Getting to Miami for a cruise should feel like the warm-up to a good week. Then you land, the terminal feels endless, the pickup area is chaos, and traffic decides to do its own thing.
If you use a wheelchair (or travel with someone who does), or you just want the day to run with fewer surprises, the simplest setup is usually this: fly in the day before, sleep one night, then head to PortMiami with a ride you booked ahead that actually fits what you need.
Below is the no-drama version of how to plan it, plus a quick look at Fontainebleau Miami Beach as a common pre-cruise option.
Why flying in the day before makes cruise day feel less sharp
Cruise mornings run on time. Flights don’t. Add elevators, assistance waits, restroom breaks, baggage delays, and Miami traffic, and same-day arrival starts to feel like a coin flip.
- You get a buffer you can actually use. A delayed flight is still annoying, but it doesn’t automatically turn into a missed boarding window.
- You keep your energy for the parts you want to enjoy. The “small stuff” stacks up fast when mobility is involved.
- You can get organized without doing it half-asleep. Charge devices, line up meds, check documents, repack the bag you want on cruise day.
It’s not precious planning. It’s just refusing to start vacation in a sprint.
MIA vs FLL: pick your airport, then plan your transfer around it
Most cruise travelers fly into Miami International (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL). Both work. What changes is how much extra road time you add, and how much slack you need.
Landing at Miami International Airport (MIA)
MIA is usually the easier run to PortMiami. The drive is shorter, and there are fewer moving parts once you’re off the plane. If you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, booking before you travel can save you a lot of faffing around in a busy pickup area. If you want something arranged in advance, CallTheCare has Miami Airport to Cruise Port transportation: https://www.callthecare.com/directions/miami-airport-to-cruise-port
Landing at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
FLL can still work well, especially if the flight is cheaper or lands at a better time. The catch is the longer drive, which can get messy on cruise-heavy weekends. Pre-booking a wheelchair-friendly transfer keeps that airport-to-port stretch calmer and more predictable. CallTheCare also offers Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami Cruise Port transportation you can schedule ahead: https://www.callthecare.com/directions/fort-lauderdale-airport-to-miami-cruise-port
Quick tip: when you book, tell them exactly where you’ll be picked up (airport/terminal info helps) and what wheelchair setup you’re travelling with. If you already know your ship or terminal, add it so they’re not guessing.
Booking wheelchair-friendly transportation to PortMiami
The goal is boring. Boring means predictable. Predictable means you’re not stuck at a curb wondering what the plan is.
Match the ride type to what you actually need
- Wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV): you stay in your wheelchair, the vehicle uses a ramp or lift, and the chair is secured inside.
- Ambulatory transport: you can walk with assistance (or use a cane or walker) and want a calmer pace with door-to-door help.
- Stretcher or gurney transport: for riders who need to stay lying down during the trip.
CallTheCare sits in the non-emergency medical transportation world, so it can fit this kind of trip. The clean way to mention it is practical: some travelers prefer pre-arranged, door-to-door service so they don’t have to gamble on the last-minute scramble.
Details that matter at the curb
When people say “wheelchair-friendly,” they usually mean more than “a bigger vehicle.” Encourage readers to confirm specifics.
- Vehicle fit: wheelchair dimensions and weight, plus room for extra mobility gear if needed.
- Securement: how the chair is tied down, and how the passenger seatbelt setup works.
- Pickup location: the exact pickup zone for that terminal. Airports love having multiple zones with different rules.
- Communication: how the driver will reach you (text, call, app), and what to do if you’re still waiting on baggage or assistance.
- Timing rules: what the wait-time policy is, and what happens if the flight is delayed.
Build in real movement time
Even if the drive is short, the exit can drag. Elevators, accessible routes, crowded corridors, bathroom stops, slow baggage, and assistance delays all add minutes. Plan for it. It feels a lot better to be early and sitting comfortably than rushing through a packed pickup lane with your brain yelling “ETA?!” the whole time.
Where to stay the night before: pick the spot that keeps the morning simple
For a one-night pre-cruise stay, location usually matters more than extras (unless the extras are the whole point). These are the common areas people choose.
Downtown Miami or Brickell
This is the straightforward cruise-morning choice. You’re close to PortMiami, so transfers tend to be simpler and often shorter. It also works well for late arrivals when you just want to check in and sleep.
Miami Beach
Miami Beach can be a fun “this already feels like vacation” night. The trade-off is timing. You may want an earlier pickup because of causeways and beach traffic patterns, especially in the morning.
Near MIA
If your flight lands late, staying near the airport gets you into bed faster. You can still schedule a morning pickup to PortMiami and avoid adding another long ride on arrival night.
A quick accessibility check before you book a hotel
“Accessible room” can mean different things depending on the property. A quick call can save you a lot of irritation later.
- Step-free entry to the lobby
- Elevator availability (and whether guests report frequent outages)
- Bathroom layout: roll-in shower vs tub, grab bars, turning space
- Room placement: closer to elevators can help, unless noise is an issue
Hotel spotlight: Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Fontainebleau is one of those Miami hotels people recognize immediately. For a one-night pre-cruise stay, it works best if you want the night to feel like a real night, not just a logistics stop. You can eat on-site, keep the evening easy, then roll into a pre-booked ride in the morning.
Planning it in a way that supports accessibility
- Request the accessible setup when you book, not at check-in.
- Ask about the bathroom layout and any features you rely on.
- If long hallway travel is a problem, ask about room location options.
- Schedule cruise-morning pickup the night before, so load-in and securement are not rushed.
Fontainebleau is in Miami Beach, so the “earlier pickup” advice applies here too. It’s a small change that keeps the morning calmer.
Cruise morning game plan for travelers with mobility needs
- Set a ready-by time, not just a pickup time. If pickup is 9:30 a.m., aim to be ready by 9:00 so you’re not trapped by elevators and last-minute stops.
- Keep one carry bag for the real essentials: ID, cruise documents, day meds, chargers, battery pack, a snack, water, and anything small tied to mobility gear.
- Do a quick device check. Power chair or scooter charged overnight. Manual chair: tires and brakes. It’s basic, but it avoids dumb problems.
- Save the official port accessibility info somewhere you can find fast: PortMiami accessibility resources.
Backup plan if something goes sideways
Travel gets messy. Gate changes, delayed assistance, a long baggage wait. It happens.
- Keep key numbers together (transportation provider, hotel, cruise line). Put them in your phone and write them down. Yes, both. Batteries die.
- Know the official guidance for air travel assistance so you can advocate without guessing: U.S. DOT info for passengers with disabilities.
If delays start stacking, communicate early. Most plans can flex when there’s still room to move things around.
Wrap-up
One night in Miami plus a pre-booked, wheelchair-friendly transfer is one of the easiest ways to protect your cruise day. Pick MIA or FLL based on your flights, stay where the morning won’t punish you, and confirm the stuff that actually matters: vehicle type, pickup specifics, timing rules.
If you want the night to feel like a mini getaway, Fontainebleau can do that. If you want the morning to feel easy, the planned transfer is the real win.