Miami info and tips please?

[DISNEYFAN3260]

We're booked on the Magic for a 3 night trip out of Miami in January. I've only sailed from PC in the past, so I've tried to research on these boards to learn about hotels, transportation, etc. I think I'm in good shape - we're booked at the Comfort Suites Miami Airport North the night before we sail, and I understand they offer a free shuttle from airport/hotel and hotel/port, so it sounds like they're all fairly close by.

Just a few questions remaining:

• Are there activities and restaurants within safe walking distance/short cab ride from the hotel for the day before? I've never been in Miami so I'm not familiar with what may be near the hotel.
  
• What's the best option to return to the airport after the cruise? I'm assuming it's easy and not too expensive to get a cab?
  
• Are PAT options and boarding times essentially the same as PC? I usually get one of the first few PATs and like to board as early as possible.
• Anything about any aspect of the trip that is different due to leaving from Miami for some reason? Room availability times, luggage delivery, debarkation process, etc?
• Anything in particular to know about Miami airport? We're flying Frontier for the first time because it was so much cheaper than SW.

Thanks for any input. It's far in advance I know, but I like to be prepared!

 

[egesicki]

We stayed at there too. We arrived late and got pizza delivered, didn't even have our boys in the pool, just sleep, repack, breakfast and shuttle. If I remember right, they have only one or two scheduled times for the port shuttle. When you check in you get your time. From memory we stopped at two other hotels on the way, maybe 35-45 minutes total time but the port is only a few miles away.

 

[AllaboutEmi]

We sailed on another cruise line out of Miami in July. We stayed in South Beach (now that was an experience!) so I'm not sure what's by your hotel. It's $27 for a taxi from the port to airport. It's a flat fee so don't be surprised if they don't turn on the meter. There are cabs lined up right in front of the port terminal, super easy to find. The airport in Miami is spread out but has lots of signage to help you find your way.

 

[Sunshine2U]

We stayed at Sheraton Airport before an NCL cruise. TripAdvisor should be able to help you with things to do in the area - we didn't leave the hotel. We paid for private transportation to the port so we could leave when we wanted ($40 for 4 people). When you walk off the ship there's a line of taxis to take you back to the airport. No need to book but our friends pre-booked with the same person who drove them to port. That's all I can help you with!