Before you board

Important information to know regarding flights, parking, port information, what to pack, and more…

What time do I need to be on the ship?

Do not miss the ship! The check-in window at the Port Canaveral is from 12:00PM to 3:00PM EST
Royal Caribbean requires all guests to be checked-in and be onboard the ship no later than 3:00 PM EST (90 minutes prior to the published sailing time of 4:30pm) or they will not be permitted to sail.

Please remember to complete your Online Check-in no later than 3 days prior to your cruise. 

Flights & Transfers

airplane

Flight Arrivals:

We recommend that you arrive at Miami International Airport (MIA) or Ft Lauderdale Airport (FLL) no later than 11:00 AM on the day of sailing. Boarding time is between 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM. If you arrive at the port after 3:00 PM you will risk not making it on the cruise. All passengers must be checked-in and on the ship by 3:00 PM.

Flight Departures:

Return flights should be arranged to leave Miami International Airport (MIA) or Ft Lauderdale Airport (FLL) after 12:00 PM. Although we will be back in Miami around 6:00 AM, the ship must be cleared by US Customs first, and the debarkation and custom’s process might take some time. The earliest you can be off the ship is around 7:00 AM. All guests must be off the ship by 9:00 AM.

Transportation from the Airport to the Cruise Port:

Please make sure you are at the port in time when arranging transportation from MIA or FLL to the Port of Miami.

You have several choices, please see below:

1. Taxi service (or Uber, Lyft, etc…):

Miami International Airport: Approximately $20 each way.
Ft. Lauderdale Airport: Approximately $50 each way. (Rates subject to change)

We recommend a Taxi, Uber or Lyft as these are the cheapest, fastest, and most convenient transportation options to get to the port. Shuttles are usually more expensive if traveling with friends (priced per person) and slower as you have to make several stops at the different terminals.

2. Shuttle Service Companies:

– Super Shuttle
– Go Airport Shuttle

Travel Time To/From Airports: 

Miami International Airport: 10 miles, approximately 20 minutes.
Ft. Lauderdale Airport: 25 miles, approximately 45 minutes (Travel times depending on traffic conditions)

Hotels in Miami

miami

We recommend that you consider coming in a day early before the cruise or staying one or two days after the cruise to experience all that Miami has to offer. Arriving a day early also helps reduce the chance of missing the ship due to unexpected flight delays or cancellations.

There are many hotels near the port (Downtown Miami area) including:

  1. Holiday Inn Port of Miami-Downtown
  2. Hilton Miami Downtown
  3. Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay
  4. Hampton Inn & Suites- Miami Brickell/ Downtown
  5. Doubletree Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay

 

Driving and Parking

Port of Miami

Are you planning on driving down to Miami? Good choice! 

Arrival:

Don’t miss the boat! We recommend that you plan ahead to be at the port by noon. If you arrive at the port after 3:00 PM you will not make it on the cruise (and there are no refunds!).

Parking:

You have two choices for parking:

Port of Miami: Convenient / Higher Prices – Pricing is $20 per night ($80) – Safe, convenient, and you can walk right up to the ship.

“Park and Cruise” Company: Lower prices – Approximately $10 per night – These companies are close to the port and will shuttle you to and from the port. We are not affiliated with any 3rd party companies, but you may Google search for “Port of Miami cruise parking” to find some options.

Port of Miami Information

Port of Miami

Port Address:

Port of Miami – Dodge Island
1015 N. America Way
Miami, FL 33132 

DISTANCE FROM PORT OF MIAMI TO:

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: 9 miles (20 minutes)
FT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT: 25 miles (45 minutes)

For Parking information at the port, please visit their website:

http://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/parking-transportation.asp

What to Pack

Bathing suit and sunscreen are obvious – Here’s a few recommendations:

  • Pack everything you need for the first day in a small carry-on bag and bring it on with you (cruise documents, passport/ID/birth certificate, bathing suit, sandals, toiletries, medicine, etc…). You might not get your checked bag until 7:00 PM on the first day.
  • Passport, ID, travel documents. DO NOT PACK YOUR PASSPORT/PHOTO ID/BIRTH CERTIFICATE/CRUISE DOCUMENTS IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE. Keep these  on you at all times until you are on board the ship.
  • Pack a couple of casual outfits (don’t forget shoes) for dinner, the nightclub and other venues.
  • Pack a semi-formal outfit for the “Wear Your Best” night (3rd night).
  • Don’t forget your sandals and a cover-up/t-shirt.
  • Bring a small beach bag for when we get off the ship (or get yourself a CPC Merch Pack).
  • Bring some cash for when we’re off the ship in Nassau (US Dollars are used – no need to exchange currency).
  • Sunscreen! 
  • Bring some sneakers if you want to go to the gym, rock-climbing, etc…
  • Leave your alcohol (liquor) at home. They will check your luggage and will confiscate any liquor they see.
    • Guests may bring personal wine and champagne onboard only in their carry-on luggage on boarding day, limited to two (2) 750 ml bottles per stateroom.

If you forget anything, there are shops on-board.