Miami Is Much More Than Just a Cruise Port for Cruisers
- Esther
- Dec 24, 2025
- 7 min read
Miami Cruise Port
Miami is so much more than just a departure point for your cruise, it’s a vibrant city full of culture, adventure, and unforgettable sights. Why not arrive a day or two early and explore before you set sail? There’s plenty to do, whether you want to visit the Everglades on a tour, shop at world-famous malls, soak up the sun on South Beach, or wander through the colorful Art Deco and Wynwood districts. In this guide, I’ll take you around Miami and show you the best spots to experience the city like a local.
Miami is not only a vibrant city but also one of the world’s largest cruise ports. Currently, it can accommodate up to 10 ships per day, and plans are underway to expand capacity to 12 ships daily. The port set an impressive record in 2025, handling 75,201 cruise passengers in a day. Miami is the “Cruise Capital of the World.”
When to visit Miami?
The best time to cruise from Miami is between October and May. During the summer months, the city can be extremely hot and humid, with frequent afternoon showers. By the end of summer, the hurricane season begins, making it less ideal for travel. Planning your visit in the cooler months ensures more comfortable weather and a smoother start to your cruise adventure.
Malls
Miami is a fantastic city for shopping. In South Beach, you’ll find Lincoln Road, a lively street with outdoor shops, cafés, and boutiques, perfect for a leisurely stroll. But the city also offers plenty of must-visit malls, depending on where you’re staying.
Aventura Mall, a huge shopping destination with luxury and mainstream brands.
Brickell City Centre, in the heart of downtown Miami, great for upscale shopping and dining.
Sawgrass Mills, located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, one of the largest outlet malls in the U.S.
Dolphin Mall, near the airport, ideal for outlet deals and a wide variety of stores.
Bal Harbour Shops is an open-air, ultra-luxury shopping mall with more than 100 designer boutiques, located North of Miami Beach.
No matter where you are in Miami, there’s always a shopping spot nearby to explore.
Sports
If you’re a sports fan, Miami has plenty to offer. Don’t miss the chance to see the Miami Heat play at the Kaseya Centerin downtown Miami, an exciting experience for basketball lovers. Prefer soccer? Catch Inter Miami CF in action and maybe even see Lionel Messi play live at their home stadium. Whatever your sport of choice, Miami brings the energy and excitement right to the stands.
South Beach
When visiting Miami, South beach is the place to be seen, here you see in the evening the most amazing cars driving at Ocean Drive with their roaring engines. A close walk from this place there is Española Way is a famous historic street in Miami Beach, Florida, known for its Spanish-style architecture, outdoor cafes, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a popular tourist spot reflecting Mediterranean and Latin American culture. As a family, we once stayed at Loews Hotel with the kids. It’s a very lively and vibrant hotel, just around the corner from Ocean Drive, putting you right in the heart of South Beach’s action. The only downside was that the pool felt a bit small for the number of guests staying at the hotel, but the location and atmosphere more than made up for it.
Down Town
Many cruise passengers choose to spend the night at the hotel InterContinental, conveniently located near Bayside Marketplace and close to the cruise port. This area is lively and offers plenty to see and do. From the hotel, it’s just a short walk to Bayside Marketplace, a charming harbor lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés.
Here, you can take the Thriller Boat tour, which sails around Star Island, home to many of the rich and famous, including Gloria Estefan and Ricky Martin. You’ll even recognize locations from the movie Scarface. Interestingly, this island is right next to the cruise ships when you embark, giving you a sneak peek even before you set sail.
Brickell
Brickell is often called Miami’s Manhattan, a lively neighborhood where there’s always something happening. If you’re looking for a place with restaurants, bars, and a vibrant atmosphere, Brickell is the spot to be. Fancy cars cruise the streets for much of the day, adding to the energetic vibe, and it’s only a 15-minute taxi ride from the cruise port.
The area has hotels in a wide range of price points, and we always stay at The East Hotel/Residences, conveniently attached to Brickell City Centre Mall, so everything is within walking distance. On top of the hotel is a stunning rooftop bar called “The Sugar”, which has a garden atmosphere on the fortieth floor lines often form on weekends! The hotel also offers a nice pool area with sun loungers for relaxing during the day.
Brickell’s nightlife is vibrant, with plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from. Some of our favorites include:
Sexy Fish – chic Asian-inspired cuisine
Quinto La Huella – excellent Uruguayan fare
Casa Tua – Italian dining at Brickell City Centre
Komodo – contemporary Asian cuisine
Gekko – stylish Mediterranean flavors
Truluck’s – seafood with a fine-dining touch
If you’re staying in the heart of Brickell, don’t miss having breakfast at Rosetta Bakery, it’s a wonderful spot for breakfast or lunch, with some of the best pastries around. There’s also a Rosetta Bakery on Collins Avenue, just around the corner from Lincoln Road.
Not to be missed: the new Amazónico, a high‑end restaurant, bar, and lounge with a tropical, rainforest‑inspired interior and immersive design.
From the top of The East, the view of the city is spectacular, a perfect introduction to Miami’s modern, cosmopolitan side.
Wynwood
Wynwood is world-renowned for its vibrant street art and murals. The famous Wynwood Walls showcase large, colorful works by artists from around the globe, transforming the entire district into a giant open-air art gallery. Wandering through Wynwood is an immersive experience, with galleries, shops, and cafés adding to the neighborhood’s creative vibe. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves art, photography, and Miami’s unique cultural scene.
Surfside
Having cruised from Miami many times myself, I know how nice it can be to arrive a day or two early and stay somewhere peaceful. When our kids were younger, we preferred a quieter part of Miami near Aventura. Driving a little further north along Collins Avenue, you’ll reach Surfside, a charming, laid-back area perfect for families. We stayed a few times at the lovely Boutique hotel Grand Beach Hotel Surfside, where we had an amazing room with a balcony jacuzzi. The kids absolutely loved it! In the evenings, they would still spend time in the balcony jacuzzi, creating unforgettable family memories before our cruise set sail.
South Pointe Park
At the southern tip of Miami Beach lies South Pointe Park, a family-friendly oasis with breathtaking views. From here, you can watch cruise ships sail past, admire the Fisher Island and South Beach skyline, and capture stunning photos, especially at sunset. The park is perfect for outdoor recreation, from walking and jogging along its waterfront paths to enjoying its playgrounds and picnic areas. Known for its scenic vistas, cruise-watching, and lively yet relaxed atmosphere, South Pointe Park is one of Miami Beach’s most iconic public spaces. As your cruise ship sails away, it gives you goosebumps to see the crowd waving at you from shore, a truly unforgettable moment.
Embarkation Day
Embarkation day in Miami is an exciting start to any cruise journey. The city’s PortMiami is one of the busiest and most iconic cruise ports in the world, currently home to 10 cruise terminals, with more expansions underway. Many of the major cruise lines, including MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, have their own state-of-the-art terminals. Some, like the MSC and Norwegian terminals, are architectural landmarks in themselves, designed to make your boarding experience smooth, efficient, and memorable. Royal Caribbean is even building a new headquartersacross from the terminals, further cementing Miami’s reputation as the “Cruise Capital of the World.”
If you’re staying nearby, the closest hotels are in Brickell or Downtown Miami, just about a 15-minute drive from the terminals. From the moment you leave your hotel, the excitement builds, your cruise adventure is literally at your fingertips.
Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, embarkation day in Miami combines the thrill of a bustling port city with the anticipation of the journey ahead. With stunning waterfront views, impressive ships lining the harbor, and the vibrant energy of Miami all around you, it’s the perfect start to a memorable cruise.
I hope this guide has been helpful and has given you plenty of ideas on how to spend your time in Miami before your cruise. From relaxing beaches and vibrant neighborhoods to shopping, art, and family fun, there’s something for everyone.
If you have any questions or need tips for planning your stay, don’t hesitate to get in touch, I’m happy to help you make the most of your Miami experience!
Want to read more blogs? Check out: Premium vs Luxury Cruises: What's the Difference?
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