Navigating Miami for Your Virgin Voyages Cruise

Miami, Florida — a city of sun, style and endless energy — is the ultimate gateway to your Virgin Voyages cruise. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, planning can make all the difference in ensuring a seamless and stress-free transition from land to sea.

From where to stay and what to do before embarkation to tips for a smooth boarding experience, this guide covers everything you need to know about navigating Miami before your cruise.

Pre-cruise planning

Port of Miami: Your starting point

The Port of Miami, often called PortMiami, is one of the world’s busiest cruise hubs, welcoming millions of passengers each year. Virgin Voyages’ Terminal V, designed exclusively for Virgin cruisers, offers a sleek, modern and hassle-free boarding experience.

Where to stay: Our preferred partners

Arriving in Miami at least a day before your cruise is a smart move — delays happen and you don’t want to miss your sailing. I’ve stayed at Mint House Downtown Miami, and it truly offers a full Miami living experience. My one-bedroom stay came with an incredible view, and its location near Whole Foods made it easy to cook or grab a quick meal before heading to the port. Stay tuned for more details on my Mint House experience!

For a seamless pre-cruise stay, we highly recommend our preferred hotel partners, offering exclusive perks such as:
- Complimentary breakfast
- Welcome amenity
- Early check-in & late check-out (when available)
- Additional perks (discussed before booking)

Preferred hotel options:

• Mint House Downtown Miami – Perfect for a home-like experience with full apartments and kitchen access.

• Esme Miami Beach – A stylish boutique hotel for those wanting to stay close to the beach.

• Kimpton EPIC Miami – Chic and centrally located with a rooftop pool and stunning city views.

• InterContinental Miami – Waterfront luxury with a prime location near the cruise port.

• JW Marriott Marquis Miami – High-end accommodations with world-class amenities.

• Hotel Beaux Arts – A hidden luxury gem for those who appreciate exclusivity.

By booking through us, you’ll enjoy special privileges with these hotels to make your pre-cruise stay even better.

Exploring Miami before your cruise

Getting around:

Miami offers multiple transportation options to fit your style and budget:

Rideshares & taxis – Uber and Lyft are widely available for convenient travel.
Shuttle services – Many hotels offer shuttle transfers to the port.
Public transit – The Miami Metromover (free!) connects Brickell and Downtown, with stops near cruise terminals.
Miami Trolley – A free and easy way to get around. Catch it nearby, and it will take you right to the cruise terminal.

Why not make the most of your time in Miami before boarding? Here are some must-visit spots:

South Beach:
Famous for its turquoise waters and vibrant energy, South Beach is the perfect place to relax before your cruise. Take a walk along Ocean Drive, admire the Art Deco architecture and enjoy a beachfront cocktail.

Wynwood Walls:
Art lovers should head to Wynwood Walls, a vibrant outdoor museum featuring larger-than-life murals by internationally renowned street artists. The surrounding Wynwood Arts District is also home to galleries, boutique shops and trendy cafes.

Brickell City Centre
Need a few last-minute cruise essentials or just want to indulge in some retail therapy? Brickell City Centre is Miami’s premier shopping destination, featuring high-end brands and stylish boutiques.

Bayside Marketplace
Located close to the port, Bayside Marketplace offers waterfront dining, live music and scenic boat tours — perfect for soaking in the last moments of Miami before embarkation.

Embarkation day: Boarding like a pro

Arrive early: Most cruise lines, including Virgin Voyages, offer early check-in, allowing you to drop off luggage and start the fun sooner. If you booked your voyage through our travel agency, we’ll let you know if your sailing qualifies for Priority Boarding perks.

Ensure you have the following documents handy:
- Passport
- Cruise tickets and boarding pass
- Any required visas or travel authorizations

Pack smart for boarding: Your checked luggage may take a few hours to arrive in your stateroom, so pack a carry-on bag with these essentials:
- Travel documents
- Medications
- A change of clothes
- Swimwear (for a quick dip in the pool or hot tub!)
- Valuables (electronics, jewelry, etc.)

Step aboard & settle in
Once you’re on board, take some time to explore the ship. Grab a welcome drink, check out your stateroom and get familiar with Virgin Voyages’ incredible dining, entertainment and relaxation options.

Breakfast

• Joe & The Juice – Just outside the front door, perfect for a quick coffee, fresh juice and light bites.

• B Bistro + Bakery – A trendy spot offering fresh pastries, brunch favorites and great coffee.

Lunch

• Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen – A must-visit for fans of the celebrity chef, serving elevated comfort food.

• The River Oyster Bar – A local favorite for fresh seafood and craft cocktails.

• Verde – Located at the Pérez Art Museum, this waterfront spot offers light, seasonal dishes.

Dinner

• Zuma Miami – A stylish, upscale Japanese restaurant with amazing sushi and robata dishes.\

• Komodo – A high-energy, Asian-inspired restaurant known for its creative dishes and vibrant atmosphere.

Other

• There’s a Whole Foods right up the street — perfect for stocking your fridge with water, fruit and snacks for exploring or relaxing before embarkation.