Departing cruise on Marathon day

Question

A long time ago, we booked a cruise leaving from Miami. Never thought to look at calendar, and we have just learned that it happens to be on the day of the Miami Marathon. Also eight other ships are in port that day.

Any suggestions as to how to get from hotel to port that day?? We usually use a taxi, Lyft or Uber, but will they be able to access the port??

We are staying at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay.

Answer

Traveling to the Port of Miami on the day of the Miami Marathon can be challenging due to road closures, increased traffic, and a very busy cruise terminal, especially since eight other ships will also be in port. However, with planning, it’s still manageable.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of your options and tips for that day:

Uber/Lyft or Taxi: These are still viable options, but you’ll need to allow extra time. Many roads near downtown and the port will have partial closures or traffic delays. Drivers are familiar with the marathon route and port access points, but there may be detours. Expect longer wait times than usual.
Hotel Shuttle / Cruise Transfer Services: Check if your cruise line or the Marriott offers a scheduled shuttle to the port. Some cruise lines run direct transfers from major hotels, which can be a stress-free alternative during marathon day traffic.
Private Car Service / Limousine: Booking a private car or limousine in advance ensures you have a driver familiar with alternate routes and can accommodate multiple passengers. This is especially useful if your group is larger or if you have heavy luggage.
Timing: Consider leaving earlier than usual. Normally, 2–3 hours before embarkation is recommended, but on marathon day, leaving 3–4 hours before your scheduled check-in is prudent to avoid being caught in road closures.

Additional tips to make your morning smoother:

Check the Miami Marathon website or local news a few days prior to confirm exact road closures and start times.
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze on the morning of departure to check real-time traffic and alternate routes to the port.
Ask your hotel concierge the night before for recommended pick-up times and the best entry points to the port for taxis or rideshares.
Consider checking if the cruise line allows early luggage drop-off or self-parking nearby if you prefer driving yourself or using a car service.

In summary, you can still use Uber/Lyft or a taxi, but expect delays and plan accordingly. A pre-arranged hotel or cruise shuttle, or a private car service, may be the least stressful option. Leaving extra early and monitoring traffic updates will be key to getting to the Port of Miami on time despite the marathon and the busy cruise day.

Departing cruise on Marathon day

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