The winter cruise season opens this weekend at VC Port, the busiest cruise harbor in the world. From now until April, up to eight ships leave the terminals on the main channel on a busy Saturday, and almost as many come back the same morning.
That means tens of thousands of passengers, their luggage and their rides crossing the port bridge in a few hours. A few habits make the day easier for everyone.
Before you sail
- Arrive at the boarding time printed on your pass: terminals open about three hours before departure
- Take the Vice City Metro sailing-day shuttle from Downtown Vice City, or a taxi
- On Saturdays, book a garage space ahead; drop-off lanes are for stopping only
- Keep your passport or the documents your cruise line asks for in your carry-on
Saturday mornings at the port are a show of their own. Give yourself time, take the Metro if you can, and your vacation starts before you even board.
Arriving a day early? Ocean Beach, with its pastel Art Deco hotels and white sand, is a short ride from the port, and the bakeries of Little Cuba open early. Until hurricane season ends on November 30, the port can still close at short notice: your cruise line will contact you.
