Following Cruise Hive’s report yesterday on Norwegian Cruise Line removing all May sailings from its website, it is now confirmed that the cruise line has suspended operations once again and it comes as no surprise!
NCL Cancels More Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line has become the first major cruise line to extends its pause on cruise operations until the Summer. On Tuesday morning, the cruise line announced that cruises are cancelled through May 2021.
It does now means that cruises won’t restart until June at the very earliest. The extensions include sailings for Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Oceania Cruises.
On January 19, NCL announced its previous pause extension through April 30, 2021. That impacted three vessels as they were hoping to return to service in that month. Unfortunately, there has been no sign of resuming cruises, and now June has become the month for return.
NCL Notice
What Now for Booked Guest?
Those guests who had an active booking in May will automatically receive a refund that should be completed by March 23, 2021. If a guest has not previously received, then a 10% coupon will be applied for a future cruise. The coupon will be valid for one year and can be used on any future departure through 2022.
Those who had booked using a previously future cruise credit don’t need to worry as it will be reapplied automatically. Those are the options for impacted guests at the moment. The options are not as good as some other major cruise lines.
For other cruise lines owned by the cruise company, guests should check their specific options on what’s being offered.
Photo Credit: NEFLO PHOTO / Shutterstock.com
It Was Expected
This announcement does not come as a surprise, with the cruise line already removing May sailings from its website over the weekend. Many cruisers had already noticed that they could no longer book or search for a voyage in May.
We already know cruise lines, including NCL, are waiting for more guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Norwegian Cruise Line has said that it continues to work through the Conditional Sailing Order framework to make sure cruises can resume safely.
It’s a very fluid situation with the cruise industry at the moment and things are changing weekly. For now, we’ll just have to wait even longer until Norwegian Cruise Line begins sailings again.
If you’re not lucky enough to be a Florida resident, you will probably fly into Miami Airport before joining a cruise from Miami. The Port of Miami leads the way as the “Cruise Capital of the World” and the busy airport in Miami has regular domestic and international flights from most major cities.
Once your cruise and flights are booked, you’ll need to know the best way to transfer from Miami Airport to cruise port, and that’s where we can help.
We provide the definitive guide to the best transportation between Miami Airport and cruise port. We have detailed below 10 different transport options from private shuttle to public bus and MetroMover.
Whether you are traveling solo, as a group, or perhaps with a disabled family member, we offer helpful tips on all the options so that you can choose the most suitable transport for you. We include prices and journey times as well as links and full information on how to book.
Whether you are looking for a cheap airport shuttle service to the Miami cruise terminal or prefer the convenience of private transportation, we provide all the information you need to help you make an informed choice.
Rest assured, with over 5 million passengers regularly arriving and departing on 55 cruise ships, you can be sure that you will not be alone when heading to the port.
Shuttle buses, taxis, private transportation and ride-sharing services all provide direct transportation between the airport and Port of Miami. Just scroll down to find all the cruise transportation options before you book.
Where is Miami Cruise Port?
Miami Cruise Port is located on Dodge Island in the sheltered waters of the Intracoastal Waterway. The port is just 8 miles east of Miami International (MIA) Airport, within sight of the high-rise architecture of downtown Miami and Miami Beach/South Beach.
The address of Miami Cruise Port is 1015 N. America Way, Miami, Florida 33132.
Best Route from Miami Airport to Cruise Port
Miami Cruise Port is connected to Miami International Airport by the busy Dolphin Expressway (SR 836), which is a toll road.
Route SR 836 (Google Maps)
It leads directly from the airport to the Port Miami Tunnel – take the exit marked “Miami Beach/MacArthur Causeway” and then follow signs for Port Miami Tunnel and N. Cruise Blvd.
The journey takes about 12 minutes if traffic is flowing well. However, at peak times, it can take double that length of time!
Toll-Free Option
To avoid tolls, from the airport take NW17th St to NW 27th Ave then head east on NW North River Drive. Exit at NW8th St, turn south on Miami Ave, then east on NE5th St, which becomes Port Blvd. You can then follow signs to your cruise terminal.
This toll-free route typically takes at least 30 minutes, and much longer in busy periods. If time is tight, it’s well worth paying the small toll (around $2) on the Dolphin Expressway to make sure you arrive in plenty of time for your cruise check-in and sailing.
What’s the Best Way to Get From Miami Airport to Cruise Port?
Most people taking a cruise from Miami opt to fly into Miami International Airport (MIA). It is by far the closest and most convenient airport to the Port of Miami. So what are your options for transportation to the cruise port from Miami Airport?
Check out the brief summary below to compare prices for a one-way trip. Remember some options are priced per person while others are per vehicle. If you’re traveling as a family or group, that makes a big difference to the total cost!
Cruise Shuttle – around $17 per person
Private Airport Shuttle – $20-40 per vehicle
Taxi – $27 per vehicle fixed rate
Uber/Lyft – $20 per vehicle
Private Car – From $100 for a luxury sedan
Private Van – Around $125 per vehicle
Luxury Limo – Around $150 for a private limousine
Miami Train/Metromover/Taxi – $16 per person
Bus – N/A
Hotel Shuttle – Free with a night’s stay at many Miami hotels
Cruise Shuttle from Miami Airport to Cruise Port
All the major cruise companies provide the option to book a seat on a shuttle bus from the airport to the ship, organized and operated by the cruise line.
You should be able to reserve a place on the cruise shuttle when booking your cruise, either through your agent or directly on the cruise website.
Miami Shuttle Bus (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock.com)
During your cruise, you will also be able to book a return shuttle to Miami Airport from the cruise port at the onboard Excursion Desk.
Pros and Cons of Cruise Shuttles
On the plus side, the shuttle will transfer you and your luggage directly from Miami Airport Arrivals to the ship. Once you have booked your seat on the cruise shuttle, you can relax and start looking forward to your cruise. If there are any delays, the cruise won’t sail without you!
At the end of your cruise, the advantage of using the cruise shuttle is that the cruise line will take care of everything.
You will be grouped together in the lounge, your luggage will be waiting for you in a special area, and you will get priority disembarkation.
Using the cruise shuttle is definitely the easiest option for transferring between Miami airport and the cruise port.
However, you may have to sit and wait for other passengers to arrive before the shuttle bus departs for the cruise terminal.
Photo Credit: pisaphotography / Shutterstock.com
The other downside to these cruise line shuttles is that they only operate on the day of your cruise. They are therefore not suitable if you are planning to fly into Miami a day or so ahead of your cruise (which is recommended to avoid any problems with bad weather or flight cancelations).
Cruise line transfers can be a pricey option, particularly if you are traveling as a family or group. Unlike a taxi or ride share, cruise shuttle transfers are priced per person, not per vehicle.
Carnival Cruise Line charges around $17 per person each way to transfer between the airport and the Port of Miami and other cruise lines charge a similar rate. For a couple, that adds $68 to your cruise!
If you are cruising as a family or group, it can be much more economical to book your own shared transport, such as a private taxi, Uber, or van.
There are some ways to get a free cruise shuttle. If you book your flight with the cruise company, a courtesy shuttle will usually be provided as part of the additional fee.
Also, if you book a post-cruise shore excursion to see more of the Miami sights, the tour will drop you and your luggage at the airport upon request. That’s a hassle-free way to fill the day at the end of the cruise and get to the airport.
Cheap Miami Airport Shuttles to the Cruise Port
As an alternative to the official cruise line shuttles, there are independent shuttles that offer pre-booked transportation between Miami Airport and the cruise port.
They tend to be cheaper than cruise lines and use mini buses to transport groups of passengers as part of a private or shared van service.
It’s well worth shopping around to get the best rates for cheap transport from Miami Airport to the cruise port. Expect to pay $20-$40 for a private vehicle, depending on the size you need. Remember to book in advance!
Taxi from Miami Airport to Cruise Port
Taxis are a very smooth and easy option if you have not pre-booked transport from the airport to PortMiami. Staff will direct you to the next available taxi.
Taxi at PortMiami, Florida (Photo Credit: pisaphotography / Shutterstock.com)
Drivers will help with luggage and provide a comfortable air-conditioned journey to the cruise terminal in about 12 minutes if traffic is flowing smoothly.
There is a fixed rate, currently $27, and that’s for the vehicle. It’s particularly economical if you are traveling as a family or group of up to 4 passengers.
Uber/Rideshare
Uber and Lyft offer comfortable ride-share transfers from Miami Airport to the cruise port. They generally work out a little cheaper than a taxi (about $20 per vehicle) and provide a more personal service.
Private Car/Limo Transport
If you’re looking forward to the cruise of a lifetime, why not arrive at the cruise terminal in luxury?
You can book a private Town Car or Limousine with a driver to pick you up from the airport, then sit back and enjoy the ride.
The journey takes at least 12 minutes, and costs vary from $100 for a luxury sedan to around $125 for a van and $150 for a private limousine.
BlackLane, LimoMIA, and 515Miami are just some of the companies offering private transportation between Miami Airport and the cruise port terminals.
Photo Credit: pisaphotography / Shutterstock.com
Depending on the size of your party, you can book a private car, van, or stretch limousine. Vehicle upgrades are available along with mini buses, so you can book exactly the service you need for your Miami Airport to cruise port transportation.
If you have time to spare, book the car and driver on an hourly rate and ask them to give you a tour of the sights before arriving at the port.
Prices are usually per vehicle, for up to 3 passengers and their luggage, making it a very efficient and affordable option for families. It’s a great way to start your Miami cruise in style!
Public Transport Options from Miami Airport to Cruise Port
Miami Train/Metromover
It is possible to travel by train/tram from Miami airport to the waterfront but you will need to take a taxi for the final distance.
Trains run every 20 minutes from Miami International Airport Station to Government Center Station. The journey takes 15 minutes and costs $2. You then need to board the MetroMover (every 5 minutes) to reach Bayfront Park Station. It takes 6 minutes and costs a further $2.
Miami MetroMover (photo Credit: Jean’s World / Shutterstock.com)
This option is cheap and misses the notorious traffic problems around the city, but it drops you and your luggage 1.8 miles from the cruise terminal. A taxi will cost a further $12.
Bus
Buses runs from the airport station to MacArthur Causeway/Fountain Street. However, you will then need to take a taxi into the port itself on Dodge Island so it’s not a recommended option.
Hotel Shuttles Serving Port of Miami
If you are planning to fly into Miami Airport ahead of your cruise and stay a night or two in a hotel, you can avoid paying for transport to the cruise port.
Choose a hotel in Miami that offers a courtesy pick-up from the airport and/or a shuttle service to the cruise port. Many hotels offer a complimentary shuttle service or charge a nominal fee.
Miami Airport to Cruise Port FAQs
How far is Miami airport to cruise port?
Miami cruise port is just 8 miles east of Miami International (MIA) Airport. The journey by car takes about 12 minutes, and even longer in heavy traffic.
How much is a taxi from Miami airport to cruise port?
Taxis fares from Miami Airport to the cruise port are fixed at $27. This is per vehicle, not per passenger.
Is there a shuttle from Miami airport to cruise port?
There are private shuttles running from Miami Airport to PortMiami. Companies offering shared shuttle transfers includeJayride, GoAirportShuttle, AirportShuttles and AmericanShuttle. The trip costs $20-$40 per vehicle and you need to book ahead.
In December 2020, Royal Caribbean announced it had sold off both Majesty of the Seas and Empress of the Seas. While Empress has been sold to new Indian Cruise outfit Cordelia Cruises, the fate of Majesty of the Seas could have several outcomes.
The ship arrived in the port of Pireaus, Greece, on Monday, February 1. Rumors were that both Empress and Majesty had been sold off to an undisclosed buyer in India.
Now it seems the Majesty of the Seas has been registered to an outfit called Saturn Oceanway Inc., with Campbell Cruise & Yacht Management Ltd listed as the vessel manager. Not only that, the name of the ship has been changed to Majesty.
Despite all the rumors that have been going around, a Greek shipping website reports that it has been confirmed the Greek operator SeaJets has bought the vessel. And this could be bad news for the former Majesty of the Seas.
Photo: Royal Caribbean
Did Seajets Buy Majesty of the Seas?
SeaJets is a ferry operator from Greece that has been extraordinarily active in the cruise market of late. The company traditionally operates only high-speed ferries and RORO vessels around the Greek Islands. However, in the last year, they have purchased six different vessels:
Ocean Princess, now called Queen of the Oceans
Maasdam, now called Aegean Myth
Veendam, now called Aegean Majesty
Pacific Aria, now called Aegean Goddess
Columbus
The company had also purchased former CMV vessel Magellan, which was scrapped last week at the shipbreaking yard in Alang, India.
With the ship docked in Pireaus next to former Costa neoRomantica, which belongs to Celestyal Cruises as the Experience, and Pacific Aria, which was also sold to Seajets recently, it seems the vessel would be in the process of changing ownership to the Greek outfit.
The question is what SeaJets is planning to do with all these cruise ships. SeaJets CEO Marios Iliopoulos has been quiet on the subject since the company started buying cruise ships and has not disclosed what the company plans on doing in the future.
The likely reason for the company to buy these vessels is that the company is looking to quickly charter, sell or scrap the ships. While chartering ships out or selling them further is a likely option, depending on the market conditions and price of scrap metals, scrapping a ship could be a highly profitable business as well.
Photo Credit: mariakray / Shutterstock.com
A Riddle Wrapped In a Mystery Inside an Enigma
Majesty of the Seas was a part of the Sovereign Class of ships operated by Royal Caribbean. Of which, Sovereign of the Seas and Monarch of the Seas were also part of. And these two vessels are currently being scrapped in Turkey.
So far SeaJets has not said anything about the purchase of the vessel. Saturn Oceanway Inc. and Campbell Cruise & Yacht Management Ltd do not appear to have any links with SeaJets. Further, the other SeaJets ships are managed by Optimum Ship Management Services, the same company that manages the Celestyal fleet.
In fact, the only mention that Saturn Oceanway Inc. has online is a lawsuit in the Indian court system involving Pireaus Bank and Saturn Oceanway Inc.
Empress of the Seas is also listed with Campbell Cruise & Yacht Management Ltd. as the ship’s manager. Which makes it entirely likely the vessel would be heading to Cordelia Cruises. As usual, the shipping industry is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.
Majesty of the Seas was built by the French Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyards in Saint-Nazaire in 1992. The 73,941 gross tons vessel was one of the largest vessels ever built at her launch, with a passenger capacity of 2,767 and 833 crew members.
Main Photo Credit: Bill Florence / Shutterstock.com
The rejuvenation process Carnival Cruise line has undertaken, and the financial difficulties that other cruise lines have been having in the last 12 months, means there are no less than six former Carnival Cruise Line ships currently at the shipbreakers.
It is boomtime for shipbreakers this year. Both the yard in Alang, India, and the yard in Aliaga, Turkey, are profiting from the pandemic. More than 2500 people work in shifts at the yard in Izmir, where former Carnival cruise ships Fantasy, Imagination, and Inspiration are being broken up.
In India, the shipbreaking operations account for employment for no less than 25,000 workers who are involved in breaking up Carnival’s M/S Tropicale (M/S Ocean Dream), M/S Celebration (Grand Celebration), and M/S Holiday (MV Magellan).
M/S Tropicale
Ordered by Carnival Cruise line in 1981 to increase its presence in the cruise market and delivered in 1982. M/S Tropical was the first ship that the cruise line had purpose-built.
Carnival Postcard
She sailed for Carnival Cruise for 18 years, from her delivery in 1982, until 2000. She was the first vessel to feature the iconic winged funnel, designed by Joe Farcus, who would significantly influence how cruise ships would be designed and built in the future.
Photo Credit: Eren Topcu
After being transferred and sailing with Costa Cruises until the year 2005, she subsequently sailed for P&O Cruises Australia, Pullmantur, and the old lady’s last assignment was for the Peace Boat organization under the name Ocean Dream.
The namesake of the Holiday class of ships, M/S Holiday, was beached on January 30, 2021. Built-in the Danish Aalborg Vaerft in the 1980s, she sailed for the first time on July 13, 1985.
Photo Credit: Carl Carpenter (Creative Commons/Flickr)
Holiday sailed for Carnival Cruise Line for 24 years before being transferred to the Carnival Corporation subsidiary IberoCruceros.
Photo Credit: Viramdevsinh Gohil
After IberoCruceros stopped operating, the British cruise operator Cruise and Maritime Voyages stepped in to take over the vessel and renamed her MV Magellan. After 35 years of faithful service, she was finally beached at the breakers yard in Alang, India.
MS Celebration
Celebration was the last out of three ships to be built for Carnival’s Holiday Class. Built in 1986 at the Kockums Varv shipyard in Malmö, Sweden, Carnival Celebration was in service for 20 years for Carnival Cruise Line.
Photo Credit: Jon Worth (Creative Commons)
The 1497 passenger, 47,262 GT, was turned over to IberoCruceros in 2008 and renamed Grand Celebration after a refit.
After six years with IberoCruceros, the ship was transferred to Costa Cruises and quickly sold on to Bahama’s Paradise Cruise Line. She sailed on 2-day Bahamas cruises from Florida until the cruise line sold her as scrap in late 2020.
Photo Credit: Janvi Bhuri Baraiya
Grand Celebrationwas beached at the shipbreaking yard at Alang, India, on January 14, 2021. In the coming weeks and months, we’ll start to see the ship be cut starting from the bow.
Carnival Fantasy
Built-in the Helsinki New Shipyard in Helsinki, Finland, Carnival Fantasy was officially named during a ceremony on March 1, 1990.
Photo: Copyright Cruise Hive
The Fantasy would become the namesake for the largest class of cruise ships globally; the Fantasy Class of ships would eventually number no less than eight vessels.
The 70,367 GT vessel would still be sailing it wasn’t for the COVID-19 pandemic. After the suspension of sailing by Carnival Cruise Line in March 2020, Carnival Fantasy was announced twice for re-deployment.
Photo Credit: Eren Topcu
However, the announcement came on July 23, 2020, that Carnival had sold the vessel. She was beached in Aliağa, Turkey, on July 29, 2020, where she is currently being broken up. In the very latest photos of the ship at the scrapyard, the majority of the vessel has already gone.
Carnival Imagination
Carnival built Imagination in the same yard as her sister ship Fantasy, the Helsinki New Shipyard in Helsinki, Finland. She was christened by Jodi Dickinson, the ex-wife of former Carnival CEO Bob Dickinson.
Photo: Benson Truong / Shutterstock.com
As a part of the Fantasy Class of ships, she sailed on three and four-day itineraries from Long Beach, California.
During her sailing life, Carnival Imagination measured 70,367 gross tons with a guest capacity of over 2,000 at double occupancy along with 920 crew members.
Carnival Inspiration
The youngest vessel to be scrapped under the Carnival flag was Carnival Inspiration. Classified as one of the more uneconomical vessels, the Fantasy class ship was beached for scrapping on August 5, 2020, in Aliaga, Turkey.
Photo Credit: Stories In Light / Shutterstock.com
As her younger sisters Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration measured 70,367 GT and had a guest capacity of over 2,000 at double occupancy along with 920 crew members.
Although Carnival Inspiration underwent the “Evolutions Of Fun” project, which saw a massive investment of $250 million to give the Carnival ships a new look, and another renovation in 2013 as part of the Fun 2.0 project, the COVID-19 pandemic meant the end for her and many others with her.
More Ships Being Scrapped?
Will we see more ships being scrapped this year? The fact of the matter is that ships nowadays need to comply, for good reason, with many new environmental laws.
Older ships usually do not comply with new legislations, and neither are they cost-effective. While cruise companies will be looking at their expenses, it could very well be that we haven’t seen the end of beachings just yet.
Sad news today as the last of the Holiday Class ships was beached today at the shipbreaking yard in Alang, India. MV Magellan, which started life with Carnival Cruise Line as Holiday, joined her sisters, Jubilee and Celebration.
MV Magellan last sailed for the British cruise line Cruise and Maritime Voyages until that line went into administration in the middle of last year. It is an end of an era for the first class of ships that was launched by Carnival Cruise Line as new-builds. Tropicale, of course, being the first new-build ship for the Florida based company.
Photo Credit: Viramdevsinh Gohil
A Part of Carnival History
When one reads back on Carnival Cruise Line’s history, it connects on many levels with the American Dream. It started with Mardi Gras, which ran aground on its maiden voyage, and TSS Carnivale’s launch only three years later. However, the company’s expansion started in earnest in 1985 with the launch of 46,052-ton Holiday and the so-called Holiday Class of ships.
The Holiday Class ships would help Carnival Cruise Line grow into what it is today. A multi-billion dollar conglomerate that sails more cruise ships, to more places, than any other company in history.
This growth wouldn’t have happened without the success story that is Carnival’s, MS Holiday.
MS Holiday– A Rich History Of Cruising
MS Holiday sailed for Carnival Cruise Line for 24 years. Built-in Denmark in the 1980s by Aalborg Vaerft, she sailed for the first time on July 13, 1985. She was joined by the MS Jubilee and MS Celebration in 1986 and 1987.
The Holiday class ships’ launch was sparking a cruise boom, which saw Carnival Cruise Line become the “Most Popular Cruise Line in the World,” carrying more passengers than any other.
Photo Credit: Mark Wolfe
Although many great holidays were had onboard, MS Holiday famously was part of the relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and used as temporary housing for the victims of the storm. After 24-years of faithful service, mostly in the Caribbean, she was transferred to Ibero Cruises in 2009.
The vessel was renamed Grand Holiday and sailed for the now-defunct IberoCruceros. Iberocruceros was never a great success for Carnival Corporation, as it ceased operation in 2014, after only 11 years of service.
As IberoCruceros ceased operating, British cruise operator Cruise and Maritime Voyages stepped in to take over the vessel and renamed her MV Magellan. She sailed with CMV until the company also went into administration in the middle of last year.
Photo Credit: Andrew Balcombe / Shutterstock.com
Bought in an auction by Greek operator Seajets, she never made it far. The company opting to sell the vessel for scrap instead of letting her have one more go at being a cruise ship.
Economic Effects Causing Havoc
Today, January 30, 2021, her story of being one of the most influential cruise ships in the world came to a sad end on a beach in India. She joins many others that have also not survived the economic effects the pandemic is having on the cruise industry.
Other former Cruise and Maritime Voyages ships have also been scrapped recently, the iconic MS Marco Polo was also beached at the ship-breaking facility in Alang, India alongside the MV Astor.
With many more ships already beached at shipbreakers around the world, and no end in sight for the pandemic, unfortunately, these ships will likely not be the last ones to be beached as scrap metal.
Our fact-packed Miami Cruise Terminal Guide offers a comprehensive look at each terminal in PortMiami. It provides cruisers with all the information they might need to know.
Known as the “Cruise Capital of the World”, Miami cruise port is the largest and busiest in the world and is part of PortMiami’s 518-acre site. It makes sense to know which cruise terminal your cruise will depart from, and what amenities are available.
PortMiami cruise terminals are among the best and most modern in the world. They have to be, as they need to accommodate over 6.8 million cruise passengers and their luggage in a speedy, secure and efficient manner! The port deals with 55 different cruise ships from 22 different cruise lines each year.
Every Miami cruise terminal has parking, special facilities for disabled travelers, lounges, check-in desks, security checks, and must be able to deal with thousands of taxis, shuttle buses, and other vehicles delivering excited cruisers to the correct ship.
On its busiest day in December 2018, PortMiami cruise terminals handled a world record-breaking 52,000 passengers.
As of early 2021, The Port of Miami has seven operational cruise terminals with four more undergoing renovation or construction. However, it remains to be seen whether any planned construction and investment will be affected by the halting of cruises due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Where is Miami Cruise Port?
Located on Dodge Island, PortMiami is in sheltered Biscayne Bay just a short sail from the Atlantic Ocean. The port handles a vast amount of cargo and containers as well as cruise ships. The cruise terminals are about 8 miles (25 mins) from Miami International Airport (MIA) and 25 miles (45 mins) from Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL).
All vehicles must enter the port via Biscayne Blvd and the Port Bridge. Along the north side of Dodge Island are terminals A, B, C, D, E, F and G. On the west side is terminal H/V. On the south side are the proposed Terminals J and K.
The PortMiami address is:
1741-1751 Africa Way, Dodge Island, Miami 33132. Phone: (305) 347-4800.
Individual cruise terminal addresses are shown further below. You can also take a detailed look at the map of the terminal that includes the terminals and parking garages. Simply click the image to expand:
Each Miami cruise terminal is maintained and operated by one main cruise line. These are the allocated terminals for each cruise line, in alphabetical order:
Azamara – Terminal J
Carnival Cruises – Terminals D, E and F (under construction)
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) – Terminal B (under construction)
Oceania – Terminal J
Regent Seven Seas – Terminal J
Royal Caribbean – Terminals A, G
Virgin Cruises – Terminal V
Your cruise documents will also confirm the terminal and name of your cruise ship.
Miami Cruise Terminal AA/AAA
Currently, under construction, Terminal AA/AAA is due for completion 2022 at a cost of $300 million. It will have 2 berths to serve MSC Cruises who are financing, building, operating, and maintaining this terminal to use as a homeport for their future fleet.
Rendering By: MSC Cruises
MSC previously used Terminal F. Designed by Aquatonica, the planned new mega-ship terminal will have two terminals and two berths. It will be able to simultaneously accommodate two of MSC’s new World-Class cruise vessels (which rival RCI’s Oasis-class vessels in size). The daily capacity will be a staggering 28,000 passengers.
Terminal A – The Crown of Miami
1015 North Cruise Blvd, Port of Miami, FL33132
Sleek and efficient, Terminal A is the largest cruise terminal in the US. It was opened in November 2018 and serves as homeport to Royal Caribbean International.
Rendering By: Royal Caribbean
The 170,000 sq.ft. cruise terminal is capable of accommodating the larger Oasis-class ships of their fleet and includes parking at the terminal for 1000 cars.
Known as “The Crown of Miami” this cruise terminal is operated by RCI in collaboration with Miami-Dade County. It was designed to handle 2 million cruise passengers per year.
Terminal B – The Pearl of Miami
1751 North Cruise Blvd, Port of Miami, FL33132
Not to be outdone, Miami Cruise Terminal B is in the final stages of constructing a new state-of-the-art terminal serving Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Known as the Pearl of Miami, this futuristic 166,500 sq.ft.terminal was designed by Miami-based architects Bermello Ajamil & Partners.
Photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock.com
The open plan design features a Nautilus theme. It will accommodate cruise ships with a capacity of up to 5,000 passengers, offering a more advanced embarkation and debarking process.
Started in 2018. Terminal B is in the final stages of completion at a cost of $239 million with expected completion in 2021. It will have a dedicated waiting lounge, bar lounge, service area and dedicated parking garage with optional valet service.
Miami Cruise Terminal C
1741 North Cruise Blvd, Port of Miami, FL33132
Cruise Terminal C is currently under renovation. Part of it has been incorporated into the new Terminal B construction.
Terminal C at PortMiami (Photo Credit: PortMiami)
Terminal D
1435 North Cruise Blvd, Port of Miami, FL33132
Terminal D was opened in 2007 and upgraded in 2013 to accommodate the new generation of larger Carnival cruise ships. The apron of the terminals was improved to allow for new passenger boarding bridges to the ships.
This terminal meets LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification standards for green ratings at a total investment cost of $7 million.
Terminal D (Photo By: Chuck Kramer, Creative Commons)
It is one of 3 terminals dedicated to Carnival which is currently Miami’s top customer, welcoming over 2 million passengers a year. Terminal D has a 3-story facility covering 105,000 sq. ft. including a VIP lounge, advanced security screening, check-in counters, and conveyor baggage system.
Terminal E
1265 North Cruise Blvd, Port of Miami, FL33132
Most recently updated in 2018, Terminal E also exclusively serves Carnival Cruise Lines. New improvements meet the silver standard for eco-efficiency and green practices and include new boarding bridges directly onto the ship.
Photo Credit: pisaphotography / Shutterstock.com
The 3-story facility has a VIP lounge, advanced security screening, check-in counters, and conveyor baggage system.
Terminal F
1103 North Cruise Blvd, Port of Miami, FL33132
Formerly used as the MSC home port and cruise terminal, Terminal F is under renovation to accommodate Carnival Cruise Line’s future 7,000 passenger Excel-class vessels including the Panorama, Celebration and Mardi Gras.
Future Look at Upgraded Terminal F (Rendering: Carnival Cruise Line)
It will use sophisticated facial recognition software to speed up security during embarkation. It will have two 32m-long telescopic Seaport Passenger Boarding Bridges to serve the larger vessels.
The estimated cost of the renovations is $170 million and completion is scheduled for October 2022. This will be Carnival’s third and largest Miami cruise terminal and its proposed opening will mark Carnival’s 50th anniversary.
Terminal G
909/1055 North Cruise Blvd, Port of Miami, FL33132
Terminal G is a Miami landmark with its iconic sail-like roofline. It currently serves Royal Caribbean International (RCI) and Celebrity Cruises among others. It was completed in 2013 at a relatively moderate cost of $2 million.
Terminal J
1120 Caribbean Way, Port of Miami, FL33132
Designed to accommodate smaller boutique vessels and more exclusive luxury cruise ships, Terminal J is operated by Oceania and Regent Seven Seas.
It is also used by Azamara and Crystal cruise ships. It is currently undergoing a $3 million facelift which includes a new exterior escalator and ground floor restrooms.
PortMiami Terminal J (Photo Credit: PortMiami)
It will become a fully automated “One-stop shop” for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) services. This facility is designed to look like a boutique to cater to discerning high-end cruisers who are looking for more personal service.
Terminal K
Terminal K is a newly approved terminal to serve as homeport for at least one of Disney Cruise Line’s latest ships which will all be powered by eco-friendly LNG. Plans are currently pending. An MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) was approved by Miami-Dade commissioners in Fall 2018.
It will be on the south side of the port, east of Terminal J, and will be homeport to Disney Cruise Line’s larger vessels carrying over 3,500 passengers.
Plans include widening the ship channel and the turning basin which will include the acquisition of land rights currently used by Seaboard Marine.
Terminal V – Palm Grove
897 South Cruise Blvd, Port of Miami, FL33132
Formerly known as Terminal H, Terminal V is planned as an exclusive terminal dedicated to Virgin Voyages. This 100,000 sq.ft. Miami cruise terminal will have a tropical-inspired feel.
PortMiami Terminal V (Rendering By: Virgin Voyages)
It is due for completion in late 2021 at an estimated cost of $180 million. It is located on the northwest side of the port and is planned to be the homeport to Virgin’s showcase Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady. The construction of the terminal broke ground in early 2021.
Are There Future Developments for Miami Cruise Terminals?
Port Miami has many major ongoing construction and improvement projects listed above. These are at Terminals AA/AAA, B/C, F, J, K and V.
In additional, future plans include a train station at the cruise port to allow high-speed trains to connect with Aventura, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Orlando International Airport. Watch this space!
How to Get to the PortMiami Cruise Terminals?
By Car:
From I-95 south, take I-395 East towards Miami Beach. Continue across MacArthur Causeway. The entrance of Port Miami Tunnel (Road 887) is on the left. Follow signs to your Cruise Terminal.
From downtown Miami, exit I95 at 3B Bayside. Drive south to Northeast 5th Street, turn left. 5th Street leads onto PortMiami Bridge. Continue over the bridge and follow the signs to your terminal.
Photo Credit: Frank Fell Media / Shutterstock.com
From South Miami, take SR-826 North to SR-836 East. Drive eastbound on SR-836 to I-395 East (Miami Beach), continuing over MacArthur Causeway. The entrance of Port Miami Tunnel is on the left. Follow the signs to your Cruise Terminal.
From Miami Beach – take I-395 (MacArthur Causeway) westbound, exit on Biscayne Blvd. Make a U-turn on North Bayshore Drive to enter MacArthur Causeway eastbound then continue east along MacArthur Causeway.
From the Airport:
The easiest way to transfer to and from the port from Miami Airport is to book a shuttle service with your cruise line. There is a private Express Shuttle company providing shared rides which must be booked in advance. Alternatively, take a taxi or Uber for the 8-mile journey..
PortMiami Cruise Terminal FAQ
Which terminal does Carnival use in Miami?
Carnival Cruise Line uses Terminals D, E and F (currently under construction) at Miami cruise port.
What is the address for the Port of Miami?
The PortMiami address is: 1741-1751 Africa Way, Dodge Island, Miami 33132. Phone: (305) 347-4800
How many terminals are at PortMiami?
Port Miami has 11 cruise terminals although several are currently under construction.
The Iconic MS Marco Polo vessel has reached the end and completed her final journey today at the ship-breaking facility in Alang, India. We already knew she was to be scrapped but now that’s become a reality after photos show her beached ready for scrapping.
Marco Polo Beached
The vessel which was once a popular ocean liner arrived off the coast of Alang, India, and in the early hours of this morning, was finally beached. The ship will not sail again and over the coming months will be scrapped.
Cruise Hive first reported that the ship was set to be scrapped earlier in January. She had already set a course for the ship-breaking facility on January 4 and was scheduled to arrive on January 6.
Photo Credit: Viramdevsinh Gohil
Usually, in these cases, a ship that’s set to be scrapped will remain just off the coast for up to several days to prepare for a safe beaching. Once a ship is beached it doesn’t take long until the first pieces start getting cut and it usually begins from the bow.
Why Was MS Marco Polo Scrapped?
Just like many other older cruise ships, she became a victim of the global pandemic and the suspension of operations. The 55-year-old vessel was previously part of the Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) fleet, but unfortunately, the British cruise line went into administration in the Summer of 2020, and the fleet went up for auction.
It was hoped the cruise line would be saved with a last-ditch effort and to save around 4,000 employees. A deal never got agreed. The cruise operator also suffered after authorities in the UK detained five CMV vessels due to issues with crew member contracts. Crew members were apparently not paid for over 12 months.
Marco Polo was auctioned off by CW Kellock & Co for $2,770,000. There was hope she would sail for Offshore Solutions Unlimited but sadly since been removed from their web site and beached. Four other former CMV vessels were also put up for auction and have now been sold to another line or for scrap.
A Growing List of Scrapped Cruise Ships
The cruise industry has been hit hard by the global pandemic, and every cruise line has suffered, including the giants such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Just today, we also reported on the former Carnival Cruise Ship Celebration that was also beached in Alang, India.
Just days ago it was also reported that Costa Victoria is heading to be scrapped at the Aliaga facility in Turkey. She will join three Fantasy-class vessels that were once part of Carnival Cruise Line and two former Royal Caribbean ships that were scrapped after Pullmantur went out of business.
There is no doubt we’re going to see more cruise ships head to the scrapyard especially with cruise line extending their pause on operations much further in 2021.
Grand Celebration has been beached at the shipbreaking yard in Alang, India. While we reported already in November this might be coming, the vessel can be seen today on our cruise ship tracker as on the beach at the facility in Bhavnagar district.
A fan favorite for short breaks to the Bahamas from Florida, the vessel had been sailing for Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line since 2014. As early as September 2020 the cruise line announced that the vessel would return to sailing on November 4, 2020. While that date never happened due to the CDC’s no-sail-order, it is staggering to think how fast these things can change.
This makes the Grand Celebration the next in a long line of cruise ships that have been beached this year and the previous.
Beached and Scrapped
On Nov 16, 2020, Cruise Hive reported that the ship could well be heading to the scrapyard, as a course had been planned into a shipping tracker. Today was finally the day that Grand Celebration met her end. You can see a photo of the vessel beached which was posted by Janvi Bhuri Baraiya:
Photo Credit: Janvi Bhuri Baraiya
Video footage of the former Carnival cruise ship has also been posted online and in the coming weeks she will no longer start to look like a cruise ship:
Of the other Holiday class ships, the only one that is still under operations is the former Holiday itself, which is currently under the ownership of Seajets in Greece as the MV Magellan.
Grand Celebration sailed for Carnival Cruise Line between 1987 and 2008. She was one of three out of the Holiday class of ships, the first set of new-builds by Carnival Cruise Line.
The ship was built in 1986 at the Kockums Varv shipyard in Malmö, Sweden, for Carnival. Carnival Celebration was in service for the cruise giant for 20 years. The 1497 passenger, 47,262 GT, was turned over to Ibero Cruises in 2008 and renamed Grand Celebration after a refit.
The vessel remained in Ibero Cruises for only six years until 2014. The ship was transferred to Costa Cruises and quickly sold on to Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, where she sailed on 2-day Bahamas cruises from Florida.
The Pandemic Hits Hard
It is the next thing on the list for Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line since the start of the pandemic. Crew members stuck on board for months and months, and a court case against the cruise line with settlements to be paid. It’s been a hectic year for the cruise line.
$612,000 to 276 crew members of both Grand Celebration and Grand Classica. The settlement Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is to pay back pay for crew members held onboard Grand Celebration against their will during the first months of the pandemic.
Photo Credit: YES Market Media / Shutterstock.com
A judge in Florida signed a settlement last Thursday, which forces the cruise line to pay a significant settlement that will provide up to two months’ severance pay for former employees. The crew members were not only held but also subsequently lost their jobs when the cruise industry shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whether the lawsuit is why the ship has been sold and scrapped is not known; it certainly would not have helped the small cruise line. The lawsuit goes into great detail about how far the Cruise Line went to force the crew into submission.
As a sign of the times, and probably no one is present to update the website, the cruise line still advertises the Grand Celebration on its website, although it’s not possible to book any cruises.
Where this leaves Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line for when the pandemic ends is not entirely clear. Grand Classica is currently moored in the Bahamas, so we’ll keep an eye on this.
Two major cruise lines owned by Carnival have announced further extensions on the pause in operations well into Spring 2021. Holland America Line and Princess Cruises are canceling more sailings as they continue to develop on meeting the framework on the CDC Conditional Sailing Order.
Princess Cruises Cancellations
The cruise line which has been hit hard by the global pandemic has announced a further suspension on cruise operations. Cruises have been cancelled through May 14, 2021 including departures in the Caribbean, the California Coast along with sailings in Alaska and Europe.
Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises, said:
“We appreciate the patience from our loyal guests and travel advisors as we work to meet the health and safety requirements for our return to service.”
“We continue to prepare our ships for our return to service and we are eager to see our guests back on board to create summertime memories.”
Princess Cruises had previously suspended cruises through March 2021 but it’s going to take longer than expected to resume cruises safely. Those guests impacted by the further cancellations are being offered compensation. There are the options of a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) plus an additional 25% bonus.
Guests can also request a full refund of what’s been paid on the booking using an online form. The requests have to be completed by February 15, 2021 or they will automatically be put on the FCC option.
Holland America Cancellations
Holland America Line is another major cruise line that’s part of the Carnival Corporation and it has also extended the pause on operations. All departures through April 30, 2021, are now cancelled including cruises in Alaska, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Canada/New England departures.
The cruise line has also cancelled Alaska cruises on three of its ships through early June 2021. Land+Sea Journeys connected with the Alaska sailings are also cancelled along with departures in the Mediterranean. Canada and New England cruises on the Zaandam have will also no longer take place through early June 2021.
Photo Credit: JL IMAGES / Shutterstock.com
Here’s the full list of cancellations for Holland America:
All cruise departures through April 30, 2021.
Alaska: Eurodam and Oosterdam through the first week of June (roundtrip from Seattle); Koningsdam through mid-May (roundtrip from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada); Nieuw Amsterdam and Noordam through mid-May (roundtrip Vancouver and between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska); and Zuiderdam through early June (roundtrip from Vancouver).
Mediterranean: Volendam cruises through early June (between Venice and Civitavecchia [Rome], Italy); Westerdam through early June (roundtrip from Venice or between Venice and Piraeus [Athens], Greece).
Canada/New England: Zaandam cruises through August (between Boston, Massachusetts, and Montreal, Quebec, Canada).
Guests impacted by today’s announcement by the Carnival cruise brand do have options for re-booking. if guests have paid in full already, they can receive a 125% Future Cruise Credit. Those that haven’t paid in full will receive an FCC of double the amount of the deposit.
A full 100% refund is also available and guests need to decide using an online form no later than February 15, 2021 which is the same as sister line Princess Cruises.
Huge Disappointment
There was hope that cruises would finally start to resume for both cruise lines in April but it seems to prepare for cruises again is taking longer than expected. With the virus sweeping across the globe and now end in letting up it does make the return more difficult.
Cruise lines are working with the relevant authorities including the CDC in the United States and cruise ships have already started moving to start that process on returning, However, a lot needs to be done to make sure guests and crew can remain safe.
This news follows Carnival Cruise Line which also announced further cancellations with cruises now delayed until April 2021 at the very earliest. P&O Australia has also announced further cancellations in New Zealand.
Keep checking all the latest as more cruise lines could follow.
Main Photo Credit: Stories In Light / Shutterstock.com
