Reading on Facebook Port of Miami is a disaster

[lwilliam]

Checking in and testing, how is everyone’s experience been? We sail Saturday, group of 6 adults. PAT 10:45-11:15. Driving from Orlando.

 

[lorimay]

Checking in and testing, how is everyone’s experience been? We sail Saturday, group of 6 adults. PAT 10:45-11:15. Driving from Orlando.

The only issue we had last Saturday was with no visible signs for Disney Cruise line itself. We have sailed from Miami several times always had visible signage for us to follow. This time it was lacking.
No sign for where the shuttle picks you up at either.

This may help you.

The ship was docked at terminal C, we went in and dropped our luggage (10:30-1045) arrival time. The porter took our luggage directed us to terminal G's parking garage, its all the way at the far end of the port.
The shuttle picks you up at the garage entrance.

We waited in a line of about 50 people when the bus dropped us off, we were inside at security within 15-20 minutes. Security was a breeze. Then we picked up our covid tests and were in a small area and tested within 5-10 minutes.
We went and sat in the waiting area and had our results in about 40-45 minutes.
We walked on the ship before noon.

 

[lwilliam]

The only issue we had last Saturday was with no visible signs for Disney Cruise line itself. We have sailed from Miami several times always had visible signage for us to follow. This time it was lacking.
No sign for where the shuttle picks you up at either.

This may help you.

The ship was docked at terminal C, we went in and dropped our luggage (10:30-1045) arrival time. The porter took our luggage directed us to terminal G's parking garage, its all the way at the far end of the port.
The shuttle picks you up at the garage entrance.

We waited in a line of about 50 people when the bus dropped us off, we were inside at security within 15-20 minutes. Security was a breeze. Then we picked up our covid tests and were in a small area and tested within 5-10 minutes.
We went and sat in the waiting area and had our results in about 40-45 minutes.
We walked on the ship before noon.

Thank you for the info. May we wait while our husbands park the cars (we have someone in a wheelchair or crutches). And how bad was it when we come back, can’t the porter take our luggage and walk us to garage.TIA

 

[mmouse37]

The only issue we had last Saturday was with no visible signs for Disney Cruise line itself. We have sailed from Miami several times always had visible signage for us to follow. This time it was lacking.
No sign for where the shuttle picks you up at either.

This may help you.

The ship was docked at terminal C, we went in and dropped our luggage (10:30-1045) arrival time. The porter took our luggage directed us to terminal G's parking garage, its all the way at the far end of the port.
The shuttle picks you up at the garage entrance.

We waited in a line of about 50 people when the bus dropped us off, we were inside at security within 15-20 minutes. Security was a breeze. Then we picked up our covid tests and were in a small area and tested within 5-10 minutes.
We went and sat in the waiting area and had our results in about 40-45 minutes.
We walked on the ship before noon.

Interesting that you go through security BEFORE your Covid test. At PC we had our test first and then after cleared we went through security on the first floor of the terminal.

 

[lorimay]

Thank you for the info. May we wait while our husbands park the cars (we have someone in a wheelchair or crutches). And how bad was it when we come back, can’t the porter take our luggage and walk us to garage.TIA

Yes, you can walk over to the entry when you drop the luggage.
We did express walk off at 7:35, there was a bus waiting for us. We were in our car and pulling out of the garage by 7:45.

 

[lorimay]

Interesting that you go through security BEFORE your Covid test. At PC we had our test first and then after cleared we went through security on the first floor of the terminal.

We were surprised too.

 

[Cheburashka]

Interesting that you go through security BEFORE your Covid test. At PC we had our test first and then after cleared we went through security on the first floor of the terminal.

That's because Port of Miami doesn't have tents. Testing takes place inside the port building, and they need to security scan people before letting them into the port building.

 

[lanejudy]

Interesting that you go through security BEFORE your Covid test. At PC we had our test first and then after cleared we went through security on the first floor of the terminal.

I assumed that is due to the layout at Miami, though admittedly I haven't cruised there. With DCL not owning the space, is security for anyone entering and not just DCL passengers? Therefore putting the testing after security maintains the "bubble" for DCL.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Miami was a mess last Thursday. No signs. We arrived early. We drove in from Orlando the night before which I highly suggest Traffic was a mess. We stayed out at the airport since it was cheaper. 20 min drive to port. We got to port early so we drove around to see where to go because again no signs. We dropped the bags at 10am for a 10:30PAT. We got the bus back and in line at 10:25am. The line was huge and mostly of people with later arrival time so we walked to the front of the line and they let us right in. Don’t be afraid to ask! Testing and security took 15 minutes. Covid results in 30. On the ship at 11:59am. Kept refreshing the safe passage website at 25mins wait, not email. After we did the Covid room we waited a bit to get checked in with disney and then sat probably another 30 minutes. By 12:30pm we were at Cabanas. It was packed by the time we left at 1:30pm.

 

[Cheburashka]

I assumed that is due to the layout at Miami, though admittedly I haven't cruised there. With DCL not owning the space, is security for anyone entering and not just DCL passengers? Therefore putting the testing after security maintains the "bubble" for DCL.

I don't know. I assume there are different entrances for people cruising on different ships. I think the bottom line is that because Port of Miami doesn't have room for outdoor tents for testing, people need to go through security before doing testing inside the building. It would be hard to move the security apparatus further inside the building to take place after testing, and I don't see what the point of doing that would be, anyway. I'm sure the port authorities want to keep their buildings secure.

 

[Cheburashka]

Checking in and testing, how is everyone’s experience been?

I used the DCL transfer bus and found the Port of Miami experience to be seamless on embarkation day. The driver told us who to give our bags to, and then we were pointed toward the nearby entrance. Security, testing, check-in and boarding was orderly, comfortable and efficient.

Debarkation was less pleasant. Everything went smoothly until customs. The customs line was the longest I've ever seen after a cruise (7th cruise), and it wasn't distanced at all. And then I was directed to stand on a not uncrowded sidewalk outside for about 20 minutes as I waited for the next Disney transfer bus to arrive. Typically DCL at least has a bus already available for you to sit in and you wait for it to fill up, but not this time. Not a big deal, but also not the ideal way to end your cruise experience.

 

[Disneygirlxo91]

We sailed out of Miami last week and it was a wonderful experience minus having to parking in parking garage G but that was not a huge issue the bus was right there waiting

 

[bobbiwoz]

We sailed out of Miami last week and it was a wonderful experience minus having to parking in parking garage G but that was not a huge issue the bus was right there waiting

Good to know. We sail out of Miami on January 3, very soon!

 

[Pooh93]

We sailed on 11/13 out of Miami for the first time. I didn't know what to expect, but I would say it was relatively smooth. We arrived about 10:40 and were inside by 10:55, given our swab packets, told which cubicle to head to and an attendant was there to help us make sure we administered the test correctly. The hardest part was waiting for the test results, but about 11:30 we received the "cleared to sail" and moved to the final step. Not a big deal at all.
We had the second seating, so later breakfast on the last day. By the time we finished up and headed to get our luggage there were no lines to get luggage or at customs and we literally walked right outside.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

We sailed out of Miami on Nov 27 and the only annoyance was waiting what felt like forever for the covid test results to post.
We Uber'd to the port from the EB Hotel and that was a breeze. It sounds like people who drive to the port have the most aggravation with signage. We walked right in the front entrance, went through security, received our bag of test swabs, and was led to a specific area with 2 attendants to assist/observe us, then shown where to sit while waiting for test results. When we we finally cleared to sail, we checked in. I really can't imagine a simpler way of getting it all done. I thought they did a decent job at moving people along.
They did release covid test green lights in large batches. At first I was clear but still waiting on dh. When we got the email that he was cleared, we started to get in line and they scanned our barcode and said his results hadn't actually posted yet and to return in 5 mins. If dh still wasn't cleared, they would get a supervisor. Within 2 minutes, around 100 people got into line. Finally then dh was cleared. If I could change anything, that aspect would be it. Releasing in large batches only puts people in closer proximity. People were somewhat spaced apart but not likely a full 6'.

Overall, I'd gladly do it all again to be able to keep sailing. Now that numbers are going up so quickly, I'm afraid what things will be like at the time our of WBPC sailing in March. Final payment is due in a couple weeks.

 

[Unvoiced_Apollo]

We sailed out of Miami on Nov 27 and the only annoyance was waiting what felt like forever for the covid test results to post.
We Uber'd to the port from the EB Hotel and that was a breeze. It sounds like people who drive to the port have the most aggravation with signage. We walked right in the front entrance, went through security, received our bag of test swabs, and was led to a specific area with 2 attendants to assist/observe us, then shown where to sit while waiting for test results. When we we finally cleared to sail, we checked in. I really can't imagine a simpler way of getting it all done. I thought they did a decent job at moving people along.
They did release covid test green lights in large batches. At first I was clear but still waiting on dh. When we got the email that he was cleared, we started to get in line and they scanned our barcode and said his results hadn't actually posted yet and to return in 5 mins. If dh still wasn't cleared, they would get a supervisor. Within 2 minutes, around 100 people got into line. Finally then dh was cleared. If I could change anything, that aspect would be it. Releasing in large batches only puts people in closer proximity. People were somewhat spaced apart but not likely a full 6'.

Overall, I'd gladly do it all again to be able to keep sailing. Now that numbers are going up so quickly, I'm afraid what things will be like at the time our of WBPC sailing in March. Final payment is due in a couple weeks.

I just sailed out this past week (dec 11-16).
Biggest crowding was of course waiting for our PAT and in the waiting room hoping to be c to sail. It only took them 30 minutes (if that long) to say we were clear to sail. And there was no batch loading as described so maybe things have changed since then.

 

[Cruzin’Sisters]

I used the DCL transfer bus and found the Port of Miami experience to be seamless on embarkation day. The driver told us who to give our bags to, and then we were pointed toward the nearby entrance. Security, testing, check-in and boarding was orderly, comfortable and efficient.

Debarkation was less pleasant. Everything went smoothly until customs. The customs line was the longest I've ever seen after a cruise (7th cruise), and it wasn't distanced at all. And then I was directed to stand on a not uncrowded sidewalk outside for about 20 minutes as I waited for the next Disney transfer bus to arrive. Typically DCL at least has a bus already available for you to sit in and you wait for it to fill up, but not this time. Not a big deal, but also not the ideal way to end your cruise experience.

Would you recommend the DCL bus over hotel shuttle for ease of embarkation?
TIA

 

[Cheburashka]

Would you recommend the DCL bus over hotel shuttle for ease of embarkation?
TIA

Yes.

 

[Cruzin’Sisters]

Does anyone know if our bags will be delivered to the airline at Miami airport from our stateroom when disembarking?

 

[isabellea]

We sailed out of Miami on Nov 27 and the only annoyance was waiting what felt like forever for the covid test results to post.
We Uber'd to the port from the EB Hotel and that was a breeze. It sounds like people who drive to the port have the most aggravation with signage. We walked right in the front entrance, went through security, received our bag of test swabs, and was led to a specific area with 2 attendants to assist/observe us, then shown where to sit while waiting for test results. When we we finally cleared to sail, we checked in. I really can't imagine a simpler way of getting it all done. I thought they did a decent job at moving people along.
They did release covid test green lights in large batches. At first I was clear but still waiting on dh. When we got the email that he was cleared, we started to get in line and they scanned our barcode and said his results hadn't actually posted yet and to return in 5 mins. If dh still wasn't cleared, they would get a supervisor. Within 2 minutes, around 100 people got into line. Finally then dh was cleared. If I could change anything, that aspect would be it. Releasing in large batches only puts people in closer proximity. People were somewhat spaced apart but not likely a full 6’.

The reason people are cleared in batches is that PCR tests are often done in plates that contain 96 or 384 wells. Can be done in tubes but usually plates are preferred, especially when testing hundreds of samples. Then when the results and controls are obvious, softwares can do the calls that are then probably checked by a technician. More ambiguous results would need to be analyzed individually.