The Dante B Fascell Port of Miami (tel: (305) 371 7678; website: www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/portofmiami), under the authority of Miami-Dade County Seaport Department (tel: (305) 371 7678), is the world's busiest cruise port. As the ‘Cruise Capital of the World,' it serves more than 3.6 million passengers a year and handles more ‘megaships' (vessels capable of transporting 2,000-plus passengers) than any other port in the world. The port, near Bayside Marketplace, is home to 18 cruise ships and its terminal has such smart new facilities as VIP lounges and an outdoor observation deck. There is a fair amount of construction happening at the Port. Travellers are advised to consult the website for information regarding accessibility.

Boat services: Carnival Cruise Lines (tel: (305) 599 2600), Norwegian Cruise Line (tel: (305) 436 4000) and Royal Caribbean International (tel: (305) 539 6000) are among several cruise lines operating regularly from the port with services to the Caribbean and beyond.

Transport to the city: The Seaport Shuttle operates between the cruise ship terminals and downtown. Bus 3, 16, 95, C or S goes from Bayside (Biscayne Boulevard) to downtown Miami.