Early Arrival at Port of Miami

[Mrs. C]

My party will be arriving in Miami about 9:30 the day of departure. If we go directly to the port of Miami, will we be close enough to anything to hang out until we can board, or should we plan on going somewhere prior to being taken to the port to keep us busy? We will have all of our luggage, so we won't really have a lot of options once we arrive.

[Cruise Fanatic]

I often go over to the Miami port about 11:30-12:00noon. If you went from the airport to the port you would be too early for check-in to get on the ship. You could check your baggage with the porters and then go back across the causeway to Bay Side Market to kill time.

[Mrs. C]

Thanks for the info. Can we walk to the Bay Side Market, or would we have to take a taxi?

Are there any restaurants around there if we wanted to get a cup of coffee while we hang out and wait?

My husband was concerned that the area right around the port would be a little rough, is this not the case?

[Dave]

Originally posted by Mrs. C:
Thanks for the info. Can we walk to the Bay Side Market, or would we have to take a taxi?

I wouldn't suggest walking.

[Dave]

Depending on the pier, it is 1 to 2 miles from the port to Bay Side Marketplace. And I don't recall seeing a pedestrian path.

Bay Side has lots of shops and cafes.

[texastraveler1953]

The lines to board the ship are usually long. I would go to the pier and get in line. Bring an umbrella to keep the sun off if you are sensitive. You can get a bad burn standing in the sun to board the ship. You will be on the ship sooner that way and then you can relax.
Enjoy

[Mrs. C]

Thanks for the information this will help us know how to plan.

The time is going by fast!! I can hardly believe we are almost ready to leave.

[Jim C.]

If your flight is scheduled to get in at 9:30Am, figure it will take 45mins to and hour to get your luggage and then another 30 minutes to get into a taxi and to the pier another 15 or so to get to the luggage drop off point... that puts you at standing in line at about 11:15 or so... Not enough time to bother trying to get extra shopping done before they board. There will be plenty of shopping time on your cruise. I'd just go and get in line then board as soon as they let you.. That gives you more "cruising time".

[cousins]

I agree with Jim. Miami Airport is no small place and finding luggage can sometimes take a while....and don't forget about the traffic.

[Mrs. C]

Yea, I am kinda thinking that we should drag our feet a little at the airport and just plan on arriving at the port a little later and then staying there once we arrive.

Thanks for the input.