miami cruise terminal questions

[MisterD21]

Sorry guys, i'm sure these questions have been posted before at some point. I couldn't find a post on it recently though.


We're sailing out of Miami and i have never sailed out of miami before and have a few questions. First, what is the earliest the terminal opens and begins TSA screenings/carry on bag checks? what can we expect in wait time if we arrive early in the morning? once through TSA how quickly can we expect carnival to begin room key issuance/boarding process? what is the earliest carnival begins the embarkation of guests on board?( i know at FLL it was 11am, and at tampa it was 12pm).

please feel free to give any advice or information that will help , thank you.

 

[Cruizer]

Even though I've taken nine Carnival cruises, I've only gone with Royal Caribbean out of Miami. That said, while there is a security line, it is no operated by TSA.

 

[Mbandy]

Yes, when embarking your documents are checked by Carnival personnel to make sure you have what you need to show the immigrations officers at the end of the cruise.

We usually head for the ship around 10:30. They're checking people in by 11 and I've been in the buffet having lunch before noon a couple of times.

 

[MisterD21]

thank you Michael and Cruizer, that information helps. i really hope more people lend their experience and advice. I want to be as prepared as possible by cruise date.
:doubleup:

 

[stevecathy]

I've cruised out of miami about 3 times and I remember being in the security lineup around 11 and being on the ship by noon each time. I want to start my vacation ASAP. Another piece of info for you. is if you rent a car returning to MIA, the car rentals have a free shuttle to the port of miami. Save a few bucks for an extra excursion .

 

[MisterD21]

I've cruised out of miami about 3 times and I remember being in the security lineup around 11 and being on the ship by noon each time. I want to start my vacation ASAP. Another piece of info for you. is if you rent a car returning to MIA, the car rentals have a free shuttle to the port of miami. Save a few bucks for an extra excursion .

thank you, as for renting... we are driving to the port and will be parking. we weighed the costs of rentals, flying,and fuel for driving, and we chose driving and parking. fares for flights were right around 2100.00 for everyone, rental was about 1700.00 including fuel(both to and from, as it was cheaper to rent two days down and 2 days back). driving our own vehicle saves about 750.00 over the cheapest alternative. pier parking is supposed to be free, as we have an handicapped individual with us, so that saves on port parking fees.

 

[cruisin`1]

Hi MisterD21,
I cruise out of Miami often. I am also handicapped.
The terminal is usually open by 10 am. With a handicapped traveler with you, you will be able to drive up to the front of the building to drop everyone and the luggage off before parking the car.

After going through security, you will walk past the VIP room, before you get to the escalators there is an area on the right for “wedding and special needs check in.†Go there and check in. Once boarding starts, Carnival will assist you aboard. I usually do not use a wheelchair at home, but do use a “rollator†walker. The walk upstairs is long, and the gangplank even longer. LET Carnival help you. They have access to the elevator.

Parking at the port is free for handicapped placarded vehicles with either a handicapped plate or placard. You will need proof that the placard belongs to the person sailing. Some states the drivers license number is on the placard or the placard number is on the driver’s license. If the vehicle has a handicapped plate and belongs to the handicapped person traveling, the registration will prove it is theirs. Otherwise getting a print out from the BMV/DMV will also work. Also the handicapped person will need to be in the vehicle when leaving the port parking lot after the cruise.

Have a great cruise,

Jacki

 

[MisterD21]

Hi MisterD21,
I cruise out of Miami often. I am also handicapped.
The terminal is usually open by 10 am. With a handicapped traveler with you, you will be able to drive up to the front of the building to drop everyone and the luggage off before parking the car.

After going through security, you will walk past the VIP room, before you get to the escalators there is an area on the right for “wedding and special needs check in.†Go there and check in. Once boarding starts, Carnival will assist you aboard. I usually do not use a wheelchair at home, but do use a “rollator†walker. The walk upstairs is long, and the gangplank even longer. LET Carnival help you. They have access to the elevator.

Parking at the port is free for handicapped placarded vehicles with either a handicapped plate or placard. You will need proof that the placard belongs to the person sailing. Some states the drivers license number is on the placard or the placard number is on the driver’s license. If the vehicle has a handicapped plate and belongs to the handicapped person traveling, the registration will prove it is theirs. Otherwise getting a print out from the BMV/DMV will also work. Also the handicapped person will need to be in the vehicle when leaving the port parking lot after the cruise.

Have a great cruise,

Jacki

​thank you, this is very helpful info.

 

[michelle1836]

sailing out of POM in July for my platinum cruise I will probably get there as early as I can. I would rather wait at the terminal than anywhere else!!