Anyone who has cruised the sunny islands of the Caribbean or the southern Atlantic or the Gulf Coast of the United States has probably passed through Miami, Florida. Located on the tropical coast of southern Florida, it is a natural embarkation point for countless cruise itineraries.
Miami has been in the news several times over the past year. Carnival Cruises just announced that it will operate Carnival Vista—soon to be the largest ship in its fleet—out of the port for the next few years. In addition, Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL’s) Miami-styled flagship, Norwegian Getaway, has been homeported there for several months. To top it off, NCL also announced that its upcoming new ship, Norwegian Escape, will also be based in Miami to service Caribbean itineraries starting later this year.
Why is Miami such a hot spot? For one reason, the town is more than just a conveniently located cruise port. In fact, many cruisers choose to spend a few extra days here before or after their voyages in order to take advantage of all the exciting fun and vibrant culture the town has to offer.
Even with just an afternoon to spend in Miami, a cruiser can easily walk from the port to Bayside Marketplace, where there are plenty of shopping and dining options. Just beyond that is the Mildred and Claude Pepper Bayfront Park, which is home to a number of monuments and a beautiful tropical garden.
Visitors with more time in port can experience some of Miami’s most famous attractions. The South Beach waterfront district boasts lovely renovated Art Deco architecture, countless trendy boutiques and cafes, and plenty of gorgeous people on the public beach. Little Havana is a bustling enclave of Cuban culture and the go-to place for excellent food, cigars, and music.
The Coral Gables neighborhood is a study in 1920s Florida history, while Bal Harbour is the destination for high-end shoppers. Nature lovers can head to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for a tranquil getaway. For an exciting natural adventure, on the other hand, visitors can drive a few hours to experience the unique wildlife and ecology of the Everglades.
For decades, cruisers have been drawn to Miami simply because there really is something to please every taste under the sun.¬
