Ahoy, Miami-bound! I'm Captain Sail, the guide for Book with the Captain. If you're searching for a cruise travel agent for Miami, here's the short version: I plan PortMiami sailings online, by email and chat. That works whether you live in South Florida or you're flying in from across the country. There's no storefront to visit. What you get is one planner for the flight, the transfer, the hotel night and the ship, so the pieces line up.
Get my free quote I reply personally within 1 business day.
Miami is a fly-in port, so plan the arrival
Many PortMiami cruisers arrive by plane, and the trip often goes wrong between the airport and the pier, not on the ship. My job is to plan that stretch:
- Fly in the day before. A late or canceled flight on sailing day can cost you the cruise. My post on why to arrive a day early explains the reasoning.
- Pick the airport. PortMiami says most cruise lines offer shuttle service from Miami International (MIA), and it also gives directions from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) (PortMiami directions and transportation). I compare both against your flight options.
- Book the night before. Downtown, Brickell, the beach or near FLL each suit a different trip. Start with Miami hotels and Fort Lauderdale hotels, plus my guide to hotels near PortMiami and Port Canaveral before a cruise. Confirm shuttle options directly with the hotel; I ask on your behalf before I book.
Ways to get to PortMiami
PortMiami lists more options than most ports, which helps if you'd rather not rent a car (PortMiami directions and transportation):
- Cruise line shuttles from MIA, offered by most cruise lines. I add one to your booking when it fits.
- Brightline's Vacation Service carries cruise passengers to and from PortMiami. It's an option for travelers coming down Florida's east coast by train.
- Transit plus a free trolley. The port describes taking Metrorail from MIA to Government Center, Metromover to Freedom Tower Station, then the free City of Miami Coral Way Trolley across the PortMiami Bridge. It's budget-friendly if you pack light.
- Taxis and rideshare. Taxis are available at all cruise terminals on cruise days, and major rideshare services use designated pick-up and drop-off zones.
Driving and parking at PortMiami
If you drive, PortMiami says a dedicated, toll-free tunnel connects the port directly to major highways. It also says there's parking near each cruise terminal, with security patrols, and a complimentary shuttle on cruise days (PortMiami directions and transportation; PortMiami parking). A few local details:
- The port's parking page lists Garage A for Royal Caribbean, with a 7.0-foot clearance.
- Oversized vehicles go to Surface Lot E, at special rates.
Rates change, so check the port's parking page for current pricing. I confirm your terminal on your booking so you know which garage to use.
Ready to plan your Miami sailing?
Tell me your dates, your home airport and your crew. I'll come back with sailings, cabins, a transfer plan and a hotel for the night before. Request your free Miami cruise quote from Book with the Captain, an independent travel advisor of Fora Travel.
Who I plan Miami cruises for
- First-time cruisers who want every step covered. Start with the first cruise checklist.
- Families and celebrations: birthdays, anniversaries and reunions. See celebrate at sea and group and reunion cruises.
- Military families planning around leave; see military family cruises.
Bahamas and Caribbean ports often appear on Miami itineraries. Preview a few in my Nassau and Cozumel port guides. I confirm the actual stops for your sailing.
Not sure which ship size fits your crew? My cruise ship classes guide compares the big ship classes and who each suits.
FAQ
Do you have an office in Miami?
No. Book with the Captain plans cruises online, so there's no storefront or office to visit. I work by email, chat and the quote form with travelers in South Florida and across the country. Your booking is made directly with the cruise line, and I stay with you from the first quote through sailing day.
How do I get from Miami International Airport to PortMiami?
PortMiami says most cruise lines offer a shuttle from Miami International. Taxis and rideshare serve every terminal on cruise days, and there's a transit route using Metrorail, Metromover and the free Coral Way Trolley. I compare these with your flight times and luggage and add the best fit to your plan.
Can I fly into Fort Lauderdale for a Miami cruise?
Yes. PortMiami publishes directions from Fort Lauderdale International, and some travelers find better flights there. You'll need ground transportation to the port, so I plan that transfer with you. I compare both airports, factoring in flight times, the transfer and a hotel night, before you book anything.
Does it cost more to use a cruise travel agent?
No Book with the Captain fees and no markup on cruise and hotel bookings: you pay the cruise line's or hotel's rate. Ask us what extras may be available for your sailing.
Let's plan your PortMiami sailing
Send me your dates and your crew, and I'll handle the flight-to-ship puzzle. Request your free Miami cruise quote from Book with the Captain, an independent travel advisor of Fora Travel.
No Book with the Captain fees and no markup on cruise and hotel bookings: you pay the cruise line's or hotel's rate.
Book with the Captain isn't an official partner of, or endorsed by, PortMiami, Miami-Dade County, Brightline or Royal Caribbean International.
Sources (all read Oct 24, 2026)
- PortMiami (Miami-Dade County), "Directions & Transportation" (MIA cruise line shuttles, FLL directions, Brightline Vacation Service, Metrorail/Metromover/Coral Way Trolley, taxis, rideshare zones, toll-free tunnel): https://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/directions-transportation.page
- PortMiami (Miami-Dade County), "Parking Information" (parking near each terminal, security, complimentary cruise-day shuttle, Garage A Royal Caribbean 7.0 ft clearance, Surface Lot E oversized): https://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/parking-information.page
Book with the Captain is an independent travel advisor of Fora Travel. If you book through us, we may earn a commission from the supplier at no extra cost to you.