Groove Cruise Miami Travel Information
OK, so you’ve decided to embark on the craziest weekend of your life, booked your cabin, and you need to make travel arrangements. I’ve put together this guide to help you get from where you are to the Miami Cruise Port where you’ll begin your Groove Cruise Miami adventure.
Destination
Ultimately, this is where you want to end up so you can board the ship.
PortMiami or Dante B. Fascell Port of Miami
http://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/
Flights
If you’re flying into Miami, you’re going to need to check flights. The quickest and easiest way to do this is to check a site like Kayak or Expedia.
This is where you want to go:
Miami International Airport (MIA)
http://www.miami-airport.com/
In addition, don’t forget to check budget airlines like Southwest or regional carriers.
The cost of your flight is obviously going to depend on where you’re coming from, what carrier you choose, etc.
Airport to Downtown
Once you’ve reached the airport, you will need to get to Downtown Miami where the cruise port is located. The most affordable way to do this is to take the Metrorail train system.
All you have to do is board the Metrorail from the Miami International Airport and take the Orange Line South to the Government Center station. This should cost less than $3/person.
The Government Center station is perfect, because you can easily transfer to the Metromover transit system.
Take the FREE Metromover Omni Loop to the Freedom Tower station. This will put you as close as possible to the cruise port.
Here are some links for the transit systems mentioned:
Metrorail – Miami International Airport to Government Center
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/metrorail-stations.asp
Metromover – Government Center to Freedom Tower
http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/metromover-stations.asp
Shuttle/Taxi/Uber to Cruise Port
At some point, you’re going to need a more private form of transportation like a shuttle, taxi, or Uber car. If you’ll be booking a hotel before and/or after Groove Cruise Miami, be sure to consider whether your hotel offers complimentary airport and/or cruise port shuttle transportation when making your decision.
If you’re thinking about taking a taxi to/from the Miami cruise port or just around the city to explore, I suggest you seriously consider Uber.
Uber is a ridesharing service that is both simpler and cheaper than using a taxi. You simply download the app on your phone, and from there, you can calculate fares, press a button to call an Uber car, and pay…all from the app. Read more about Uber here.
Never used Uber? Sign up with my link and your first ride is free!
Uber Sign Up Link
https://www.uber.com/invite/chrisp336
*Full disclosure: If you sign up using my link, you will immediately get a credit for a free ride. If and when you actually use Uber, I will get credited with a free ride. It’s a great way to say thanks if my site has helped you. You don’t have to use my link, but that means we both miss out on a free ride, and that makes me sad 🙁
Hotels/AirBnB
If you’re spending any time in Miami before or after GCMIA, and you need a hotel, be sure to check a site link Kayak or Expedia for the best deals.
If possible, try to find a hotel that offers free airport and/or cruise port shuttle. The cruise port is located right in downtown Miami. Of course, if you’re staying at the official Groove Cruise Miami hotel for your event, that will probably be on South Beach; however, no need to worry as that’s a short Uber/taxi ride away from the port, as well!
One alternative for those looking for unique accommodation or more affordable accommodation should check out AirBnB. AirBnB is a room/house sharing service that allows you to rent a room or whole house/apartment/condo from other users. Read more about AirBnB here.
Never used AirBnB? Sign up with my link and you’ll get $20 off your first booking!
AirBnB Sign Up Link
https://www.airbnb.com/c/cpalko?s=8
*Full disclosure: If you sign up using my link, you will receive $20 off your first booking. If and when you make your booking, I will get credited with $20 towards an AirBnB. It’s a great way to say thanks if my site has helped you. You don’t have to use my link, but that means we both miss out on savings on our accommodation, and that makes me sad 🙁
Parking
If you are driving to and from Miami, you’ll need to park your car. I actually drive to Miami to attend GCMIA, and personally I park at the Global Airport Parking garage located right downtown. Despite the company’s name, this garage is used for cruise port parking. The garage is covered and offers a free shuttle to and from the Miami cruise port.
Global Airport Parking – Port of Miami (POM)
http://globalairportparking.com/port_of_miami_seaport_parking_POM
Discount code: 89898
You can also run a quick Google search for Port of Miami parking.
Final Words
Using this information, you should be able to get yourself to Miami, to the Miami cruise port, and back home again…with a hotel stay or two in between!
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Image is the view of the Downtown Miami skyline from the Norwegian Pearl. In the bottom left corner, you can see attendees queuing up to board the ship!