Introduction
The city of Miami is located on the Florida mainland. To the east offshore, there are a string of islands. The southernmost island of the islands is Key Biscayne. Traveling north the next is Virginia Key, then Fisher Island, and finally Miami Beach. The body of water in between the islands and the Florida mainland is Biscayne Bay.
Miami was founded as a small agricultural township. Then when a railroad was constructed to the town, its pleasant climate and oceanside setting proved popular with migrants, so the town quickly grew. At the beginning of the 20th century resort companies saw the potential of the Atlantic Ocean coastline of Miami Beach, and thus began the construction of the stylish Art Deco buildings in South Beach. The hurricane of 1929 caused huge devastation to the islands, though following a interlude for renewal new properties sprung up as rapidly as ever. During the 1960s there was a large migration into the city by Cuban refugees, escaping the control of the communist government of Fidel Castro. This meant Miami inherited the feel of a Central American city, with much energy combining with a laid-back attitude.
Today Miami is an important hub for tourism, entertainment, industry and the arts. Miami’s port is a major center and Miami is sometimes slated as the Cruise Capital of the World. Miami cruise port welcomes many premier cruiselines, with sailings to the gorgeous Caribbean or often beyond.
The city of Miami is located on the Florida mainland. To the east offshore, there are a string of islands. The southernmost island of the islands is Key Biscayne. Traveling north the next is Virginia Key, then Fisher Island, and finally Miami Beach. The body of water in between the islands and the Florida mainland is Biscayne Bay.
Miami was founded as a small agricultural township. Then when a railroad was constructed to the town, its pleasant climate and oceanside setting proved popular with migrants, so the town quickly grew. At the beginning of the 20th century resort companies saw the potential of the Atlantic Ocean coastline of Miami Beach, and thus began the construction of the stylish Art Deco buildings in South Beach. The hurricane of 1929 caused huge devastation to the islands, though following a interlude for renewal new properties sprung up as rapidly as ever. During the 1960s there was a large migration into the city by Cuban refugees, escaping the control of the communist government of Fidel Castro. This meant Miami inherited the feel of a Central American city, with much energy combining with a laid-back attitude.
Today Miami is an important hub for tourism, entertainment, industry and the arts. Miami’s port is a major center and Miami is sometimes slated as the Cruise Capital of the World. Miami cruise port welcomes many premier cruiselines, with sailings to the gorgeous Caribbean or often beyond.
Miami Port
The Port of Miami is sited on Dodge Island, an area of reclaimed land in Biscayne Bay created by the combining of three islands. Dodge Island is only two miles from downtown Miami. Port Boulevard, a road over the Intracoastal waterway, interconnects the city to the port.
The port runs eight cruise terminals. Terminals B/C, D, E , F , G are sited at the north coast of Dodge island, terminal H on the west coast, and terminal J on the south. The container vessel facility is along the south of the island. Cruise terminals D and E, which began operations in 2007, are the newest. These are designed to dock very large cruise ships. The total distance end-to-end of the cruise ship berths is around 2500 yards, and eight large cruiseships can be handled simultaneously. Ships generally swivel before docking in the bay adjacent to Biscayne Boulevard. Each terminal has the necessary services, such as restaurants, cab ranks, shopping, bars and check in. Further services at terminals E and D consist of airline like check-in desks, airport style baggage handling, and an all-in-one Multi-Agency Desk, for US Department of Agriculture, Immigration Office and US Customs and Border Protection.
For a calendar of cruise departing from Miami, see cruises from Miami.
The Port of Miami is sited on Dodge Island, an area of reclaimed land in Biscayne Bay created by the combining of three islands. Dodge Island is only two miles from downtown Miami. Port Boulevard, a road over the Intracoastal waterway, interconnects the city to the port.
The port runs eight cruise terminals. Terminals B/C, D, E , F , G are sited at the north coast of Dodge island, terminal H on the west coast, and terminal J on the south. The container vessel facility is along the south of the island. Cruise terminals D and E, which began operations in 2007, are the newest. These are designed to dock very large cruise ships. The total distance end-to-end of the cruise ship berths is around 2500 yards, and eight large cruiseships can be handled simultaneously. Ships generally swivel before docking in the bay adjacent to Biscayne Boulevard. Each terminal has the necessary services, such as restaurants, cab ranks, shopping, bars and check in. Further services at terminals E and D consist of airline like check-in desks, airport style baggage handling, and an all-in-one Multi-Agency Desk, for US Department of Agriculture, Immigration Office and US Customs and Border Protection.
For a calendar of cruise departing from Miami, see cruises from Miami.
Miami Shore Excursions
South Beach (or SoBe)
South Beach, a fabulous Art Deco themed waterfront district has it all, laid-back cafes, fascinating old buildings, expensive restaurants, funky shops, a lovely beach, boutique shops and great people watching. The art deco district is around twenty-five minutes from the cruise port by cab.
Coral Gables
Coral Gables was founded in the 1920s, and here there’s an assortment of modern art galleries, cool bars, swish shops and fine restaurants. Bring swimming gear and call in at Venetian Pool, the unique public pool hewn from a quarry.
Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove, dating from the 1870s, is the city’s oldest area. It's a neighborhood of stylish boutiques, lively bars, chic galleries and restaurants. Tour Vizcaya Gardens and Museum, an early 20th century estate built for an industrialist with the idea of reconstructing an Italian styled manor.
Fairchild Tropical Garden
For a soothing experience go to the Fairchild Tropical Garden, where a number of man-made lakes nestle between gorgeous palm trees and lush flora.
Little Havana
To experience today’s Cuban lifestyle, go to Little Havana, the district that lots of migrant Cubans came to after traveling from their homeland. Saunter down Calle Ocho, check out cigars being made at the El Credito Cigar factory, call in at a bar for some real Cuban coffee and make a trip to the Cuban Museum.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Bill Baggs Cape Florida is located at the southernmost side of Key Biscayne island. It is the home of a much photographed lighthouse originally built in 1825 then reconstructed 20 years later. Visit the State park to hike, sunbathe, surf, picnic and swim along a wonderful length of gorgeous Atlantic beachfront.
Bayside Marketplace
This large shopping mall is within easy walking distance of the cruise terminals. The mall is open air, so can be very hot in the summer months. It has a lot of cafes, restaurants, fashion shops and tourist shops.
South Beach (or SoBe)
South Beach, a fabulous Art Deco themed waterfront district has it all, laid-back cafes, fascinating old buildings, expensive restaurants, funky shops, a lovely beach, boutique shops and great people watching. The art deco district is around twenty-five minutes from the cruise port by cab.
Coral Gables
Coral Gables was founded in the 1920s, and here there’s an assortment of modern art galleries, cool bars, swish shops and fine restaurants. Bring swimming gear and call in at Venetian Pool, the unique public pool hewn from a quarry.
Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove, dating from the 1870s, is the city’s oldest area. It's a neighborhood of stylish boutiques, lively bars, chic galleries and restaurants. Tour Vizcaya Gardens and Museum, an early 20th century estate built for an industrialist with the idea of reconstructing an Italian styled manor.
Fairchild Tropical Garden
For a soothing experience go to the Fairchild Tropical Garden, where a number of man-made lakes nestle between gorgeous palm trees and lush flora.
Little Havana
To experience today’s Cuban lifestyle, go to Little Havana, the district that lots of migrant Cubans came to after traveling from their homeland. Saunter down Calle Ocho, check out cigars being made at the El Credito Cigar factory, call in at a bar for some real Cuban coffee and make a trip to the Cuban Museum.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Bill Baggs Cape Florida is located at the southernmost side of Key Biscayne island. It is the home of a much photographed lighthouse originally built in 1825 then reconstructed 20 years later. Visit the State park to hike, sunbathe, surf, picnic and swim along a wonderful length of gorgeous Atlantic beachfront.
Bayside Marketplace
This large shopping mall is within easy walking distance of the cruise terminals. The mall is open air, so can be very hot in the summer months. It has a lot of cafes, restaurants, fashion shops and tourist shops.