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Miami, Florida

Miami Beach

Introduction

Miami, along with Fort Lauderdale, is a major turnaround port for Caribbean cruises. Both cities and their respective airports are relatively close to each other.

Where You're Docked

Miami's seven cruise terminals are located on Dodge Island between Miami and Miami Beach but only accessible from Miami. Port of Miami cruise information with maps, transportation options and info here http://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami Schedules don't seem to be posted online though signage at the port will direct you to your ship. Terminals typically used include Carnival - D and E, Celebrity - G and Royal Caribbean - J. From downtown, taking a taxi is the best option though bus 243 runs during rush hour weekdays. See Local Transportation section below for more details. For crew, there is crew center with free wifi outside the terminals by Seafarers Park.

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Getting To/From the Airport

Miami International Airport

• Taxi - fare between the airport and downtown is a flat rate of $24.
• Metro - MetroRail's Orange Line (opened in 2012) can get you to from MIA to Downtown Miami in less than a half hour. Fare is $2 for an EASY ticket. You will need to take the free people mover from the airport to the metro station first.
• Shared Shuttle Service - Several companies run shared shuttles including Supershuttle

Fort Lauderdale Airport

See the Fort Lauderdale Port Guide for info https://cruiseportwiki.com/FortLauderdale

Money and Tipping

When dining in restaurants, it is customary to leave 15-20% tip for good service since servers typically make minimum wage. Taxi drivers should be tipped the same rate. Banks and ATM's can be easily found downtown.

Local Transportation

MetroMover is a free overhead tram network with a line that loops the downtown core with a connection at Metrorail Government Center Station. Stops on the system include American Airlines Arena, and Bayside Marketplace.

Other transit options include Metrorail and MetroBus. Miami's EASY smart card system requires a payment of $2 for the card or a single use paper ticket for free. Transfers between bus and metro are $0.50 additional. Buses do not issue EASY tickets or paper transfers but you can pay $2 cash for a ride. Transfers with the EASY card are good for one direction and three hours though you need to tap off when exiting stations. If staying a few days or planning to ride the bus, it is better to buy an EASY card. Bus 243 runs from NW 8 St beside Historic Overtown Metrorail Station to the cruise terminals on rush hour weekdays only. Schedule and route map here http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/routes_detail.asp?route=243

Hotels

Staying in downtown Miami or Miami Beach are both convenient for cruisers though downtown is a bit closer to the cruise port. Search hotels in Miami here

Sights

• Miami Beach - home of the city's famous beaches, art deco neighborhood and nightlife
• Little Havana - a slice of Cuba in the US
• Miami Zoo - a top rated zoo
• Bayfront Park

Shopping & Restaurants

Bayside Marketplace - An outdoor shopping mall on the other side of the bridge from the cruise terminals. Restaurants and stores located here include Bubba Gump Shrimp, Victoria's Secret, Hooters, Starbucks, Fat Tuesday and Subway. Located beside MetroMover College/Bayside.

There are several huge malls outside the city including Dolphin Mall west of the airport and Sawgrass Mills. Downtown has a Ross Dress For Less, Marshall's, and a Walgreens Pharmacy all located near East Flagler St and SE 3rd Ave.

Supermarkets - Publix can be found at the south end of downtown by Brickell MetroMover Station or on the north end at Biscayne Blvd at NE 17 St.

11th St Diner in Miami Beach is a recommended restaurant. Try a fritas, a Cuban hamburger with shoestring fries. Recommended are El Mago De Las Fritas and El Rey De Las Fritas.

Post Office

There is post office at the corner of NW 5th St and NW 2nd Ave.

Internet

Cafes and restaurants may provide free wifi to customers.

Maps (right-click to save)

Port Map

PDF port map here http://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/library/portmiami-map.pdf

Weather

Miami Weather Forecast

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