A WARNING If You're Cruising on These December Dates

We try to warn you about all kinds of travel delays — by plane, train, and now cruising.

©Royal Caribbean via The Orlando Sentinel

With the end of the 2023 travel year coming to a close, it is easy to get caught up in the hustle of packing and planning. But this warning we’re issuing isn’t something cruise line specific and it’s going to apply to 9 different cruise lines at the same time!

If you’re planning to cruise before the year comes to a close there are a few days in particular that you’ll need to come extra prepared. According to an article by Seatrade Cruise News, Port Miami is gearing up for a busy end to December with 2 dates that are at capacity for cruising on December 17th and 22nd. A total of 9 ships will be full on each of these dates at their respective terminals in the South Florida port.

©SeaTrade Cruise News

On December 17th the following cruise ships will be in port: Oasis of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Vision of the Seas, Scarlet Lady, MSC Divina, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Celebration, Norwegian Encore, and Insignia while on December 22nd, Oasis of the Seas, Scarlet Lady, Explora I, MSC Magnifica, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Magic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Pearl, and Sirena will all be in port at the same time.

©Royal Caribbean via The Orlando Sentinel

For those traveling on these dates, you’ll want to take extra care and pay more attention to time deadlines as Port Miami will be as crowded as allowed. Additionally, it’s good to factor in extra time to plan for delays, be sure you have your luggage tagged correctly before you arrive, and ensure you know exactly which terminal you need to avoid confusion.

While there has been recent approval from Miami Dade County commissioners to begin construction on plans for upgrading Terminal G for Royal Caribbean, expanding the parking garage at Terminal G, and constructing Berth 10, that approval won’t help these travel dates as completion for these works is set out for late 2027.

Be sure to follow us for more travel news and updates soon!