considerably from one week to another and from year to year.

Cruises from Miami for Groups

Miami's extensive cruise schedule also makes it an attractive departure point for groups traveling together.

Group cruises can be arranged for:

  • Family reunions

  • Friends and extended families

  • School and alumni reunions

  • Clubs and organizations

  • Social groups

  • Businesses and employee groups

  • Special-interest groups

Depending on the cruise line, ship, sailing, and group size, qualifying groups may have access to group pricing, onboard benefits, or other amenities.

A group cruise specialist can also help coordinate staterooms, reservations, payments, travel information, and communication among multiple travelers.

Start Planning Your Cruise from Miami

With so many cruises departing Miami, you can choose an option based on the destinations you want to visit, the amount of time you have, and the type of ship and onboard experience you prefer.

A cruise from Miami can be as simple as a short Bahamas getaway or as extensive as a multi-week journey through the Caribbean, Panama Canal, or Central America. There are also plenty of options for travelers who want to combine a cruise with a few days exploring Miami before or after their sailing.

Epix Cruise and Travel can help you sort through the available choices, compare cruise options, and coordinate the details of your vacation or group cruise.

If you're considering a cruise from Miami, contact Epix Cruise and Travel to discuss your dates, destinations, group size, and cruise preferences.