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leasa saw things this way:


Downtown Miami is a great place to spend a pre-cruise day/night., August 20, 2010
Reviewer: leasa

Pros: Bayside Mall and the many restaurants.

Cons: Ship within view but must take a cab to get to it.

We have had many nice afternoon/eves prior to a cruise by staying in downtown Miami in one of the four or five hotels close to Bayside Mall. Bayside is an open air/two-story enclosed, on the water, small boutique shops, mall. A few of the typical Gap/Victoria's Secret, etc., but no big anchor stores. Atmosphere is lively to walk around and along the harbor/dock. Many bars along the dock/patio. Big chain restaurants like Hard Rock, Bubba Gumps, Chilis and Hooters as well as some local mom & pop-type eateries. Bayside Market Place has a nice web page if you want to Google it for a map and more details of all it offers. Don't try to walk from your hotel just cause you can see the ship docked right in front of you. You really must take a cab to get to the ships even though they are so close . The ships are across the harbor on a shipping/industrial island. I would not want to roll suitcases over the huge bridge and way around the route you have to follow with so much heavy traffic & trucks. I believe it would be suicide. Pay a private cab the $10 to take you to the right spot on the curb. We have also been very lucky on Priceline to get rooms for under $100 a night. This is our favorite pre-port town as it beats the typical just relaxing around the hotel pool for the night.

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upforlifenow saw things this way:


Great night life, great dining and white sand beaches., July 15, 2010
Reviewer: upforlifenow

Pros: No money? Enjoy the beaches and take a nice long walk on South Beach @ night.

Cons: It's hot in the summer, but there is always a ocean breeze.

We were able to get on the ship quickly and also disembark with ease. The port is located in downtown Miami, close to Coconut Grove and South Beach. Take a couple of days to enjoy Miami before the cruise, there is lots to do.