What to Do in Miami After a Cruise

ByDebra Schroeder
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Cruising out of Miami? Got a long layover before your flight? Here's what to do in Miami after a cruise. These things to do in Miami before or after your cruise are perfect for all ages and interests.

Reader, Debbie, emailed to ask what to do in Miami after a cruise before her flight

"Thinking about going on a 4-day cruise with my brother and sister-in-law who is suffering from Alzheimer's. I want to make (it) as easy as possible on her.

The day we fly home (Detroit) from Miami our plane does not leave until 8:45 at night. What can be done in Miami to pass the time realizing we will have to have our luggage with us?

Are there any reasonable motels that would rent just for a half of a day???? Any suggestions? We are all seniors. Thank you for your help."

What to Do in Miami After a Cruise

Aerial view of Miami Beach at sunset.

Debbie and her family will have 8 to 10 hours to enjoy Miami after their cruise and before their flight.

They can enjoy some of these same activities from my post on what to do in Miami on a 5 hour layover, relax at an airport lounge, or book a day room in Miami.

Here are all the things they and you can do in Miami after a cruise.

Cultural

Downtown Miami has more Art Deco buildings than any other city in the United States. You can go on a Miami Beach Food and Art Deco walking tour.

Or enjoy a little taste of Cuba by visiting the Cuban district of Little Havana for a Food and Culture Tour.

If you like street art, you'll love this tour of Wynwood, Miami's warehouse district. There's even an option to take the Wynwood tour on a golf cart.

Adventurous

Looking for a more adventurous way to spend your time after your Miami cruise?

Consider an Everglades airboat ride, Miami Beach sightseeing cruise, or small group bike tour of South Beach.

Shopping

You can satisfy your inner shopaholic with one of these shopping tours: tour to the Sawgrass Mills Mall or  Dolphin Shopping Mall

Pro-tip: Tours include round-trip transportation.

Food

South Beach is more than beaches and shopping. It's a mixing pot of food and culture.

The taste of South Beach food tour takes you to five local spots where you'll enjoy dishes from Cuba, Peru, France, and Italy.

Or sample five foodie spots while learning about the local street art scene in Miami's Design District at Palm Court.

Pro-tip: You can earn 3x points on dining from the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

When it's time to head back to the airport instead of sitting at the gate, pay a visit to one of the many airport lounges. Some let you get in free with your credit card.

Pro-tip: If you have limited time or traveling with someone with special needs, consider booking a private tour.

What to Do With Luggage After a Cruise From Miami

The big question...what to do with your luggage?

Depending on who you're cruising with, some airlines can check your bags in for your flight. The cruise line takes them to the airport for you.

On Disney cruises from Miami, you can check your bags on American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, or United Airlines.

You have to pay airline baggage fees. So be sure to use a card like the United℠ Explorer Card that gives you and a companion a free checked bag.

From Miami, Holland America and Princess Cruises partner with Luggage Forward. You can ship your luggage internationally and avoid checked bag fees. Because Luggage Forward rates include any applicable baggage fees.

You can use Royal Caribbean's fee-based Luggage Valet service to check your bags in on domestic Delta Air Lines flights.

If your cruise line or airline doesn't offer a program to check your bags for your flight home, you can also store your bags at Luggage Lounge. Rates vary depending on bag size:

  • Personal item - $5
  • Carryon sized suitcase - $8
  • Large suitcase (checked bag size) - $10

Pro-tip: You can even ship your luggage to the cruise ship.

Now that you have your bags secure, you can explore and enjoy all the Miami activities and things to do in Downtown Miami.

Haven't cruised yet and still planning what to do while your ship is in port? If your cruise from Miami visits Nassau here are things to do in Nassau, Bahamas.

Conclusion

If your flight home isn't until the evening, there are several things to do in Miami after your cruise.

From visiting the Everglades, touring the street art district, or sampling the wide variety of cultural foods, Miami offers many activities to keep you occupied before your flight.

What's your favorite thing to do in Miami after a cruise?

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26 Comments

  1. I like that you can check your bags with the cruise. That makes it easier to check the town out

  2. We haven't been to Florida for many years. So much has changed but we always gravitated toward the water when we had any spare time. Thank you for some new ideas.

  3. I've never cruise out of Miami, only Tampa, Port Canaveral, and For Lauderdale. But these tips are super helpful!

  4. I love the fact that it is possible to travel on a budget these days and you can find ways to get out there and make ends meet while seeing the world!

  5. We are getting ready to book our cruise. I love your list of fun things to do in Miami. I'm so excited to spend time with my husband on the cruise and in Florida!

    1. Hi Krista,

      Thanks so much, glad you liked the post. Hope you have a great time on your cruise.

  6. I've never been to the USA, but Miami looks just like heaven to me! I'd love to visit that place for sure and I love cruises, so I believe it would be something just for me! 🙂

  7. Great suggestions. I love South Beach...especially the restaurants. Thanks for sharing!

  8. Miami is a great place to do all sorts of things while waiting for a flight. I like that fact that you can store your luggage while touring Miami.

    1. Hi Alvern,

      Yep, being able to store luggage after a cruise from Miami is such a nice option.

  9. I'm so addicted to cruising! I live in the northeast and have only cruised out of Miami once so far (out of 8 cruises). I'm going there again in November and have an extra day so this is great information!

  10. I haven't been on a cruise in many years but would love to one day soon! Great ideas!

  11. I've never done a cruise before because of having so much time to kill between cruise and flights. This is giving me a lot of fun options to consider!

  12. I love visiting Miami with friends. It's a great place for the kids to explore.

  13. Live near Miami so theres always a lot of cruising opportunities, and exploring is always interesting.

  14. Traveling around once you're done with a cruise is a great idea. Once on a layover I had a 8 hour block to explore Paris, France. Unfortunately I didn't attempt it because I was responsible for all of my luggage until the next flight including my checked baggage. I didn't even think to look for a place to let it sit until my flight. I totally regret it. I'm sure there's tons to do in Miami.

    1. Hi Jennifer,

      Glad you liked the post. Bummer that you couldn't take advantage of your layover in Paris. Hopefully, you can next time as there's luggage storage at the airport.

  15. Miami is so beautiful! I have considered Miami for my honeymoon, but I haven't made a decision. I really love that there's a lot of fun things to do. Thanks for sharing!

  16. I think there could be a thousand of things you can do in Miami. It is just so good to embrace and learn the culture of it. Looking forward of visiting here again and again.

  17. Many people I imagine take a cruise out of Miami and immediately return home. Great post showcasing the many things to do while in the area. It's like two trips in one! I would definitely have to check out some local food spots! I love the culture of Miami!

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