Terminal A in Miami compared to Term 18 in FLL

[MrsDeee]

Planning the next cruise. Smoothness of Embarking/Debarking is important to me.  Trying to figure out if the new terminal in Miami runs as smoothly as it did on terminal 18 in Port Everglades. I liked the Mobile Passport App, is that available? I saw it was active in Miami, but I don’t know if that means all terminals... 

 

The only other experience I have besides FLL is Galveston, which was a nightmare. Trying to avoid it if I’m able.

 

Thanks a bunch!

[Ourusualbeach]

Miami was far better the FLL the two times we were there.  Unbelievably quick boarding. 

[MrsDeee]

Excellent to hear, thank you. 

[Namelocg]

Terminal A at Miami is awesome. Disembarking is faster than getting on. You get your luggage, walk up to someone with a tablet with facial recognition software, if your face matches the picture on your passport that they took when you boarded you are out of there. You don't even have to see a CPB agent. You don't need mobile passport for terminal A.

[1992cruiser]

I thought terminal 18 at PE was so fast and such an upgrade over everything else when it opened. It was crazy to me how fast they could get an Oasis class ship boarded. I just assumed there was nothing that could be done to speed up getting through customs at the end of the cruise. 

Then I decided to give Terminal A a try. It is without a doubt the easiest, fastest, most effective port I’ve ever been through, coming and going. I live minutes from PE and will now use the port of Miami as often as i can (and I am not a fan of Miami).  We never waited more than 2 minutes in any line. 

Edited May 26, 2019 by 1992cruiser

[MrsDeee]

Awesome! Thank you. 

[SamTimeDining]

If there is only one Royal Ship at POM on a given day, will it use Terminal A? I think when we board Empress at POM in November, it's the only Royal departure that day, would be cool to use A for such a tiny ship!

[Clarea]

22 minutes ago, SamTimeDining said:

If there is only one Royal Ship at POM on a given day, will it use Terminal A?  ...

 

Most likely.

[John&LaLa]

8 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

 

Most likely.

 

Not if it's going to interfere with Symphony or Navigator when she returns. If at all possible they have to come back to the departure port.  The last thing they want to do is leave from Terminal A but return to terminal G.

 

Wouldn't 5/4/5 or 6/8 schedules screw up the 3/4 and 7 day schedules that Terminal A uses?

 

 

[bouhunter]

For us the priority is ports, dates, price.  Wouldn't book a cruise based on MIA vs FLL.  Both are fine.

Edited July 25, 2019 by bouhunter

[mcatmcat]

The only thing I didnt like from MIA was the traffic inside port to get to the terminal, that was last year maybe they improved but I doubt it. I had an uber driver n took a construction shortcut and we saved at least 10 mins in traffic. Last but not least they dont seat u inside the terminal by you crown and anchor status and they basically open the door for everyone to board. Yeah they still say now we are now boarding diamond plus and yeah right everyone in there is diamond plus lol- but is ok IM glad to join the line as well 

[Cruzingal#9]

On 7/26/2019 at 9:36 PM, mcatmcat said:

The only thing I didnt like from MIA was the traffic inside port to get to the terminal, that was last year maybe they improved but I doubt it. I had an uber driver n took a construction shortcut and we saved at least 10 mins in traffic. Last but not least they dont seat u inside the terminal by you crown and anchor status and they basically open the door for everyone to board. Yeah they still say now we are now boarding diamond plus and yeah right everyone in there is diamond plus lol- but is ok IM glad to join the line as well 

A little disappointed to hear that they do not seat you by your crown and anchor status.  Always feel that is an earned perk!  What time did you get to the terminal?  We usually like to arrive by 10:00am, but maybe should get there around 9:00am if it's going to be a free for all.  We will have our first experience with Terminal A in October; can't wait!!!

[mcatmcat]

I always arrive near 10am even if I dont make it to the ship by 11am I love to arrive early since my mind is on vacation that day since 12:01am. From dropping the luggage to the ship is a fast process I was on the 2nd floor ready to board the ship when I notice they were boarding everyone no matter your status so I joined the group. When boarding or in a ship  you can sense who diamond plus vs gold a mile away, since people in a suite board at a different location they just want to get everybody else fast