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Port Of Miami
Port of Miami Paving the way for other Florida seaports to come on strong, the Dante B. Fascell Port of Miami-Dade (honoring the late South Florida congressman serving in the U.S. House from 1955 to 1993) was first on the passenger cruise scene, quickly establishing itself as the Cruise Capital of the World. Each year nearly 4 million cruise passengers sail from Miami, most often to sparkling ports of call in the Caribbean, but also to far-flung destinations including Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. In 2003, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn made waves, for the first time in the Port of Miami’s history using Miami as a port of call on a consistent basis. Port call tour options include sojourns to Parrot Jungle, the Everglades, golfing, deep-sea fishing, shopping sprees, and Art Deco/Lincoln Road experiences. Now ranking eighth among the nation’s top seaports, the Port of Miami got its start when business tycoon Henry Flagler extended his East Coast Railroad to Miami in 1896. Shortly thereafter, Flagler funded construction of the Port of Miami and began collecting dockage fees. The following year brought passenger cruise service to Nassau. In 1915, city officials authorized plans for a public terminal, turning basin and channel deepening project, and the Port of Miami became a primary hub for shipping to South Florida. Passenger service to Baltimore and New York began in the 1930s, followed by inauguration of cruise service to Havana, Cuba in the 1940s, and subsequent control of port operations by the U.S. Navy during WWII. In 1956, Dodge Island was annexed for port expansion. In 1968, the Port of Miami set a record with four maiden voyages in a single month and celebrated dedication of a $5 million cruise terminal. In 1976, Miami became the first port in history to log more than one million cruise passengers in a year, with that pace quickening to a record 1.5 million in 1980 when terminals 8 and 9 swung open. Other milestones include the 1992 ribbon-cutting for the elevated, five-lane bridge linking Port berths and the mainland, and the 1996 installation of decorative bridge lighting to provide a glowing nocturnal landmark for Miami’s skyline. Eyes were again agog in 1999 when terminals 3, 4 and 5 got a major facelift to accommodate Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, at that time the largest cruise ship ever constructed, with first-time at-sea amenities including no less than a full-size basketball court, an ice-skating arena, and a rock climbing wall. Today’s Port of Miami progress is reflected in $170 million of construction projects geared toward upgrades and modifications, including new cruise terminals, remodeling of two existing terminals, two additional multi-level parking garages, access road reconfiguration, and a security gateway complex. Getting There:The Port of Miami lies several miles east of Miami International Airport where taxis, rental cars and shuttles are readily available near the baggage claim. When driving, take I-95 north or south to I-395. Follow directional signs to the Biscayne Boulevard exit. At Biscayne Boulevard, make a right. Go to 5th Street, which converts to Port Boulevard near the American Airlines Basketball Arena. Make a left and go over the Port bridge. Follow directional signs to designated terminal. Port of Miami parking for cruise passengers is payable prior to embarkation, and both cash and credit card payments are accepted. For pre- and post-cruise adventure, here’s a sampling of hotel, dining and attraction options near the Port of Miami: Dining Options:
Joe’s Stone Crab
Shula’s Steak House
Sundays on the Bay Attractions:
Art Deco Center
Everglades Safari Park
Parrot Jungle Island For more on where to stay, what to see, where to dine, and what to do, visit: |
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