Key Points:
- Arrive Early, Cruise Stress-Free: Flying in at least a day before sailing helps avoid delays and lets vacation start sooner.
- Miami Is Close to the Cruise Port: Major neighborhoods and attractions are minutes from PortMiami / Terminal V, making pre-cruise plans easy.
- Iconic Miami Sights Are a Must: South Beach, Ocean Drive, and the Art Deco District deliver classic Miami vibes fast.
- Culture & Art Elevate the Experience: Wynwood Walls and Little Havana showcase Miami’s creative energy, food, and heritage.
Miami isn’t just a departure point — it’s a full-on vibe
Sun-drenched streets. Art that spills off the walls. Cafecito strong enough to power a conga line. If you’re sailing with Virgin Voyages from PortMiami, doing Miami right means arriving early, soaking it all in, and starting your vacation before you even step on board.
Whether you’re wondering about the top things to do in Miami, debating what to do before a cruise from Miami, or trying to squeeze in the most famous landmarks in Miami before sail-away, this is your insider guide. And yes — flying in early is non-negotiable. Trust us.
1. Fly in early — because Miami deserves more than a drive-by
Flights get delayed. Airline luggage plays hide-and-seek. Weather has opinions. Flying in at least a day early isn’t just smart cruise planning — it’s your excuse to turn pre-embarkation day into a mini Magic City escape (that’s Miami’s nickname BTW).
Arriving early means:
- No stress about same-day flight hiccups (or missing the ship)
- Time to explore neighborhoods beyond the airport
- A relaxed, unrushed arrival at our gorgeous homeport (Terminal V at PortMiami)
- An overnight stay that lets your vacation energy warm up properly
If you’re taking a cruise from Miami with us, think of this city as the opening act — one you don’t want to miss.
2. Get your bearings with Miami’s most iconic sights
If this is your first time in the Magic City, start with the greatest hits. These are the must-see famous landmarks in Miami that define the city’s look, rhythm, and personality.
South Beach & Ocean Drive
Pastel Art Deco buildings, palm-lined sidewalks, and people-watching that deserves its own award. Ocean Drive is pure Miami theater — bold, colorful, and unapologetically fun.
Art Deco Historic District
More than 800 preserved buildings from the 1920s–40s make this one of the most photographed neighborhoods in the country. Architecture lovers, rejoice.
Wynwood Walls
An outdoor street art museum where murals change constantly and creativity runs wild. Wynwood is where Miami’s edgy side shows off (and home to some of Miami’s best restaurants and bars).
Bayside Marketplace
Right on the water near downtown, across the inlet from Terminal V at PortMiami, Bayside mall is perfect for waterfront strolling, casual bites, live music, and last-minute souvenirs.
3. Miami Beach vs. South Beach — what’s the difference?
This question comes up a lot, so let’s settle it.
Miami Beach is the barrier island city that stretches north-south along the Atlantic. South Beach is the southernmost neighborhood of Miami Beach — the most famous, most photographed, and most energetic part.
When people talk about the best beaches in Miami Beach, they’re often picturing South Beach’s turquoise water, white sand, and pastel lifeguard stands. But if you want something quieter:
- Head north toward Mid-Beach for a calmer vibe
- Try North Beach for fewer crowds and more locals
No wrong answers — just different flavors of sunshine. P.S.: South Beach is closest to PortMiami, so there’s that convenience too.
4. Eat your way through Miami’s culture
Miami’s food scene is a love letter to its multicultural roots. Come hungry.
Little Havana
This is the heartbeat of Cuban culture in Miami. Calle Ocho buzzes with music, domino games, cigar shops, and the smell of espresso in the air. Sip cafecito, snack on guava pastries, and let the rhythm pull you in.
Seafood with a view
Stone crab (when in season), fresh ceviche, and citrusy flavors dominate menus up and down the coast. Waterfront dining isn’t a splurge here; it’s a way of life.
Latin American flavors everywhere
Colombian arepas, Peruvian ceviche, Haitian griot, Venezuelan cachapas — Miami’s culinary map spans continents.
Let Virgin Voyages show you around with Shore Things in Miami
If you want to explore without overthinking logistics, our Shore Things cruise excursions in Miami make it effortless. These experiences are led by local experts and designed to help you see more — whether you’re arriving early or staying after your voyage.
You can browse all of our curated options on the Miami Shore Things page, but here are two standouts Sailors love:
1. Hop-on hop-off Miami
Perfect if you want maximum flexibility with zero planning stress, the Hop-on hop-off Miami cruise excursion lets you explore the city at your own pace.
You’ll ride an audio-guided, double-decker bus that loops through Miami’s best city highlights, with stops near:
- The Art Deco District
- Wynwood’s colorful murals
- South Beach hot spots
- Downtown and waterfront areas
It’s especially great for Sailors ending their voyage in Miami, since your luggage is securely stored at Bayfront Park while you explore. Sightsee freely, snap photos, grab beachfront drinks — then collect your bags and continue your journey.
2. Little Havana: a Cuban heritage walking tour
For a deeper cultural dive, our Little Havana walking tour is a must.
This guided experience takes you through one of Miami’s most iconic neighborhoods, with stops at:
- The Bay of Pigs Monument
- Domino Park
- The historic Tower Theatre
Along the way, you’ll sample Cuban favorites like cafecito, guava pastries, and guarapo juice, plus enjoy classic Cuban cuisine at a local restaurant. Recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a “National Treasure,” Little Havana delivers history, flavor, and soul in every step.
What’s near Terminal V at PortMiami?
Virgin Voyages sails from Terminal V at PortMiami, and the location couldn’t be more convenient.
Within minutes, you’ll find:
- Downtown Miami — museums, shopping, dining
- Bayside Marketplace — waterfront strolls, live music, and a mall full of Florida souvenirs
- Brickell — sleek skyline views, top Miami restaurants and stores, and rooftop bars
- South Beach — a short ride away for make-your-friends-jealous beach selfies
If you’re staying nearby the night before, you can wake up, grab breakfast with a view, and arrive at the terminal feeling calm, cool, and already on vacation.
For embarkation tips, directions, and what to expect on sail day, bookmark our official Sailor’s guide to PortMiami. It’s the smoothest way to start your voyage.
Turn your embarkation port into part of the vacation
Miami isn’t just where your Virgin Voyages cruise begins — it’s where the mood is set. Flying in early gives you time to explore, indulge, and ease into that no-kids, no-buffet, all-adults energy.
From what to do before a cruise in Miami to deciding between Miami Beach vs. South Beach, from iconic landmarks to cultural deep dives, the city rewards curiosity. And when you finally arrive at Terminal V, you won’t feel like your vacation is starting — you’ll feel like it’s already in full swing. Ready to book your next voyage? We got you right here.
