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Disney Cruise Line – Pre/Post Cruise Hotels and Ground Transportation

LAST UPDATE: 2/22/24

On this page we’ve collected some useful hints about Disney Cruise hotels and where to stay before or after your cruise, ground transportation (limo or rental car) and other pre/post cruise information.

• Where to Stay the Night Before Your Cruise

What to Do If Your Return Flight Leaves Late in the Day

Transportation and parking at the cruise ports, disney cruise hotels: where to stay the night before your cruise, port canaveral hotel options, fort lauderdale hotel options, galveston hotel options, miami hotel options, san diego hotel options, vancouver hotel options.

For those who want to spend the night at Cape Canaveral before their Disney Cruise, there are four hotels very close (5 miles or less) to the port:  Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral ,  Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach , Country Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral  and the  Radisson Resort at the Port .

These hotels are also good places to stay if you also want to visit the Kennedy Space Center .

If you will be arriving at the Orlando airport the day before your cruise (and we highly recommend this, so you don’t have to worry about missing your sailing), you might want to consider spending the night before your cruise at Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport . It is located inside the Orlando International Airport (MCO), so this can be a nice option if you are arriving later in the day. 

Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral

Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral is an all-suite hotel about 2 miles from the Disney cruise terminal.  It’s the newest hotel in the group nearest the port, and has a pleasant modern feel with a few Florida-inspired touches here and there. Your stay includes a FREE hot breakfast buffet every morning. On Monday – Thursday evenings from 5:00-7:00 pm, the hotel offers a FREE evening social with snacks, beer and wine. Rooms feature FREE high-speed internet access .

There are two room types: studios (bedroom with one king or two queen beds, living room area with full-size sofabed but not separated by a wall) and  1-bedroom suites (one bedroom with one king or two queen beds, separate living room with full-size sofabed). All sleep at least 4, but the two-queen 1-bedroom suites can sleep 6.

All room types include a full kitchen with two-burner cooktop (no oven), microwave, dishwasher and full-size refrigerator. Bathrooms have granite countertops.

This hotel does not have a restaurant (just a breakfast room where the complimentary breakfast and evening social is served), but there are several restaurants within a mile of the hotel.

The Homewood Suites offers “Park and Go” cruise packages that allow you to park your car in their lot during your cruise. The packages include two vouchers for the shuttle to Port Canaveral. If you are not on such a package, the hotel offers a shuttle to Port Canaveral for $5 per person each way. If you don’t want to use the shuttle, you can take a taxi to the port from this hotel for around $10. 

Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach

Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach is an all-suite hotel with a nice Florida-style ambiance and a heated pool and whirlpool. Your stay includes a FREE hot breakfast buffet . Rooms feature FREE high-speed Internet access .

There are three room types: studios (bedroom with king bed, living room area with sofa bed but not separated by a wall), 1-bedroom suites (one bedroom with two queen beds, one bath, separate living room with sofa bed) and 2-bedroom suites (two bedrooms, each with a king bed, two baths, separate living room with sofa bed).

All room types include a full kitchen with stove/oven, microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator. Beds at the Residence Inn are equipped with high-quality mattresses and bedding. Bathrooms have granite countertops.

This hotel does not have a restaurant (just a breakfast room where the complimentary breakfast is served), but there are several restaurants within a mile of the hotel.

The Residence Inn offers “Park and Cruise” packages that allow you to park your car in their lot during your cruise. The packages include a certain number of vouchers for the shuttle to Port Canaveral. If you are not on such a package, you can pay separately for parking ($6/day) and the hotel offers a shuttle to Port Canaveral for $6 per person round trip. If you don’t want to use the shuttle, you can take a taxi to the port from this hotel for around $10. Thanks to Jamie D for additional info.

Country Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral

Country Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral is located virtually next door to the Residence Inn, so they are about the same distance from the port. Your stay includes a FREE hot breakfast buffet every morning. The hotel has a fitness center, FREE high-speed Internet access , outdoor heated pool, a waterfall hot tub, and a gas grill and fire pit. Shuttle service is offered to the port (for a fee).

There are five room types: standard rooms with one King bed or two Queen beds; family  suites with one Queen bed and a separate kid’s room area with two twin beds; one-bedroom suites with one King or two Queen beds and a separate living room area with a queen sleeper sofa; whirlpool suites featuring one King bed with a whirlpool tub; and Captain’s Quarter suites with King bed, queen sleeper sofa, separate living and dining areas and a larger kitchenette with a toaster oven. All room types include a microwave, small refrigerator (except Captain’s Quarter suites, which have full-size refrigerators) and coffee maker.

The Country Inn & Suites does not have a restaurant (just a breakfast room where the complimentary breakfast is served), but there are several restaurants within a mile of the hotel.

This hotel offers Park & Cruise packages that allow you to leave your car at the hotel while you are on your cruise and take a shuttle to and from the port. If you don’t book a Park & Cruise package, you can still take the shuttle for a fee (currently $5/person). If you don’t want to use the shuttle, you can take a taxi to the port from this hotel for around $10. 

Radisson Resort at the Port

Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral is also close to the port. It gets mixed reviews. It’s an older property than the Residence Inn or Country Inn & Suites. Most rooms include Sleep Number beds and FREE high-speed Internet access .

There are three room types: standard rooms with one King bed or two double beds; King Jacuzzi suites , which include one room with a King bed, a whirlpool Jacuzzi, a separate full bathroom and one room with a comfortable living room area and a pull-out sofa sleeper; and Two King Jacuzzi suites , which are the same as the regular Jacuzzi suites except that they have two King beds in the bedroom. Suites include a microwave and mini refrigerator; regular rooms do not.

The Radisson has an elaborate waterfall pool, a koi pond and beautifully landscaped grounds. There are tennis courts and a fitness room. There is a buffet-style restaurant (extra charge) that has a nice atmosphere, with lots of windows, white-washed walls and high ceilings. The hotel lobby/restaurant entrance has a small lounge for evening drinks.

The Radisson offers some packages that including parking for your car at the hotel while you are on your cruise and a shuttle to and from the port. Alternatively, the hotel will charge you a fee to park your car in its lot while you are on your cruise, and provides a shuttle to the port for $5 per person, or you can take a cab for $10-12.

Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport

The Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport  is an upscale hotel that is actually located in the Orlando International (MCO) airport terminal , so you don’t have to worry about traveling any further. Just collect your bags, take them up on the elevator, check in and you’re ready to start enjoying your vacation! Or, if you prefer, take advantage of their luggage retrieval service; for a small flat fee ($10, last we checked, plus tips for the bell staff at your discretion), Hyatt staff will retrieve your luggage from baggage claim and deliver it to your room. (The rooms are well insulated from the airport noise, by the way — we have stayed there several times and did not hear the planes.)

If you stay at the airport Hyatt instead of going all the way out to Walt Disney World, you are much closer to Port Canaveral. That means you can sleep in a little longer before heading off to the ship in the morning. You can choose from multiple dining options within the airport, or take a swim at the hotel. It’s great way to start relaxing right away.

The Hyatt has a relationship with Disney, so you can arrange Disney bus transportation to the ship from the hotel (or you can book a private car transfer or rental car if you prefer). If you arrange your transportation through Disney, your luggage is transported directly to your stateroom on the ship. Talk about convenient!

The Fort Lauderdale hotel below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a travel agent , contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Pre/post-cruise stays can be added up until 31 days prior to check-in date (after that time, you can be waitlisted). If you stay both before and after the cruise, both portions must be booked at the same hotel. Pre/post-cruise stays that are added to a cruise reservation must be purchased for ALL guests in the same stateroom.

Alternatively, you can book directly with this hotel  through the links below, which may be less expensive and offer more flexibility:

• Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina is about 5 miles from the Fort Lauderdale Airport and about a 1/2 mile from the cruise terminal. They offer a shuttle to the beach. There is also a Water Taxi stop just a short walk away, which will take you to shops, restaurants and the beach, or just use it to take a tour of Fort Lauderdale’s waterways.
• Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa is about 5 miles from the Fort Lauderdale Airport and about 5 miles from the cruise terminal. The high-end hotel is on a private beach and has multiple restaurants at the hotel, a full-service spa, an activity center for kids age 5-12 and more. 

We would strongly recommend staying in Galveston rather than Houston pre-cruise unless you book Disney’s Houston hotel (the Marriott listed below) and Disney’s hotel-cruise transportation. It’s an hour or more drive to the cruise terminal from Houston, and traffic can double that, especially on holiday weekends. It’s best to fly in the day before the cruise, take a cab or shuttle to Galveston, and stay overnight at a hotel there. You don’t want to be sitting in traffic at 2 pm on the day of your cruise wondering if you’ll make it on time.

The Galveston hotels below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a travel agent , contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Alternatively, you can book directly with these hotels  through the links below, which may be less expensive:

• The Houston Airport Marriott at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport is right in the Houston airport complex, and is connected by tram to the terminal. If you arrange your own transportation, be aware that G. W. Bush International is a good 75-90 minute drive from the Galveston cruise terminal.
• San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center is a lovely resort right on the beach in central Galveston. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive to the cruise terminal.
• Hilton Galveston Island Resort is a beautiful hotel with extensive amenities, located a very short walk away from the beach. It’s about a 12-16 minute drive to the cruise terminal.

The best deal going in Miami seems to be Comfort Suites Miami Airport North . While it’s not fancy, this well-reviewed hotel offers reasonable rates along with some great benefits:

• FREE transfers between Miami airport and the hotel and FREE transfers between the hotel and the Port of Miami! As far as we know, this is the only hotel in Miami offering both transfers for free, which can save you a substantial amount in taxi or shuttle fares.
• FREE hot breakfast.
• FREE Wi-Fi.

Comfort Suites Miami Airport North  is a non-smoking hotel and rooms include high-definition flat-screen television with cable, microwave, refrigerator, pillow-top mattress, safe, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board.

Official Disney Cruise Hotels

If you prefer something more upscale, the Miami-area hotels below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a  travel agent , contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Alternatively, you can  book directly with these hotels  through the links below, which may be less expensive and offer more flexibility:

• EB Hotel Miami is a 4-diamond boutique hotel near the airport. It’s literally across the street from the airport property, but is about 2.5 miles by road from the entrance (7 minutes or so). It’s about 8.5 miles from the cruise terminal (about 15 minutes).
• Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami is a tower hotel located in the heart of downtown Miami, roughly 2 miles from the cruise terminals. Downtown Miami has a wealth of shopping, restaurants and things to do and see, and the hotel has great views of Biscayne Bay from the rooftop pool deck and many rooms.

The San Diego hotels below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a travel agent , contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Alternatively, you can book directly with these hotels  through the link below, which may be less expensive:

• The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is on San Diego Bay between the San Diego Convention Center and the Seaport Village. It is approximately 3 miles from San Diego International Airport and just a few blocks from the San Diego Cruise Terminal.
• The Intercontinental San Diego is a modern 4-diamond tower hotel just across the street from the cruise terminal, with sweeping views of San Diego Bay. It’s about 3 miles from San Diego International Airport.

The Vancouver hotels below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a travel agent , contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Alternatively, you can book directly with these hotels through the links below, which may be less expensive:

• Fairmont Waterfront boasts a spectacular location across from the Convention Centre and Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, within walking distance of the city’s many restaurants, shops and galleries. All rooms are elegantly appointed with contemporary, airy deco and feature floor to ceiling windows to highlight the beautiful scenery. If you decide to stay here, be sure to sign up for the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program (free) in advance, which will give you FREE internet during your stay.
• Fairmont Vancouver Airport is the only luxury hotel and spa within Vancouver’s International Airport, located in the suburb of Richmond (20 minutes south of Vancouver). The beautifully appointed guest rooms are spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows offering soundproof views, revealing the serenity of mountain views and plane spotting opportunities. If you decide to stay here, be sure to sign up for the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program (free) in advance, which will give you FREE internet during your stay.
• Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown is an upscale tower hotel in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. High floor rooms have a great view of the harbor and/or downtown. It’s about a half-mile from the cruise terminal, which would be an easy 5 minute cab or Lyft ride.

A hotel that isn’t part of the Disney cruise add-on program, but is well worth considering, is the Pan-Pacific Vancouver , since it is literally in the same building as the Cruise Ship Terminal, and they offer free transfer of your checked bags to the ship, which is a huge convenience. You should tip the bell staff a dollar or two per bag (they’ll take US dollars happily if you don’t have Canadian).

You’ll be getting off the cruise ship early in the morning on the last day. If your flight doesn’t leave for hours, and you don’t know what to do with your day, here are some suggestions.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Los angeles international airport (lax).

• Get a “day room” at Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport . For a modest charge (typically less than an overnight rate) you can use a hotel room from 10:00 am until as late as 6:00 pm and watch TV, use the hotel pool, etc. When flight time rolls around, you’re already in the terminal! Call the hotel directly at (407) 825-1234 to book a day room. The Hyatt has a relationship with Disney, so you can arrange Disney transportation to the hotel from the ship, or you can book a private car transfer or rental car if you prefer.
• If you have loads of time, you can rent a car for the day and visit the nearby Kennedy Space Center to explore the NASA exhibits, or play in the sand at Cocoa Beach . Allow at least an hour to drive back to the airport.
• Los Angeles Airport Marriott – Day room rates vary by date. They are available from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Call the hotel directly at (310) 641-5700 and ask for the front desk to book a day room.
• Embassy Suites Los Angeles – International Airport South – Day rooms can be booked an “as-available” basis on the day of check-in (no advance bookings). Rooms can be used from morning through 6:00 pm. Call the hotel directly at (310) 640-3600 and press 0 for the front desk. (Do not select “reservations,” as that will send you to a call center that knows nothing about the day rooms.)
• If you have loads of time, you can rent a car for the day and either drive to Hollywood (check out Disney’s El Capitan Theatre  or play in the sand at one of the many beautiful local beaches ( Manhattan Beach and Venice Beach are two great, close-by options, each with its own unique vibe). Allow at least an hour to drive back to the airport.

Disney’s bus transfers to and from the port are convenient, but also pretty expensive, especially for a family:

• In Florida, Disney offers bus transfers between any of the Walt Disney World resort hotels and Port Canaveral, or between the Orlando (MCO) airport or the Hyatt MCO and Port Canaveral. You can also do a multi-part transfer (for example airport-resort-port-airport). The cost is $78 per person round trip or $39 per person one-way for Disney’s bus transfers.
• Only hotels that are offered as pre- or post-cruise options by Disney Cruise Line have transportation available from Disney Cruise Line. If you stay in a different hotel, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation.
• The cost depends on the prevailing transportation rates in that city and the distances between the airport, hotel and cruise port. Remember taxis and car services charge per car , whereas Disney charges per person .
• With a party of two, the total cost for a private car or taxi will usually be similar to the total cost of Disney’s transportation. Lyft will almost always be cheaper, if it is offered in the city in question. A party of three or more people will almost always save money using independent transportation.
• The primary appeal of using Disney’s transportation is that it’s easy; you follow the signs to the bus and it takes you where you need to be. That said, it’s not faster, it usually involves more waiting, not less, and it’s not flexible. If you want to get where you are going as fast as possible, either a taxi, car service (Lyft) or pre-booked private car is always going to beat the buses.

Disney’s transfers must be booked a minimum of 3 days before the start of the trip through your travel agent (or Disney if you booked direct). At the airports, a Disney rep will be at the baggage claim area to help direct guests to the bus. Your luggage will go directly to your stateroom; you just need take your day bag with you to the cruise terminal.

One down side of using the Disney bus system is that you will arrive at the port with a big group of people and at a time dictated by Disney. The result is often a long wait in the check-in lines. You may also miss lunch on the ship, since the buses tend to arrive in the afternoon.

Below are alternate options that may be cheaper and/or more convenient.

• Port Canaveral – Shuttle by Happy Limo

Port Canaveral – Rental Car

Port canaveral – luxury sedan, limo or private van/suv service, port canaveral – cruise port parking.

• Port of San Diego – Rental Car
• Port of San Diego – Luxury Sedan, Limo or Private Van/SUV Service

Port of San Diego – Shuttle

• Port of San Diego – Parking
• Port of Vancouver – Transportation

Port of Vancouver – Parking

Port canaveral – shuttle by happy limo.

Happy Limo , a private car and limo service we have recommended for years, offers a great shared-shuttle option for trips between Orlando International Airport and the Disney Cruise Line terminal at Port Canaveral. The base price per person is $30/person each way ($60 round trip), plus a $20 port fee (each way, per booking, not per person). The minimum booking is 4 people. Tips are at customer’s discretion (conventional tips these days for shuttle drivers seem to be about 15%-20%, or about $4.50-$6/person each way). For shared service for a family of 4+ to Port Canaveral, this is a better deal than Disney, and gives you more control over when you want to travel.

Airport to Port Canaveral

Shuttles leave Orlando International from Terminal B, level 1 (ground transportation), shuttle spaces B-5 through B-9. You must reserve a spot in advance for one of the available times: 9:00 am, 10:00 am or 11:00 am. Your party must have a minimum of 4 passengers to book a shuttle. When you arrive at the shuttle spaces, you will need to check in via phone at (407) 856-1280 . Expect arrival at the cruise terminal roughly 45-60 minutes from the shuttle departure time, depending on traffic.

Port Canaveral to Airport

Shuttles leave Port Canaveral from shuttle space #4, right in front of the terminal. You must reserve a spot in advance for one of the available times: 8:00 am, 9:00 am or 10:00 am. When you arrive at the shuttle space, you will need to check in via phone at (407) 856-1280 . Expect arrival at the airport roughly 45-60 minutes from the shuttle departure time, depending on traffic.

• To reserve your shuttle time , you can book online here: Happy Limo Rates & Reservations , or call Happy Limo at (877) 642-7791 or (407) 856-1280 .
• MouseSavers readers get $10 off per booking each way! That’s $20 off a round-trip booking. Just mention MouseSavers when booking over the phone, or put “referred by MouseSavers” in the comments section when booking online.
• Note: To book a shuttle, your party must have a minimum of 4 passengers. If there are less than 4 passengers, a towncar, limo or van  must be booked.
• Note : when booking online, for one-way trips from the airport or round-trips, use one of the three pickup times listed above as your pickup time, select “Airport Pickup” as your trip type, “Orlando International Airport” as your pickup location, “Port Canaveral” as your dropoff location and select “Shuttle” as your vehicle type (it’s the last one in the vehicle list). For one-way trips from Port Canaveral, reverse the pickup and dropoff locations and pick one of the Port Canaveral pickup times listed above.

Your most economical option may be to rent a car one-way between the airport and Port Canaveral. None of the rental car companies listed below have a one-way or drop-off charge except as noted. Depending on the rental car company, you can either take a shuttle or a cab to the port.

Renting a car gives you the flexibility to stop and grab some groceries or last-minute items, and you can arrive at the ship earlier than the bus passengers, which allows you to board ahead of the crowd and get yourself settled, make Palo and spa reservations, etc.

• See our Rental Car Discounts page for many discount codes, coupons and tricks to help you save on your rental car!

All the  major rental car companies have offices near Port Canaveral. When searching for a location, use “Cape Canaveral, FL” as the location. Alamo, National, Enterprise and Budget are very close to the Port Canaveral cruise terminal (but not close enough to walk). The others aren’t too far away. Keep in mind that between about 11 am and 3 pm on days when a cruise is leaving, all of these locations will be busy, and check-in may be slow. The shuttles to the cruise terminal will fill up fast, so it might take several shuttles before you can get one. Taxis and Lyft will also be super busy, so it may take some time to get one to the rental location. Allow plenty of time to get back to the ship, or get there before 11 am.

• Budget is usually the best bet for transfers to and from the port. For one thing, Budget often has the best prices on one-day rentals. It also has on-site facilities at the Orlando International (MCO) and its office in Cape Canaveral (location code ZC5) is fairly close to the cruise terminal. Budget offers free shuttle service between its office and the port, though several people have reported that they find it easier and faster to take a taxi or Lyft to and from the terminal instead, which costs about $6-$8 each way.
• Avis has a location on-site at MCO and an office in Cape Canaveral (location code P3F), a bit further away than Budget. Avis has free shuttle service between its office and the cruise terminal, or you can take a cab for around $7-$10 each way.
• Alamo , National and Enterprise (all owned by the same company) share the Enterprise office in Cape Canaveral very near the port. They offer a free shuttle from their office to the port, or you can take a cab for $5-$6 each way.

If you want to gas up your rental car on the way back to the airport , exit Florida 528 at Narcoosee Road, which is two exits before the airport exit, and turn right. There is a BP station about a block up on the right, with normal gas prices. Note that this exit is tolled, so you’ll want to bring your own windshield toll pass to avoid exhorbitant rental car toll fees.

The nearest gas station to the airport (“Landing Strip” aka “Suncoast Energy” on Semoran Boulevard, just north of the airport) is a complete rip-off . This station habitually charges nearly TWICE the normal price for gas and does not have signs to let people know the prices before they pull in. You won’t realize you’re paying a ridiculous price unless you look closely at the pump!

A fun, relaxing (and surprisingly economical) way to get from Walt Disney World or the Orlando Airport to the cruise terminal at Port Canaveral is to use luxury sedan, limo or private van/SUV service.

The great thing is, you can schedule the vehicle to get you to the ship earlier than the bus passengers, which allows you to board ahead of the crowd and get yourself settled, make Palo and spa reservations, etc.

A luxury sedan is generally cheaper than Disney’s bus transfers if you are transporting a family. For larger groups, a private van, SUV or limo is definitely the way to go. You’ll save money and time.

• Learn more about towncar, limo or private van service to/from Port Canaveral and a discount code that will help you save money!

Parking at the port is $17 per day (not per night). You are charged for your arrival and departure days, even though they are partial days. The upshot is, this is what you’ll pay:

• 3-night cruise – $68 ($17 x 4 days)
• 4-night cruise – $85 ($17 x 5 days)
• 5-night cruise – $102 ($17 x 6 days)
• 7-night cruise – $136 ($17 x 8 days)

Check the Port Canaveral website for more information about parking and directions.

Be sure to check on deals at the hotels near the port . You can usually pay for one night and get a week of free parking in the hotel lot and often a complimentary shuttle ride to/from the cruise terminal. Usually there’s a special cruise hotel package you need to book to get the “free” parking, which will cost somewhat more than booking their lowest rate, but it’s nearly always going to be cheaper than parking at the port. Some hotels include the parking in the package cost, but charge extra for the shuttle. Even if the shuttle fee is included, the shuttle drivers are not shy about asking for tips, and the wait for the shuttle can be long, so we usually take a taxi or Lyft even if there’s an ostensibly “free” shuttle. From most of the Canaveral hotels to the cruise terminal is about a $5-7 taxi fare.

Port of San Diego – Rental Car

If you will be taking a West Coast Disney cruise and you are also planning to make a “grand tour” of Southern California, with a visit to Disneyland as well as other Southern California tourist destinations , a rental car is definitely your best bet. Taking taxis, limos or shuttles between the major attractions would cost a fortune because the distances are significant. For instance, it’s a 1.5 hour drive between SeaWorld San Diego and Disneyland. Southern California is a very car-oriented culture, with relatively poor public transportation. Trying to get between a number of different attractions without a car can be an exercise in frustration.

If you are flying in or out of San Diego International Airport (SAN) , all of the major rental car companies have locations there. See the Rental Cars page and check the company that interests you for more information.

It is never cost-effective to rent a car at SAN and leave it at the port during your cruise. Parking near the port is expensive. The airport is very close to the cruise port, so it’s better to rent the car at the airport either pre- or post-cruise and return it to the airport so you’re not accruing both rental fees and parking charges during the cruise.

Port of San Diego – Lyft, Taxi, Luxury Sedan, Limo or Private Van/SUV Service

The cruise terminal is very close to the airport as the crow flies, but because of the road layout and potential traffic, it’s about a 5 mile trip and takes about 15-20 minutes. Disney offers bus service, but the quickest and sometimes the least expensive way to accomplish your transfer will be Lyft , a taxi or a private limo service.

• Learn more about towncar, limo or private van service to/from the Port of San Diego .

If you need to transfer between the San Diego Airport (SAN) and the Port of San Diego, your least expensive option is usually  a shared van service . The shuttle will make multiple stops, so allow plenty of time.

However, for the ultimate in convenience and luxury, consider using a private towncar or limo transfer . It may cost a bit more than a shuttle, but it is much more comfortable and efficient.

Port of San Diego – Parking

Parking for a San Diego cruise, is, in a word, messy. There is no official parking lot, just a lot of independent lots nearby that also handle other parking business and can fill up. If you can get a reservation, the parking at the Wyndham across the street  from the cruise terminal is convenient. If not, most of the long-term parking in the area (including many of the airport long-term lots) offer a shuttle to the cruise terminal, or you can get a cab from the parking lot.

Port of Vancouver – Transportation

The simplest way to get to Vancouver, BC is to fly to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). However, there are more flight options available to Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA), which is just 3-4 hours away from Vancouver by train or bus. Airfares to Seattle are often much cheaper, even when you factor in the cost of the extra train or bus ticket and other costs, and the trip from Seattle to Vancouver is quite scenic. Traveling via Seattle can add 5-6 hours to your trip, however. To make the Seattle option work well, it’s really best to stay in Seattle at least overnight, then take the train or bus up on another date. It is possible to fly into Seattle and get onto a ship in Vancouver the same day, but the connections are super tight — there’s not a lot of room for error and we wouldn’t recommend it.

Flying To Vancouver Directly

The closest airport is Vancouver International (YVR). You can get a taxi to the Canada Place cruise terminal for about $45-$60 CAD (plus tip), which takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Vancouver now has Lyft service, and that’s going to run $30-40 CAD.

You can also book a limo or town car. The official town car company for the airport is Aerocar , which charges a flat $64 CAD (plus tip) for a sedan from YVR to the cruise terminal.

The cheapest and usually easiest way to go is the SkyTrain Canada Line , a light rail train that goes directly from the airport to Waterfront Station. The SkyTrain station is right across from the airport entrance – ask someone to direct you if needed; the signs are not as clear as one would like. Get on any train; the track begins at the airport and all trains head to Waterfront, so you can’t get on the wrong train or the wrong direction. When you reach Waterfront station, take the Cordova Street exit from the station, turn right and walk down about a block and a half to Howe. Turn right and the cruise terminal and Pan Pacific hotel is right there. The cash fare is only $7-9 CAD per person (depending on whether you’re going peak or off-peak). You do not need cash; the ticket kiosks take credit cards. It takes about 25-35 minutes. Keep in mind that the trains don’t have any luggage racks, so if you have a lot of luggage, SkyTrain may be a bit of a hassle.

Flying to Seattle Then Train To Vancouver

You’ll want to fly to Seattle-Tacoma airport (SEA). If you want to make it on your cruise ship that same day, you’ll need to arrive very early, probably before 6:15 am, as the morning train leaves at 7:45 am and there isn’t another until 7:00 pm. If you plan to arrive a day or more early, obviously you can take the later train or the early one the next day.

There are two Amtrak trains per day from Seattle to Vancouver, which you can book in advance on the Amtrak website . Prices start at $34 per person, each way, and the trip takes 4 hours (though allow extra time, as it often takes longer). As seats sell out, only the higher fares remain available, and they go as high as $86, so book early. Be sure you book the Amtrak Cascades  train trip ; Amtrak also books their own “Thruway” bus service which is not usually the best bus option.

You will also need to get from the SeaTac airport to the King Street train station in downtown Seattle, and from the Vancouver Pacific Central train station to the Canada Place cruise terminal.

In Seattle, the taxi ride is $40 (flat rate, plus tip) from the airport to anywhere in downtown Seattle, including the train station. Allow 30 minutes for the trip, longer on weekdays at rush hour. You can also take the Link light rail for $3/person from the airport to the International District station, which is 3 blocks from the King Street Station, but there are no luggage racks, so it can be a hassle if you have multiple bags. Seattle also has Lyft service available.

In Vancouver, a taxi from the train station to the cruise terminal is about $12-$15 CAD (plus tip) and takes about 15 minutes, or you can walk a couple blocks from the train station and take the Expo Line from SkyTrain Main Street station to the Waterfront station for around $2.75 CAD. When you reach Waterfront Station, use the Howe Street exit and you come out right in front of the cruise terminal. Again, there are no luggage racks on SkyTrain, so not a great option for those with many big or unwieldy bags. Vancouver also has Lyft service available.

Flying to Seattle Then Bus To Vancouver

The closest airport is Seattle-Tacoma airport (SEA). To make it onto your cruise that same day, you’ll want to get in before 9:00 am in order to make it on a 10:00 am bus. If you plan to arrive a day or more early, obviously you can take a later bus.

The Quick Coach bus service is the most convenient, since it drops off directly at the Canada Place cruise terminal in Vancouver. If you book at least 24 hours in advance, you can have them drop you directly at any downtown Vancouver hotel. Fares start at $50 one way or $95 round trip for adults, with discounts available for children and seniors. There are significant charges for baggage over and above one purse-sized personal item. The trip takes about 4.5 hours.

The Seattle-Vancouver FlixBus (owned by Greyhound) goes from several Seattle locations (including SeaTac Airport) to the Vancouver Pacific Central train station, with advance fares as low as $30 each way, including one large bag and one personal item (purse-sized). The trip takes about 4.5 hours from SeaTac or 4 hours from downtown Seattle. You still need to get from the Vancouver train station to the cruise terminal or your hotel. See the section above on train travel to see the various options on each end.

Flying to Bellingham Then Bus or Train to Vancouver

An often-overlooked option that can work for some people is to fly to Bellingham, WA which is the closest major city in Washington to Vancouver, BC. Sometimes it’s only a little more expensive to fly to Bellingham than to Seattle, and a bus or train from Bellingham takes less than half the time (just under two hours) and has a much lower fare than the same bus or train from Seattle. The connections aren’t as tight, and it’s more reasonable to try to fly into Bellingham and get on your cruise ship the same day, though given the vagaries of modern air travel, we still suggest getting in a day early if you can. All of the options from Seattle, including Quick Coach , FlixBus and Amtrak can also be taken from Bellingham. For Amtrak you have to get to the Bellingham train station, and FlixBus picks up at Western Washington University or near the ferry terminal, but Bellingham is so small that the cab to any location is unlikely to be more than 5 minutes and about $10.

If you end up staying in Bellingham, or driving through at lunch time, our favorite fish & chips joint there is the Web Locker ( map link ). Whether it’s a good idea to have a lot of fried fish before getting on a cruise is a judgment call you’ll have to make for yourself. We can never seem to skip it. We also are very fond of the Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro  ( map link ), which is closer to the freeway. It has a bit of a brewpub feeling, but is family-friendly and serves a lot of comfort food like burgers and sandwiches.

Not all cities have good, reasonably-priced flights to Bellingham, but it can be worth checking out. The primary airlines that service Bellingham are Allegiant, Alaska and Horizon.

Parking is available for roughly $27 CAD per day (tax included) at the Port of Vancouver Cruise Terminal (Canada Place). Indigo Neo operates the parking garage, and requires guests parking at Canada Place Parking Garage for anything longer than one day to make a reservation online via their website , or by calling them at (800) 469-4169 . The garage is right there in the cruise terminal; to get to the ship you just take an elevator to the embarkation level and walk a few hundred feet.

Disney Cruises from Miami

• There are currently no scheduled Disney Cruise departures from Miami through at least October 2025
• Disney Cruise Line likely will not sail from Miami for the foreseeable future
• Consider a Disney Cruise from Fort Lauderdale (just 30 miles away from Miami) as an alternative

For historic data on Disney Cruise Line Miami departures, read on…

Embark on an adventure of a lifetime with Disney cruises departing from Miami, Florida. Choose from a range of sailing durations, spanning three to fourteen nights, visiting stunning ports of call in the Bahamas, Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean, and Panama Canal. This article provides you with all the essential information to plan Disney cruises from Miami, including departure dates, detailed itinerary information, costs, and an in-depth look at the Disney cruise ships. Discover the ease of transportation from the airport, convenient parking options at the port, and comfortable accommodations near the Disney Port of Miami Cruise Terminal.

Overview   |  Dates & Itineraries   |  Ships   |  Port   |  Airports   |  Hotels

Prefer to Speak to Someone? Vacationeers are Standing By!

Disney Cruises From Miami in 2024 & 2025

Image © Disney

The future of regularly-scheduled Disney Cruises from Miami is very much in doubt.

Consider the following:

• Miami had been a regularly-scheduled departure port for Disney Cruise Line since late 2012, but no Miami departures have been scheduled since the Disney Magic last set sail from there on October 5, 2023
• On November 20, 2023, Disney began year-round departures from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale — a mere 30 miles away from PortMiami — and solidified its long-term commitment by constructing a dedicated cruise terminal building there
• Disney’s entire 2024 departure schedule has been released, and Miami is completely absent for the first time in 12 years
• Disney has released 2025 sail dates through late October, with Miami again absent from the schedule so far

For these reasons, we believe it is highly unlikely that Miami will be a regular departure port for Disney Cruise Line for the foreseeable future.

One potential saving grace, however, is that Disney Cruise calendar for the entire fleet is being continually adjusted due to the additions of the newest Disney Cruise ships (Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, Disney Adventure, and another ship yet to be built). It remains to be seen if any of those will spend time departing from Miami in the future — but again, we would be somewhat surprised if they did.

We will keep you updated on the latest developments regarding the schedules and itineraries for the 2025 Disney cruises. Contact The Vacationeer for the latest Disney cruise pricing and availability.

Staterooms and Dates Are Limited, So Don’t Wait Until They Are Gone!

Dates & Itineraries: Miami Disney Cruises

As mentioned in the previous section , there are currently no 2024 or 2025 Disney Cruise Line departures scheduled from Miami .

For reference, we’ve included summaries below of the types of itineraries that were most recently offered (as late as 2023). In the meantime, we’d suggest considering a Disney Cruise from nearby Fort Lauderdale.

3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

Itinerary includes:

• Disney Castaway Cay
• Nassau, Bahamas

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami

• Disney Castaway Cay (2 days)

5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

• George Town, Grand Cayman
• Day at Sea (2 days)

• Cozumel, Mexico

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

• Falmouth, Jamaica

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Miami

• Tortola, British Virgin Islands
• St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
• Day at Sea (3 days)

13-Night Eastbound Transatlantic Cruise from Miami Ending in Barcelona

• Cádiz, Spain
• Cartagena, Spain
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Málaga, Spain
• Ponta Delgada (Azores), Portugal
• Day at Sea (7 days)
• Barcelona, Spain (disembark at end of cruise)

14-Night Westbound Panama Canal Cruise from Miami Ending in San Diego

• Cartagena, Colombia
• Panama Canal (pass-through without leaving ship)
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
• San Diego, California (disembark at end of cruise)

Need Help Finding the Perfect Disney Cruise?

Look no further than The Vacationeer , a  top-rated Disney agency  known for its  expertise, professionalism, and passion for Disney cruises .

The Vacationeer  will book every aspect of your Miami cruise at the  most affordable price , ensuring it meets your specific needs and preferences. The same applies to  Disney cruises from Galveston ,  New Orleans ,  San Diego ,  New York , and the dozens of other  Disney cruises from Florida  if you’re flexible with your departure city.

As a special booking bonus,  The Vacationeer  offers  onboard credit  for Disney cruises  which you can use as free money during your cruise! And good news for those who live in the Sunshine State — these onboard credits  can  be combined with  Florida Resident Disney Cruise discounts !

Best of all,  The Vacationeer  provides these  helpful services for free !

First-time Disney cruisers  benefit greatly from the guidance of a travel planner. Contact  The Vacationeer today to learn more about the best Disney cruises from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and all around the world!

Disney Cruises From Miami: Where Do They Go?

The Disney Miami cruise season historically offered a range of cruise options, including destinations in the Bahamas, Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean, and Panama Canal . Available cruise lengths included three, four, five, seven, and fourteen-night options, all departing from the Port of Miami and sailing on the Disney Magic or Disney Dream ships.

Miami cruises included ports such as Disney Castaway Cay, Nassau, Bahamas, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Cozumel, Mexico, George Town, Grand Cayman, and Falmouth, Jamaica .

At these ports of call, there are plenty of exciting water and shore excursions and experiences to choose from, including beach and water activities, historical and cultural tours, and more.

On board a Disney ship, you can enjoy live entertainment, deck parties, and Disney-themed activities. The family-friendly facilities include play areas for children, teen clubs, and meet-and-greets with Disney characters. In addition, the spa offers relaxation, the gym keeps you fit, and the pool and water slide lets you cool off. There’s no such thing as boredom on a Disney cruise ship!

Here are some details about the ports that Disney cruises routinely visited from Miami.

About Disney Castaway Cay Cruise Port

Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island , is a tropical getaway for Disney cruise guests. It features beaches, lagoons, water sports, and family-friendly attractions like the Family private Beach, Pelican Plunge water slide, and Snorkeling Lagoon. The tranquil adult-only Serenity Bay is also available for those seeking peace and relaxation. Additionally, guests can enjoy Port Adventures like snorkeling with stingrays, fishing excursions, and biking, giving them a truly unique experience.

Its stunning beauty and diverse activities make it a paradise island for people of all ages. See our  Castaway Cay tips  for more information.

About the Tortola, British Virgin Islands Disney Cruise Port

Tortola, the largest island in the British Virgin Islands, is a favorite destination for Disney cruises departing from Miami. The tropical getaway is famous for its white sand beaches and activities such as water sports, zip-lining, shopping, dining, and sightseeing. There are also attractions on the island, such as Brewer’s Bay, Dolphin Discovery, Mount Healthy National Park, Sage Mountain National Park, and the J.R. O’Neal Botanic Garden. The combination of these factors makes it a great port to visit on your Disney Miami cruise.

About the Nassau, Bahamas Disney Cruise Port

Nassau is a popular stop on Disney cruises from Miami, attracting tourists with its rich history, breathtaking beaches, and exciting activities. In addition, you can enjoy duty-free shopping, explore the historic Old Town, admire the pink Parliament Building, and visit historic forts like Fort Fincastle. Nassau’s Port Adventures include snorkeling, sightseeing, dolphin encounters, or  visiting Atlantis’ water park .

About St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Disney Cruise Port

St. Thomas, located in the Virgin Islands, is a sought-after destination for Disney cruises from Miami. The stunning beauty of its beaches, pristine waters, and great historical landmarks have earned the island a reputation as a premier tourist spot and a popular choice for cruise travelers. Visitors to St. Thomas have many activities, including snorkeling, shopping, touring a pirate museum, or setting sail on a scenic catamaran trip. So whether you’re a history buff, adventure seeker, or beach lover, St. Thomas has something to offer everyone.

The above video reflects 2021 COVID-19 measures which may no longer be in effect.

About George Town, Grand Cayman Disney Cruise Port

George Town in Grand Cayman is a popular port of call for Disney cruises departing from Miami. While visiting, travelers can indulge in shopping, participate in beach and water activities, or visit Stingray City to interact with friendly stingrays. The town’s breathtaking natural beauty and top-notch amenities make it an exceptional destination for cruise passengers. George Town also offers fantastic snorkeling and diving experiences with its clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs.

About Falmouth, Jamaica Disney Cruise Port

Falmouth, Jamaica, is a port of call for several Disney cruises departing from Miami, FL. The town, situated between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, offers a unique opportunity to experience the Caribbean through its historic Georgian architecture. With beautiful white sand beaches, horseback riding, and zip-lining, Falmouth is a great getaway destination for families and couples alike. Visitors can also indulge in the local culture, from savoring authentic Jamaican cuisine to exploring the vibrant music scene.

About Cozumel, Mexico Disney Cruise Port

Cozumel is a popular tourist destination for Disney cruises, including those leaving from the Port of Miami. This tropical paradise near the Yucatan Peninsula boasts picturesque beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling and diving. Tourists can embrace the local culture by exploring Mayan ruins, enjoying duty-free shopping, or visiting the Museo de Cozumel and Playa San Francisco Beach. Additionally, Port Adventures offer a variety of activities, from scuba diving to chocolate-making classes.

Do Disney Cruises From Miami Go to the Bahamas (Castaway Cay)?

Yes, many Disney cruises departing from Miami visit the Bahamas, including the popular destinations of Castaway Cay and Nassau. In fact, several of the Miami-based  Disney cruise itineraries  feature stops at both destinations, allowing guests to experience the best of the Bahamas.

Castaway Cay is a highlight of many Disney cruises, offering a serene and Disney’s private island paradise experience complete with stunning beaches and a variety of activities and amenities.

Meanwhile, Nassau provides a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Bahamas, with its colorful architecture, lively streets, and charming local markets.

Disney cruises from Miami to the Bahamas are a fantastic way to experience the beauty and culture of this tropical destination. But if Miami doesn’t work for you, Disney cruises from Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale in Florida offer convenient alternatives. The Port of San Juan also provides a singular Caribbean experience, with stops at the Bahamas and other Caribbean destinations.

For more information, reach out to The Vacationeer and learn about their generous onboard credit.

How Many Disney Cruises From Miami Are There?

There were 58 Disney cruises departing from Miami in 2023, but none are currently scheduled for 2024 or 2025 . The Disney Dream departed 27 times during the first half of 2023, while the Disney Magic departed 31 times during the second half. Various itineraries were available on these Miami cruises, allowing guests to explore the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and other destinations while enjoying all the magic of Disney on board the ship.

Contact The Vacationeer for the latest information on current Disney Cruise offerings from south Florida ports.

How Long Are Disney’s Miami Cruises?

Disney Cruise Line offers a wide selection of cruises departing from Miami. You can choose from five different cruise lengths:  three, four, five, seven, or fourteen nights , all aboard the Disney Magic or Disney Dream ships. Cruises on these Disney ships allow you to explore popular ports of call in the Bahamas, Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean, and Panama Canal. Some itineraries visit multiple ports, while others only visit one.

If you’re new to cruising, a three or four-night trip is an excellent introduction to life on a ship. However, seasoned cruisers may opt for longer voyages that allow for more time in the ports and a greater variety of magical experiences on the Sea. No matter your choice, you can count on a Disney cruise from Miami to be memorable and enjoyable.

How Much Do Disney Cruises From Miami Cost?

Families can enjoy a magical cruise vacation on the seas on Disney cruises from Miami, but the cost can be a major concern.

A 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami, the least expensive option, started at $1,566 for two people in 2023 (the last year in which sailings were scheduled). On the other hand, a 14-night Halloween on the High Seas Westbound Panama Canal Cruise, the most expensive itinerary, began at $4,836 for two people .

It is important to note that  the  cost of a Disney cruise  is all-inclusive, covering the stateroom, meals, and most entertainment, activities, and services . The cost is also  for two people , making the  per-person price  more affordable. As a result, a Disney cruise provides exceptional value for your money because of  all that’s included .

Passengers on the Disney Magic can enjoy a wide range of premium entertainment, such as Broadway-style shows, movie screenings, fireworks displays, and the chance to meet Disney characters. Kids and teenagers can participate in free clubs with exciting activities, including Oceaneer Club for ages 3-10, Edge for ages 11-14, and Vibe, a lounge for teens ages 14-17. Adults can access nightclubs, lounges, fitness centers, and an adult-only pool without additional costs .

As a perk, the cost of a Disney cruise covers taxes, fees, and port expenses. However, certain items and services are not included in the base price. Separate charges will apply for airfare, dining at specialty restaurants,  tipping , spa services, Port Adventures, bottled beverages, and  alcohol .

Want to Calculate Your Exact Price? Contact The Vacationeer.

About the Disney Magic Cruise Ship From Miami

Miami is an exceptional starting point for your  first-ever Disney cruise , and a voyage aboard the Disney Magic is sure to be memorable. With a length of 954 feet and 11 decks that can accommodate 2,700 passengers, the Disney Magic is one of the  best Disney cruise ships  if you are new to cruising. Its small size makes it easy to navigate, but it’s still quite comfortable and spacious.

AquaDunk water slide on the Disney Magic | Image © Disney

A Disney Magic cruise from Miami offers a variety of activities and entertainment options. There is something for everyone, from pools to water slides to deck parties. The whole family can make memories with beloved Disney characters, enjoy exciting theater performances, and participate in age-appropriate activities at the kids’ clubs. At the same time, adults can unwind in the adult-only pool, spa, fitness club, and bars and lounges.

Disney Magic cruises feature Rotational Dining, where you can dine at three main dining rooms: Animator’s Palate, Lumiere’s, and Rapunzel’s Royal Table. Friendly serving staff will accompany you on your culinary journey throughout the trip.

A stateroom verandah onboard the Disney Magic | Image © Disney

There are four types of stateroom categories on Disney Magic: Inside, Outside, Verandah, and  Concierge . Each category has subcategories, which makes selecting a room difficult. You can learn more about choosing a stateroom by reading our  Best Staterooms on a Disney Cruise  guide. For personalized assistance, contact a Disney travel agent.

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About the Disney Cruise Port of Miami Terminal

Image © Miami Dade Government

The Port of Miami, known as  PortMiami , is a popular departure point for various cruise lines, including Disney Cruise Line. Located in downtown Miami, Florida, PortMiami provides easy access to Disney’s popular Caribbean and Bahamian destinations, including the exclusive island of Castaway Cay. The convenient location, established infrastructure, and many amenities of PortMiami make it an ideal starting point for  Disney cruises from Florida .

What’s the Disney Cruise Line Address at Port of Miami?

The Disney Cruise Terminal at PortMiami is the departure point for Caribbean and Bahamian cruises. It is conveniently located just east of downtown Miami, providing easy access to the city’s attractions and amenities. The terminal has modern facilities, so passengers can easily board and disembark.

Here is the Disney Cruise Line address at Port of Miami:

Disney Cruise Terminal 1104 Port Miami Tunnel (Terminal C) Miami, FL 33132

You can reach the Port of Miami by calling (305) 347-4800.

Directions for Driving to Port of Miami

Miami’s highways can get quite congested during peak travel times, so you should allow plenty of time to get to the cruise port. The following directions will show you how to reach the Disney cruise terminal via the Port of Miami Tunnel.

From the North to the Port of Miami :

• Start by heading South on I-95, then take the eastbound I-395 (Miami Beach) ramp. Continue driving on I-395 East and cross over the MacArthur Causeway ICW Bridge. The entrance to the Port of Miami Tunnel is on your left.

From the South to the Port of Miami:

• Take SR-826 North to SR-836 East and then continue east on SR-836 to I-395 East (Miami Beach). Drive along I-395 East/MacArthur Causeway – the entrance to the tunnel is on the left.

From the West to the Port of Miami:

• Take I-95 North and turn onto the eastbound I-395 (Miami Beach) ramp. Continue driving on I-395 East/MacArthur Causeway, and you will find the tunnel entrance on the left side of the road.

From Miami Beach to the Port of Miami:

• Travel Westbound on the I-395/MacArthur Causeway and exit onto the Biscayne Boulevard ramp. Make a U-turn on N. Bayshore Drive to head back Eastbound on the MacArthur Causeway. Continue traveling Eastbound on I-395; the PortMiami Tunnel entrance will be located on your left.

Via Downtown:

Disney’s Port of Miami terminal can be reached via downtown Miami and Port Bridge as follows:

• For those coming  from the North , exit I-95 South at 3B-Bayside and head south on Northeast 5th Street. Turn left and follow 5th Street, leading you onto the PortMiami bridge. Continue over the bridge and follow the signage to your designated terminal.
• For those coming  from the South , exit I-95 North at Northwest 2nd Street, then proceed straight to NW 5th Street and make a right. Fifth Street will take you onto the PortMiami bridge. Continue over the bridge and follow the signage to your designated terminal.

Parking at the Port of Miami’s Disney Cruise Terminal

The Port of Miami offers ample and secure parking for cruise passengers, including parking for a wide range of vehicles. Drivers with disabilities have designated spaces at each terminal, and oversized vehicles (such as vans, RVs, and trailers) can park for an additional fee. Security personnel regularly patrols the facilities, making sure vehicles are safe.

All garages are open from 6 AM to 5 PM and staffed by parking attendants on cruise days.

You can reach the Disney Cruise Line terminal by entering the port and following the signs. Disney Cruise Line is located at Terminal C.

Cost of Parking at the Port of Miami for Disney Cruises

Guests planning to drive to Port of Miami should factor parking costs into their travel plans. Parking is available at PortMiami and in third-party lots nearby. Parking costs are determined by the length of time you plan to park (usually the duration of your cruise).

Official Port of Miami Cruise Ship Parking Lots and Garage

Parking rates at PortMiami are based on the length of your stay and the type of parking space you require. For short-term parking (no overnight), the 2023 rate was $8 per vehicle per day (or a fraction of a day). For longer stays, overnight or greater, the 2023 rate was $22 per vehicle per day  (or a fraction of a day).

A lost parking ticket costs the equivalent of an 11-day cruise, which was $242 per vehicle. So hold on to your ticket!

Disabled veterans (with a valid Florida license plate for disabled veterans) receive free parking.

• Cost: $22 per day
• Distance: At the terminal
• Website:  https://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/parking-information.asp

Unofficial (Off-Site) Miami Cruise Ship Parking Lots and Garages

In addition to on-site parking, several off-site parking options are near the Disney Cruise Terminal. Here are a few examples as of the 2023 (the last year Disney cruises departed from Miami):

Safe Cruise Parking

Disney cruisers can park at the company’s secure and convenient facility located 2.5 miles from the Port of Miami. Safe Cruise Parking features a gated lot, luggage assistance, and complimentary shuttle buses that depart every 15 minutes, so getting to the ship is easy. For added comfort, the shuttle buses also provide restrooms and refreshments onboard.

The best way to ensure a hassle-free experience is to pre-book your Safe Cruise Parking space.

• Cost $14.97 per day
• Distance: 2.5 miles (a free shuttle service is available)
• Website:  https://neworleansparking.com

WePark offers an affordable parking solution in the heart of downtown Miami, perfect for those departing on a Disney Miami cruise. To ensure a smooth experience, they provide complimentary shuttle transfers to and from the port. You can park in garages or secure lots and even get your car washed while you are away!

Book ahead to ensure a hassle-free experience.

• Cost: $13.33 per day (3-day minimum)
• Distance: ~2 miles (a free shuttle is available)
• Website:  https://weparkinmiami.com/

Premier Cruise Parking

The Premier Cruise Parking facility is approximately 2 miles from the Port of Miami and provides indoor parking for cruise passengers. In addition, the facility provides a complimentary shuttle service to and from the cruise terminal. Note that the parking garage has a height restriction of 7 feet and cannot accommodate oversize vehicles. During busy times, a valet parking service is available for customers.

• Cost: $14.33 per day (3-day minimum)
• Website:  https://premiercruiseparking.com/

Parking at Nearby Hotels

Miami hotels with park & cruise packages are a great option for those who plan to stay over before their cruise. These hotels offer discounted (or free) parking while you cruise if you stay for a night.

The following hotels offer such packages:

Hilton Miami Downtown (Distance to Port: 2.2 miles)

The Hilton Downtown is a modern and stylish hotel located 2 miles from Disney’s Miami cruise port. It’s slightly less expensive than the DoubleTree and offers comfortable rooms. With the “ Park and Go ” package, you get seven nights of parking and a shuttle to the port. This hotel is a good choice for those seeking high-end accommodations near the port.

DoubleTree Biscayne Bay: (Distance to Port: 2.4 miles)

DoubleTree Biscayne Bay offers cruise parking and rooms ranging in price from $155 to $300. With their “ Park & Go  ” deal, you can leave your car while you cruise and save on parking costs, but there is a valet parking fee of $39 while you cruise. The hotel is situated on the water, offers views of cruise ships, and is within walking distance from the Frost Science Museum. The distance from the hotel to the port is 1.5 miles.

Hampton Inn & Suites Miami/Brickell-Downtown (Distance to Port: 2.9 miles)

The Hampton Inn & Suites Miami/Brickell-Downtown is located in downtown Miami, less than three miles from Disney’s Miami cruise port. The highly-rated hotel offers an exclusive “ Park, Stay, & Cruise ” package, which includes transportation for two to the port (one way) and discounted parking for up to a week at $14 per day, which is $8 less per day than parking at the terminal. However, this package is around $35 more than the regular flexible rate.

Please contact your Disney travel agent for more information about Disney cruises from Miami, including pre-or post-cruise stays.

Restaurants Near the Port of Miami

PortMiami offers a variety of dining options for travelers before or after their Disney cruise from Miami. Two popular restaurants are located right at the Port:  Seaman Cafe  and The Counter Burger. There are also dozens of fast food, casual, and fine dining establishments close to the Port Miami Bridge.

Here are some top recommendations close to the port:

• Bubba Gump Shrimp Co .: Casual seafood dining inspired by the classic film “Forrest Gump.”
• The Counter Burger : A fast-casual restaurant specializing in customizable burgers and creative toppings.
• Five Guys : Casual fast food chain known for its burgers and fries.”
• Hard Rock Cafe : Iconic rock and roll-themed restaurant serving classic American fare.
• La Mar by Gastón Acurio : Chic waterfront restaurant that serves contemporary Peruvian cuisine.
• Lombardis Miami Italian Restaurant : A classic Italian dining experience with a Miami twist.
• Pollos & Jarras : A traditional Peruvian restaurant serving succulent rotisserie chicken and grilled meats.
• Seaman Cafe : A casual American dining option with a full bar.

There are countless options for dining in Miami before or after a Disney cruise.

Airports for Disney Miami Cruises

Flying into Miami International Airport (MIA) is the most convenient option for reaching the Port of Miami (unless you prefer to drive and don’t mind paying for parking).

Which Airport Should I Fly Into for a Disney Miami Cruise?

The main airport for cruising out of Miami is  Miami International Airport  (MIA). It is located approximately 8 miles from the Port of Miami.

Another option is  Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport  (FLL), about 25 miles from the Port of Miami.

For cruises from Miami,  it’s best to fly into Miami International Airport since it’s much closer to the Port of Miami. However, there could be cheaper or more convenient flights to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport . In that case, you may prefer that option. However, you will still need to take a taxi, rideshare, or shuttle service (which is more expensive than transportation from MIA).

What is the Best Way to Get from the Miami Airport to PortMiami?

The most suitable and convenient mode of transportation from Miami International Airport to PortMiami depends on your priorities and budget. Renting a car is an option, but it can be expensive. A popular alternative is to take a rideshare, taxi, or shuttle service.

We prefer using  a rideshare app like Uber or booking Disney’s official airport shuttle .

If you are looking for the cheapest way to get to PortMiami, take a ridesharing app like Uber or a taxi. For a seamless Disney experience, the official shuttle from Disney Cruise Line is the best option. Even though it provides a smooth and stress-free experience, a per-person fee is associated with it, which can become expensive for a family.

The cruise terminal is only 8 miles away, but traffic can be unpredictable. So allow extra time for your trip.

How Much does an Uber Cost from the Miami Airport to PortMiami?

The price of an Uber ride can fluctuate significantly based on your selected vehicle type and the distance traveled. Here is a rough estimate of the cost for an Uber ride from Miami International Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to the Disney Cruise Line terminal located at the Port of Miami.

The estimated cost of an Uber from MIA to Port of Miami (8 miles):

• Uber X or Uber Green : $17.26
• Uber XL : $28.32

The estimated cost of an Uber from FLL to Port of Miami (25 miles):

• Uber X or Uber Green : $37.28
• Uber XL : $66.07

How Much are Taxis from the Airport to the Port of Miami?

Taxis offer convenient transportation to the Port of Miami but are more expensive than similar ridesharing services like Uber.

• Taxis are estimated to cost $39.44 from MIA to the Port of Miami.
• Taxis are estimated to cost $96.11 from FLL to the Port of Miami.

Adding a tip to your Uber or taxi fare will increase these estimates.

How Much are Shuttles from Miami Airport to the PortMiami Hotels?

The cost of shuttles from Miami International Airport to PortMiami-area hotels varies depending on the type of shuttle service you choose. Although shared shuttles are a budget-friendly alternative, they often have a per-person pricing structure which may not be the most cost-effective option for larger groups. In such cases, dedicated vehicles such as Uber, Lyft, or taxis may be a more economical choice, especially for families. Nevertheless, here are the airport shuttle options.

Official Disney Shuttles

Disney Cruise Line’s shuttle transfers provide a hassle-free way to travel between Miami International Airport, Port of Miami hotels, and the Port of Miami cruise terminal. With a  per-person cost of $21  per leg, round-trip transfers cost $63 if you stay at a hotel or $42 for airport-to-port transfers. While the price may seem steep for families, the convenience and seamless connection to your Disney experiences makes it a worthwhile investment. The drivers also handle your luggage, making the journey even more stress-free.

Booking these transfers is simple: schedule a pickup, and the shuttle will take you to your desired destination. Reservations are required with Disney Cruise Line or a Disney Travel Agent.

Unofficial Airport Shuttles

Several independent shuttle companies offer a range of options for cruise-goers, including shared bus service, private mini buses, limos, and other private and shared vehicle options.  Express Shuttle Miami, Jayride, GoAirportShuttle, AirportShuttles, and AmericanShuttle  provide reliable and cost-effective transportation solutions for individuals or larger groups. These independent shuttles are an excellent alternative for those who want more control over their transportation arrangements, and the pricing can vary dramatically based on the vehicle you choose.

Even with these third-party shuttles, we still recommend the Disney Cruise Line shuttle for its competitive pricing and reliable service.

For ground transfers, call DCL at (800) 951-3532 to verify availability or contact  The Vacationeer  for assistance.  The Vacationeer  can handle your arrangements, saving you time and stress.

Bundle Your Cruise, Hotel, and Ground Transit Into a Single, Carefree Package

Hotels Near the Port of Miami and the Airport

Image © Disney / Grupo Eurobuilding

It might be a good idea to arrive in Miami one or two days before your Disney Cruise. Doing this will minimize any potential disruptions or traffic issues upon your arrival and allow you to explore the vibrant city of Miami, Florida.

For those who plan to spend time in Miami before or after their Disney cruise, there are numerous top-notch hotels near PortMiami and Miami International Airport, offering an authentic taste of the area.

Here are some options:

Official Disney Pre/Post Cruise Hotels:

Disney previously partnered with two hotels in the Miami area for pre and post-cruise stays. These hotel accommodations could be included in your Disney Miami cruise package.

• EB Hotel Miami : The EB Hotel Miami is a stylish option for your pre or post-cruise stay. With its modern design, well-appointed guest rooms, and 5-star dining and service, this luxurious hotel has been created for discerning travelers. The EB Hotel Miami, located at 4299 NW 36th Street, is only 3 miles from Miami International Airport and 9 miles from the cruise terminal.
• Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami : Located in Miami’s tallest building, the Hyatt Centric Brickell provides stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay. Visitors can enjoy the unique shopping and dining experiences at Brickell City Center, soak in the sun on the picturesque beaches of South Beach, or immerse themselves in the iconic nightlife and art scene of Wynwood. The hotel is located at 1102 Brickell Bay Drive, approximately 7 miles from Miami International Airport and 3 miles from Disney’s cruise terminal.

For more information about these or other south Florida cruise hotels, please contact The Vacationeer .

Other Nearby Hotels:

Aside from the hotels partnered with Disney, there are numerous outstanding accommodation choices within a stone’s throw of Disney’s Port of Miami cruise terminal. Listed below are some of the nearest options.

• Holiday Inn Port of Miami-Downtown : The Holiday Inn Port of Miami-Downtown is an ideal choice for those seeking a pre or post-Disney cruise stay, offering a prime location just 1.1 miles from the Miami Port. The 3-star hotel features well-appointed rooms with modern amenities such as free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, high-pressure showerheads, and additional amenities such as an outdoor pool, fitness center, and an American restaurant.
• YVE Hotel Miami : Just 1.6 miles from the Port of Miami, this 3-star hotel offers convenient and stylish accommodations for pre- and post-Disney cruise guests. The modern rooms at YVE Hotel Miami offer free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and desks, many with city or bay views. Suites feature additional amenities such as mini-fridges, dining areas, and pull-out sofas. The hotel offers a gastropub serving New American dishes and a fitness center.
• InterContinental Miami, an IHG Hotel : The InterContinental Miami is an exclusive high-rise 4-star hotel with stunning views of Biscayne Bay. It’s just 1.9 miles from the Port of Miami, making it ideal for pre- or post-Disney cruise stays. Guests can indulge in luxurious rooms with bay views, club rooms with lounge access and complimentary breakfast, or spacious suites with living rooms. On-site amenities include an upscale Latin American restaurant, a coffee shop, a rooftop pool, an open-air café, a spa, and a 24/7 fitness center.

These three examples only serve as a sampling of what you can do in downtown Miami pre- or post-Disney cruise. Contact  The Vacationeer  to learn more.

Are You Ready to Book Your Disney Miami Cruise?

Are you dreaming of setting sail on a magical Disney Cruise from Miami or Fort Lauderdale? The Vacationeer , a Diamond-Level  Authorized Disney Vacation Planner , can help make your dream a reality. With their  expertise in Disney Destinations , they will guide you in finding the  best Disney cruise itineraries  for your family vacation or romantic getaway. Plus, they know how to  add an extra touch of magic  to every trip!

As your  dedicated travel planner ,  The Vacationeer  is there to answer all your questions and address your needs. So whether you’re looking for the  cheapest month to cruise , a  last-minute Disney cruise , or need  tips on saving money on your Disney cruise , they are committed to helping you achieve your vacation goals. And you’ll have the  same planner by your side from start to finish , ensuring a  seamless and stress-free planning  experience.

Don’t miss this opportunity to let  The Vacationeer  help you plan your dream Disney Cruise from Miami. Contact them today for a  free quote  and to learn about their  generous onboard credit  program. With their services being  completely free , what are you waiting for?  Book your Disney cruise  now!

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Accommodations

Theme parks, disney cruise line – what you need to know, cruise line ships, recent walt disney world, recent disneyland, all reviews, recent reviews, allears style, newsletter home, disney cruise line: port miami – everything you need to know.

This Florida hotspot is the perfect place to set sail from when exploring the Caribbean.

Getting to the Port

The port terminal is located at 1015 North America Way Miami, FL 33132. Parking is available for a fee of $24 per night.

Disney Cruise Line Transfer

Disney does offer transfers to and from the airport for $21 per person each way.

Things To Do Before or After a Cruise

Miami is famous for its beaches, notably the fabulous South Beach. Miami is also very close to 2 amazing national parks: Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park, the only living tropical reef within the continental U.S.

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Should You Take Disney Cruise Line Transportation? What You Need to Know.

by Jenn Marrazzo | Nov 9, 2023 | Disney Cruise Line

Heading on a Disney Cruise soon? Here’s why you should consider taking Disney Cruise transportation to the port.

Guests headed onboard a Disney Cruise from Port Canaveral in Florida are probably facing some exciting decisions as they get ready to sail. From what excursions they should book to any onboard extras, there are so many ways to personalize your Disney Cruise Line vacation. 

One thing that most people don’t consider is transportation to the port. How are you getting from Orlando International Airport or Walt Disney World to Port Canaveral and back? Well, one option to consider is to utilize official Disney transportation services.  We’re going to break down whether you should take Disney Cruise Transportation on your next sailing and what the alternatives are. 

Distance to Port Canaveral from Orlando

Port Canaveral is located on the East Coast of Florida and is parallel with Orlando. With that said, it is a little bit of a hike from the port to the Greater Orlando Area, so keep that in mind when visiting. 

Photo by Bill Ryan

Orlando International to Port Canaveral 

Orlando International and Port Canaveral are about 47 miles apart. Therefore, you can expect a ride of about 45 minutes back and forth. That is assuming there is no traffic, so always add on some extra time to account for Orlando traffic. 

Walt Disney World to Port Canaveral 

The Walt Disney World Resort and Port Canaveral are about 59 miles apart. The ride between the two is approximately one hour back and forth. Again, the closer you get to Disney, you could face some extensive traffic, so always prepare ahead of time if you are leaving for your cruise. 

Transportation Options to Port Canaveral 

There are a few ways to travel from Port Canaveral to Orlando. We’ll break down these different ways for you. 

Whether you are headed to Port Canaveral from Orlando International or decided to stay at Disney World for a few days before, one option is taking an Uber or Lyft to the Port. As we previously mentioned, Port Canaveral is a hike from both the airport and the parks, so the cost will reflect that. You can expect an Uber or Lyft to cost you around $100 or more given the distance. 

Official Disney Cruise Line Transportation 

The other option that guests can consider when embarking on a Disney Cruise is official Disney Cruise Line Transportation. This transportation will have you picked up at either the airport or at your Disney Resort and brought to the terminal in Port Canaveral. The transportation cost is $39/per person. To discuss specific options for your cruise and travel itinerary, call Disney Cruise Line at (800) 951-3532. 

Benefits of Disney Cruise Line Transportation

Earlier boarding group/port arrival.

One of the best parts about using Disney Cruise Line Transportation is that you arrive at the port early and therefore, are given an earlier boarding group to get onto your ship. That means your vacation starts early! These boarding groups are usually highly coveted and people will start their check-in exactly on the date it opens. But if you use a Disney Transfer, they will take care of that for you so you aren’t waiting around. 

Photo by Danny Shuster

Easy to Book and Guaranteed Pick Up

Booking a Disney Transfer is quite easy. Once you make your final payment for your cruise, you are able to book on the Disney Cruise Line app or website. You’ll be prompted to add transportation at either the beginning of your cruise, the end of your cruise, or both. 

Luggage Transfer

You are on vacation so don’t stress about carrying your luggage around. By simply adding your Disney Cruise Line luggage tag onto your luggage prior to pickup, you won’t have to worry about luggage at all. If you are staying at a Disney World resort hotel or at the Hyatt at Orlando International, a representative from Disney Cruise Line will come early in the morning to pick up your bags. It’s as simple as that… you’ll find them onboard in your room. 

If you are flying on the day of your cruise, Disney Cruise Line will pick up your luggage from baggage claim and bring it to the Port so that once again, you’ll find your luggage onboard. We love this perk and think this is totally worth the process.  

Entertainment on Board

When being picked up by Disney Cruise Line Transportation, you’ll have access to Disney entertainment onboard your bus. If you remember Disney’s Magical Express Service , you’ll receive similar entertainment to that. From Disney cartoons to information about the port, it’s a great way to keep the magic flowing right into your Disney Cruise. 

Downsides of Disney Cruise Line Transportation

As we mentioned, the Disney Transfer costs $39/per person. If you are a family of 4, you are looking at a cost of over $150 to use the service. While that might not be intriguing for some, it’s something to think about before you click that book button. 

Multiple Stops 

If you are being picked up at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, keep in mind that you will most likely be stopping at multiple resorts around WDW. Since there’s probably many guests who are being picked up, they will try to get as many people as possible onto the transfer. That means you’ll spend more time onboard the bus. 

You Have No Say in Pick-Up Time

If you are someone who doesn’t like the idea of being told when it’s time to leave, this service might not be for you. That’s because you have no say in the pick-up time for the bus. Disney will schedule this for you according to where you are being picked up and when they have the most demand. 

Should You Take It? 

While we broke down both the pros and cons of Disney Transportation, we highly recommend that you take the Disney Transportation. From not worrying about luggage to receiving an earlier boarding group, the pros outweigh the few cons we can find. 

FAQs of Disney Cruise Line Transportation

What’s the cost of disney cruise line transportation .

Disney Cruise Line Transportation costs $39 per person per way. 

Can you book Disney Cruise Line Transportation if you are flying into Orlando Airport the day of?

Absolutely! That’s one of the best parts! You’ll find a Disney Curise Line representative in the terminal ready to take you over to the port. But, remember, you must book this ahead of time. 

Will they pick you up at a Disney World Resort or at the Hyatt at Orlando Airport? 

Guests love the fact that Disney Cruise Line Transportation can whisk you from the parks to the ship. Sometimes people even stay at the Hyatt at Orlando Airport and you can also receive the service if you are staying there too. 

What happens if you get to the port before your port arrival time? 

By booking a Disney Cruise Line transfer, you’ll receive an earlier port time and boarding group to accommodate you if you arrive early. You won’t have to wait around outside if you get there earlier than expected. 

Is it easy to book? 

It sure is! Just visit the Disney Cruise Line app or use the Disney Cruise Line website after your final payment is submitted to purchase this add-on. 

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DCL Guide Disembarkation Miami and Port Canaveral

Last Updated on February 6, 2020

There are some important steps that should be taken in order to have an enjoyable and stress-free Disney Cruise Line disembarkation in Port Canaveral.

Part of that planning includes, how you are going to leave the cruise after your holiday is over, foreshadowing the end to fun sucks, but is super important.

Here we will detail a well-planned disembarkation process for your Disney Cruise vacation.

Making Debarkation Day Stressless

On the last full day of your cruise, there will be a video showing on one of the TV channels that spells out (in major detail) the disembarkation process.

In this video, the cruise director details everything you need to know.  They play this on a loop, all day for your convenience, so you will definitely be able to find the information that interests you.

Choose a Flight Time That’s Right for You

The last piece of the puzzle in making Debarkation Day go smoothly is your travel home.  For passengers that are flying home that day, Disney Cruise Line recommends that you not book a flight earlier than 11:30 am.  This will give you enough time to exit the ship, clear customs and make your way to the airport.

Because there are other guests boarding soon after you, and your fellow passengers debark, Disney wants everyone off as soon as possible so linger onboard is not an option. Don’t count on last-minute photo Ops, as it is a busy time for the ship.

Remember many airlines won’t allow you to check in until 4 hours (sometimes even 2 hours) before your flight departure time. Plan accordingly.

Disembarkation Information Letter

The night before you disembark is typically Pirate night onboard Disney Cruise Line ships. This is when your Stateroom Attendant will bring your disembarkation information letter. This is personalized to your holiday; including luggage tags, Magical Express information and anything else you will need to know in order to have a smooth transition from the ship.

Character Luggage Tags

Along with your disembarkation information letter, you will receive a number of character luggage tags. These are to be placed on the luggage you place outside of your door the night before disembarkation. Your luggage will be taken away around 10 pm and you will not see it again until the next morning once you have left the ship.

It is imperative that you remember which character, and colour , you are. Once you have disembarked, you will be directed to the cruise terminal building which will have large signs. Find your character and colour, and you will soon find your luggage.

Onboard Airline Check-in Debarkation Information / Airline Boarding Passes / Airline Luggage Tags (US Only)

With Disney Cruise Line’s onboard airline check-in program you can have your boarding passes printed for you on the ship and your checked luggage picked up from your stateroom, not to be seen again until you reach your destination airport. This is a complimentary service for eligible travellers.

Important Items of Note:

General requirements:.

• Be prepared for possible airline baggage fees which vary by carrier. Any applicable airline baggage fees will be added direct`ly to your shipboard account .
• Each piece of luggage can weigh no more than 50 lbs. (23 Kg.)
• You must have purchased DCL Ground Transporation.
• This is only for those disembarking in Port Canaveral or Miami after the cruise.
• Disney Cruise Line asks that you print the Onboard Airline Check-In form from the Disney Cruise Line site and present it during check-in.

Port Canaveral:

• Your flight must depart from Orlando International Airport (MCO) on the same day of disembarkation after 11:25 AM.
• You must be flying with one of these participating airlines: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, or United Airlines (Domestic Destinations Only).
• Your flight must depart from Miami International Airport on the same day of disembarkation after 11:30 AM.
• There are weight and quantity restrictions on your luggage and fees will be charged to your onboard account
• You must be flying with one of these participating airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, or United Airlines (Domestic Destinations Only).

Avoid lines at Shutters and Guest Services

On the last night of your cruise, everyone will queue to look through their photos at the onboard photo service Shutters lines may be quite long. If at all possible, take care of this earlier in the day. 

Attend the first See Ya’ Real Soon party

It’s a neat chance to get one last photo with the characters, as well as enjoy a farewell wave from all the characters onboard.  Often (but not always), two of these events are offered – one at 4:30 pm and one at 10:15 pm.  If you have the choice, attend the 4:30 show.  In our experience, it will be much less crowded, because people are just getting back on board from the day or still in their staterooms getting ready for dinner.

You have 3 choices with your luggage.

Express Walk Off

The first is to carry ALL of your luggage off the ship yourself, which DCL calls “Express Walk Off” .  If you do this, you do not need to use the character luggage tags that were left in your room.

Luggage Pickup in the Cruise Terminal

The second choice is what you need to do if you wish to claim your luggage in the cruise terminal building the next morning.  To do this you must put your luggage in the hallway, right outside your room door, no later than 10:00 PM on the last night of your cruise.  Be sure to put the character luggage tags on before you do this.  We always leave 2 carry -on bags with us so that we can put our toiletries and pyjamas in them the next morning. Also, don’t forget to leave a change of clothes out to wear the next day so that you don’t have to wear your pyjamas off the ship.

Onboard Airline Check-in

The third choice is what you need to do if you are participating in onboard airline check-in (and thus taking DCL transfers to the airport).  You need to put the airline luggage tags on your bags and put your luggage in the hallway, right outside your room door, no later than 10:00 PM on the last night.  You will not see them again until you get to your home airport.  You already have your boarding passes, so when you get to the airport the next morning, all you have to do is get off the bus and walk straight to security.

Debarkation Breakfast

You have 2 choices for breakfast unless you are concierge , and then you have 3.  

Main Dining Room

Your first option is to go to the main dining room at your assigned time and be served by your servers one last time.  If you have early dining, your breakfast will be about 6:45.  If you have late dining, it will be about 8:00. You will go to the same restaurant where you dined the night before on the final night of your cruise.  

If you do this, they will ask you not to leave any luggage in your room when you leave for breakfast so that your stateroom host can start cleaning your room ASAP. This means that you will have to bring your carry-ons with you if you set your luggage out the night before, or all of your luggage if you plan to do Express Walk Off.  There will be an area outside of the restaurant where everyone places their luggage while dining.

Buffet Restaurant Cabanas

Your second choice is to go to the buffet restaurant, Cabanas, for breakfast.

Order Room Service | Sailing Concierge ONLY

If you are sailing concierge, you have a third option .  You can order room service, but you will only be able to get cold items (fruit, cereal, pastries, etc).  All other mornings you can order hot items like pancakes, waffles, bacon, omelets, french toast, etc. but not on the final morning.  There will also be light breakfast offerings in the concierge lounge.

Important Timings

10:00 PM  the night before disembarking – all luggage must be in hallway unless you want to carry it off the ship.

6:45 AM  – Your breakfast time in the main dining room if you have early dining.

7:00 AM  – Buffet restaurant on the pool deck opens.

7:00-7:45 AM  – the most likely time range that the ship will be cleared by customs and an announcement will be made that those doing Express Walk Off may leave the ship.  It could be later than this but not likely.

8:00 AM  – You and your stuff must be out of your stateroom.

8:00 AM  – Your breakfast time in the main dining room if you have late dining.

9:00 AM  – If you are still on the ship, crew members will begin asking you nicely to leave.

Leaving the Ship

Your room key will be scanned one last time and there will be boxes as you leave for you to drop your comment cards into.  You will enter the terminal and go down an escalator into the luggage room.  

If you put your luggage out the night before and need to get it, you need to remember which character was on your luggage tags.  The room is very large and has sections labelled with a sign for each character.

Go to that section and look for your luggage.  They try to have all of your bags together in one spot so it should be quick and easy to locate all of your bags.  There will be porters available with carts to help you with your luggage if you need them. Once you have all of your luggage, you (and your porter if you use one) will proceed to the customs line. 

This is a good time to make sure you have a little bit of cash left. Don’t forget to tip your Porter accordingly.

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25+ Miami Hotels Near the Cruise Port With Shuttles (Free & Paid)

Planning to stay in Miami the night before your trip and need a hotel with a shuttle to the cruise port? That’s always a great idea.

With a hotel cruise shuttle, you don’t have to worry about how to get to your ship on embarkation day. The good news? Since Miami is such a tourist destination — especially for cruising — many hotels cater to passengers with shuttles to the port as a perk to attract customers.

To help you out, we’ve rounded up a list of more than two dozen hotels that offer a shuttle or other transportation to the ship while also being close to the Miami cruise port.

More Hotel Ideas: You can also click here to see inexpensive hotels near the Miami cruise port or see “Park and Cruise” hotels in the port area  that have parking for cheaper than at the pier.

Note: This article contains affiliate links to Kayak. We earn a commission for clicks made on their website, at no charge to you. For hotels that offer shuttles through a package, you may have to book through the hotel website. Review ratings come from either Google or TripAdvisor and are rounded to the nearest half point.

In This Article...

Miami Hotels Near the Port With Free or Included Cruise Shuttles

Looking for a free ride to the port? These hotels close to the cruise port offer shuttles to the ship at no cost or offer a package with transportation included. Note that you may have to book directly with the hotel for packages.

1. Hampton Inn Coconut Grove   As one of the best mixes of value and comfort, Hampton Inn is a good choice for cruise passengers. As you’d expect from the hotel chain, it offers of clean accommodations before your cruise. The location is a little farther than some other hotels on our list, but they offer a “Stay & Cruise” package on their website that includes a stay and a shuttle to the cruise port… plus a welcome drink.

• Price: $$-$$$ | Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5
• Distance to Port: 5.5 miles
• Shuttle: Included with package
• Phone: 305-448-2800

2. Hampton Inn Miami Airport South/Blue Lagoon   Hampton Inn is known for a solid hotel at a good value. This location is no different. The hotel sits just off the airport property to the south. Included in your stay are breakfast, use of the pool, business center, and fitness center. The hotels offers a “Stay and Cruise” package featuring one-way shuttle service for two to the cruise port. Additional riders are only $10 each. You can also just book the ride at check-in for $10. 

• Price: $$ | Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5
• Distance to Port: 8 miles
• Phone: 305-262-5400

Need a hotel, car, or flight for your cruise? Search below to find a deal.

3. EB Hotel Miami An AAA Four-Diamond Award winner, it’s no surprise this hotel gets near perfect reviews. If you’re flying in for a cruise, then you’ll appreciate that it’s right near the airport and has a 24-hour shuttle from MIA. In addition, the hotel offers a “Stay & Cruise” deal that includes an upgraded room, free breakfast, and a ride to the cruise port for two. Additional guests are $20.

• Distance to Port: 9 miles
• Phone: 305-324-6835

4. Hampton Inn Miami Airport East Another Hampton Inn option, the location is also near the airport, but on the east side of the facility. That makes it convenient if you are flying in and just want somewhere close to stay. It offers a package that features your room and one-way transportation to the port come cruise day. Conversely, you can just book the shuttle at check-in for $12 per person.

• Phone: 786-801-3136

5. Fairfield Inn & Suites Miami Airport South This Fairfield Inn is a great option for those flying in. It’s highly rated, affordable, and features a complementary airport shuttle. They also offer a “Pre Cruise” package that includes everything from breakfast to wi-fi, along with one-way transportation to the cruise port when it’s time to set sail. 

• Price: $$ | Review Rating: 4 out of 5
• Distance to Port: 7.5 miles
• Phone: 786-456-2100

6. Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon Perhaps the most unique location of any hotel in our list, the Hilton is more like a resort. It sits on a peninsula south of the airport, surrounded by water. In other words, you don’t have to worry about the noise of the city in this oasis. The hotel offers a package on their website that includes transportation to the port. You can also just book a room normally and then add up the shuttle. The trip takes approximately 25 minutes to get to the cruise terminal.

• Price: $$-$$$ | Review Rating: 4 out of 5
• Phone: 305-262-1000

7. Comfort Suites Miami Airport North   Located just north of the airport, this hotel is only about 8 miles from the cruise terminals. As you’d expect from the chain, you’ll get free wi-fi, breakfast, pool and fitness center with your stay. It also has free rides to and from the airport. For cruise passengers, this hotel also offers a free shuttle to the cruise port. As for value and convenience for passengers flying in, it’s tough to beat.

• Price: $$ | Review Rating: 4 out of 5
• Shuttle: Free with stay
• Phone: 305-888-8404

8. Comfort Inn & Suites Miami International Airport   A completely brand-new hotel right near the Miami airport, this hotel rolls out the carpet for cruise passengers. This includes a free airport shuttle and a free shuttle to the cruise port. As for the hotel, it is modern, clean and affordable. It also offers free wi-fi, a pool, and breakfast.

• Shuttle: Free with stay 
• Phone: 305-888-3633

9. Cambria Hotel Miami Airport – Blue Lagoon Sitting in the Blue Lagoon area just south of the airport, this highly rated hotel offers a location that’s convenient to your flight and away from much of the hustle and bustle since it sits lakeside. They also offer a “Cruise Package” that features transportation to the cruise ships for two, along with an upgrade to a lake view room. 

• Distance to Port: 11 miles
• Phone: 786-623-5113

10. Embassy Suites Miami International Just 15-20 minutes from the Port of Miami (and right next to the airport), Embassy Suites caters to both cruise passengers and those taking flights. Embassy Suites offers a “Cruise Package” that comes with a shuttle ride to the port for each person in the room. The rate is about $20 more than the base nightly rate in our search.

• Price: $$ | Review Rating: 3.5 out of 5
• Phone: 305-634-5000

Miami Hotels Near the Port With Paid Cruise Shuttles

Not every hotel offers free rides — or is near the trolley — but many offer cheap transportation to the cruise ships.

11. Hilton Miami Downtown An upscale hotel with great reviews, there is a lot to like about the Hilton Miami Downtown, including views of Biscayne Bay to put you in the mood for cruising. If you need a ride to the port, the concierge can arrange transportation, which costs just $8 per person and departs at 11 a.m. It’s suggested that you call to book your spot about three days before arriving.

• Distance to Port: 2 miles
• Shuttle: $8 per person
• Phone: 305-374-0000

12. Hampton Inn & Suites Miami/Brickell-Downtown   Just a short drive through downtown to the cruise port, this Hampton Inn offers a great location for those who want to be near the action in the heart of Miami. Best of all, they work with a shuttle company to offer a ride for $8 per person that leaves several times per day. Want to save money? You can also ride the Coral Way Trolley for free, that runs to the cruise port. The Brickell stop is just a short walk (0.2 miles) from the hotel.

• Distance to Port: 2.5 miles
• Phone: 305-377-9400

13. DoubleTree Biscayne Bay   This high-end hotel is one of the closest to the cruise port, and offers some of the most stunning views. It sits right on Biscayne Bay, where you can see the cruise ports docked just a mile or two away. The DoubleTree offers a shuttle over to the ships for $10 per person, but just know it doesn’t run on Tuesday and Wednesday. There are several departures each day over to the Port of Miami.

• Price: $$$ | Review Rating: 4 out of 5
• Shuttle: $10 per person
• Phone: 305-372-0313

14. Hilton Garden Inn Miami Airport West   One of the more comfortable hotels in the airport area, the Hilton Garden Inn is relatively new, which is always nice. Plus, with the Hilton’s shuttle you don’t have to worry about getting to the port. Rates to the port are $14 per guest, one-way. Departure times are at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

• Price: $$-$$$ | Review Rating: 4 out of 5
• Distance to Port: 9.5 miles
• Shuttle: $14 per person
• Phone: 305-629-7701

15. Hyatt Place Miami Airport-West/Doral   Want a well-reviewed hotel that’s a solid choice before your cruise? This is it. This hotel not only offers a third-party shuttle to the Miami cruise port for its hotel guests, but they will pick you up for your flight as well. The shuttle for the cruise port leaves at 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. on cruise days and costs $15 per person. Kids under 5 are free.

• Distance to Port: 11.5 miles
• Shuttle: $15 per person
• Phone: 305-718-8292

16. Homewood Suites by Hilton Miami Downtown/Brickell   Looking more like a modern condominium building than a hotel — and just a few minutes from the port in Brickell, near the downtown area — the Homewood Suites are a convenient option. It’s also clean and new. As for getting to the ships on cruise day, you’re literally just minutes away. There is a shuttle available for $15 per person, and the pickup time is between 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

• Phone: 305-285-7112

17. Holiday Inn Express Miami Airport Doral Area Located about 12 miles from the cruise port, the Holiday Inn Express near the airport doesn’t have it’s own shuttle, but can arrange a ride for you at check-in. The rate is $50 for up to three people. More than that is $15 per person. As for the hotel, it gets strong reviews, featuring updated rooms, breakfast, and a pool.

• Shuttle: $50 for up to three people
• Phone: 305-592-4799

Miami Hotels Near the Free Coral Way Trolley to the Port

Just because a hotel doesn’t offer a shuttle doesn’t mean you can’t get a free ride. The city has the Coral Way trolley, which runs to the cruise port. It runs from 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. most days (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays), and it’s free to ride. For more, see the trolley website or our coverage of the Coral Way trolley here .

All of the following hotels are within a short walk of a Coral Way trolley stop to get you to the cruise terminals.

18. The Guild Downtown X Miami If worse comes to worst, you could technically walk between this hotel to the cruise port, but no need. The Coral Way trolley stops right by the hotel. As for your stay, the hotel bills itself as an “oasis of calm” in downtown Miami. It’s trendy, artsy, and modern, with a location that’s tough to beat.

• Price: $$-$$$ | Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5
• Distance to Port: 1 mile
• Shuttle: Near free trolley stop
• Phone: 512-623-7480

19. Novotel Miami-Brickell Interested in a hotel with a rooftop infinity pool overlooking Miami? Then you’ll want to know more about the Novotel Miami-Brickell. It’s about a mile or two south of downtown, so close enough to be near the action but not to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Meanwhile, it’s highly rated, earning 4.5 out of 5 on Google. Meanwhile, the free trolley stop to the port is just a couple of blocks away.

• Distance to Port: 3 miles
• Phone: 786-600-2600

20. Hyatt Regency Coral Gables A posh Mediterranean-style hotel, the Hyatt Regency would cost a fortune were it located in downtown. In Coral Gables it can still be pricey, but you can find rooms under $200 per night. On-site is a large pool, fitness center, restaurants, and more. And while the hotel is about 10 miles from the cruise ships, the stop for the trolley is just a few hundred feet away.

• Phone: 305-441-1234

21. Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables Looking for a high-end hotel in swanky Coral Gables that can also get you to the cruise port? Hotel Colonnade is fancy, but sits right on the Coral Way trolley stop. In addition to the high-end stay, there are a number of shopping and restaurant options right nearby.

• Price: $$$ | Review Rating: 4.5 out of 5
• Distance to Port: 10 miles
• Phone: 305-441-2600

22. Holiday Inn Port of Miami-Downtown It’s hard to get much closer to the cruise ships than staying at the Holiday Inn downtown. Just over the bridge from the port, you can be at your ship in about five minutes. It’s also right across from the Bayfront Marketplace, which has lots of shopping and restaurants. From here, you can also catch the trolley over to the ship.

• Distance to Port: 0.5 miles
• Phone: 305-371-4400

23. YVE Hotel This hotel is right on Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami and just about five minutes from the port. In fact, from some rooms you can actually see the cruise ships. It’s a trendy, modern hotel as you’d expect in the middle of a cosmopolitan mecca.  While they don’t offer a shuttle, you could literally walk to the ship (you do have to cross the causeway), or walk just across the street to the Coral Way stop that heads to the port.

• Phone: 305-358-4555

24. Hyatt Regency Miami A spot right on the Miami River, this upscale hotel offers a high-end experience while visiting Miami. Pick an outward facing room and you’ll have views of Biscayne Bay and Brickell Key, and you might be able to catch a peek of the cruise ships as well. It’s only a couple of blocks to the trolley stop that can take you to the port.

• Distance to Port: 1.5 miles
• Phone: 305-358-1234

25. Eurostars Langford Simple, clean, and modern, the Eurostars Langford has a gorgeous mid-century modern feel to the rooms that’s mixed with the modern vibe of downtown Miami. Headed to the cruise port? It’s only two miles away. Best of all, the Coral Way trolley can get you there for free within minutes.

• Phone: 305-420-2200

26. Extended Stay America — Downtown/Brickell   While many hotels in downtown Miami are trendy boutique hotels, you can still find affordable, comfortable options. One of the cheaper options in the downtown/Brickell area, the Extended Stay America offers comfortable accommodations at a reasonable price. This spot puts you in the middle of the Miami scene, and literally right at the trolley stop.

• Phone: 305-856-3700

27. Hotel Indigo Hotel Indigo is known as a chain of hotels that offers a more “boutique” experience (think modern and hip instead of boring). This spot is in the heart of Brickell, a Miami neighborhood just south of downtown and close to the cruise ports. You are also within walking distance of a lot of restaurants, and the Coral Way trolley.

• Phone: 305-860-3874

28. Aloft Miami-Brickell In our opinion, this hotel just screams Miami. It’s hip, modern, and trendy, with a vibe that’s bright and colorful just like the city. Stay here and you’ll be just south of downtown and all that it has to offer. Ready to get to the ship? The trolley car route runs just a block from the hotel. Hop on for free and then you can be in the port without having to worry about any shuttle.

• Phone: 305-854-6300

29. Extended Stay America – Miami – Coral Gables Coral Gables is some distance from the port, but the Coral Way trolley runs between the cruise port and the city. That means you can get a hotel here — often for cheaper than staying downtown — and still get a free ride to the port. The Extended Stay is a mid-level hotel, and we found rates for about $100 a night in some cases. The trolley stop is just a half-block away.

• Phone: 305-443-7444

30. Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Sitting right on the Miami River that cuts through downtown Miami, this Comfort Suites is a combination of affordable, but also in the heart of it all. It’s also just over a mile to the cruise terminals. The hotel itself is nothing fussy, making it perfect for people searching for a low-key place to stay. The trolley stop is just a couple of blocks away.

• Phone: 305-374-5100

Hotels Near the Miami Cruise Port (Transportation Not Provided)

While not every hotel offers a shuttle to the port, you can catch an Uber or Lyft from nearby hotels — often for just about $10, or less than paying for a hotel shuttle. These hotels are all near the Miami cruise port.

31. Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay From your room at this highly-rated hotel, you should be able to see the cruise ship if you have a view facing the bay. Surprisingly, we called the hotel and they told us they don’t offer transportation to the port despite the short distance. Even so, an Uber of Lyft would be quick and inexpensive to get to the ship.

• Phone: 305-374-3900

32. Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Wynwood Design District This hotel is just north of downtown Miami and about 10 minutes away from the cruise port. It’s also convenient to the freeway that runs to Miami Beach if you want to go see the famous South Beach before you catch the ship. As well, as a Hampton Inn, you can have confidence that it will offer a great stay.

• Phone: 786-581-0600

33. Hilton Garden Inn Miami Brickell South   South of downtown, this hotel is a good idea for those who want to be close to the port, but don’t want to stay in a busy spot. In fact, you can have three different views — the bay, the city, or the pool. Meanwhile, you are still near a lot of things to do in see. Most importantly, you’ll be about a 10-15 minute ride to the cruise port on embarkation day.

• Distance to Port: 3.5 miles
• Phone: 305-854-2070

34. Courtyard Miami Airport South   Just minutes from MIA (and with a free airport shuttle), The Courtyard Miami Airport offers comfortable accommodations. It also has a surprising amount of outdoor area for you to relax. From here, you can get to the port in about 15 minutes and the ride should only be about $10-15. Staying near the airport is more affordable than staying right near the port, and convenient if flying in.

• Price: $-$$ | Review Rating: 4 out of 5
• Phone: 305-642-8200

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there inexpensive hotels near the Miami port with shuttles? When it comes to Miami, you should expect to spend some money. That said, there are some deals on hotels if you look around. In particular you’ll find cheaper hotels around the airport. The area near the cruise port and downtown tends to have higher-end accommodations. Here are a few options:

• Hampton Inn Miami Airport South/Blue Lagoon
• Comfort Suites Miami Airport North
• EB Hotel Miami

Can I leave my car at the hotel while I cruise? Parking at the Port of Miami is expensive. You can save by selecting a hotel close to the port with a shuttle and that lets you leave your car. A number of hotels have “park and cruise” specials that offer just the thing. See our article on Miami hotels with cruise parking .

What area of Miami should I stay? The city offers a lot of options depending on your needs. Want to see the classic Miami beach scene? Try a hotel in South Beach, about 10 minutes from the port. Simply want somewhere affordable to stay? Hotels near the airport can be just the thing. Just want to be near the port? Try the downtown or Brickell areas which are nearby but also have a lot to do.

More on Cruising From Miami

Getting to the Port of Miami — Transportation options from airports and the Miami area to the cruise port. Everything you need to know to get to the port and start your vacation.

Miami Cruise Parking — Parking at the port? We’ve got you covered with all your parking options, including costs and discounts.

Miami Park and Cruise Hotels — If you plan to stay in Miami the night before your cruise, look at this list of hotels that offer cruise parking with a one-night stay.

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

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Thank you for making this. It has proven invaluable in my search for hotels that both offer transportation from the airport, and transportation to the cruise terminal. I appreciate that you even broke it down by prices, and amenities offered.

It’s always good to find quick and reliable services before you go on your trip. Thank you for the suggestions for looking for a good hotel to meet the needs of travel with shuttles to your port etc. Thanks for the list of hotels that include these services.

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Disney Cruises from Miami

Departing from Miami, Florida , Disney Cruise Line offers cruises to some of the world's most exotic locations and ports around the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Embarking on a Disney Cruise Line voyage from Miami leads you to the enchanting islands of the Caribbean. These cruises offer passengers the unique chance to explore sparkling turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, and diverse marine life, creating unforgettable family memories. Combining Disney's unmatched storytelling and service with the natural beauty of the Caribbean creates a vacation experience unlike any other. Imagine the magic of Disney, with the warm Caribbean sun and tranquil seas as your backdrop.

Disney Cruise Line has made its mark in the industry as a family-friendly cruise line that infuses Disney magic into every aspect of the cruise experience. Cruising to the Caribbean from Miami, the line employs its classic fleet, including the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, known for their elegance, innovation, and attention to detail. Despite offering a premium cruise experience, Disney Cruise Line remains reasonably priced, making it a popular choice among families. This cruise line merges the allure of a Disney vacation with the fascination of the Caribbean, making it an attractive option for families, Disney enthusiasts, and sea lovers alike.

Disney Cruise Line Ships

On or any other ship operated by Disney Cruise Line, there is always something fun to do. Every Disney cruise ship is a floating wonderland with numerous amenities and services to enjoy. Unforgettable Broadway-style Disney musicals, first-run Disney movies, and deck parties with fireworks at sea will keep you entertained. While kids are off on their own Disney adventures in the youth clubs, adults can retreat to exclusive adult-only areas, including a tranquil pool, nightclubs, and specialty dining. Character meet-and-greets, a water coaster at sea, and themed play areas make a Disney Caribbean cruise a true family adventure.

Disney Cruise Line provides a broad range of package options to customize your Caribbean cruise experience. From spacious staterooms that perfectly cater to families, to diverse dining packages offering both casual fare and upscale cuisine, there's something for every preference. Disney Cruise Line also offers numerous beverage and spa packages, enhancing your relaxation and indulgence on board. Their selection of shore excursions allows you to explore the Caribbean's most charming spots, steeped in culture, history, and natural beauty.

Cruises from Miami

Miami, a lively, cosmopolitan city with Cuban influences, serves as an exciting starting point for Disney Cruise Line’s Caribbean adventures. The modern Port of Miami is renowned for its efficiency and excellent facilities, ensuring a smooth embarkation and disembarkation process for all Disney cruises. Miami itself offers a host of attractions, from its stunning beaches and vibrant neighborhoods to its world-class dining and nightlife, providing a delightful prelude or closing chapter to your cruise journey.

Disney Cruise Line from Miami itineraries and cruise ship schedule

Choosing a Disney Cruise Line Caribbean cruise from Miami promises an enchanting voyage filled with Disney magic, coupled with the serene beauty of the Caribbean Sea. As you depart from the vibrant city of Miami, the anticipation of the adventure that lies ahead will fill your heart. Disney Cruise Line combines world-class service, immersive storytelling, and diverse Caribbean destinations to create a vacation that caters to the desires of every family member. Step aboard and let the magic of Disney guide you through the Caribbean's captivating allure.

Disney Cruise Line Cruise Ship Schedule from Miami

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Parking and Port Information

Port canaveral.

DCL Terminal Parking info Source:  http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/bahamas/ports/port-canaveral-florida/departure-port-information/

Parking The parking facility is staffed from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for Guests parking their vehicles prior to embarking the ship. The parking lot and garage are paved, gated and under 24-hour surveillance.

Parking fees are charged when you enter the parking facility instead of upon leaving. Parking attendants will provide a receipt to the Guests upon entry of the parking facility.

Guests are charged for every day their vehicle is in the lot/garage, which includes the day of arrival and the day of departure from the cruise.

Parking costs are based on cruise itinerary. See below:

• $68.00 per parking space for the 3-night cruise
• $85.00 per parking space for the 4-night cruise
• $102.00 per parking space for the 5-night cruise
• $119.00 per parking space for the 6-night cruise
• $136.00 per parking space for the 7-night cruise
• $153.00 per parking space for the 8-night cruise
• $170.00 per parking space for the 9-night cruise

If the Guest’s vehicle takes up more than one parking space (i.e. RV, trailer), the guest is charged $15.00 per additional parking space per day.

Preferred parking is also available for $25.00 per day. The preferred parking area is located inside the secured area, next to the vehicle dropoff area.

Guests enter via the car gate, drop off their luggage and then make a left turn in to the preferred parking area. There are total of 113 spaces, including 6 accessible spaces. Parking in the preferred area is on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the size of the lot, there is no over-sized vehicle parking available in the preferred parking area.

The Port Canaveral Port Authority operates the parking facility. Cash, Visa and MasterCard are the only acceptable forms of payment. Personal checks are not accepted.

Rates are subject to change without notice.

All Guests must be on board the ship by 3:45 p.m.

Port Canaveral Parking Website 

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PORT OF MIAMI

Cruise Terminal 

Port of Miami Port Blvd. Miami, FL 33132

Port Of Miami Website

Parking reservation is not required at the Port of Miami.

There’s a free shuttle service from the parking garage that will bring you to the appropriate cruise terminal of your choice.

Effective December 1, 2017

• Overnight Parking, per night : $22
• Short-term Parking : $8
• Vehicles longer than 20 feet : An additional $22 per day

Payment All of our garages and Lot E accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or any major U.S. Traveler’s Check.  No debit cards are accepted.

Other Parking Areas for Port of Miami

Premier Parking USA  –  https://www.airportparking.top/premierparkingusa.html

Port of Miami Parking –  http://www.portofmiamicruiseparking.com

Safe Cruise Parking –  http://www.safecruiseparking.com

GALVESTON PORT AND PARK

http://www.portparking.com/

NEW YORK MANHATTAN TERMINAL

Cruise Terminal Manhattan Cruise Terminal 711 12th Ave, New York, NY 10019 (212) 641-4441

https://www.nycruise.com/manhattan-terminal/

Parking reservations are not available at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.

Parking fee: $40 per night with taxes included and no up charge for SUVs (subject to change)

The vehicle height restriction is 8 ft. 3 in.

The parking terminal opens at 8 am. Upon debarkation, you must check your car out by 1 pm.

Payment can be made by cash, Visa, or MasterCard only at the port upon arrival.

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Taking Disney Cruise Line Transportation

Updated December 29, 2023.

A popular question is how to get to the port for your Disney Cruise. You have a bunch of options. You can take your car and park at the port if you live within driving distance. Renting a car is another popular option. Some people opt to Hire a driver and car to get there or use Lyft/Uber. In Europe, it can be easy to take public transportation to the port. You can also use Disney Cruise Transportation to get us to the port.

In the past, we have taken a taxi and used a car rental to get to the port. The easiest way to get to the port is to take the Disney Cruise transportation. We have used the transfers a few times in Port Canaveral and London . Disney usually offers transfers from the airport or hotel (Disney Resort hotels or pre- and post-cruise hotels).

Port Canaveral

We decided to make things easy for our last cruise and take Disney Transportation to and from the port. If you are sailing from Port Canaveral, you have two choices if you take Disney Transportation. You can catch the bus at the airport or at Walt Disney World. Transfers are $39 per person in each direction to and from Port Canaveral, prices are current for August 2022.

Prices are increasing in 2024 to $45 per person in each direction.

We arrived in Orlando two days before our cruise and stayed at Coronado Springs. The day before the cruise, and spent the day at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. When we returned to our room, we had a letter explaining what we needed to do for our bus ride the next day.

Dear Family We hope you’ve enjoyed your Walt Disney World® Resort stay. Below are a few important things to remember as you get ready to embark on an unforgettable voyage with Disney Cruise Line. Bell Services will begin luggage pick-up at 7:00 AM (EST) on the morning of your sailing. Please place the luggage you wish transferred to the ship inside your resort room (with Disney Cruise Line luggage tags attached) near the entrance door. You do not need to be present for your luggage to be collected. Should you need additional Disney Cruise Line luggage tags, they may be obtained at the Bell Services Desk. All Guests with Disney Cruise Line ground transfers are invited to meet with a Disney Cruise Line representative in the Barcelona Lounge located in the lower level of Gran Destino Tower at CoronadoSpring at 8:15 AM (EST) for an 8:45 AM (EST) motorcoach departure. Photo identification for all Guests 16 years of age and older is required to board the motorcoach. Upon check-in at Port Canaveral, if you have completed Online Check-in at www.disneycruise.com, please be prepared to provide proof of citizenship for all members of your party. If you have not completed Online Check-In, you will have until 11:59 PM (EST) the day before embarkation to complete. In order to sail, every Guest must individually create an account associated with their reservations) on the Safe Passage website by Inspire Diagnostics and upload their proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test result. Inspire Diagnostics is Disney Cruise Line’s third-party partner for COVID-19 testing and vaccination verification. A parent or legal guardian will need to use their own account to provide this information on behalf of minors. On the morning of embarkation all Guests will receive an email with a link to complete a health questionnaire prior to arriving at the port. Face coverings are optional for all Guests (ages 2 and up, including those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19) on the motorcoach and in the terminal. It is recommended you bring a day bag to carry with you to Port Canaveral that includes: Port Arrival Form Proof of citizenship and photo identification Valuables, medication, and anything else you may need on the first day of your cruise Any alcohol you plan to bring onboard in accordance with our alcohol policy and must be packed in your carry-on luggage Should you have any questions, please call us at 1-800-395-9374, option 1. Again, we hope you have enjoyed your stay. Bon Voyage and enjoy your cruise!

They came to pick up our luggage around 7:10am. We were told anytime after 7:00am. We met in the Barcelona lounge at 8:15am. At the lounge, a Disney Cruise Line representative approached each party. She checked that we were on the transfer list and checked our passports.

Around 8:45, we headed to the bus and were on the bus by 8:50. We stopped to pick up a couple of people at Caribbean Beach at 9:15. Our driver entertained the bus by playing the Teenage Mutant NinjaTurtles movie from 1990. The bus was not a DCL-themed bus and was missing the usual Disney bus entertainment videos.

Arriving at Port

By 10:10, we had our first glimpse of the Disney Fantasy. When we arrived at the terminal, they separated the guests that still needed to test from those who had uploaded their results. (Note we travelled in August 2022, and the covid rules have since changed, check the know before you go on the DCL website for the latest rules.).

We were at the terminal and off the bus by 10:16. From there, we went into a nearly empty security line. It took only a few minutes to go through. My sister had a cinnamon roll from Magic Kingdom that she had to throw out because it was open (you can’t bring fresh or unsealed packaged foods on the ship). I think we must have been on one of the first buses to arrive at the terminal.

Checking In

After leaving the security area, we headed to the terminal waiting area at 10:30. Our boarding group was #3. The B2B passengers were waiting in the terminal, we were even asked if we were part of the B2B group. You can see how empty the terminal was.

The family sitting next to us was chosen as the family of the day—a bonus for arriving so early. We boarded at 11:50, so it was a bit of a wait, but we were comfortable, and the time went by quickly. While we waited to board, we had a chance to look at the navigator and see what activities were available. You can also find out your dining rotation and when the staterooms will be available.

Transfers Port to Airport

We also booked transfers back to the airport at the end of the cruise. Our flights were not until after 1pm, so we didn’t need to rush off the ship. They will want you off the ship by 9:30. Usually, they will call you to disembark based on the luggage tag you were given last night. On this cruise, they called open disembarkation before we finished breakfast.

We picked up our luggage and went through border control. Once we were through the secure area, we followed the signs to Disney Transfers. There are lots of Castmembers along the way to ask for directions. We boarded to bus around 9:15, and the bus was on its way by 9:30.

Pros of Taking DCL Transfers

• Disney takes care of your luggage
• You arrive at the port early
• You are dropped off inside the secure port area
• Disney knows you are on the bus and will wait for the bus to arrive
• It feels like you have already started your vacation once you are on the bus

Cons of taking DCL Transfers

• The cost, if you are a larger family, the price of the transfers can really add to the cost of the cruise, there may be cheaper options
• It was an early start when they came to get our luggage at the resort. We were excited to get going, so it may not be a con for everyone.

Hopefully, this has given you an idea of what to expect if you take Disney transfers from Port Canaveral. You can read about our experience taking transfers from London and learn more about the current cost of transfers at each port.

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Disney Cruise and Stay Miami: Easy Pre-Cruise Options

Are you looking for the best hotel to stay in Miami before a Disney cruise? Well you’re in the right place!

If you are planning to cruise out of Port of Miami, you are probably wondering where to stay the night before your trip. The Miami area provides so many different hotel options near the cruise port that it can feel a bit overwhelming when trying to find the best one.

If you are traveling with kids, you more than likely want a resort or a hotel that will meet the needs of little ones. So, what is the best hotel in Miami for your Disney cruise?

Those families looking for a bit of luxury (along with some amazing amenities for the whole family) should consider booking the Four Seasons Hotel Miami through Disney Cruise Line.

This hotel is near the port and offers kid-friendly restaurants and super fun pools. My family and I stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel Miami the night before our Disney cruise on the Disney Magic cruise ship.

The outstanding service and easy transportation options to the port really sold me on this hotel. In this post, I will provide a full review of our pre cruise stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Miami, including all the fantastic amenities it provided for our kids!

Disney Hotels Miami

My family and I have cruised out of Port Canaveral on several occasions, and we find it super easy. We like to spend our pre-cruise night at the hotel inside the Orlando airport.

Not only is this hotel conveniently located for those flying into Orlando, but it’s also a short walk to the Disney Cruise Line shuttle service to the port. The morning of your cruise, you just board the Disney Cruise Line bus to head to Port Canaveral.

After booking a cruise out of Miami, I wanted to find a Disney cruise and stay option that was equally convenient as the one in Orlando. Since we didn’t want to spend our pre cruise night staying at the hotel inside the Miami airport, I decided to research the Disney hotels in Miami.

During our trip, Disney Cruise Line offered the choice of two different hotels in the Miami area for pre cruise stays: EB Hotel and Four Seasons Miami. The first hotel option was located near the airport. However, it was going to require a lot of back and forth travel the morning of our cruise.

Since we wanted to see a bit of the city of Miami in the most convenient way, I ultimately decided to book the Four Seasons Hotel Miami through Disney Cruise Line.

Because I reserved our hotel room as part of our cruise package, Disney Cruise Line took care of the travel organization for us. This included the use of the Disney shuttle from the Four Seasons Hotel to the Port of Miami. 

Disney Cruise Miami Port Hotels

Disney Cruise Line sometimes changes their preferred hotels at cruise ports. Regardless of which hotel you choose to book, you can add-on the use of the Disney Cruise Line ground transportation to easily get from one place to another.

Note that you don’t have to book ground transfers through Disney as you can choose to drive yourself, hire a car service, or use a ride share company. However, my experience has been with flying into the Miami airport and utilizing the Disney ground transfers. Therefore, I will explain how that works below.

If you book one of the Disney cruise Miami port hotels and the transportation service, your arrangements may go one of two ways:

First, if your hotel is near the airport (like the EB Hotel), you will take the EB Hotel’s shuttle to the hotel after you arrive at the airport. On embarkation day, you will take the EB shuttle back to the Miami airport where you’ll board a Disney Cruise Line shuttle to the port.

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A second way that your arrangement may work is that DCL will arrange for a driver to pick you up at the Miami airport. The driver will take you to the Miami Disney hotel that you booked. On the morning of embarkation day , a shuttle organized through Disney Cruise Line will pick you up at the hotel to take you to the port.

Either way, my family and I find that booking our hotel and transportation through Disney Cruise Line really allows us to start our vacation on a relaxing tone. If you’re curious about Disney’s current Miami hotels, you can check out their options here .

Four Seasons Hotel in Miami

If the Four Seasons Hotel Miami is available for your upcoming Disney cruise, you may be interested in a full review of the hotel. In that case, we will provide an account of our time spent at this beautiful hotel below.

My husband and I had never visited Miami, and we had quite frankly heard mixed reviews of the city. We ended up being pleasantly surprised by the downtown Miami area.

The Four Seasons Hotel is located in the financial district of downtown Miami on Brickell Avenue. This hotel and the surrounding buildings all looked clean and modern.

Locals and tourists walked and jogged right in front of the hotel, so it seemed to be in a safe area of the city. We passed a few grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants on our drive to the hotel. 

The arena where the Miami Heat basketball team plays is also located near the Four Seasons Hotel. In fact, we saw several of the opposing team’s players leaving the Four Seasons as we arrived. My husband was in heaven!

Right as we arrived, this bellman grabbed our luggage and walked us into the ground floor entrance to the Four Seasons. You have to take an elevator up to the seventh floor where the hotel lobby is located. This is also where you find the pool terrace.

The check-in process was super simple, and the Four Seasons had our room ready even though we had arrived before the official check in time. 

Once we completed check-in, a Four Seasons employee wheeled over a wagon full of stuffed animals. She welcomed us to the hotel and told my two girls that they could each choose a plush toy to keep. 

Then, she asked my husband and I if we would each like a glass of wine from a table in the lobby. Um, sure!! We then headed up to our room with wine and stuffed animals in hand. 

Four Seasons Miami Hotel Room

The same friendly bellman brought our luggage to the room right after we arrived We changed into our swimsuits so we could enjoy the pools before the sun set.

I snapped some photos of the hotel room before we headed out. Below, you can see just how nice the Four Seasons Miami hotel rooms are for families.

Our specific room featured a king-sized bed and a small sitting area. (Since I added the hotel room to our cruise package kind of last minute, the rooms with two beds were sold out.)

This wasn’t a big deal at all though. We just called housekeeping and asked for a rollaway bed. We are okay with fitting three of us in a king bed, but four people would be pushing it.

The room attendant who set up the cot told me that the Four Seasons also provides bed rails upon request. We decided not to use the rails; though. Instead, I just pushed the rollaway bed against the window seat pictured above.

I slept on the rollaway cot with my toddler. It was actually one of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept in! You can see the rollaway bed pushed up against the window seat in the picture below.

The desk in the room held some additional information about the hotel. It also contained a calendar of events for the month we were visiting.

I thought this was a really nice touch as it listed sporting events, concerts, festivals, etc. taking place in Miami during your stay. If you planned on staying in Miami for multiple nights, you could easily find activities based on the events in the pamphlet.

Although we didn’t consume any of the beverages, the Four Seasons hotel rooms offer a mini bar with snacks and drinks for an additional cost. You will also find a coffee/espresso machine in the room, which is free to use.

Overall, the room was the perfect size for the four of us, and the bathroom just blew us away! My six-year-old was highly impressed with the size and amenities in the bathroom.

You can see from the photos above that the bathroom included a large shower, separate tub, vanity, and robes.

Once we organized the hotel room with the rollaway bed, we headed outside to enjoy the multiple pools at the Four Seasons. As you enter the pool terrace, you will see a stand with towels and refreshments.

This is where you can pick up and return your pool towels. Ice water and sunscreen are also offered for guests to use for free. Since we were visiting in the month of December, I was worried that the outside temperature would feel too cold to swim.

However, the weather happened to be sunny with a high in the mid 80’s during our December stay. The main pool is the first pool you pass after the towel stand.

This pool sees a lot of shade during the afternoon hours, so it didn’t feel super warm to us. This is probably welcomed in the hot and humid summer months though. 

You will see several cabanas next to this main pool, and they look really cute and cozy. I believe they were first come first serve during our visit.

Only one cabana was being used while we were there, so they had plenty of availability. Again, this may not be the case during hot summer months, though.

Once you walk past the main pool, you see the really shallow Palm Grove Pool. This amazingly beautiful swimming area features palm trees with hammocks. 

Since this pool was in the sunshine and featured shallow water for our toddler, we almost put our belongings down here. However, we quickly noticed the little kids’ swimming area. This small outdoor section is in a gated area, and it held both toddler and adult sized loungers. 

The kiddie pool play area also offered a giant Connect 4 game to play, which was really fun for our older daughter.

We claimed a spot by this kiddie pool because it was in the sun, and it allowed our toddler to have more freedom to roam around in an enclosed space. 

Restaurants

The Four Seasons has several restaurants on property, but my family and I chose to eat dinner at Bahia. This pool lounge was the perfect dining spot for us since we were still wearing swimsuits and coverups.

Bahia wasn’t busy at all, so we were able to easily grab a table. A server came out to take our orders immediately. 

My husband has dietary restrictions, and the waiter was able to recommend some gluten free options for him to try. I had the tacos, and they were really good as well. I’m including a photo of the kids’ menu below for those who are interested.

My toddler ordered the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and it came grilled. I’m not going to lie; I think I ate half of it myself because it was just so good!

In Room Dining

The next day, we ordered room service for breakfast to help our morning with little ones run more smoothly.

The menu for In Room Dining is in your room at check-in, and I have included photos of it below.

Our food arrived promptly and tasted delicious. After eating, we headed down to the ground floor lobby to wait for the motor coach that would take us to Port of Miami for our Disney cruise.

You can read our full review of that trip in our Disney Cruise Trip Report from Miami .

Final Thoughts on Disney Cruise and Stay Miami

My family and I really enjoyed our experience at the Four Seasons Hotel in Miami since Disney Cruise Line made the process so seamless. If you are sailing out of Miami and looking for a hotel near the port, we highly recommend the Four Seasons Hotel.

If your Disney sailing offers different hotels near the Port of Miami, rest assured that the process should run just as smoothly as the one we experienced above. You can easily call DCL to add the hotel stay (and/or transportation) onto your cruise package.

Then, just sit back and relax and Disney Cruise Line handles all the stress of your pre cruise travel needs! We hope you have an amazing time on your Disney cruise from Miami no matter which hotel you ultimately choose to book.

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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Florida Limo Transportation Services

Premium Ground Transportation to Disney Cruise Line from Fort Lauderdale

Welcome to infinity transportation – your gateway to magical disney cruise adventures.

Are you planning an enchanting voyage with Disney Cruise Line , departing from the picturesque Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale? Look no further than Infinity Transportation for all your ground transportation needs. We specialize in providing seamless, luxurious transfers for groups of all sizes, whether you’re arriving from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Miami International Airport (MIA), Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), hotels, or homes.

Why Choose Infinity Transportation for Your Disney Cruise Line Journey?

Premium Comfort: Your Disney Cruise Line experience begins the moment you step into our comfortable, well-appointed vehicles. Relax in style as we chauffeur you to the cruise terminal.

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11 Reason To Sail on Cruises From Galveston

I n no uncertain terms, a cruise port makes all the difference regarding your entire vacation. After all, the location of your departure sets the tone for your trip moving forward, determining which destinations you’ll reach once you’re on the high seas.

While specific destinations like Miami or Canaveral boast unique strengths, something might also be said for the Port of Galveston, Texas. A smaller port overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston may not be the largest or busiest destination from which to depart. Yet, there are plenty of amicable reasons to look into this idyllic Texan island for your next cruise-going experience.

1. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Offer Cruises From Galveston

Looking at it plainly, Galveston has three cruise terminals making up its port. In contrast, far larger alternatives, like the Port of Miami, have eleven terminals. Because of this, Galveston unfortunately cannot house many of the industry’s prestigious cruise lines. However, the port’s terminals support several large-scale cruise corporations, with Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, MSC, and Disney Cruises departing from Galveston regularly.

2. The Nearby Cruise Destinations Are Well Worth It

Admittedly, inevitable drawbacks are attached to cruises from Galveston. Considering how much farther west it is than ports in Florida or along the East Coast, most cruise lines out of Galveston cannot travel to their company’s private islands as many are in the Eastern Caribbean. However, Galveston’s location along the Gulf of Mexico has its distinct perks, including ready access to the Western Caribbean and parts of South and Central America. Though some guests might regret losing a chance at CocoCay, it’s hard to be upset when trekking along the shores of Mexico, Honduras, or Belize.

3. It’s Easier To Navigate Than Larger Ports

There’s no simple answer when it comes to determining the total cost of cruises from Galveston over any other port in the U.S. Like most ports, the final cost of the cruise depends on numerous factors, including the time of year you’re sailing, the location of your cabin, and the cruise line you plan on traveling with. However, the convenience of navigating the port itself makes Galveston a perfect option for anyone new to cruise vacations. Avoiding the large-scale crowds and tedious boarding lines as other major ports, Galveston remains a hassle-free destination for most novice travelers out there.

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4. galveston is conveniently located in the central u.s..

Given Galveston’s distinct location in eastern Texas , it’s one of the most readily accessible ports for travelers across the U.S. Located in the heart of America, travelers from the Western U.S. will have just as easy time reaching it as vacationers from the Midwest or East Coast. After all, who wants to sit on a lengthy plane ride to reach their port of call? Also, Galveston lacks the same high value of traffic as Miami or other popular ports, making it relatively hassle-free to reach.

5. The Port Terminal Is Reasonably Close to the Airport

Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport is the closest airport to Galveston. Roughly 41 miles northwest of the port, travelers can easily navigate from the airport to their cruise terminal in under an hour. Galveston is also close to several major cities, making it an option, albeit a farther one, for anyone flying into Austin or Dallas. However, given Houston’s short driving distance to Galveston, William P. Hobby Airport is your best bet for air travel.

6. The Boarding Process Is Quick and Seamless

As mentioned above, Galveston doesn’t have the same volume of passengers flooding through its port as Miami, Canaveral, or Port Everglades. As a result, boarding a ship is comparatively tamer—especially since the port opened up its third and latest terminal in 2022. Having been constructed in the past two decades and carefully refurbished, these terminals are in fantastic shape, making the onboarding process much more efficient for vacationers. The terminals also come equipped with innovative new features, with Terminal 3 offering mobile check-in and state-of-the-art facial recognition devices.

7. There Are Plenty of Hotels Nearby

Another notable feature of Galveston is the number of hotels near the port. (Because let’s face it: what’s more accessible than simply waking up, hopping in your car, and practically walking onto the ship without worrying about losing track of time?) What’s more, many of the hotels in the Galveston area have special offers for anyone traveling onboard a cruise ship. These offers include free or discounted parking rates and a helpful shuttle that ferry passengers back and forth from the hotel to the ship. While several hotels in Galveston have these amenities, some of the best include the Hilton Galveston Island Resort and the San Luis Resort .

8. Parking Is Easy

Don’t let Galveston’s size fool you—the port itself has plenty of options when it comes to parking. As previously suggested, anyone staying at a nearby hotel might want to consider leaving their car parked there and taking a shuttle, taxi, or Uber over to their terminal. Additionally, travelers can reserve a space in the port’s parking lot ahead of their trip. These parking spaces are safe and secure, and port employees will assist with any luggage brought aboard on cruises from Galveston.

9. Galveston Itself Is a Beautiful Place To Visit

The main reason we believe you should depart from Galveston on your next cruise is the opportunity you’ll have to see what it has to offer. Like most major cities, there’s plenty to do and see around town, with every prospective sight catering to travelers’ interests. For those interested in shopping, the Strand Historical District has plenty of independently owned stores that feature everything from odd tchotchkes to essential beach items. Galveston’s famous Moody Gardens is an educational park built around natural wonders such as exotic sea life, immaculate flowers, roaming monkeys, and sloths.

10. You’re Bound To Find Some Great Last-Minute Deals

As previously mentioned, Galveston is a more scaled-down port than Miami or Port Canaveral, but its three terminals still receive cruise ships constantly. Because of this constantly moving schedule, most travelers will find it incredibly easy to find last-minute deals on select cruises from Galveston—often days before the ship is booked to leave. Sure, it may not be practical for those traveling from longer distances to book something last-minute. Yet these last-minute deals are well worth it for anyone within a short distance of Galveston.

11. Galveston Is Steeped in Rich Maritime History

Galveston is a city rich in history, having first been settled by Indigenous Natives of the Akokisa and Karankawa tribes before the Europeans arrived in the 1600s. Over the next several centuries, Galveston became a hub for maritime trade, eventually attracting such notable figures as French buccaneer Jean Lafitte. All that being said, history buffs will delight at the chance to visit Galveston, taking in some of the numerous historical sights around town—like Lafitte’s personal hideaway at Maison Rouge or the Michael B. Menard House, named after one of Galveston’s original American settlers. Even those who don’t care for history will find these areas fascinating.

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Business | California Disney characters are unionizing…

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Business | California Disney characters are unionizing decades after Florida peers. Hollywood plays a role

By MIKE SCHNEIDER (Associated Press)

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — During three years of working as a parade performer at the Disneyland Resort in Southern California , Zach Elefante always has had a second or third job to help him earn a living.

Unlike the experiences of his peers at Disney’s parks in Orlando, Florida, where there is a much smaller talent pool, the performers who play Mickey Mouse, Goofy and other beloved Disney characters at the California parks aren’t always provided a consistent work schedule by the company.

It’s among the reasons the California performers are organizing to be represented by a union now, more than four decades after their Florida counterparts did so.

While Disney asks character performers to be available to work at any time, that demand isn’t always rewarded with scheduled work hours, the California performers said.

“A lot of performers get the sense that if they don’t give their full availability, we won’t be in shows … and that will impact other jobs we need to sustain a living in this area,” said Elefante, who lives in Santa Ana, California.

Earlier this month, the California character performers and the union organizing them, Actors’ Equity Association, said they had filed a petition for union recognition.

It’s a different era and a different union doing the organizing this time around, so the California character and parade performers likely will avoid some of the bad blood that the Disney performers in Florida have experienced with their union, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

It has been a rocky four-decade marriage in Florida between the performers who put the “magic” in the Magic Kingdom and the Teamsters, a union historically formed for transportation and warehouse workers which had deep ties to organized crime until the late 1980s.

Why now for the California character performers, so many decades after their Florida counterparts organized? Unlike in Florida where performing as a character often is a full-time job, many of the character performers in Southern California have multiple other gigs, often in Hollywood movies and TV.

Elefante performs at rival Universal Studios Hollywood and works as a tour guide for the movie studios. In addition to performing in the “Fantasmic!” show at Disneyland, Chase Thomas works as the director of operations for a theater festival and previously has had jobs as a visual effects coordinator and entertainment licensing agent.

Angela Nichols moved to California to be a TV writer and often works as a writer in addition to her job as an entertainment host at Disneyland, where she assists the character performers when they’re interacting with guests.

“Disney really is a cornerstone of the stories we grow up with in our culture. Being able to watch people immersed in these stories and live it out is magical,” Nichols said. “And when we’re being supported as cast members and performers, we’re able to make that happen. We’re just not being set up for success in the way we need to be at this time.”

When many of their Hollywood gigs dried up because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the recent actors’ and writers’ strikes, the character performers wanted more consistent scheduling at Disneyland once it reopened after a yearlong, pandemic-related closure. The pandemic also made them more alert to health and safety concerns concerning things like hugging guests or having sanitary costumes.

Most of the more than 35,000 workers at the Disneyland Resort in Southern California already were unionized, and the parades and character department members were among the holdovers.

“A lot of cast members want to do this fulltime and make it work,” Thomas said.

Unlike their Florida counterparts, the character performers in California are being organized by a union devoted to performers. As such, Actors’ Equity Association officials understand the unique needs of the theme park performers in ways that would be difficult for other unions to grasp.

When there is a new stage show, the shoes of the costumes need to be tested to make sure the performers won’t trip or slip on stage. Union representatives make sure “face performers,” whose faces are visible, such as Cinderella, have the right makeup and double check that parade dancers have ice packs available to nurse sore knees.

Unclean costumes are a perennial problem, and it was a top reason for the Florida performers wanting to organize with the Teamsters in the early 1980s. The other reasons included kids kicking Disney villains like Captain Hook in the shins and adults grabbing at the chests of performers playing Mickey Mouse to see if there was a man or woman underneath.

Clean costumes were so important to the Florida character performers that more than two decades ago the Teamsters successfully inserted a contract clause to assign individual undergarments that the performers could take home to wash after pubic lice and scabies were shared via the garments.

There always existed a culture clash in Florida between the costumed character performers and the traditional Teamsters union leaders of truck drivers and warehouse workers. The drivers often viewed the performers as living charmed lives, paid to dress up every day as if it were Halloween.

Those tensions came to a head in the late 2010s as a new leader of the local Teamsters affiliate in Orlando began targeting the costumed character performers for harassment. The character performers pushed back and the fight went up to James Hoffa , then-head of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, who intervened.

In California, Elefante is hopeful union representation will give performers a voice in decisions about issues including the larger-than-life costumes, which can cause long-term injuries when ill-fitted, and the safety of performing in parades during rain.

“It’s about having a seat at the table and being a part of the conversation from the performers’ perspective,” Elefante said.

Associated Press reporter Amy Taxin in Orange County, California, contributed to this report.

Mike Schneider’s book, “Mickey and the Teamsters: A Fight for Fair Unions at Disney,” was published in October by the University Press of Florida. Follow him on X , formerly Twitter.

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