Port of Miami Questions

[SplashMom]

This is our fourth cruise but the other three have been out of Port Canaveral and this one is out of Miami. We are familiar with the Disney cruise terminal at PC but have never been to Miami. Is it laid out the same as PC? How is the signage...we will be getting a cab but will we know where to go? Is it easy to get to? We are just a little nervous about the different port. We/ve never done any other cruises either. Any tips or advice is appreciated!

 

[dcassetta]

This is our fourth cruise but the other three have been out of Port Canaveral and this one is out of Miami. We are familiar with the Disney cruise terminal at PC but have never been to Miami. Is it laid out the same as PC? How is the signage...we will be getting a cab but will we know where to go? Is it easy to get to? We are just a little nervous about the different port. We/ve never done any other cruises either. Any tips or advice is appreciated!

Disney does not have a dedicated terminal in Miami like they do in Port Canaveral, however that won't be an issue for you. The cab driver will absolutely know where the Magic is, and you'll be able too see it yourself. Don't worry, and have a great cruise!

 

[SplashMom]

Thank you!

 

[Laundress]

We found Miami very easy. Here was the inside

 

[Sytrace]

I sailed out of Miami the first time beginning of January after sailing 15 times out of PC. It was definitely an eye opening experience and made me appreciate sailing out of PC.
It is very good that you are taking a cab or private transport as this will change the stress levels greatly.
IF we ever sail out of Miami again (doubtful) we will definitely stay overnight and utilize the hotel shuttle and leave the car parked there. (we live in Orlando and drove down)

Traffic is insane once you arrive to port area the other cruise ships are lined up and your cabbie will know how to dart in and out of traffic to get you and your luggage to the DCL terminal. Once you drop off, you will go thru a security line with the metal detectors and xray machines and where a customs agent will look at your passports before you enter the scan area so have them out and ready to go. After you clear the customs agent you walk thru the xray machines and the up the escalator to the DCL check in area. You will present your travel booklet and/or signature page (our agent asked for both) and then they will get your picture and give you your KTTWC. From there you walk to the waiting area (pictured above) where there is ample seating and wait for boarding numbers to be called. They are SUPER organized in this respect and actually control the crowd of people and look at BG numbers. They let on BTB cruisers, then Family of the Day, then Conciege, then Platinum etc . This was my favorite part of this port.

On Debarkation day once they call your luggage tags and you go down to collect them, be sure to grab a porter if you need help. Ours made the process so much easier in getting thru customs and then walking 2 blocks with us to the parking garage. (I tipped him handsomely for his efforts) You may not need a porter as you will be taking a cab, but they do help you get thru customs quickly.

Have a great cruise!

 

[GoofyNewfie]

I've done Miami once for the 2015 WBPC. As long as you're cabbing (or using a car rental shuttle) I wouldn't worry at all.

But be prepared to get some pictures on the way. As I recall, you drive past the port at an elevated point and then circle back. There was a beautiful view of the ship that is only in my memory now. I was way too frazzled from my getting to the car shuttle to have been prepared so I didn't get any pictures.