Crystal Cruises in Port Miami: A local’s guide

Crystal Cruises is back on the seas, and if you’re setting sail from Port Miami, you’re in for an elegant and memorable voyage. As a Miami local and the owner of Miami Tour Company, I’ve helped thousands of cruise passengers explore the city before and after their sailings. Whether you’re curious about ship features, onboard highlights, or just wondering what to do with your luggage before your flight, here’s everything you should know about Crystal Cruises in Miami—plus a few stories you won’t read in the glossy brochures.

Sailing in 2025

• Call 800-446-6620 to speak with Crystal support in Miami, FL
• Crystal Terminals at Port Miami:  J
• Ships sailing from Miami: Crystal Symphony and Serenity
• See our cruising advice for embarking and disembarking the ship

Crystal shore excursions you can do with The Miami Tour Company before or after sailing

Make the most of your time in Miami with a tour designed for cruise passengers:

• Miami to the Max! – Visit South Beach, Wynwood Walls, and Little Havana in a 4-hour guided tour.
• Everglades Adventure – Airboat ride, wildlife show, and park entry included.
• Miami Boat Tour – Cruise Biscayne Bay and admire celebrity mansions on Star Island.
• Key West Day Tour – A full-day adventure to the southernmost point in the continental U.S.

☑ Extra perk just for Crystal passengers

👉 Book a tour listed on our website and get 10% off j just for being a Crystal passenger. Use discount code: Save2025. It’s our way of saying welcome to Miami.

Crystal facts & features

• Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony are the line’s two iconic ships, known for luxury and personalized service.
• The ships carry fewer passengers than most cruise giants—around 740 to 1,000 guests—so you get more space and less crowding.
• Crystal is known for all-inclusive luxury, with fine dining, gratuities included, and even butler service in certain suites.
• Founded in 1988, the cruise line has a reputation for “six-star service”—yes, six, because apparently five wasn’t enough.

Hidden gems

• Crystal has one of the most extensive wine cellars at sea, with over 200 vintages to explore. (You might want to pace yourself, though—you don’t want to nap through the whole Caribbean.)
• The ships host guest lecturers, Broadway-style shows, and live music that rivals what you’ll find on land.
• For wellness lovers, Crystal offers a fully equipped fitness center, yoga classes, and even feng shui-inspired spa design.

Weird quirks & stories

• Crystal once offered language immersion classes onboard. Imagine leaving Miami speaking better French than when you left Paris.
• In the 1990s, the company’s “Computer University@Sea” was the first internet learning program at sea. Some passengers were learning to email while others were still figuring out the TV remote.
• Guests once tried to organize a “quiet lounge” boycott after someone attempted karaoke in the wrong bar. (Miami locals, we sympathize—we’ve all been there.)

Things you might want to know before you sail

• Parking costs $35 per day: Port Miami garages fill quickly, so consider using a shuttle or rideshare.
• Drink packages: Good if you plan on having more than 3 cocktails a day, otherwise à la carte is cheaper.
• Wi-Fi: Crystal uses SpaceX Starlink satellite internet to provide connectivity on its ships
• Service charge: Gratuities for housekeeping, bar, and dining staff are automatically included, and additional tips are at the guest's discretion.

Onboard highlights you shouldn’t miss

• Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa: Yes, THAT Nobu. A Michelin-level dining experience at sea.
• Crystal Spa & Salon: Massages, acupuncture, and a full beauty team ready to prep you for formal night.
• Computer University@Sea (yes, it’s still around): Modernized, of course—less floppy disks, more coding and photography classes.
• Starlite Club: A classic cocktail lounge that mixes old-school charm with modern flair.

Best itineraries out of Miami

• Caribbean Treasures: Explore turquoise waters, private islands, and white-sand beaches.
• Panama Canal Adventure: Watch one of the world’s engineering marvels up close.
• Grand Voyages: Longer journeys combining Caribbean, South America, and transatlantic itineraries. Perfect if you’re in no rush to get back to reality.

FAQ about Crystal Cruises

Q: What's Crystal's reputation?
A: Crystal Cruises had a legendary reputation for luxury, personalized service, and enrichment-focused itineraries — until it dramatically collapsed in 2022 due to financial mismanagement under previous ownership. Since being revived by A&K Travel Group, Crystal is working hard to regain trust, with beautifully refurbished ships, top-tier dining, and a promise to bring back its old-school elegance.

Q: Are there places to eat at the Port?
A: Yes. La Carreta offers full-service dining and is known for having some of the cleanest restrooms at many terminals. You'll also find a Starbucks in Terminal A, complete with free Wi-Fi. Most terminals have Grab & Go Markets with sandwiches, salads, and other healthier options. The selection changes daily, but the caprese salad is a reliable favorite.

Q: Any advice for getting off the ship early?
A: Carry your own luggage and select the “Self Assist” or “Walk Off” option for priority disembarkation — most guests are through customs by 8:00 AM. You can also let the front desk know you have an early activity, and they’ll provide priority disembarkation.

Q: How do I arrange a private tour with drop-off at the airport?
A: It’s easy! Just give us a call at (305) 260-6855 or get a quote. We’ll pick you up at the Port, take you sightseeing, and drop you off at either Miami or Fort Lauderdale Airport in time for your flight.

More details on cruising from Miami

• What Makes Port Miami Unique