Miami is a sparkler of a
city set against the water. It was originally settled at the mouth of the Miami
River by the Tequesta Indians, and the downtown area still hugs the junction of
the river and Biscayne Bay. To the south along the water, Coconut Grove is 3
mi/5 km away. The cities of Coral Gables and South Miami are approximately 6
mi/10 km to the west and south. Beyond that to the west is Kendall—a vast
stretch of condos, homes, shopping malls and restaurants that reaches the edge
of the Everglades. To the south is Homestead and, beyond that, the Florida Keys.
Miami Beach is a finger of land separating Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic,
connected by five causeways to the mainland. At its southern tip is South Beach,
now known as the Art Deco District or SoBe.
Miami is a right now kind of city. Its history is short, so there isn’t much
in the way of antiquities. What’s interesting about Miami is its
neighborhoods: Little Havana, Miami Beach, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables, among
others.
You’ll probably need a car—or a series of taxis—to get around in
spread-out Miami. If your time is limited, we suggest you concentrate on a few
sights. But if you have a day or more, you’ll have time to tour downtown and
then branch out to the delightful diversities of Greater Miami.
Driving Directions - Directions From
I-95
Take I-95 north or south to I-395. Follow the directional signs to the Biscayne
Boulevard exit. When you get to Biscayne Blvd., make a right. Go to Port Blvd.
(landmark: American Airlines Basketball Arena) Make a left and go over the Port
bridge. Proceed straight until you get to the guard gate. The security officer
will direct you from there.
Parking Fees -
Parking for cruise passengers is $10 a day. Recreational vehicles, $20 a day.
Credit card payments are accepted only in Lot #9.
Transfers from the
Airport - Proceed to the baggage claim area on the day of departure and look
for the appropriate cruise representative for transfers to the cruise. If you
bought airfare from the cruise line your transfers are including in your cruise
package. If you bought your own air transportation you may be able to purchase
transfers from the cruise representative. Otherwise proceed outside where you
will have the choice of a taxi or super shuttle. If there are more than 2 of you
traveling together you may find this to be more economical than buying transfers
from the cruise representative at the airport. This is particularly the case if
flying into Miami and sailing from Miami. Most cruise lines will offer transfers
from both the Miami and Ft Lauderdale airports.
Passenger Drop Off -
Port police will direct vehicles to the passenger drop off area nearest your
ship. At the passenger and baggage drop off, the driver of the vehicle will be
instructed by cruise representatives with information on how to exit the terminal area or proceed to the parking lots.
Traffic Flow - This
system is similar to remote parking arrangements in airports and cruise ship
terminals throughout the U.S. |
