PortMiami Cruise Guide

Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Brickell Downtown

Reliable chain hotel with free breakfast — kids eat free, parents relax

12 min driveDirections

Comfort Suites Miami Airport North

Budget-friendly suites with pool and free breakfast — plus free one-way shuttle

20 min driveDirections

Hilton Miami Downtown

Full-service hotel with family-friendly amenities and port shuttle package

$$-$$$

10 min driveDirections

Hampton Inn Miami Airport East

Budget option with excellent park & cruise deal — free parking for a week

20 min driveDirections

InterContinental Miami

Waterfront luxury with Biscayne Bay views — treat yourself before your cruise

$$$

10 min driveDirections

YVE Hotel Miami

Boutique hotel in the heart of downtown — modern style at a reasonable price

7 min driveDirections

Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Airport South

Best park & cruise deal — 14 days free parking plus $30 Uber credit to port

20 min driveDirections

DoubleTree by Hilton Miami Airport

Reliable airport hotel with cruise package — free shuttle both ways

20 min driveDirections

2Where to Eat

Every restaurant worth eating at near PortMiami

Bayside Marketplace Food Court

Waterfront food court with tons of options — everyone picks what they want

Various

4 min from port$-$$Directions

B Bistro

Local favorite known for croissant French toast that kids and adults both love

American Breakfast

12 min from port$$Directions

La Carreta

Authentic Cuban chain right near the port — reliable, fast, kid-friendly

Cuban

5 min from port$Directions

Sunny Side Cafe & Eatery

Cheerful, bright spot with thick pancakes, waffles, and healthy options too

American Breakfast

25 min from port (South Beach)$$Directions

Sports Grill at Terminal

Right at the port when you need a quick, filling meal before boarding

American

At the port$Directions

Café Bastille Downtown

Parisian charm in downtown Miami — croissants, crepes, and proper cappuccino

French

10 min from port$$Directions

Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill

Miami's favorite brunch spot — bottomless sangria and creative small plates

New American

15 min from port$$$Directions

Area 31

Breathtaking Biscayne Bay views with sustainable seafood and farm-to-table fare

Seafood

8 min from port$$$Directions

Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop

45-year-old Cuban diner — authentic cafecito and sandwiches that'll hold you until dinner

Cuban

12 min from port$Directions

Verde at PAMM

Breezy waterfront cafe behind the art museum — seasonal menu with bright, fresh flavors

New American

8 min from port$$Directions

3Things to Do

Things to do near PortMiami before you board

Miami Children's Museum

Hands-on exhibits designed for kids — let them run around before a week on a ship

Families with kids under 10

8 min from port2-3 hours$24 per person (includes adults)Directions

Get Tickets →

Frost Science Museum

Interactive science exhibits plus a three-story aquarium — education disguised as fun

Families with kids who like animals and hands-on learning

10 min from port2-3 hours$30 adults, $24 youth (3-11)Directions

Get Tickets →

Bayside Marketplace

Waterfront plaza with room to run — ice cream, boat-watching, and live music

All ages — easy, no-stress option

4 min from port1-2 hoursFree to exploreDirections

Bayfront Park Playground

Playground with bay views — free place to let kids run

Quick energy burn before getting back in the car

5 min from port30 min - 1 hourFreeDirections

Downtown Metromover Ride

Free elevated train that kids think is a ride — circle downtown for free

Train-loving kids, tired parents

Start anywhere downtown30-45 minFreeDirections

Downtown Metromover

Free elevated train around downtown — a mini tour without trying

Anyone wanting to see downtown without walking

Start anywhere downtown30-45 min for full loopFreeDirections

Brickell City Centre

Modern mall with good stores, food court, and AC — teen-approved time killer

Teens who want to shop, anyone escaping the heat

10 min from port1-2 hoursFree to exploreDirections

Bayfront Park

Quick outdoor escape with skyline views and people-watching

Stretching legs, getting outside before a week on a ship

5 min from port30 min - 1 hourFreeDirections

Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)

Contemporary art museum in a striking waterfront building — outdoor sculptures are free

Art lovers, couples, anyone who appreciates architecture

8 min from port1-2 hours$16 adults, free for Miami-Dade residentsDirections

Get Tickets →

Mary Brickell Village

Open-air dining and shopping enclave in Miami's most walkable neighborhood

Couples, foodies, anyone wanting a local vibe

10 min from port1-2 hoursFree to explore (shopping/dining costs vary)Directions

Miami Design District

Upscale outdoor shopping with public art installations and designer boutiques

Design enthusiasts, shoppers, Instagram fans

15 min from port1-2 hoursFree to explore (shopping costs vary)Directions

4Getting to Your Ship

Terminal AA (MSC Cruises)

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.

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.

Terminal A (Royal Caribbean)

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 rates ($25/day for 6+ day cruises, $28/day for shorter). Keep your confirmation handy — you'll need it to enter the garage.

Terminal B (Norwegian Cruise Line)

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.

Terminal D (Carnival, Holland America, Princess)

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. Crew parking available at $50/week. The garage connects to the terminal via covered walkway.

Terminal E (Carnival, Holland America, Princess)

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.

Terminal F (Carnival Cruise Line)

Drop-off: Follow signs to Terminal F — Carnival's newest and largest terminal. The covered drop-off area has porter service ready (tip $2-3 per bag). This terminal opened in 2023 and 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.

Terminal J (Luxury Cruises)

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 $10/day short-term or $25/day for cruise duration. Garage K is also available nearby. The southside garages are typically less crowded than the main terminal area.

Terminal V (Virgin Voyages)

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: Check the Virgin Voyages website for current parking arrangements and rates. The terminal uses nearby garage facilities. Virgin's app will have the latest parking instructions for your sailing.

Passport & Documents

Closed-loop cruises (departing and returning to the same U.S. port) technically only require a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. However, we strongly recommend bringing a valid passport — if there's a medical emergency or you miss the ship at a foreign port, you'll need one to fly home.

Need to apply? The nearest passport acceptance facility is the Cocoa Main Post Office (2000 State Road 524, Cocoa) — appointments recommended, call 321-632-7190.

Last-Minute Stops

Pick up anything you forgot before heading to the port.

Publix — Cape Canaveral

Groceries, snacks, water, sunscreen — closest grocery to the port

5645 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Walgreens — Cocoa Beach

Pharmacy, Dramamine, phone chargers, toiletries

4150 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Walmart Supercenter — Merritt Island

Everything last-minute — cheapest sunscreen and snacks

1500 E Merritt Island Cswy, Merritt Island, FL 32952

USPS — Cocoa Beach

Post office — drop mail before you sail

500 N Brevard Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931