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Cruises From Miami, Florida

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Miami Florida Port Guide

With its beautiful beaches, pulsating nightlife, and culture-filled neighborhoods, Miami is one of the most popular destinations in the United States. Visitors from all over the world flock here to enjoy its Art Deco buildings and romantic palm tree-lined streets filled with fantastic restaurants before embarking on cruises from Miami.

Known as the cruise capital of the world, Miami’s convenient location and year-round beach weather make it the perfect jumping-off point for a tropical vacation. Whether it’s a short cruise to the Bahamas or a longer sailing around the islands of the Caribbean, Miami is an exciting departure port for an unforgettable cruise.

Itineraries

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Top Destinations on Cruises from Miami

Tropical bliss awaits in the Bahamas, where you’ll spend a day lounging on powdery white sand and dipping in warm turquoise waters. Sample some of the best rum in the world, feast on the freshest of seafood, or go snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea, where you’ll see colorful schools of fish and sea turtles.

In Nassau, relax under a palm tree at Cable Beach, or spend a fun-filled family day at the Atlantis Resort, where you’ll find water slides, lazy rivers, and a stunning aquarium filled with exotic underwater species.

Discover ancient ruins and pristine beaches on cruises from Miami to Costa Maya and Cozumel. See Costa Maya’s natural wonders, like the Seven Colors Lagoon and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. On the island of Cozumel, melt your worries away at heavenly beaches like El Cielo and Playa Palancar. Swim with dolphins, or head to the mainland to explore the fascinating ruins of Chichen Itza.

Key West, Florida

Embrace the kitsch of Key West, a quirky coastal town in Florida with a fun, laidback attitude and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Paddle around its mangroves on a kayak, dive into its coral reefs rich with marine life, and finish off your day in the sun with a refreshing slice of the city’s famous key lime pie.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Walk around Puerto Plata’s bustling Malecón boardwalk, which is full of restaurants, bars, and friendly street vendors. Take pictures in front of colorful colonial buildings located in the town’s historic districts. Ride a cable car—the only one in all of the Dominican Republic—up to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres and enjoy unrivaled views of this charming port city.

Our Ships Sailing Out of Miami

Why sail from miami with celebrity cruises®.

Cruise to the Caribbean aboard Celebrity Silhouette or Celebrity Summit, luxurious ships where you’ll enjoy impeccable service and endless entertainment. Savor world-class cuisine in our onboard restaurants, enjoy exhilarating performances at our state-of-the-art theater, and rest and recharge at The Spa.  Spend your days lounging under the sun, snorkeling in crystal-clear water teeming with fish, and exploring historic architecture and forts. After a busy day in port, unwind in luxuriously appointed accommodations or visit one of the exciting bars or lounges onboard, where you can dance the night away. During a Miami cruise aboard Celebrity Silhouette or Celebrity Summit, you won’t have to lift a finger—just sit back and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

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Miami port facilities and location.

The state-of-the-art terminal at the Port of Miami is designed to quickly move people through check-in and onto the ship. The port is located less than 10 miles from Miami International Airport. Taxi services, rideshares, shuttles, and limousine services are available to take you to the cruise port. If you’re driving to the Miami cruise terminal, long-term parking is available. You’ll also find taxis waiting outside each terminal as well as car rental agencies. To get between the port and the main attractions of Miami, such as South Beach, you’ll need to arrange transportation or take a local bus. To make it easy for you, you can book shore excursions the day you disembark from your cruise that take you from the port to some of Miami’s top sites, like the Everglades National Park and the Art Deco District, and then to the airport.

Train to Port on Brightline

Why stress about traffic and parking? With Brightline’s convenient train service, you’ll arrive at the cruise port relaxed and ready for your adventure. It’s the smoothest way to transition from city to sea. Brightline is far from your ordinary train ride. Enjoy comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, a variety of food and beverage options, and friendly service. All designed to make your trip as pleasurable as your cruise.

Opt for Brightline+ services, designed to take you from train to cruise ship—or vice versa—with zero hassle. Secure your transit arrangements in advance and set the stage for a relaxed, carefree voyage from the moment you step aboard our train.

And for our PREMIUM guests, relish in the added luxury of a complimentary Private Ride powered by Uber within a 5-mile radius of any South Florida Brightline station, making your entire vacation smooth sailing.

Top Sights & Attractions for Cruises From Miami

Art deco historic district.

To see some of the finest Art Deco architecture in the city, head to the Art Deco District in South Beach, which was constructed in the 1930s. It features over 800 buildings of different designs with creative geometric motifs, making it the largest grouping of Art Deco architecture in the world. These historically significant buildings are the perfect backdrop for your Instagram feed.

South Beach Nightlife

To truly experience the culture of Miami, you should explore the city at night. Many of Miami’s most popular nightclubs are in South Beach, located on the tip of Miami Beach. The white-sand coastline provides a gorgeous setting for the hip clubs, restaurants, and hotels that have made Miami one of the hottest nightclub areas in the world. 

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

If you’re a beach lover, head to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. It’s located on Key Biscayne and has some of America’s most beautiful beaches, along with hiking trails that lead to views of Miami’s downtown skyline. A big draw for travelers to the park is the historic lighthouse, where you can take a tour with a guide on select days of the week.

Little Havana

Little Havana is the epicenter of Cuban culture in Miami. A walk down Calle Ocho will give you a good taste of all that Little Havana has to offer, from cuisine to bars and souvenirs. Visit El Credito Cigar Factory, where you can see how they roll cigars in Cuba. If you really want to experience the Latin culture in Little Havana, time your cruise from Miami so you can be in Miami before or after your sailing on the last Friday of the month. On this day each month, a street party is held in Little Havana called Viernes Cultural that features an array of music performers, dancers, Cuban cuisine, and theater performances.

Learn More About Miami Shore Excursions

Top things to do in miami, explore everglades national park.

Miami is located close to Everglades National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best way to fully comprehend the rich nature and wildlife of the Everglades is to take an airboat tour with a knowledgeable guide who will tell you about the history of the Everglades and point out its most popular feature: the many alligators that call it home. When the guide starts telling you about some of the stories surrounding these prehistoric looking creatures, we won’t blame you if you scoot a little bit farther from the edge of the boat.

Walk Around Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Due to its wet, humid climate, gardens in Miami are able to prosper into lush, beautiful landscapes. One of the highlights of the Miami garden scene is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, where you’ll find an Italian-style mansion surrounded by manicured gardens adorned with lovely sculptures and a view of sparkling Biscayne Bay. 

See Animals at Zoo Miami

A popular attraction in Miami for families is Zoo Miami, where you can see over 3,000 animal species. Kids have a chance to feed giraffes, rhinos, and camels, as well as play in the splash pads. Rent a Safari Cycle to navigate the expansive grounds of the zoo.

Pretend You’re Under the Sea at Miami Seaquarium

Miami Seaquarium is another fun outing in Miami that is centered around animals, only here you’ll see ocean mammals. The Seaquarium features a variety of species, including bottlenose dolphins, crocodiles, and sea lions. Children will love the fact that there’s an onsite play structure (the Salty’s Pirate Playground) and a touch pool where they can feel the silky skin of stingrays. Visitors of all ages will be wowed by the Sea Trek Reef Encounter, an underwater walking path through the aquarium. 

What should I eat in Miami?

Miami’s food scene is a fusion of international flavors, but you’ll find a particular Latin flair going through many of the dishes. While in Miami, there are some dishes that stand out from the rest, and five you should try are:

Arepas: This popular South American food item is also popular in Miami. It infuses cheese into a flattened, folded pastry, which is then cooked until the dough turns golden.

Ceviche: With the close proximity to the sea, you can find a variety of ceviche in Miami, which typically mixes cold seafood with any number of ingredients from fruit to salsa.

Chicharrones: If you’re a meat-lover, you can’t miss trying chicharrones in Miami, which are pork skins that are deep-fried and have a salty aftertaste.

Florida Stone Crab: If you’re visiting between October and March, try the local seafood delicacy of stone crab, served chilled on ice. The meat of the stone crab claw is known for its tenderness and hint of sweetness.

Cuban Sandwich: This iconic Miami dish is a sandwich made with Cuban bread. In between the slices of bread, you’ll find a pile of delicious ingredients like roasted pork, baked ham, gooey Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and yellow mustard.

When it comes to drinks, you’ll likely be able to find your favorite libation at one of the many bars and nightclubs lining the streets of Miami Beach. However, if you want to try a local specialty, look for a mojito or a Miami Vice.

What is the culture and history of Miami?

The culture of Miami has been largely influenced by the influx of immigrants to the city over the past 80 years, giving it an intriguing multicultural scene that extends to the arts, music, beach, and nightlife. You can find Latin flair throughout the city before departing on one of our cruises from Miami, along with a distinctly Caribbean vibe, especially when you’re in the Little Havana and Little Haiti areas of the city. Beach bars intermingle with nightclubs, and the laidback lifestyle mixed with the ritzy nightclubs that attract the rich and famous from all around the world create an interesting dichotomy.

Where can I go shopping near the Miami cruise port?

It’s not hard to find places to shop in Miami, but if there’s a particular type of shop you’re after, certain areas of the city are best. The Design District of Miami is known for its art galleries and high-end boutiques.

For clothing, you’ll find designer boutiques at Bal Harbor, and more clothing stores along Collins Avenue or Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. You’ll also find some shopping with an international flair in Little Havana or along historic Española Way in Miami Beach. 

For jewelry and local crafts plus more fashion and trinkets, the Miami Fair Trade Marketplace is a great place to shop both for the variety and because you can be assured that souvenirs were made in fair and safe working conditions.

For a fun shopping mall experience with a quintessential Miami vibe, head to Bayside Marketplace. This mall has open-air walkways leading to over 100 shops. At this mall, you’ll also find restaurants and bars, street performers and live music, and even a launchpad for boat tours along the Miami coastline.

Bargain shoppers who love a great deal on luxury finds will enjoy a day of shopping at Dolphin Mall, which is an outlet mall located close to Miami International Airport.

How can I get around Miami?

Public Transport

You have four main options for public transportation in Miami: the Metrobus, the Metrorail, the Metromover, and the trolley. The Metrobus is a bus system that runs all around the Greater Miami area, and the Metrorail runs from the north to the south end of Miami with stops in downtown.

The free Metromover covers downtown Miami and Brickell. It is a fully automated shuttle that runs on electricity. The Metromover also connects with the Metrorail and Metrobus at downtown stations. For traveling around Miami and Miami Beach, trolleys offer free services with many routes available.

For private transportation, taxis and rideshares are popular ways to get around Miami. Make sure you’re hailing a licensed taxi, which should have written that it’s a taxi cab on the side of the car and display the license for the driver and the taxi’s rate card inside the vehicle.

Miami International Airport (MIA)

If you’re embarking on one of our cruises from Miami and you don’t live within driving distance to the port, there’s a good chance you’re flying into Miami International Airport (MIA). Upon landing, you can get local information at the airport, where you’ll also find a bank, post office, pharmacy, baggage storage, ATM, and car rental companies.

If you’re flying in the night before your cruise (which we recommend to accommodate for possible flight delays), check with your hotel if they offer a shuttle from the airport. Otherwise, you have plenty of other options, including a 24-hour Super Shuttle van service, taxis, and buses. If you’re going straight to the cruise port from MIA, you can take a taxi to the cruise terminal or take the cruise shuttle bus that you can purchase tickets for through Celebrity Cruises.

What are the local currency and tipping customs?

The currency accepted in Miami is the U.S. dollar, and you’ll be able to find ATMs dispensing U.S. dollars all over the city. Tipping is very common and expected in Miami, especially in restaurants, bars, and taxis. A common tip for restaurants, taxis, and most other services is 15% to 20% of the total amount.

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Get to Know Carnival Conquest

Cruising aboard Carnival Conquest elevates fun at sea to an art form — the ship demonstrates a true mastery of the craft with an onboard collage of fun spots for you to enjoy, like Guy's Burger Joint ™ , RedFrog Rum Bar ® and SkyBox ™ Sports Bar. There's fun everywhere you look, from the dance club (great for people-watching) to the show lounges (great for show-watching). Alchemy Bar ® serves up not only one-of-a-kind drinks, but a complete experience for your senses. There's even The Punchliner Comedy Club ™ , which gives stand-up comedians a microphone and a place to share their craft for your enjoyment. And let's not forget Seuss at Sea ™ , which turns classic Dr. Seuss stories and characters into big fun for all. You don't need to be able to tell a Monet from a Renoir to dine in our two artful dining rooms, you just need to be hungry. You don't even need to be a critic to enjoy Dive-In Movies, where cinematic favorites are up on the big screen, poolside. With delicious food, bars and entertainment, Carnival Conquest features a scene for everybody.

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Miami (Florida)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-05-01 13:09

Port Miami cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Miami, Florida. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

PortMiami and Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale are the world's largest/busiest cruise ports and the USA's main turnaround/departure ports for roundtrip Caribbean voyages. Both seaports and their respective airports are relatively nearby to each other. PortMiami's area is sized 518 acres (0,8 mi2 / 2,1 km2). The city has the world's largest number of cruise company headquarters, including Carnival , RCI-Royal Caribbean International , MSC , NCL-Norwegian , Celebrity , Oceania .

Miami Metro is USA's 8th-most populous and 4th-largest, with population around 5,5 million. The city is a leader in international trade, commerce, finance, media, entertainment, arts. In 2010, it was ranked USA's 7th and world's 33rd in terms of human capital, business activities, information exchange, politics and culture. Nicknamed "Capital of Latin America", Miami is USA's largest city with Cuban-American citizens.

The city has USA's 3rd tallest skyline with over 300 skyscrapers. Downtown has USA's largest concentration of international banks, large national and multinational corporations. PortMiami is one of USA's fastest growing containership ports . It contributes annually with around USD 43 billion to the economy and supports over 334,000 jobs countrywide.

Miami cruise port

PortMiami (locode URMIA) is currently ranked the world's second-largest cruise port (after Port Canaveral).

The world's top-10 busiest cruise ports (by annual passengers numbers/stats 2023) are in Florida USA ( Port Canaveral/Orlando (4,07M), Miami (4,02M), Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale ), Mexico ( Cozumel ), Bahamas ( Nassau ), China ( Shanghai ), Spain ( Barcelona ), Bahamas (Out Islands), Texas USA ( Galveston ), Italy ( Civitavecchia-Rome ).

Miami is also among the most fortunate ports where newest cruise ships make show-off visits and many schedule inaugural homeporting seasons. Port's facilities are among the most modern, providing easy processing and boarding. PortMiami serves 20+ cruise companies and 60+ different passenger ships.

On August 3, 2014, was opened Miami Port Tunnel. The tunnel is undersea (beneath Biscayne Bay), with length 4200 ft / 1300 m and consisting of 2 parallel tubes (1 in each direction). It connects MacArthur Causeway (Watson Island) with PortMiami (Dodge Island) removing the heavy traffic to the cruise port from downtown Miami.

In 2016, PortMiami handled nearly 4,98 million cruise passengers and also added new (MSC-exclusive) terminal for year-round homeporting. Also were started projects to enlarge MSC's cruise terminals (AA and AAA) and were added new passenger-boarding bridges.

For FY2017 (fiscal year/season 2016-2017 September 30) the cruise port reported a record year with over 5,3 million cruise passengers - the world's highest-ever number. In 2017 started works on "Terminal A" (completed in November 2018). Viking OCEAN made inaugural visits in November 2017 with Viking Sky (Nov 12) and Viking Sun (Nov 17). Among the Port's most famous newcomers in 2018 were Carnival Horizon, Norwegian Bliss, Symphony OTS. In 2019 here was homeported MSC Meraviglia .

For season 2017-2018, PortMiami expected 5,3+ million passengers (4,9 million in 2016). The 6-million pax threshold was reached during season 2018-2019. Discussions on long-term agreements are ongoing with NCLH and Carnival Corporation . 2017's growth came from RCI-Royal Caribbean (~350,000 more). The number grew further after RCI inaugurated "Terminal A" (and homeported Oasis-class liners) and MSC inaugurated "Terminal F" (for Meraviglia-class and Seaside-class liners).

In 2017 started discussions for turnaround operations by vessels of Virgin Voyages  and NCL-Norwegian . However, Carnival Cruise Line remained the Port’s largest customer (2+ million passengers in 2017).

Various studies on LNG bunkering were conducted, regarding whether these operations (LNG supply to berthed vessels) to be land or water-side. The port expects to receive its first LNG-powered cruise liner in 2022.

On May 4, 2018, from Barcelona to PortMiami were delivered 2x large-sized "Seaport Passenger Boarding Bridges". The tailor-made (fully assembled) bridges were for the renovated "Terminal F’". Each of these 2-ton walkways is 4-sectioned (telescopic) and has length 32 m (105 ft). The bridges were designed by Adelte (Spain) and custom-made for "Terminal F" - to serve large liners with LOA length over 300 m (984 ft).

In late-October 2019 was approved the agreement for Brightline Miami to be rebranded "Virgin Trains" and Virgin Group to build a train station (Virgin Trains PortMiami) at the cruise port. The new station serves high-speed trains and connects PortMiami directly with the USA's intercity railway system (via Aventura, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach ) to Orlando International Airport. Brightline plans to expand the railway to Tampa  and  Jacksonville .

On August 31, 2020, Miami-Dade County' commission authorized the issuance of up to USD 0,5 billion in special obligation bonds, of which USD 335 million was designated for PortMiami and the rest going toward development projects related to the County's general fund.

• The approval came as cruising out of US homeports remained banned through October 1, and all major cruise companies suspended departures through October 31.
• Before the Coronavirus crisis (2020) paralyzed the cruise shipping industry, the County agreed to pay USD 700 million toward 7 projects - 5 new cruise terminals and 2 cruise company headquarters. Five shipowners (Carnival Corporation, NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, MSC, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group, Virgin Voyages) agreed to repay USD 5,8 billion over the next 20-62 years.
• The biggest part of the USD 335 million in bonds (USD 130 M) was allocated for the building of the Virgin Voyages Terminal.

On November 15, 2022, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group signed a 36-year lease agreement that includes developing and exclusive operation of PortMiami's Terminal G.

• By the deal, RCG will construct a new facility (exclusive passenger terminal for ships of RCI-Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises) and will also redevelop RCI's headquarters (at PortMiami) which lease was extended through 2072.
• By May 2020, RCI spent ~US$70 million to upgrade its headquarters prior to halting construction works to mitigate financial losses during the COVID crisis.
• By the new lease deal (2022), Miami-Dade is now financing the RCI headquarters' completion as well as Terminal G's construction. In turn, Royal Caribbean guarantees a minimum annual passenger movement ~600,000 (during Terminal G's reconstruction), 1,5 million (following the completion/scheduled for 2027) and 2,1 million passengers annually (from 2038 to 2063). RCI also agreed to repay the cost of finishing its headquarters via increased rent and to pay back up to 53% (US$172,5M) of Terminal G's redevelopment costs.
• Terminal G's lease includes 3x 7-year renewal options, while RCI's headquarters lease has 2x 5-year renewal options.
• The deal also provided for RCI's shared use of Berth 10 Terminal (scheduled for completion in October 2028) - together with MSC.
• The 2022-signed agreement replaced the expiring in 2033. Reportedly, the lease will generate ~US$2,5 billion (from Terminal G) and ~US$260 million (from RCI's headquarters) and will create ~12000 permanent jobs, including ~1000 additional positions with RCI (+50% over 2022's staff count).

In Miami is also headquartered CMI-Cruise Management International and its subsidiary CMI Leisure (smaller-sized and expedition cruise ship management company). Since 2022, CMI is owned by Anglo-Eastern (1974-founded company that manages 600+ vessels/crew recruitment and management, technical services).

Since January 2024, in Block 55 at Sawyer's Walk (premium retail shopping and residential area in Downtown Miami) is headquartered MSC Group (the world's second-largest container shipping company/after Maersk).

World's largest cruise ports

Based on 2016 passenger traffic numbers reported by CLIA, Miami cruise port was ranked world's largest (4,898 million pax). Follows the list of world's busiest cruise ports with annual shipping traffic over 1 million passengers.

• Miami FL (4,898 million)
• Port Everglades Fort Lauderdale FL (3,890 million)
• Port Canaveral Fl (3,686 million)
• Cozumel Mexico (3,637 million)
• Shanghai China (2,847 million)
• Barcelona Spain (2,683 million)
• Civitavecchia-Rome Italy (2,340 million)
• Nassau Bahamas (2,035 million)
• Canary Islands Spain (combined 1,981 million)
• Balearic Islands Spain (combined 1,957 million)
• USVI (combined 1,777 million)
• Galveston TX (1,730 million)
• Grand Cayman Island (1,712 million)
• Southampton UK (1,7 million)
• St Maarten Island (1,669 million)
• Jamaica (combined 1,655 million)
• Venice Italy (1,606 million)
• Marseille France (1,597 million)
• Sydney Australia (1,309 million)
• Naples Italy (1,306 million)
• New Orleans NOLA (1,070 million) - excluding USA river cruise passengers.

PortMiami statistics

PortMiami is a major US seaport located on Dodge Island (Biscayne Bay, Florida). It is ranked the world's largest passenger port (serving both cruise and ferry shipping traffic). The port is linked to Watson Island via PortMiami Tunnel (building cost USD 1 billion). Dodge Island combines 3 islands (Dodge, Lummus, Sam's) into one.

PortMiami has capacity to handle the world's biggest passenger ships and is homeport (turnaround port) for numerous large-sized vessels. However, port's prime shipping business are container ships , ranking it Florida's largest container cargo port and USA's 9th-largest. Annually, it handles 4+ million cruise ship tourists, around 7,4 million cargo tons and 1+ million TEU-containers.

Currently, PortMiami has 9 passenger terminals, 6 gantry crane-equipped wharves (total 9 gantry cranes serving containerized cargo), 7 Ro-Ro docks (serving ferries and car carriers), 4 reefer yards (for refrigerated containers), breakbulk warehouses. The port has 2 super post-Panamax gantry cranes (among the world's largest) with capacity to handle 22,000-TEU boxships.

In 1997 was started USD 250 million port redevelopment project for facility upgrades and expansion in order to accommodate the industry's demands. PortMiami Tunnel was built 2010-2014, linking (via SR 836) directly the seaport with USA's interstate highway system, thus bypassing downtown's congestion. By this project were also constructed new cruise terminals, roads, terminal parking garages, new lighting, landscaping, signage. Security Gates (opened in 2006) increased the port's processing rate for container trucks.

In 2007, the port served over 3,787 million cruise passengers. In 2010 were handled 4,33 million cruise passengers (1 in 7 in the world). In 2015 were handled nearly 4,9 million cruisers. For FY11 (fiscal year 2011), PortMiami reported an economic impact in Miami-Dade County of USD 18 billion, providing around 176,000 local jobs.

On December 9, 2018 (Sunday), the port reported its ultimate one-day record for cruise shipping traffic - 52,000 passengers. The list of berthed liners included Carnival Horizon , Carnival Magic , Disney Magic , MSC Divina , Norwegian Getaway , Oceania Riviera , Allure of the Seas , Empress of the Seas , and the high-speed catamaran San Gwann (FRS Caribbean - German company serving the ferry route Miami- Bimini Islands ).

Port Boulevard connects PortMiami with Downtown. This link is a causeway over the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway. ICW has length 3000 mi (4800 km) and runs along the USA's Atlantic (Eastern Seaboard) and Gulf of Mexico coasts (from Manasquan River NJ, around Gulf of Mexico to Brownsville TX). According to US federal law, ICW must be maintained at min-depth 3,7 m (12 ft). ICW is toll-free, but since 1978 commercial users (cargo barges) are charged a fuel tax, which is used for facilities maintenance.

PortMiami Deep Dredge project (budget USD 180 million, completed in 2016) increased the harbor's max draft to 15 m (48 ft) allowing access to Super Post Panamax boxships after the Panama Canal expansion completion.

In March 2018, NCLH unveiled details on NCL's exclusive new Cruise Terminal B scheduled for completion in 2019 (read more in the port's "Terminal" section).

In 2018, PortMiami implemented the NOAA agency's (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) PORTS system (Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System). The system is a public-private partnership for reducing in-port ship accidents (by over 50%) and transit delays for commercial shipping traffic. It also improves hazardous spill response. PortMiami's annual benefit from the PORTS system was estimated at around USD 300 million. The system serves a total of 31 US seaports, supporting 85% of the USA's cargo shipping traffic. PORTS provides real-time maritime data to vessel operators and harbor pilots, including information on currents (in and around port), water levels, waves, water salinity, bridge clearances (air gaps), visibility, winds (speed and direction), air and water temperatures.

On May 10, 2018, was officially opened Carnival's "Fleet Operations Center". The 35,000 ft2 facility allows simultaneous real-time monitoring of all ships in the fleet. The main feature is its 74 ft (22,5 m) long video wall composed of 57x LED screens. The data processed here includes itinerary information, current position, weather conditions, logistics, environmental status, guest operations. The interactive world map shows also the current locations of all Carnival Corporation ships (all brands). The center is staffed 24 / 7. The Corporation also owns similar monitoring centers in Seattle and Hamburg.

FY2018 (Sept 2017-Sept 2018) was another (4th consecutive) record year, with 5,8% growth in containerized cargo volumes (total 1,084 million TEUs) and 4,7% increase in cruise shipping (total 5,592 million passengers). Cargo shipping growth was attributed to the seaport's USD 1 billion investments in infrastructure improvements that allowed handling of Post-Panamax ships (with min draft 12 m / 40 ft). In 2018, the port handled over 250 such vessels, following a deep dredging project and the installation of Super Post-Panamax gantry cranes. Cruise shipping growth was attributed to expanded business opportunities (adding 3 new cruise companies - Viking Ocean, Seabourn, Victory Cruise Lines), extended homeport seasons and homeporting larger passenger liners.

In early January 2019, MSC signed with Miami-Dade County a letter of intent for expanding the company's PortMiami operations. The project's approval was received on Sept 19, 2019. By this project (completed in November 2023) MSC increased its annual capacity by building two (exclusive) cruise terminals (AA, AAA). The project included design, construction and management of the buildings (pax capacity 7000/28000 daily movements), berths (2 mega-liners), terminal parking garages, administrative offices, storage facilities plus infrastructure. MSC planned to homeport here several ships, including of the WORLD class (fleet's largest).

FY2019 (Sept 2018-Sept 2019) was again record-breaking for both container shipping (+3,4 % increase, to 1,12 million TEUs) and cruise shipping (+22% increase, to 6,824 million passengers). In 2019 were signed terminal development projects with Carnival Corporation, MSC, NCLH-Norwegian, Virgin UK, CMA-CGM (for Terminal Link Miami). The port generated ~USD 7,8 billion (economic impact) and supported ~27,500 South Florida jobs.

In FY2019, the cruise port handled 6,823816 million passengers, providing 27500 jobs and contributing ~USD 7,8 billion to the state's economy.

In February 2021, Miami-Dade County signed a deal with FPL-Florida Power & Light Company (subsidiary of NextEra Energy Inc) and 6 major cruise companies (Carnival Corporation, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group, MSC, NCLH-Norwegian, DCL-Disney, Virgin) for funding the Shore Power Pilot Program ( shoreside power capabilities at cruise berths). In May, the program received USD 2 million funding by DERA Program (Diesel Emissions Reduction Act).

In February 2023  was subcontracted PowerCon AS (Hadsund Denmark-based engineering and manufacturing company specializing in electrical power conversions) to deliver 5x shore power systems for cruise vessels. For this particular project was established the subsidiary PoweCon USA. The cruise shore-power facilities are to be installed at four PortMiami cruise terminals - Terminal A (RCI-Royal Caribbean International), Terminal B (NCL-Norwegian and MSC), Terminal F (CCL-Carnival), and Terminal V (Virgin Voyages). When completed (2023-Q4), the combined shore-power system will be the world's largest.

April 9, 2023, was PortMiami's record-breaking day when were handled a total of 67594 tourists visiting on 8 different ships (Carnival Celebration, Carnival Horizon, Explorer of the Seas, MSC Seascape, Norwegian Encore, Oasis of the Seas, Seabourn Ovation, Scarlet Lady).

FY2023 (October 1st, 2022, through September 30th, 2023) became PortMiami's record year for cruise shipping, with handled a total of 7,299294 million passengers (~7% increase over FY2019).

Cruise itineraries to and from Miami Florida

Follows a list of destinations visited by ships leaving out of Miami:

• World Cruises - around the world voyages from Miami are offered in January, as well as shorter itinerary segments part of the main round-trip itinerary.
• South America itineraries from Miami are operated by luxury lines or by budget lines ships on relocation routes to Brazil ( Santos or Rio de Janeiro ) or Argentina ( Buenos Aires ). Round-trip itineraries usually visit ports in the Southern Caribbean, Brazil (often the Amazon River region), then go back to Florida.
• Bahamas itineraries from Miami visit Nassau (New Providence Island) and Freeport (Grand Bahama Island) , often combined with Florida ports (mainly Key West ). Major lines also include exclusive stops at their Bahamian private islands. These are Coco Cay (Royal Caribbean) , Half Moon Cay (Carnival, Holland America) , Princess Cays (Princess) , Castaway Cay (Disney) , Great Stirrup Cay (NCL Norwegian) .
• Short-break (3-day) cruises to Bahamas stop in Nassau. Some 3-day and most 4-day itineraries additionally include a private island stop, while 5-day itineraries add Freeport.
• Short-break (4-day) roundtrips to Mexico stop in Key West and Cozumel .
• 7-day Western Caribbean itineraries visit ports in Honduras, Belize, Mexico, also Grand Cayman Island (George Town) and Jamaica.
• 7-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries visit ports in BVI, USVI, Dutch Antilles, also Puerto Rico, Bahamas (Nassau) and the lines private islands.
• B2B (back-to-back) cruises combine two 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries into a 14-day roundtrip itinerary.
• 8-day Southern Caribbean itineraries visit Grand Turk Island , Dominican Republic, Aruba (Oranjestad) , Curacao (Willemstad) .
• Panama Canal transits  between Miami and California ports ( Los Angeles , San Diego , San Francisco ) are offered with one-way itineraries (up to 16 days in length). They include transition through Panama Canal and usually visit ports in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Mexico (Mexican Riviera).

Seasonal ship relocations (RepositionCruises.com) include Panama Canal transits from Florida to Alaska in late Spring. The itineraries end either in California ports or in the turnaround ports for Alaskan roundtrip from Vancouver BC or Seattle WA . The reverse routes (Alaska to Florida) are in early Fall.

Transatlantic crossings from Florida to Europe are offered in Spring. Relocation routes from Miami usually include the Canary Islands and Mediterranean ports, and often Bermuda (stopping at King's Wharf ). The longest relocation itineraries end in Baltic Sea turnaround ports ( Amsterdam , Copenhagen , Hamburg ).

Transatlantic crossings from Europe to Florida usually depart from the UK (Southampton, Dover, Harwich) or Mediterranean (Barcelona, Civitavecchia-Rome, Piraeus-Athens) and often stop in Bermuda (Kings Wharf).

Miami cruise terminal

Port Miami has been the "Cruise Capital of the World" and also "Cargo Gateway of the Americas" for many years. It kept that title for more than two decades and accommodated world's biggest cruise ships of all major passenger shipping companies. PortMiami lost the title in late-2000 to Port Everglades .

The port is situated in Biscayne Bay, Miami, FL on Dodge Island. There the Sam's Islands, the Lummus and the Dodge (famous historic islands) combine in one. The Port of Miami is related to four important projects &ndash: the Panama Canal expansion, the Port of Miami Tunnel, the bridge and rail line restoration and the Port of Miami Deep Dredge Project. The ship schedule offers voyages all the year. The Miami International Airport is 8 mi/13 km away, the Fort Lauderdale International Airport - 25 mi/40 km.

Port Miami has 9 terminals. Located at the Dodge Island north part are terminals B/C, D, E , F, G, on the west is terminal H (V) and on the south – terminal J. The most modern cruise terminals are D and E. They started to operate in 2007 and host mega-liners. The luxury market is operated by cruise terminal J - facility made to look like a boutique. All passenger terminals offer cafes, check-in, shops, bars and cab ranks. Multi-Agency Facility is available at terminals D and E.

Miami cruise terminals B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J

• port address - "1741,1751 Africa Way, Dodge Island, Miami Florida 33132"
• location (on Dodge Island) - 8 mi / 13 km (25-min drive distance) from Miami International Airport, 25 mi / 40 km (45 min drive distance) from Fort Lauderdale International Airport
• Port entrance is via Biscayne Blvd (Port Bridge).
• Terminal address - "zzz Cruise Boulevard, Port of Miami, Miami, FL 33132"
• In the above address replace "zzz" with the corresponding address (by terminal) listed below:
• (new) "Terminal A" (address "1015 North") - here dock Royal Caribbean ships only. Berth length is 1300 ft (396 m).
• Terminal B (address "1751 North") - here dock NCLH-Norwegian ships only
• Terminal C (address "1741 North")
• Terminal D (address "1435 North") - here dock Carnival ships only.
• Terminal E (address "1265 North") - here dock Carnival ships only.
• Terminal F (address "1103 North")
• Terminal G (address "909/1055 North") - here dock Royal Caribbean ships only (berth length 1000 ft / 305 m)
• (west, Bimini Tent) Terminal H (address "897 South") - for Resorts World Bimini (Bimini SuperFast).
• Terminal J (address "1120 Caribbean Way") Terminal J is primarily for docking luxury cruise ships from the fleets of Azamara, Crystal, Oceania, Regent. This terminal underwent a USD 3 million refurbishment which upgraded the furniture, more lounge seating was added, along with new check-in counters.

Terminals D and E are the newest (both open in 2007) and can berth the world's largest cruise ships with capacity up to 5000 passengers. Their buildings are 3-story facilities (sized 105,000 ft2 / 9750 m2. Each terminal has a VIP lounge, separate security screening facility (embarkation), airline counters, conveyor baggage system.

(expanded) MSC Terminal F

In December 2016 started construction works for renovating and expanding "Terminal F" to be able to homeport MSC Seaside in December 2017.

Miami-Dade funded the USD 38 million reconstruction project, which increased the terminal's capacity up to 6000 passengers. MSC Seaside has max capacity of 5179 passengers. Planned terminal enhancements included an expanded waiting area (1500 seats), larger VIP waiting area (exclusive lounge for "MSC Yacht Club" VIP passengers), new "group passengers" dedicated lounge, improved baggage-claim area, 60 ticket counters, also implementing the latest technology for faster passenger embarkation/debarkation process.

The 2-story terminal covers a total area of 3557 m2 (38280 ft2). The new terminal was officially opened/inaugurated on December 7, 2017, MSC Seaside's scheduled dock in PortMiami was on December 21, 2017.

On May 4, 2018, from Barcelona were delivered two large passenger boarding bridges. Tailor-made for "Terminal F’", each bridge is 2-ton and 4-sectioned (telescopic), with length 32 m (105 ft). They serve ships with LOA length over 300 m (984 ft).

(NEW) Carnival Terminal F

In September 2019, CCL-Carnival Cruise Line received approval for major expansion and renovation of "Terminal F". The upgraded (471000-ft2 / 43760-m2 sized) facility can handle the Excel-class vessel Carnival Celebration (homeported since November 2022).

The 2019-signed Carnival-PortMiami agreement included the company's commitment to homeport at Terminal F ships for 20 years, with the option of two additional 7-year lease extensions.

Carnival Terminal F's renovations officially started on January 29, 2021 (with the groundbreaking ceremony) and are scheduled for completion by October 2022. Terminal F's groundbreaking was attended by Christine Duffy (CCL's President) and Daniella Levine Cava (Miami-Dade Mayor), along with construction companies representatives and county commissioners.

Terminal F is PortMiami's 3rd cruise terminal dedicated to Carnival ships as well as currently the largest in North America.

(NEW) MSC Cruise Terminal (AA, AAA)

In July 2018, Miami-Dade County and MSC signed an agreement for extended preferential berthing rights and MoU for building a new "Cruise Terminal AAA" at PortMiami (company's exclusive homeport in the USA).

The new agreement extended the old (Saturdays) preferential berthing rights to Sundays as well.

MSC Terminal AAA (completed in October 2022) has capacity to handle MSC WORLD-Class liners (fleet's ever-largest, with passenger capacity 7000).

The 2018-signed MoU agreement received approval from Miami-Dade's Commissioners on April 9, 2019 and the deal was officially signed on September 19, 2019. MSC designed and started construction works on a large building (to serve its two cruise terminals - AA, AAA) plus two new berths. For the terminal's design was contracted Arquitectonica (global architecture, landscape and interior design company).

PortMiami's MSC terminals AA and AAA can serve 2 turnarounds/homeported ships simultaneously and have max capacity 28000 passengers daily.

On July 8, 2021, MSC and Fincantieri signed a contract for the construction of PortMiami's newest MSC Cruise Terminal. The project (valued ~EUR 350 million/~USD 414M) was signed by Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC) and Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri).

The new MSC Terminal can handle three large vessels simultaneously (max daily passenger capacity 36000) and is fitted with shorepower connectivity .

The 4-story building houses office areas and has multi-level parking (min capacity 2400 vehicles), 4 passenger boarding decks, a new road connection, two new docks (berths with total length 750 m / 2460 ft) plus a 3rd berth (built/financed by Miami-Dade County).

The new facility was designed by Arquitectonica and built by Fincantieri Infrastructure. It is adjacent to Royal Caribbean's Terminal A. Construction works started on March 10, 2022, with scheduled completion and inauguration in December 2023.

Starting in 2025, MSC World America will be also homeported at the new terminal.

(NEW) Royal Caribbean Miami Terminal A

In September 2015, the world's second-largest cruise ship company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd/RCCL announced its plans to build a US$100 million terminal at PortMiami.

In June 2016, PortMiami leased 10 acres (0,04 km2) of land to RCCL to build and exclusively operate a dedicated terminal. Here are also homeported two of RCI's largest liners - Allure of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas .

The new "Terminal A" facility is sized 170,000 ft2 (15,800 m2) and is able to handle the world's largest passenger ships of the OASIS-class. According to the MoU (memorandum of understanding) between Royal Caribbean and Miami-Dade County, the Terminal's completion date was July 31, 2018. By the deal, RCCL leased the land and financed the whole project. RCCL was responsible for the Terminal's design and construction of the facilities (including parking garages with combined capacity 1000 vehicles).

The plans for the new Royal Caribbean terminal were approved by Miami's Board of County Commissioners on July 7, 2016. Under the agreement, RCCL fully financed the construction, except US$15M that PortMiami paid for infrastructure/road works.

Annually, Royal Caribbean pays Miami-Dade County US$7,5M in rent.

The project's value was estimated at USD 247 million for PortMiami - after taking into consideration up-front costs and annual rent for current cargo shipping purposes. For comparison, the Port's annual revenues are US$1,2M (from cargo activities) and US$9,5M (from cruise shipping).

Royal Caribbean is leasing the land for an initial 20-year period (until 2048) at base rent US$9,5 million per year (annual increase 1,5%). In addition to the base rent, Miami-Dade County receives US$5,50 per cruise passenger in excess of 1,55 million pax.

The new terminal building (nicknamed 'Crown of Miami') serves exclusively RCCL/RCG-Royal Caribbean Group-owned ships.

As of 2016, PortMiami handled ~750,000 Royal Caribbean passengers (per year) or ~15% of the Port's entire cruise traffic. The new terminal generates at least 1,8 million cruisers (or ~30% of the projected traffic) with estimated economic impact ~USD 0,5 billion. The facility generated ~4000 new local jobs.

Construction works started on March 8, 2017. RCCL later added to the project another building (named "Innovation Lab") that serves as the corporation's headquarters. Innovation Lab is sized 1860 m2 (20,000 ft2) and also hosts the company's ship design studio.

"Terminal A" was officially inaugurated on November 2, 2018. The opening ceremony was attended by Richard Fain (RCCL's CEO), Michael Bayley (RCI's CEO), Carlos Gimenez (Miami City Mayor), and Rebecca Sosa (Port Commissioner).

Until 2018, RCI represented annual capacity 0,8 million passengers (~15% of the Port's overall traffic). With the new terminal, this capacity was expected to increase to ~2 million.

(NEW) NCL-Norwegian Cruise Terminal B

On May 2, 2017, was announced that Miami-Dade County commissioners approved the agreement with NCLH/Norwegian Cruise Line Holding for a new terminal at PortMiami.

The facility has berthing capacity of two vessels (simultaneously), having 2 berths for large-sized vessels (up to 5000 passengers each). The facility was inaugurated in February 2020, with the arrival of Norwegian Encore (homeported here for winter 2019-2020 season).

NCL terminal's construction officially started on April 26, 2018 (ground-breaking ceremony). The project was officially approved on April 10th, and works started on May 1st, with planned completion in Fall 2019.

The new Terminal B's cost was estimated at ~USD 100 million. The facility incorporates PortMiami's existing terminals B and C into a single/new "Terminal B". 

Miami-Dade shares the county's parking and marketing revenues. The expected numbers for fiscal 2018 were ~US$180,000 (parking) and US$210,000 (marketing).

NCLH's new terminal was expected to generate ~US$24 million in gross revenue (starting FY2018), with an estimated increase of 3% each year. By the April 2018-signed agreement, NCLH guarantees Miami-Dade a minimum of 1,3 million passengers annually. The deal created ~160 new full-time jobs.

By the agreement, NCLH received preferential berthing rights at the new Terminal B. This means priority docking of vessels from the fleets of NCL , Oceania  and RSSC-Regent . The required minimum number of ship calls (per fiscal year) is 45, which is 15 more than the previous agreement.

The building's design is inspired by nautilus (marine mollusks of the cephalopod family Nautilidae). It features a spiraled, multi-level facade and open-floor interior.

The building is sized approx 166,500 ft2 (15,500 m2) and implements all modern technologies that support faster and more efficient passenger processing, as well as expedited security screening and luggage check-in.

The new Terminal B has a dedicated waiting hall, separate bar lounge, service area, new parking garage, valet parking area (accessing the building directly).

(NEW) Virgin Voyages "Terminal V"

On November 28, 2018, Richard Branson (Virgin Group's Founder) and Tom McAlpin ( Virgin Voyages ' President and CEO) officially announced the plans for a new/exclusive cruise terminal in PortMiami.

"Virgin Voyages Terminal" is a 3-story building (sized 100,000 ft2 / 9300 m2) located on PortMiami's northwestern side (address "718 N Cruise Blvd"). Approval for the project was given on September 20, 2019, with a subsequent berthing agreement deal.

Construction works started in October 2019, with scheduled completion in November 2021. The USD 150 million (~EUR 137 million) facility was officially renamed from "Terminal H" to "Terminal V". Virgin Voyages has brand's name on a for-profit train connecting Miami with West Palm Beach (via Aventura and Boca Raton). Virgin's cruise operations from PortMiami were planned to start in April 2020 with Scarlet Lady .

In late-October 2019 was approved the agreement for Brightline Miami to be rebranded "Virgin Trains" and Virgin Group to build a train station (Virgin Trains PortMiami) at the cruise port. The new station serves high-speed trains and connects PortMiami directly with the USA's intercity railway system and Orlando International Airport. Construction works on Virgin Trains PortMiami are scheduled for completion in 2022.

PortMiami's "Terminal V" was officially opened/inaugurated on February 13, 2022. The ceremony was attended by Richard Branson, Tom McAlpin and Daniella Levine Cava (Miami-Dade County Mayor).

Cruise ship terminal directions and parking

• From North - take I-95 South, drive eastbound I-395 (Miami Beach). Continue driving on I-395 East (MacArthur Causeway). The entrance of Port Miami Tunnel (Road 887) is on the left. Follow the signs to your Cruise Terminal.
• From North (via Downtown Miami / Port Bridge) - take I-95 South. Exit 3B-Bayside. Drive south to Northeast 5th Street, turn left. 5th Str leads onto PortMiami Bridge. Continue over the bridge and follow the signs to your terminal.
• From South - take SR-826 North to SR-836 East. Drive eastbound on SR-836 to I-395 East (Miami Beach). Continue driving on I-395 East (MacArthur Causeway). The entrance of Port Miami Tunnel is on the left. Follow the signs to your Cruise Terminal. You can also take I-95 North and drive eastbound I-395 (Miami Beach).
• From South (via Downtown Miami / Port Bridge) - take I-95 North. Exit at Northwest 2nd Street. Drive straight to NW 5th Street, make a right. 5th Str leads onto PortMiami Bridge. Continue over the bridge and follow the signs to your terminal.
• From Miami Beach - take I-395 (MacArthur Causeway), drive westbound, exit on Biscayne Blvd ramp and make U-turn on North Bayshore Drive to enter MacArthur Causeway eastbound. Then continue on I-395 East (MacArthur Causeway).
• Parking rates (subject to change) - USD 20.00 per day. All parking lots are outdoor and located in front their corresponding terminals. Special arrangements are offered for cruise passengers with disabilities.

Miami port, besides its 9 cruise terminals also has facilities to handle cargo ships (bulk carriers and container vessels) and dry dock facilities for marine vessel refurbishments and repairs.

• UN-LOCODE (United Nations location code) - USMIA
• eight dedicated cruise terminals
• supported by excellent road, rail and air infrastructure
• deep water channel - North Ship Channel has 2 turning basins - west (Fisher Island) and east (Main).
• deep water berths
• sheltered harbor area
• access unrestricted by tides
• no restrictions on length and GT tonnage of cruise ships
• The cruise port is accessible the whole year round – 24/7, 365 days a tear.
• Cruise ships usually arrive in Miami in early morning (7 or 8 am) and depart from Miami in late afternoon (at 4, 4:30 or 5 pm) and in the evenings (at 7 pm).

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Cruise to Miami, Florida

Miami shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in miami.

Art Deco Hotels Collins Avenue, Miami, Florida

South Beach is a bright hot spot no matter what time of day. Soak up the sun along the shore and admire the Art Deco gems along lively Ocean Drive. Stroll busy Collins Avenue, sip mojitos in beach bars, dance in ultra-hip nightclubs, and enjoy the best people watching in the city.

Called Culture

Older Men Close Up Smoking Cuban Cigars, Miami, Florida

Experience Miami’s Cuban traditions along Calle Ocho in Little Havana. Here you can wander streets filled with fiery salsa sounds and meet locals smoking cigars over a game of dominoes. From its colorfully painted rooster statues to its hand-rolled cigar shops and open-air fruit markets, this is as authentic as it gets.

Blank Canvas

Unleash your creative side with a jaunt through the Wynwood Art District during your Miami cruise. Every façade in this art-centric neighborhood comes decked out in vibrant life-size murals by globally recognized talents. And don’t miss Wynwood Walls, a collection of old warehouses adorned with abstract paintings, graffiti quotes and unique sculptures.

Local Cuisine

Miami is an international culinary powerhouse. Michelin-starred chefs fill many kitchens and Latin American flavors highlight many menus. You can’t miss the city’s signature Cuban food: Enjoy pastelitos (pastries) for breakfast, lunch on a famous frita (spicy burger), then savor ropa vieja (beef stew) for dinner. If seafood is your thing, crack into succulent stone crab claws, a true South Florida delicacy.

Bayside Marketplace, across from the port, is a popular waterfront shopping spot for visitors. Locals love the quirky boutiques in Coconut Grove. Lincoln Road Mall spans 10 blocks of shops— and Miracle Mile is a long string of specialty stores. Cruise to Miami and head to Calle Ocho for hand-stitched guayabera shirts and hand-rolled Cuban cigars.

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Carnival Cruises from Miami

Departing from Miami, Florida , Carnival Cruise Line offers cruises to some of the world's most exotic locations and ports around the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Embarking on a Carnival Cruise Line voyage from Miami opens a gateway to the bewitching beauty of the Caribbean. Passengers are given an unrivaled chance to immerse themselves in the region's distinctive charm, which extends from the pristine beaches and vibrant marine life to captivating underwater adventures. As the ship sails away from Miami, the picturesque landscapes and azure waters of the Caribbean promise a vacation filled with relaxation and excitement. Carnival Cruise Line ensures that each journey becomes an unforgettable exploration of the Caribbean's hidden treasures. Indeed, the region's captivating culture, coupled with its diverse marine ecosystem, makes for a unique cruise experience.

Carnival Cruise Line is revered as a world-class cruise line with a reputation for providing memorable journeys across the Caribbean. Known for its range of ships, Carnival operates both smaller intimate vessels as well as larger mega-ships for its Caribbean cruises from Miami. This broad selection makes it a popular choice for travelers of all types. Striking a balance between affordability and luxury, Carnival offers an unmatched value proposition for its guests. With a commitment to excellent service and guest satisfaction, the cruise line continually ranks among the top choices for Caribbean voyages.

Carnival Cruise Line Ships

On Carnival Celebration , Carnival Conquest , Carnival Horizon , Carnival Magic , Carnival Sunrise , or any other ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line, there is always something fun to do. Carnival's Caribbean cruises from Miami are renowned for their broad array of onboard amenities and services. Each ship is equipped with state-of-the-art wellness centers, sparkling pools, diverse dining options, and entertaining nightlife venues. Furthermore, guests have the opportunity to participate in a range of onboard activities from cooking classes to dance lessons and even waterslides. For those seeking relaxation, the luxurious onboard spas offer various treatments. Therefore, a Carnival cruise promises not just a voyage, but a journey filled with fun and relaxation.

Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of package options for their Caribbean cruises from Miami, ensuring there's something for everyone. Passengers can choose from a range of accommodation packages, from budget-friendly interior cabins to luxurious suites. The cruise line also provides a selection of dining packages that cater to different culinary preferences. Shore excursions offer a plethora of choices, including guided city tours, water sports, and nature hikes. Hence, every package is designed to enhance the cruise experience, regardless of budget or preference.

Cruises from Miami

Miami, Florida serves as a major departure point for Carnival's Caribbean cruises. Known as the 'Cruise Capital of the World', PortMiami provides a convenient and efficient embarkation process for all guests. The city itself is a vibrant cultural hub, boasting a diverse culinary scene, glamorous nightlife, and a host of attractions for pre or post-cruise exploration. This cosmopolitan city provides the perfect start to the enchanting journey that awaits onboard a Carnival Caribbean cruise.

Carnival Cruise Line from Miami itineraries and cruise ship schedule

Choosing a Caribbean cruise with Carnival Cruise Line from Miami means signing up for an extraordinary adventure. Whether it's the captivating Caribbean destinations, the alluring activities onboard, or the assortment of packages that can be tailored to each guest's needs, a Carnival cruise offers more than just a trip, but a journey filled with lasting memories. Experiencing the magic of the Caribbean while enjoying the amenities and services offered by Carnival Cruise Line truly enhances the overall travel experience. As the Miami skyline recedes and the Caribbean seascape unfurls, guests on a Carnival cruise can look forward to an unforgettable journey of discovery and enjoyment. This blend of enchanting destinations, world-class service, and a multitude of onboard amenities make a Caribbean cruise from Miami with Carnival a remarkable travel choice.

8-day Southern Caribbean from Miami, Fl

Carnival horizon, carnival cruise line.

Date: April 26, 2025

Ports of Call: Miami, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Miami; View Itinerary

7-day Western Caribbean from Miami, Fl

Carnival celebration, carnival cruise line.

Date: October 27, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Mahogany Bay, Miami; View Itinerary

6-day Eastern Caribbean from Miami, Fl

Carnival magic, carnival cruise line.

Date: December 22, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Half Moon Cay, Amber Cove, Grand Turk, Miami; View Itinerary

Date: August 4, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Nassau, Miami; View Itinerary

6-day Western Caribbean from Miami, Fl

Date: December 29, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Miami; View Itinerary

3-day Bahamas from Miami, Fl

Carnival conquest, carnival cruise line.

Date: June 21, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Nassau, Miami; View Itinerary

4-day Bahamas from Miami, Fl

Carnival sunrise, carnival cruise line.

Date: January 2, 2025

Ports of Call: Miami, Half Moon Cay, Nassau, Miami; View Itinerary

Date: March 8, 2025

Ports of Call: Miami, Aruba, Curacao, Amber Cove, Miami; View Itinerary

Date: October 7, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Princess Cays, Nassau, Miami; View Itinerary

Date: March 13, 2025

Date: November 9, 2024

Date: August 16, 2024

5-day Eastern Caribbean from Miami, Fl

Date: December 28, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Nassau, Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Miami; View Itinerary

8-day Eastern Caribbean from Miami, Fl

Date: November 30, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Miami; View Itinerary

Date: May 26, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Amber Cove, Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, Miami; View Itinerary

Date: July 1, 2024

Date: July 13, 2024

Date: February 15, 2025

Date: July 6, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Aruba, Curacao, La Romana, Amber Cove, Miami; View Itinerary

5-day Western Caribbean from Miami, Fl

Date: July 22, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Miami; View Itinerary

7-day Eastern Caribbean from Miami, Fl

Date: November 10, 2024

Date: April 20, 2025

Date: December 9, 2024

Date: April 5, 2025

Date: August 30, 2024

Date: July 21, 2024

Date: October 13, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Amber Cove, San Juan, St. Thomas, Miami; View Itinerary

Date: January 11, 2025

Date: June 10, 2024

Date: December 1, 2024

Carnival Cruise Line Cruise Ship Schedule from Miami

Date: January 18, 2025

Date: August 19, 2024

Date: December 15, 2024

Date: September 2, 2024

Date: June 9, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Cozumel, Belize, Mahogany Bay, Miami; View Itinerary

Date: August 24, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Nassau, Princess Cays, Grand Turk, Miami; View Itinerary

Date: September 16, 2024

Date: May 18, 2024

Date: September 15, 2024

Date: November 1, 2024

Date: September 8, 2024

Date: June 6, 2024

Date: February 27, 2025

Date: April 10, 2025

Date: February 9, 2025

Date: March 29, 2025

Date: November 4, 2024

Date: February 8, 2025

Date: July 14, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, San Juan, Amber Cove, Grand Turk, Miami; View Itinerary

Date: October 20, 2024

Ports of Call: Miami, Nassau, Amber Cove, Grand Turk, Miami; View Itinerary

Date: May 27, 2024

Date: May 17, 2024

Date: December 7, 2024

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The best cruises from Miami for every type of traveler

What are the best cruises from Miami? It's a tough question to answer, in part because there are so many choices.

Miami has long been the cruise capital of the world, and even though it recently has been challenged by nearby Port Canaveral for the title of world's busiest cruise port, it still offers one of the most diverse mixes of options when it comes to ships and itineraries.

Many of the world's biggest cruise lines operate sailings from Miami, in some cases with multiple ships. On any given day, there can be as many as seven different cruise vessels sailing from the port.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The large number of options means that there's a little something for everyone when it comes to Miami cruises. That's great because the best Miami cruise for you may not be the same as the best cruise out of Miami for someone else, depending on your travel style.

Here we list our top picks for the best cruises from Miami for five different types of travelers.

Best cruises for families: Icon of the Seas

Quite a few family-friendly ships call Miami home, including vessels operated by such family cruise leaders as Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line. However, when it comes to the best cruises from Miami for families, there's never been anything quite like the voyages in the works for Royal Caribbean's soon-to-arrive-in-Miami Icon of the Seas .

Scheduled to debut in Miami in January 2024 and already available to book, the 5,610-passenger Icon of the Seas will be the biggest cruise ship in the world — more than 6% bigger than the biggest cruise vessel currently at sea.

That means it has more space than any other ship at sea for children's clubs, waterslides, watery play areas and other family fun zones.

But it's not just Icon of the Seas' larger size that will make its sailings the best cruises out of Miami for families. The cruise line has designed the vessel — the first of a new class of ships — specifically to cater to families in a bigger way .

Icon of the Seas will offer more cabins with extra bunks to accommodate families with multiple children, including new room designs. Some family suites will even feature separate rooms for the little ones.

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families

Many of these family-friendly accommodations will be near a new-for-the-line outdoor "neighborhood" called Surfside, which is dedicated to families with young children. As announced late last year, Surfside will feature splash areas for babies and kids, pools and lounge spaces for parents, family-friendly eateries and shops, and a bar with "mommy and me" matching mocktails for kids and cocktails for grownups.

The water park that Royal Caribbean plans for Icon of the Seas will be the largest ever built on a cruise ship. It will feature a record six top-deck waterslides and an unusual-for-Royal Caribbean ropes course. Teens and tweens have never had it so good.

Come January, Icon of the Seas will take the place of Royal Caribbean's family-friendly Harmony of the Seas in Miami. If you're looking for the best cruise out of Miami for families between now and January 2024, Harmony of the Seas is our pick. It's almost as big as Icon of the Seas and similarly loaded with family-friendly attractions.

That said, if you're a diehard Disney fan, be advised that the best family cruise from Miami for you is probably not a voyage on Icon of the Seas or Harmony of the Seas but one of the seasonal sailings that Disney Cruise Line offers out of Miami on the 1,754-passenger Disney Magic.

Unlike the Royal Caribbean ships, it's not a new vessel with all the latest bells and whistles. In fact, it's the oldest ship in the Disney fleet, dating to the 1990s. But it's, well ... a Disney ship. And if you're a Disney lover, that's probably all you need to know.

Best cruises for adults: Scarlet Lady

As of October 2021, the uncontested best cruises from Miami for adults are the four- and five-night sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean offered on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady. That's the month the new cruise line launched, promising to shake things up in the cruise world with a lively, adult-focused onboard experience unlike anything else in cruising.

Specifically designed for adults only — no children under the age of 18 are allowed on board — the 2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady is all about grownup fun. We're talking everything from rollicking dance parties to a drag show.

Related: I've been on more than 150 cruise ships; here's why I loved Scarlet Lady

Notably, Scarlet Lady offers many stylish, adult-oriented nightspots and bars, creating a hopping scene late into the night. Passengers are able to shake their phones to have Champagne delivered to wherever they happen to be standing, get inked at an onboard tattoo parlor and belt out tunes in a colorful karaoke lounge .

Unlike some other cruise lines, Virgin Voyages also eschews buffets, dress codes and big Broadway-style theater shows. In place of the latter, the line offers such entertainment as dance parties, DJ sets and unconventional performances in a multi-purpose room.

While initially dubbed the "cruise line for millennials" in media coverage, Virgin Voyages was designed to appeal to not just young adults but older adults who are "young at heart," executives have said. In its first two year of operations, it's been drawing passengers in a wide range of ages .

Best cruises for budget travelers: MSC Seascape

For years, the low-cost ships of Carnival Cruise Line were the go-to vessels for the best cruises out of Miami for budget travelers. But Carnival's Miami-based ships have had new competition for the title in recent years from the even-lower-cost vessels of MSC Cruises — a fast-growing line that has been taking the Miami market by storm.

Our take is that the MSC Cruises ships sailing from Miami — particularly the just-out-of-the-shipyard-new MSC Seascape — are now the vessels to book if you're looking for the best value in cruises from Miami.

Based in Miami year-round, the 4,550-passenger MSC Seascape operates alternating seven-night voyages to the Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean that sometimes sell for as little as $399 per person — or just $57 per day.

That's a pretty amazing fare when you consider that it covers not just your room but meals on the ship, too.

Related: TPG's guide to cruising from Miami

The ship's Eastern Caribbean sailings typically are priced a tad lower than its Western Caribbean sailings (when we were pricing them for this guide, they started about $30 per person lower). The Eastern Caribbean trips call at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Nassau, Bahamas; and Ocean Cay , MSC Cruises' private island in the Bahamas. The Western Caribbean voyages stop at Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; and Ocean Cay.

What's striking about these low-priced sailings on MSC Seascape is that the ship is one of the newest and snazziest operating out of the Port of Miami, having just been unveiled in November 2022. Often, the lowest-cost cruises in any cruise port are on the oldest ships sailing from the port — vessels that don't have the latest and greatest when it comes to onboard attractions and amenities.

Eighteen decks high and more than 1,100 feet long, MSC Seascape is loaded with family-friendly attractions, including multiple waterslides, a giant kiddie splash zone with a pirate ship theme and a robotic thrill ride. The latter, called Robotron , will flip you upside down and around as you dangle over the side of the ship.

Related: Our first impressions of MSC Seascape

MSC Seascape also offers 11 dining venues, 20 bars and lounges, a bustling casino, a sprawling spa and a showroom for big production shows.

Plus, there's a giant "ship-within-a-ship" luxury zone loaded with suites and a private lounge and restaurant — one only accessible to well-heeled passengers who pay up for access. With fares for its rooms nearly 10 times higher than the starting rates for the ship's basic cabins, The Yacht Club, as it's called, is not a budget option. However, if you've got money to burn, you can check in here and feel like you're living the high life.

In short, MSC Seascape is a big, bustling megaresort at sea of the sort operated by Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival. If it's big ships with lots of activities you love, it's a good choice if your budget is tight.

MSC Cruises has two other vessels based seasonally in Miami: MSC Magnifica and MSC Divina. MSC Magnifica mostly operates short three- and four-night sailings to the Bahamas. MSC Divina operates a wide mix of three- to 18-night sailings to the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Best cruises for solo travelers: Norwegian Encore

The best cruises from Miami for solo travelers are those offered on Norwegian Cruise Line 's 3,998-passenger Norwegian Encore , as well as its sister vessels, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Escape.

This is largely because Norwegian Encore and its sister ships boast unusually large private zones for solo travelers — something you won't find on the Miami-based vessels operated by Norwegian's main competitors.

The so-called "studio" zones on Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Escape — vessels that all are part of the line's recently unveiled Breakaway-Plus class of ships — have 82 special solo cabins apiece and a private Studio Lounge where solos can gather for happy hours and other events.

One other Norwegian ship that sometimes sails out of Miami, Norwegian Breakaway, has a similar solo zone with 59 cabins.

Only the studio zone on Norwegian's 2010-built Norwegian Epic is bigger, but that ship doesn't sail out of Miami.

A special zone for solo travelers is a concept that is rare in the cruise world, where almost all rooms for vacationers are designed for two people and sold with per-person fares that are based on two people occupying the room.

Solos staying in the solo cabins on the above vessels get exclusive access to the Studio Lounge (using their keycards), meaning a maximum of 59 to 82 people will share the space.

Related: The best cruise lines for solo travelers

The solo cabins in the zones are small (measuring 100 square feet) but are superbly designed to maximize storage space (something I learned firsthand staying in one on Norwegian Epic).

Solos on Norwegian Encore and its sister ships also will find a bustling bar scene, with plenty of counter-style seating in bars that are a great place to meet other solo travelers and friendly guests.

All of the ships mentioned above are great for solos, but we put Norwegian Encore first among them because it's the newest. Of all Norwegian's ships, it has the widest array of onboard attractions including one of the longest go-kart tracks at sea , an epic, open-air laser tag course and a virtual reality play zone.

Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Breakaway are scheduled to rotate in and out of Miami for Bahamas and Caribbean sailings over the next two years. None of them operate out of Miami year-round, and typically they're not in town at the same time. If you're planning a solo cruise from Miami in the next couple years, you'll want to search for which vessel is scheduled to sail from Miami when you want to travel.

Best cruises for unrivaled fun: Carnival Celebration

Looking for a cruise out of Miami that is all about fun? Look no further than the sailings on Carnival Cruise Line 's new Carnival Celebration .

Carnival famously markets itself as the Fun Ship line, and this massive, 19-deck-high ship takes the tagline to heart with loads of fun-focused activities. It's got everything from a water park and ropes course to one of the first roller coasters at sea .

In the ship's interior areas, you'll find many bars, eateries and showrooms where fun is the focus, including restaurants where the waiters dance for you in between courses (something of a Carnival signature). The always-busy casino can be a fun zone for some, depending on the vagaries of Lady Luck.

Carnival draws a lively, outgoing crowd looking to be part of the action, and that's what you'll find on Carnival Celebration. The typical Carnival customer shoots up a hand when an entertainer asks for a volunteer to come on stage or jumps up to dance with the waiters during the dinner show. If this sounds like you, you've found your ship for a cruise from Miami.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival ships and itineraries

Just don't expect anything too highbrow. Carnival is about fun in a laid-back, unpretentious, nothing-too-fancy way.

At 183,521 gross tons, Carnival Celebration is one of the biggest ships sailing regularly from Miami. With room for up to 6,630 passengers, it's one of the most packed, too. Expect fun in the form of a bustling party at sea.

As for that roller coaster, just be warned that it's not the biggest you've ever seen. Dubbed Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster, it has an 800-foot-long track and vehicles that can hit speeds of 40 miles per hour. When it comes to top-deck cruise ship fun, it's hard to think of anything that compares.

Bottom line

Few ports in the world are home to as many cruise ships as Miami, which means cruisers have plenty of choices when it comes to sailings from the port. Almost all of the world's biggest cruise lines — including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian and MSC Cruises — operate departures regularly from the port, typically with multiple ships and on multiple itineraries.

What is the best cruise from Miami for you? That'll depend on your personal interests and travel style. There are cruises from Miami that appeal to everyone, including family travelers, budget travelers and solo travelers.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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Port schedule.

Miami, Florida cruise ship port calendar shows all scheduled arrival and departure dates in a timetable format. The cruise calendar displays the ship’s estimated time of arrival including related information such as how crowded is the port, as well as the ship’s next port-of-call.

The following timetable provides valuable information and keeps track of the future cruise ship arrivals from all major cruise lines. In order to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departure times just follow the ship’s link.

• Norwegian Sky 2.405 passengers 02 May 2024 - 07:00
• Freedom Of The Seas 4.541 passengers 03 May 2024 - 06:00
• MSC Magnifica 3.017 passengers 03 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Conquest 3.581 passengers 03 May 2024 - 08:00
• Independence Of The Seas 4.356 passengers 04 May 2024 - 00:00
• Independence Of The Seas 4.356 passengers 04 May 2024 - 06:00
• Icon Of The Seas 7.600 passengers 04 May 2024 - 06:00
• MSC Seascape 5.877 passengers 04 May 2024 - 06:00
• Carnival Sunrise 3.730 passengers 04 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Magic 4.428 passengers 04 May 2024 - 08:00
• Valiant Lady 2.860 passengers 05 May 2024 - 06:30
• Norwegian Breakaway 4.819 passengers 05 May 2024 - 07:00
• Norwegian Sky 2.405 passengers 05 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Horizon 4.716 passengers 05 May 2024 - 08:00
• Carnival Celebration 6.338 passengers 05 May 2024 - 08:00
• Freedom Of The Seas 4.541 passengers 06 May 2024 - 06:30
• MSC Magnifica 3.017 passengers 06 May 2024 - 07:00
• Carnival Conquest 3.581 passengers 06 May 2024 - 08:00
• MSC Meraviglia 5.386 passengers 07 May 2024 - 08:00
• Independence Of The Seas 4.356 passengers 09 May 2024 - 06:00
• Valiant Lady 2.860 passengers 01 May 2024 - 18:00
• Norwegian Sky 2.405 passengers 02 May 2024 - 17:00
• Carnival Conquest 3.581 passengers 03 May 2024 - 15:30
• Freedom Of The Seas 4.541 passengers 03 May 2024 - 16:30
• MSC Magnifica 3.017 passengers 03 May 2024 - 18:00
• Carnival Sunrise 3.730 passengers 04 May 2024 - 15:30
• Carnival Magic 4.428 passengers 04 May 2024 - 15:30
• Independence Of The Seas 4.356 passengers 04 May 2024 - 16:00
• Icon Of The Seas 7.600 passengers 04 May 2024 - 16:30
• MSC Seascape 5.877 passengers 04 May 2024 - 17:00
• Carnival Horizon 4.716 passengers 05 May 2024 - 16:00
• Norwegian Breakaway 4.819 passengers 05 May 2024 - 16:00
• Carnival Celebration 6.338 passengers 05 May 2024 - 16:00
• Norwegian Sky 2.405 passengers 05 May 2024 - 17:00
• Valiant Lady 2.860 passengers 05 May 2024 - 18:00
• Carnival Conquest 3.581 passengers 06 May 2024 - 15:30
• Freedom Of The Seas 4.541 passengers 06 May 2024 - 16:30
• MSC Magnifica 3.017 passengers 06 May 2024 - 18:00
• MSC Meraviglia 5.386 passengers 07 May 2024 - 22:00
• Norwegian Breakaway 4.819 passengers 08 May 2024 - 17:30

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The 4 newest royal caribbean ships.

Explore the newest amenities onboard including surf simulators, fine dining and more.

The Newest Royal Caribbean Ships

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's highly anticipated Icon of the Seas is set to debut in 2024.

The world's biggest and most ambitious cruise lines never stop building out their fleet of ships, and Royal Caribbean International is no exception. The Florida-based cruise line currently boasts 28 incredible vessels for cruisers of all ages, including the four newest ships that have been added to the fleet since 2021. An even newer ship, Star of the Seas, is also being constructed with a planned launch date during the summer of 2025.

If you're interested in trying out one of the most over-the-top cruise ships sailing the world today, consider Royal Caribbean's newest vessels from the last few years. Read on to learn about the brand-new Icon of the Seas, the jaw-dropping action offered on the Wonder of the Seas, the Utopia of the Seas and the Odyssey of the Seas and all the amenities and unique experiences they have to offer.

Book a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Icon of the Seas

Scheduled to set sail in early 2024, the Icon of the Seas is one of the most celebrated and anticipated new cruise ships across all the major cruise lines. This Icon Class vessel was built to dazzle and entertain cruise passengers of all ages, and it features eight unique neighborhoods, seven pools and the largest waterpark at sea.

In total, Icon of the Seas offers 2,805 individual staterooms with space for 7,600 guests at maximum and 2,350 crew members. The vessel is 1,198 feet long with gross tonnage of 250,800.

• Sails to: The Icon of the Seas will offer alternating seven-night sailings between the Eastern and Western Caribbean. The vessel's Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops at Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, Roatan in Honduras and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas . The alternative itinerary also stops at the cruise line's private island , as well as Basseterre in St. Kitts and Nevis and Charlotte Amelie in St. Thomas. All itineraries will depart from Miami .
• Cabin types: Cabins on the Icon of the Seas are spread across eight unique neighborhoods with their own themes and amenities. Cruisers will find the basic interior, ocean view and balcony staterooms they would expect. The ship also features 179 suites that vary in size and in terms of their features, with some really spacious and over-the-top options. For example, the vessel's Ultimate Family Townhouse (UL) is more than 1,700 square feet with three stories, a multi-level slide, an outdoor space with a ping pong table and more.
• Dining options: Icon of the Seas offers 11 included dining options plus room service that's available 24/7. There are also nine unique specialty restaurants on board, including options like Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, the Empire Supper Club and Chops Grille Steakhouse. A Starbucks is also available.
• Features: The Icon of the Seas boasts the largest cruise ship pool at sea, as well as seven pools and nine whirlpools in total. There are also six record-breaking waterslides located in what Royal Caribbean says is the largest waterpark at sea. Nightlife and entertainment options run the gamut from the ship's dueling piano bar to its jazz and blues club to its AquaTheater with mesmerizing shows that feature incredible diving feats and acrobatics.

Read: The Top Party Cruises

Utopia of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas is another vessel that is set to debut in 2024 with sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida. This Oasis Class ship will offer up a total of 2,834 guest rooms and is 1,188 feet in length and 236,860 gross tons in size.

The ship has space for 5,668 passengers at double occupancy and eight different neighborhoods with cabins for guests. Interestingly, this huge ship will not offer seven-night sailings throughout the Caribbean and will instead focus on offering three-night and four-night itineraries, at least at first.

• Sails to: The all-new Utopia of the Seas will offer shorter sailings to the Bahamas. The ship's three-night sailings will stop only at the cruise line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, whereas four-night sailings from Port Canaveral stop at the cruise line's private island and at Nassau, Bahamas.
• Cabin types: The Utopia of the Seas has interior rooms, ocean view rooms and balcony rooms just like other ships. Upgraded room options also abound and include a range of luxury suites at sea. For example, you can book the iconic Ultimate Family Suite, a Solarium Suite with Wraparound Windows, a Royal Loft Suite and more.
• Dining options: There are 10 different included dining experiences on the Utopia of the Seas, with room service also offered 24 hours a day. These include a Main Dining Room experience, several cafe options, a pizzeria, a coastal kitchen with California and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and more. In addition, there are 10 different specialty restaurants that can also be booked on the Utopia of the Seas, and a Starbucks is on board. Special dining experiences include a hibachi and sushi restaurant, a seafood restaurant, a Chef's Table experience for up to 16 diners at a time, a Johnny Rockets and more.
• Features: Utopia of the Seas has everything you would expect in a new Oasis Class ship from Royal Caribbean. For example, passengers will find five huge pools, eight hot tubs, three water slides, 23 different bars and two on-board casinos. Other features include an ice-skating rink, two rock climbing walls, a zip line, a basketball court, two FlowRider Surf simulators and of course the line's famous AquaTheater. Like other Royal Caribbean ships, Utopia of the Seas also features special spaces for kids and teens, including dedicated clubs, an Imagination Studio and an on-board arcade.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

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Wonder of the Seas

Sailing the friendly seas since March 2022, the Wonder of the Seas boasts more individual rooms and suites than Icon of the Seas. The Oasis-class ship features 2,867 staterooms with a total guest capacity of 7,084. There are also eight unique neighborhoods for cruisers to choose from, each with its own decor and flair.

This Royal Caribbean vessel is also huge at 1,188 feet long and 235,600 gross tons. A total of 2,204 crew members run the ship and assist guests.

• Sails to: Wonder of the Seas is currently sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida and offers seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. The Eastern itinerary includes stops in Charlotte Amelie, St. Thomas and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten as well as Perfect Day at CocoCay. Meanwhile, the Western loop stops at the cruise line's private island as well as Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico and Roatan, Honduras.
• Cabin types: Wonder of the Seas also offers all the normal cabin types you would expect, including interior rooms, sea view rooms and balcony staterooms. There are also over-the-top suites to choose from, including an Ultimate Family Suite, a Royal Suite, an Owner's Suite and more.
• Dining options: Nine complimentary dining options are included on the Wonder of the Seas, with a main dining room, a buffet option and plenty of other eateries available to grab a bite to eat. There are also 11 unique specialty restaurants on board, including a steakhouse and a seafood restaurant, a Johnny Rockets, a sushi and hibachi restaurant and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar. For coffee lovers, a Starbucks is also on board.
• Features: The Wonder of the Seas has its own Central Park, along with 11 different bars, as well as special kids and teens-only areas like a social club and an arcade. Other notable features include the vessel's AquaTheater, rock-climbing walls, whirlpools, laser tag and more. There are also 19 swimming pools, an ice rink and a casino on the Wonder of the Seas.

Read: The Top Cruises for Teens

Odyssey of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas is a Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship that's smaller than the other newest vessels from the line. The impressive ship completed its first sailing in 2021 when it became the first ship of its class to sail from the United States. Odyssey of the Seas currently departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and other ports and offers a range of six-night and seven-night sailings throughout the Caribbean in the coming months.

Up to 4,198 guests can sail on the Odyssey of the Seas with double occupancy, and 1,612 crew members are on board to tend to their every need. The ship is approximately 1,138 feet long and is 167,704 gross tons.

• Sails to: Odyssey of the Seas will depart from various ports in the United States and elsewhere in the world in the coming years. For example, there are upcoming six-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale that include stops in Labadee, Haiti and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic in addition to Perfect Day at CocoCay. The vessel will complete a 14-day transatlantic cruise in April and May of 2024, which begins in Fort Lauderdale and ends in Rome, Italy. From there, the vessel will offer Greek Islands cruises from Rome before moving back to Cape Liberty (New York), New Jersey in the fall of 2024. At that point, itineraries will include stops in Port Canaveral, Florida, Nassau in the Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Cabin types: Odyssey of the Seas offers interior staterooms, ocean view rooms and balcony staterooms. Guests can also book interior rooms with a virtual balcony that boasts a floor-to-ceiling virtual view of the outdoors. Over-the-top suites available on the Odyssey include an Owner's Loft Suite, a Royal Loft Suite, a Grand Loft Suite and more.
• Dining options: As a smaller vessel with considerably fewer passengers than Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class and Icon Class ships, Odyssey of the Seas has fewer dining options overall. Guests can dine at seven included eateries including a main dining room, a bistro, a cafe and the main ship buffet. There are also seven specialty restaurants and experiences on board including the Chef's Table, a Chops Grille and a sushi and hibachi restaurant. Like other newer ships from Royal Caribbean, the Odyssey also has its own Starbucks.
• Features: The Odyssey has eight dedicated bars and lounges on board, bumper cars, laser tag, a rock-climbing wall, an outdoor movie screen and a casino, along with kid and teen features like an arcade, a kids' splash area and a social club. A FlowRider surf simulator is on board, as well as a sky diving simulator. Note that the Odyssey of the Seas doesn't have an AquaTheater like Oasis Class ships.

Find a Royal Caribbean cruise on GoToSea.

Look Out for Star of the Seas

Royal Caribbean is already offering limited information about its newest ship, the Star of the Seas. This vessel will also be an Icon Class ship like the Icon of the Seas, meaning it will be big and beautiful with all the bells and whistles.

The Star of the Seas is scheduled to debut in 2025.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel expert and content creator who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised dozens of times with most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to write this article, along with information provided by Royal Caribbean.

You might also be interested in:

• What to Pack for a Cruise
• Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival
• Cruise Line Drink Packages
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Royal Caribbean Cruises

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I stayed in a balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean's 2 newest and largest cruise ships. One was clearly better — and $900 cheaper.

• Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas are Royal Caribbean's newest and largest cruise ships.
• I stayed in both of their balcony staterooms — a $130-per-person-per-day difference.
• Icon's pricier cabin looked more modern but lacked the functionality and comfort of Wonder's.

Do you know what $900 could buy you? More than three years of Netflix's premium plan, a new Gucci purse, or 2,059 spicy chicken McNuggets.

Or, in the case of Royal Caribbean's two largest and newest cruise ships , the cash could mean the difference between a cheap but functional balcony cabin and, ironically, a more expensive but less comfortable one.

Staterooms with balconies are the most popular cruise cabin category. After all, if you're going on a vacation at sea, wouldn't you want to be able to feel its breeze from your room?

But not all cabins with private outdoor spaces are created equal, even on two new mega-ships owned by the same cruise line.

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas in 2022 and its larger successor, Icon of the Seas, in January.

Royal Caribbean assigned me an ocean-view balcony cabin for both complimentary sailings, the longest of which was three nights on Icon.

Both ships are operating seven-night cruises around the Caribbean in 2024.

About 66% of Wonder's cabins fall under the 'balcony' category. On Icon, they make up half of the staterooms.

Wonder of the Seas' balcony cabins start shy of $1,110 per person in 2024.

Even with nearly identical itineraries, the ones on Icon are, at their cheapest, a little more than $2,000 per person this year — or double that for the a New Year's cruise.

Wonder and Icon are the most boisterous, flamboyant, and overwhelming vessels I've ever boarded.

The pool decks were intensely colorful, the crowds were inescapable, and the long lists of activities and dining options were paralyzing.

So imagine my surprise when I unlocked my doors to find surprisingly bland rooms.

The neutral tans, blues, and whites did not scream "we belong on the world's biggest and most colorful cruise ships."

The vessels have an almost two-year age difference, as evidenced by some of their decor (mainly Icon's recessed mood lights and the more chic, darker wood tones).

But besides the light fixtures, rugs, and — frankly negligible — wall art and pillows, both cabins were fairly underwhelming compared to everything outside their front doors .

Aesthetics aside, let’s talk functionality.

Both had furnished 50-square-foot balconies.

Regarding the interior space, my 204-square-foot cabin on Icon of the Seas was 22 square feet larger than mine on Wonder.

In retrospect, I would've thought Icon's was smaller. More on that in a bit.

Both king-sized beds faced a television and some wall storage.

And both were flanked by light fixtures with built-in USB outlets, as is expected on most modern cruise ships.

The cruise line says the ships' balcony cabins use two twin mattresses that have been "converted" to make a king bed. It's a common practice I've never had an issue with — until Icon.

On Wonder, the plush pillows enveloped me the moment I laid down. I slept great. No complaints.

Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the new ship.

I (my back pain) could feel the hard ridge where the two mattresses met, making for a pretty miserable and uncomfortable sleep.

So much for starfishing — I kept to one side of the bed to avoid rolling over the bony bump.

For the most part, the living “rooms” were the same.

Both had the same furniture I see on almost every mass-market ship: a couch that could convert into a bed and a desk that extended into a dresser.

But storage, a high priority for cruisers, was organized differently.

Two thin wardrobes with drawers, hangars, and shelves surrounded either side of my bed on Wonder .

Icon, on the other hand, had one large wardrobe next to the living room.

Unfortunately, it had noticeably less shelving. And the metal bins let out ear-piercing screeches at every move — a lazy and annoying detail that the designers could've easily fixed with cheap felt pads.

So far, the differences have been small. But not for long.

I had two gripes with my Wonder bathroom: the lack of hair conditioner and the ill-positioned faucet that flooded the counter whenever I washed my hands.

I had the same issues on Icon. But that was the least of my concerns.

My bathroom on the older ship was well-sized for 1 person, but maybe too small for 2.

On Icon — the world's largest cruise ship — my bathroom was too compact for even one body.

Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, told reporters in January that 80% of Icon's 2,805 cabins were designed for families, a sharp increase from previous vessels like Wonder.

I'm not sure a family of four could coexist in Icon's balcony cabin — solely because of the bathroom size. There's no way two people could fit in there simultaneously. A fight over who gets priority access to the toilet could ruin a peaceful family vacation! (Which is to say, I'm glad I was traveling alone.)

With the bathroom door closed, I accidentally elbowed the walls more times than I could count.

The spare towels had to be stored on a shelf inside the shower. Because the counter was so small, I had to keep most of my toiletries and products on the shelves or in the drawer.

Surprisingly, that's where Icon excelled. Its bathroom had more storage options than its older counterpart, which didn't even have a drawer.

However, the older ship's shower had a clothesline perfect for drying swimwear. It's a small but crucial amenity, especially on a vessel with so many pools and waterslides.

Unfortunately, both were stocked with two-in-one body wash and shampoo — and no hair conditioner

Let’s go through our checklist.

My balcony cabin on Wonder looked less modern than its successor (the TV on Icon had Chromecast, after all).

But it was significantly more functional and comfortable. The bed was incomparably more pleasant, the closets had more defined storage components, and the bathroom was considerably larger, even if it lacked additional shelving and drawers.

The question is: Which one is more worth its price?

Icon's cheapest balcony cabins are currently $900 more than the most affordable ones on Wonder — an almost $130 per person and day difference.

Based on the quality of the staterooms alone, if you prioritize functionality, comfort, and affordability over modern decor, consider saving money and going with the two-year-old ship .

But let’s not forget that cruise fares include unlimited food, on board activities, and nighttime entertainment.

Both ships have a fairly similar list of amenities. But only the newer one has a waterpark , an adult-only infinity pool club, and a swim-up bar, to name a few unique amenities.

So yes, Icon's balcony cabins are more costly. But the staggering price difference — and tiny bathroom — could be worth it if you think the its surplus of additional amenities is worth paying for.

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Travel | Regent Seven Seas Grandeur builds on luxury of…

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Subscriber only, travel | regent seven seas grandeur builds on luxury of 2 sister cruise ships.

Regent Seven Seas Grandeur is the third of three sister ships for the luxury cruise line. It debuted in late 2023 with several sailing dates in the Caribbean out of PortMiami, seen here during a cruise from Jan. 24-26, 2024. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

A Fabergé egg titled "Journey in Jewels" sits in the atrium on board Regent Seven Seas Grandeur. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

This bronze-and-glass bonsai cherry blossom tree sculpture welcomes diners into the Pacific Rim restaurant on board Regent Seven Seas Grandeur, the third of three sister ships for the luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises that debuted in late 2023. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

The Compass Rose restaurant on board Regent Seven Seas Grandeur was designed by Miami-based Studio DADO. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

Chef John Stephano leads a class in the Culinary Arts Kitchen on board Regent Seven Seas Grandeur on Jan. 25, 2024. The ship is the third of three sister ships for the luxury cruise line that debuted in late 2023. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

The ship’s features include the first Fabergé egg with a permanent home at sea. The blue-pearl-and-diamond sculpture titled “Journey in Jewels” is a small but commanding centerpiece rotating within its display case in the atrium for travelers to enjoy as soon as they step on board.

The egg is revealed as seven branches break away like waves that represent the Seven Seas. The ship’s godmother is Sarah Fabergé, the great-granddaughter of Peter Carl Fabergé.

It’s part of a 1,600-piece art collection that includes classic black-and-white photos from global destinations adorning the hallways between cabins to the steakhouse’s original Picassos. Travelers could spend a good afternoon wandering hallways and public spaces, akin to visiting a museum. A new app for the line also offers a digital art tour, like a personal guide.

“With each new ship, our team works tirelessly to identify and source the most impressive array of art pieces, building a collection that would be enviable by most modern-day museums, to ensure our guests’ time onboard is as enriching and thought-provoking as their time on land,” said Regent Seven Seas Cruises President Andrea DeMarco.

All three ships in the Explorer class are about 55,500 gross tons, with Grandeur sporting a 744-guest capacity among its all-suite offerings. The line has three older ships and just had two larger vessels ordered by parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, but they are not due until 2026 and 2029.

Until then, the three sister ships continue the line’s most refined take on their global, all-inclusive itineraries, with both Splendor and Grandeur set to return to Miami for the 2024-25 winter Caribbean season.

The line has given all three Explorer-class ships a succession of superlative monikers. Seven Seas Grandeur was dubbed with “A Heritage of Perfection,” following Seven Seas Explorer’s “the most luxurious cruise ship ever” and Seven Seas Splendor’s “the ship that perfects luxury.”

With 548 crew, Grandeur boasts a 1:1.36 crew-to-passenger ratio similar to its two sisters, so needs among travelers are attended to promptly.

The ship’s interior spaces are crafted by Miami-based Studio DADO, which has put its mark on sister lines Oceania Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.

That includes new takes on main dining venue Compass Rose, which DADO founding partner Yohandel Ruiz called “a feast for the eyes.”

It’s filled with fantastical tree-like arches right out of Alice in Wonderland with a cascading waterfall sculpture. At night, thousands of individually placed crystal-faceted leaves encrusted on pillars and branches illuminate the space.

The ship has five signature restaurants on board, including steakhouse Prime 7, Italian option Sette Mari at La Veranda, French offering Chartreuse and the latest version of Asian restaurant Pacific Rim, this time bringing a delicate bronze-and-glass bonsai cherry blossom tree sculpture as the centerpiece at the entrance. It’s a welcome and fitting addition to the dragon and prayer wheel sculptures on its two sister ships.

The ship has 15 suite categories, all with their own balconies. The pinnacle of sailing options is the 4,443-square-foot Regent Suite at $11,000 a night. It features a $200,000 Hästens Vividus custom handmade mattress, an in-suite spa retreat with a personal sauna and steam room and 270-degree views from the ship’s bow from a 1,292-square-foot wraparound veranda. Those passengers get their own butler and personal car and driver in every port.

Some seven-night Miami-based sailings go for as low as $3,700 per person based on double occupancy.

For everyone on board is the spa with an infinity pool that looks out over the stern, fitness center, jogging track, casino, several lounges, card room, library and main pool. Top-deck fun includes pickleball, shuffleboard, mini golf and ping-pong.

A big draw to Regent is the mostly inclusive offerings, including free and unlimited shore excursions, round-trip flights, unlimited internet, prepaid gratuities, ground transfers and other amenities.

One of the best offerings on board, though, isn’t free. Back again is the Culinary Arts Kitchen, a staple borrowed from sister line Oceania Cruises, but a massively popular offering that lets 18 students create memorable dishes under the guidance of a chef team.

During a preview cruise for media in January out of PortMiami, the class was led by the amiable Chef John Stephano talking students through a pair of sample dishes – pasta al limone, which is lemon pasta, and French crêpes with an allspice berry ice cream, offered during what are normally two-hour-long classes twice per day on sailings.

“I promise you’re going to make delicious and delightful food,” he said but joked that “anybody that struggles with their culinary skills today, we’ll be sending you down to the galley to help us out.”

Stephano deftly demonstrates and drops bits of history and detail during the demonstration with students gathered around, who then go one of the 18 individual stations equipped with induction cooktops, stainless steel sinks and a collection of tools, tongs, pots and pans, while he and assistant chefs make the rounds to ensure everyone is figuring out the steps.

The course options vary per cruise pulling from nearly 50 curated thematic class titles such as “1493: The Foodies’ New World,” “Familia Cubana” and “Flip-Flop Floribbean.” Classes are an extra $89, which is about the only extra-cost feature on a Regent sailing. They are often themed to the location where the ships sail.

The culinary team also has a hand in creating some of the unique excursions, which then pair up with some of the classes.

Grandeur just finished out its first run about the Caribbean during mostly sold-out itineraries from PortMiami and is now amid a set of Mediterranean voyages for summer 2024. It will then make its way to New York for fall color itineraries of Canada and New England in September and October and then return to Miami to begin the winter Caribbean sailing season into 2025.

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Popular cruise line cancels trip with guests already on board: What happens next?

• Updated: Apr. 30, 2024, 10:05 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 29, 2024, 6:38 a.m.

FILE - In this June 20, 2016 file photo, the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Empress of the Seas heads out of PortMiami, in Miami Beach, Fla. Royal Caribbean International notified guests aboard Radiance of the Sea the ship will not continue on an already-abbreviated Alaska sailing. Instead, the voyage was canceled and guests must leave the ship and will be sent home. AP

• Leada Gore | [email protected]

Guests onboard a popular cruise line were told their trip was canceled and they were being sent home despite already being on board the vessel.

Royal Caribbean International notified guests aboard Radiance of the Sea the ship will not continue on an already-abbreviated Alaska sailing. Instead, the voyage was canceled and guests had to leave the ship and be sent home, CruiseHive.com reported.

The ship was set to depart Vancouver, British Columbia on Friday and guests were permitted on board. It was announced the ship would spend two days in port undergoing repair with a revised departure date of Sunday, April 28 before returning May 3 as planned.

Later, however, an announcement was made the trip was being canceled due to repairs for a technical issue impacting its propulsion, the website reported, and guests had to leave the ship Sunday by 4 p.m. local time.

“As you are aware, our teams have been vigorously working to have Radiance of the Seas prepared to set sail on our shortened April 26th sailing,” a letter given to passengers in their staterooms read, according to reports by unofficial cruise site RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com reported. “Despite our best efforts, circumstances beyond our control have delayed our sailing further. As a result, we’ll regrettably have to cancel our April 26th, 2024 cruise.”

READ MORE: U.S. travel alert: Cruise line cancels more visits to popular Caribbean destination

What happens to the guests?

Guests will receive a 100% refund on their fare and a 100% future cruise credit for a later sailing. The cruise line opened internet service free of charge to allow for easier travel planning and offered a free open bar until debarkation, reports indicated.

Cruisers who booked flights through Royal Caribbean had their flights automatically rescheduled. The cruise line is also reimbursing any travel change fees up to $250 for domestic travel and $400 for international travel and up to $250 for hotel costs, per statement, per night, for two nights.

READ MORE: U.S. travel alert: Do not travel to this Caribbean nation, popular spot for cruise ship stops

The ship first developed propulsion difficulties last week during a repositioning cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, causing several stops to be scrapped to accommodate the slower speed.

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