Miami Terminal

I'll be taking my first cruise to Ocho Rios/Grand Cayman in February 2010. Since me and my friends will be driving overnight from SC to Miami, I will definitely be looking for a comfortable spot to close my eyes at the terminal. Please tell me that the seats are comfortable.

If you are driving directly to the Port of Miami from SC you will need to time it so you arrive at the beginning of boarding.  Sleeping in the terminal is not permitted, you probably can't get inside the building before noon. You might want to arrive a day early to stay at a hotel and drive there in the late morning. You won't be in your cabin until after 4:00 p.m.

But, yes, the seats are comfortable; made from the finest aluminum available!

Um, not quite, Patrick!  We've sailed out of Miami twice - once at the old terminal and once at the new.  The last time (the new terminal) they opened the doors at 9:30 am, we were on board by 11:30 and standard for all ships leaving at 4:00 is to have the cabins ready by 1:30.  Of course, there are deck chairs everywhere so if you MUST nap, just pull up a lounger and snooze for an couple hours until you have to go to the Muster Drill and then sail away!

Luv 2 Float,

I can confirm what you just said. I sailed out of Miami in February and June of this year and I had my happy self sitting in the terminal at 10 am and I wasn't the first person there. . My husband dozed in the chair while I called my family at home to tease them because I was getting on a cruise ship and they weren't, ha ha!! We boarded at 11:30 am and were eating lunch on the Lido deck by noon. The cabins were ready at 1:30 pm.

Paula

I am so glad that there are others out to help and wander these pages looking to assist.  I don't understand my answer either.  Multi-tasking without enough coffee!  The Port of Miami opens "around 10 o'clock" and "the cruise lines don't start until 12 o'clock" but "you can wait inside."  The quotes are from the Port switchboard, I love the precision of my hometown! Sometimes we're Conchs, sometimes we're semi-Yankees!

 Thanks for the advice guys!

When are you going in Feb. I have booked the liberty Feb 13th 2010 for ocho rios, grand caymen and cozumel.

That is great to hear.  I ws under the impression that we could not board until 2.  I hav been on carnival before but it was 6 years ago.  I forgot.  Sailing 01/16/01 on the Destiny.