Cruises from Miami: your complete PortMiami guide
Family getaways, adults-only escapes, and solo sailings from the Cruise Capital of the World. InterStays books your cruise, your flights into Miami, and the hotel nights before and after, so the whole trip comes together in one plan.
Why sail from PortMiami
More cruise passengers start their vacation in Miami than anywhere else on earth. PortMiami crossed 10 million passengers in a single year for the first time in 2026, and it hosts more than 20 cruise brands, from big family ships to small luxury yachts.
The port sits on Dodge Island, a short drive from downtown Miami, Brickell, and Miami International Airport. That location puts the Bahamas within an overnight sail and opens up the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean on week-long voyages. Our office is in Brickell, a few minutes from the terminals, so we know this port the way locals do.
Major cruise lines sailing from Miami
Every line below can be booked through InterStays. Here is where each one boards and who it suits best.
| Cruise line | Terminal | Best for | Signature perk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | A | Families, first-time cruisers, thrill seekers | Perfect Day at CocoCay private island, water parks and surf simulators on the largest ships |
| Carnival Cruise Line | D E F | Families, groups, value-focused travelers | Celebration Key private destination on Grand Bahama, short 3 and 4 night sailings |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | B | Couples, solo travelers, flexible planners | Freestyle dining with no fixed times, solo Studio cabins on select ships, Great Stirrup Cay |
| MSC Cruises | AA | Families, travelers who want a European feel | Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the MSC Yacht Club ship-within-a-ship, the world's largest cruise terminal |
| Virgin Voyages | V | Adults only (18+), couples, solo travelers | No kids on board, tips and Wi-Fi included, The Beach Club at Bimini |
| Celebrity Cruises | varies | Couples, food lovers, premium travelers | Modern Edge-series ships including Celebrity Xcel, single staterooms on select ships |
| Luxury and premium lines | J C | Discerning travelers, longer voyages | Seasonal sailings from Oceania, Silversea, Holland America, Cunard, Windstar and more |
Terminal assignments can change by ship and season. Your boarding documents always confirm the exact terminal, and we double check it for every booking.
Family, adults-only, or solo: find your kind of cruise
The ship you choose shapes the whole vacation. We match you to the right line, the right ship, and the right cabin for how you like to travel.
Family cruises from Miami
Kids clubs run by trained staff mean parents actually get time to relax, while the kids are busy with water slides, games, and new friends.
- Connecting cabins and family suites that sleep 4 to 6
- Water parks, mini golf, and go-kart tracks on select ships
- Private island beach days in the Bahamas
- Short 3 to 5 night sailings that fit school breaks
Top picks: Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC Cruises (which often runs kids-sail-free offers).
Adults-only cruises from Miami
Want a quieter deck, a later dinner, and a pool without cannonballs? Miami is home to one of the few truly adults-only cruise lines.
- Virgin Voyages: every guest is 18 or older
- Adults-only retreats on family ships, like Carnival's Serenity deck and NCL's Vibe Beach Club
- Suite enclaves such as the MSC Yacht Club
- Premium and luxury lines with few or no kids aboard
Perfect for: honeymoons, anniversaries, girls trips, and milestone birthdays.
Solo cruises from Miami
Solo cruising is one of the easiest ways to travel alone. You unpack once, meals are taken care of, and there are built-in ways to meet people.
- Studio cabins priced for one on select Norwegian ships
- Solo cabins on select Virgin Voyages and Celebrity ships
- Hosted solo traveler meetups on many lines
- Help avoiding or reducing the single supplement
Top picks: Norwegian Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, Celebrity Cruises.
We plan the whole trip, not just the cabin
Booking direct with a cruise line covers the ship. We cover everything from your front door to the gangway and back, in one quote.
Flights to Miami
We time your arrival into MIA or Fort Lauderdale so you are never racing the clock on embarkation day.
Pre-cruise hotel
Arrive the day before and sleep near the port. It is the single best way to protect your cruise from a delayed flight.
Your cruise
The right line, ship, cabin, and dining plan, plus shore excursions, drink packages, and onboard credits where available.
Post-cruise stay
Ships return early in the morning. Add a night in Miami Beach or Brickell, or book a flight home that leaves you plenty of time.
Where cruises from Miami go
From a long weekend in the Bahamas to two weeks island hopping, here is what each route offers.
Bahamas cruises3 to 5 nights
The quickest escape from Miami. Most sailings visit Nassau plus a cruise line private island like Perfect Day at CocoCay, Celebration Key, Ocean Cay, or Great Stirrup Cay. Ideal for first-timers and long weekends.
Western Caribbean4 to 7 nights
Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico, Roatán in Honduras, and Jamaica's north coast. Expect reef snorkeling, Mayan ruins, and laid-back beaches. Read our Jamaica travel guide before you go.
Eastern Caribbean7 nights
St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan, and the Dominican Republic. Duty-free shopping, white sand beaches, and some of the clearest water in the region.
Southern Caribbean8 to 14 nights
Aruba, Curaçao, Barbados, Antigua, and our home island of St. Lucia, where you can see the Pitons from the deck. Love it? Come back for a full stay with our St. Lucia travel guide.
Pre and post cruise hotels in Miami
Where you stay depends on how much of Miami you want to see. We book hotels in all three areas and can arrange transfers to the port.
Downtown and Brickell
Closest to the port, often a 10 minute ride. Best for a quick overnight before boarding.
- InterContinental Miami, bayfront with port views
- JW Marriott Marquis Miami, rooftop pool and spa
- Kimpton EPIC Hotel, stylish and walkable
Miami Beach
Make a vacation of it with a day or two on the sand before or after your sailing.
- Fontainebleau Miami Beach, iconic resort with big pools
- Loews Miami Beach, family friendly in South Beach
- Boutique Art Deco hotels for couples and solo travelers
Near Miami International Airport
Best for late arrivals or an early flight home after disembarkation.
- Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon, lakeside with easy access
- Airport hotels with shuttles to MIA
- Simple, budget friendly overnight options
PortMiami tips from local travel advisors
- Fly in a day early. Ships will not wait for delayed flights. A pre-cruise night is cheap insurance for your vacation.
- Plan your arrival time. Check in during your assigned boarding window, typically late morning to early afternoon.
- Book post-cruise flights after noon. Disembarkation starts early, but customs and luggage can take time.
- Pre-book parking or transfers. Garages sit in front of the terminals, and rideshare drop-off is simple. We can arrange private transfers too.
- Bring the right documents. A passport is strongly recommended for every Caribbean cruise, even when it is not strictly required.
- Consider hurricane season. June through November is peak storm season. Travel insurance protects your investment, and we include options in every quote.
Miami cruise FAQs
Which cruise lines sail from Miami?
PortMiami is home to Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Celebrity Cruises, plus seasonal sailings from lines such as Holland America, Oceania, Silversea, Cunard, and Windstar. InterStays can book all of them.
What is the best cruise line from Miami for families?
Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and MSC Cruises are the strongest family choices, with kids clubs, water parks, family cabins, and private island beach days. The best fit depends on your kids' ages and budget, and we can compare them for you.
Are there adults-only cruises from Miami?
Yes. Virgin Voyages sails from Terminal V and only welcomes guests 18 and older. Many family ships also have adults-only pools, decks, and suite areas if you prefer a bigger ship.
Which cruises from Miami are best for solo travelers?
Norwegian Cruise Line offers Studio cabins designed for one guest on select ships, and Virgin Voyages and Celebrity have solo cabins on select ships. These help you avoid paying a full double rate. Many lines also host meetups for solo cruisers.
How far is PortMiami from Miami International Airport?
The port is roughly 9 miles from MIA, usually a 20 to 30 minute drive depending on traffic. Fort Lauderdale airport is about 30 miles away.
Should I stay in a hotel before my cruise?
We strongly recommend it. Flight delays and cancellations happen, and a ship will not wait. Arriving the day before turns embarkation day into a relaxed morning instead of a rush.
Do I need a passport for a cruise from Miami?
For round-trip cruises that start and end in Miami, U.S. citizens can usually sail with a government photo ID and an original or certified birth certificate. A passport is still strongly recommended, because you will need one to fly home from a foreign port if something unexpected happens.
Does it cost more to book a cruise through InterStays?
No. Cruise fares are generally the same whether you book direct or through a travel advisor. With us you also get help choosing the right ship and cabin, plus flights, hotels, and transfers bundled into one plan.
Ready to set sail from Miami?
Tell us who is traveling, when, and what kind of cruise you have in mind. A real InterStays travel advisor will send back a complete plan with cruise, flights, and hotel options.
CLIA certified. Caribbean specialists since 2016. Florida Seller of Travel Ref No. ST46572.
Cruises from Miami
