Arriving at Port of Miami

[pandy1024]

Hi again! I am pleased to say that I have managed to find a hotel that offers a free shuttle to the Port of Miami. However, there is only one shuttle and it leaves at 9:45am each morning.

Our scheduled time is between 1:00-1:30 so we'll be quite early.
What can I expect when we arrive at port?

Do we just sit around until they call our group? (I read that on Mouse Savers, but I don't know what group # we are.)

Do we line up to board anyway?

We're first time cruisers and not part of any club / Platinum / PAT (I don't know what that stands for).

TIA!

 

[lanejudy]

PAT = Port Arrival Time and since you indicate your "scheduled time is between 1:00-1:30" I'm thinking that may be your PAT? If not, I'm not sure what that 1-1:30pm time represents. You select a PAT when you do online check-in, which should be 75 days prior to embarkation for you as new cruisers.

• When you get to the port you will go through security, probably standing in a line to do so but it depends how many others arrive around the same time.
• Then you'll need to check-in with DCL. I've seen pictures of the Miami port and there should be some chairs you can use while waiting -- either before or after check-in.
• You'll receive a boarding number when you check-in at the port. You may need wait for that number to be called, no particularly need to line up early.
• Characters make appearances in the port while passengers are waiting to board. I know in Port Canaveral you can also get the kids' wrist bands for the Oceaneers Club/Lab in the terminal while waiting.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[caroluau]

Hi again! I am pleased to say that I have managed to find a hotel that offers a free shuttle to the Port of Miami. However, there is only one shuttle and it leaves at 9:45am each morning.

Just wondering which hotel you found that offers a free shuttle to the Port of Miami?

 

[CesD]

We stayed at the Comfort Suites and they offer shuttles every hr. U just have to sign up the night before with the timeslot you want.

 

[liljb]

Does the hotel shuttle also pick you up from the airport?

 

[wanderlust7]

Does the hotel shuttle also pick you up from the airport?

If you're asking about Comfort Suites, yes, they have a shuttle from the airport to the hotel. You call them after you have you luggage and then wait outside. We waited about 30 minutes. I had read reports about a long wait, so I was somewhat mentally prepared, but I didn't realize it would still be hot and humid in Miami at 10 pm (in November). We were relatively lucky though, since we passed a group at another terminal who said they'd been waiting for 45 minutes. But the shuttle was already full, so the driver couldn't take them. I think they just have the one 12-passenger van, so it's just luck if other flights arrive around the same time. The hotel itself was nice though, pretty new, comfortable, and modern. The shuttle from hotel to port was super efficient and well run.

 

[Saamh]

The Port of Miami waiting area isn't very big. It gets very crowded so you could be asked to wait outside if you arrived 3 hours prior to your scheduled Port Arrival Time. If that's the only shuttle option, I would have a leisurely morning instead and take a taxi to the port later to avoid the crowds and sitting around waiting.

 

[pandy1024]

PAT = Port Arrival Time and since you indicate your "scheduled time is between 1:00-1:30" I'm thinking that may be your PAT? If not, I'm not sure what that 1-1:30pm time represents. You select a PAT when you do online check-in, which should be 75 days prior to embarkation for you as new cruisers.

LOL! well, that clears that up! I just didn't know that PAT meant. I thought it was a elite club or something. So, yes, my Port Arrival Time is between 1:00-1:30. I selected that time as it was the earliest available during my online check in process. Thank you! Your post was helpful!

Just wondering which hotel you found that offers a free shuttle to the Port of Miami?

My first choice was the Comfort Inn that everyone talks about but they had no rooms available.
I went with Runway Inn. Free shuttle 24h from hotel and one shuttle daily in the morning to the Port.