Miami port
Overview:
With one foot already in the Caribbean, Miami is one giant
playground of a disembarking port city, complete with stretches of
white sand beach only outshined but the coils of hot pink neon
lights making it the crowned 'cruise capitol of the world'.
Most associated to Miami is South Beach, both the long stretch of
sand and the Art Deco neighbourhood alongside famous for nightlife,
restaurants and shopping.
With over four million passengers a year the Port of Miami is the
home of 24 different cruise ships and ten cruise lines departing to
all over the world, particularly Caribbean. The port is located on
Dodge Island and connects to the city centre via a short bridge.
New cruise passenger terminal buildings D and E and four older
terminals have every conceivable passenger amenity.
Contact:
Tel: +1 (888) 76 64264
www.miamiandbeaches.com
portofmiami@miamidade.gov
A tourism help office is located at the cruise terminal buildings
on Dodge Island
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is downtown, 701
Brickell Avenue, Suite 2700
Transport:
The city centre can be walked to over Port Blvd. Bridge although
a fleet of taxis, rental car agencies and shuttle buses are
available from the cruise terminals. From inside the city centre an
elevated train (Metrorail) and monorail (Metroover) connect to most
destinations and a bus service (Metrobus) is extensive if
confusing.
Attractions:
The most famous landmark in Miami is South Beach and surrounding
neighbourhood famous for its art deco designs, restaurants and
shops. Little Havana, Coral Gables and Coconut Grove are other fun
and historic neighbourhoods. The Metrozoo and Seaquarium are both
chances to see rare wildlife as are Parrot Island and Monkey Jungle
which have a more natural theme. Replanted from its home in Spain,
Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux is the oldest building in the
western hemisphere and a popular tourist site. Vizcaya Museum and
Gardens is another historic Miami landmark.
Restaurants:
- Azul - One of the city's best serving Mediterranean and Asian
cuisine downtown
- Joe's Stone Crab - Simple and famous casual seafood dining and
great crab
- News Cafe - Beach side quick and delicious breakfast and lunch
café
Best dish: Miami Cuban Pork Sandwich
Shopping:
The best shopping is done in several open air malls, the more
famous Lincoln Road Mall and The Falls. Upscale shops are best
found in both Miracle Mile and Bal Harbour Shops. Near to the Port
of Miami, Bayside Marketplace is fun place to peruse souvenirs.
Best buy: Designer clothes
Excursions:
- Explore Everglades National Park
- Get awestruck over Coral Castle
- Visit Fort Lauderdale
- Swim with dolphins in Key Largo
- Sail into the sunset over the Keys