It is indeed a great idea to have your wedding ceremony celebration on a cruise ship. Florida Miami, popularly called the cruise capital of the world, is also one of the most romantic destinations that encourage such wedding ceremonies. A number of cruise lines from the Port of Miami offer comprehensive wedding packages that include the ceremony, accommodation, food and flower decoration.

Most of thes cruise lines from Port of Miami have their own wedding planning team that organizes the wedding whichever way the couple wants, either a private ceremony with the couple's family and close friends or just the couple and their witnesses on the deck.

The Carnival Cruise Line has a fantastic wedding ceremony arrangement. The wedding planning team here arranges for a special wedding package on the ship dock. The docks can accommodate wedding receptions for nearly hundred people.

The food is excellent and includes everything from wine to starter and full-fledged meals. Everything is beautifully arranged from the bridal bouquet, wine, wedding cake, flower decoration, music as well as the photo sessions. Another cruise ship that arranges elegant wedding packages is the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.

The ship offers customized wedding packages that include ceremony, flower arrangements, cake, food and beverages and photographs. The ceremonies are however performed on the ship when it is docked. Disney Cruise Line also offers some excellent wedding packages and provides world-class service and hospitality.

It is advisable to book a wedding cruise a little in advance. The package can be selected afterwards. You will be provided with a wedding coordinator, who will assist you with the decoration, food, ceremony and all the necessary details of the wedding.

Known as "Cruise Capital of the World" and "Cargo Gateway of the Americas", Port of Miami has contributed a lot to the local, state and even the national economies. Each year, over 4 million passengers travel through the Port and more than 6 million tons of cargo is transited. It is estimated that there are at least 20 shipping lines to and from over 100 countries and 250 ports throughout the world. What's more, Port of Miami was recognized recently as one of the most secure ports in Florida.

Besides as the largest container port in Florida and the 9th in the whole nation, Port of Miami also prides in its ultramodern and distinguished cruise vessels and lines. There are seven cruise terminals within the port and eight options cruise tours, serving the passengers of all budgets. In addition, ground transportation to and from the port are also very convenient, for there are numerous ground transportation companies doing business at the port.

Ground Transportation Company Directory

http://seaport.miamidade.gov/gtcompanydir/index.aspx

This article will offer passengers an overall introduction on the shuttle transportation at Port of Miami, as well as a brief guide on taxi and rental car services.

As for shuttle services, there are two companies worth recommendation here, Super Shuttle and Go Airport Shuttle. Both of them are sophisticated at dealing airport shuttle transportation. You can choose the service between Fort Lauderdale Areas/Airport and Greater Miami, both one way and round trip are available. For detailed rates and stops, you can check on their websites.

Super Shuttle

http://www.supershuttle.com/

Go Airport Shuttle

http://goairportshuttle.com/

If you need a private shuttle tour to and from the port, the Miami Beach is available. Whether you are travel alone or on a group tour, this company will definitely meet you needs. As for the rates, if your departure is from Miami Airport, they are $96 for one to 6 persons, $138 for 7 to 11 persons, and $162 for 12 to 14 persons. If you set out from Fort Lauderdale Airport, the shuttle fees are $114 for 1 to 6 people, $156 for 7 to 11 people and $180 for 12 to 14 people. It is worth noting that the rates above apply to per trip, not per person.

Miami Beach

http://www.miamibeach411.com/

Please note that when it comes to hotel shuttles, you need to consult your hotel in advance, including the rates, schedules, specific regulations and etc.

In fact, besides shuttle service, there are a number of options to send you to the port. Here is a collection of Port of Miami taxi and rental cars information.

- Taxicabs scatter at each cruise terminal of Port of Miami, and the tour between the Port and Miami International Airport is $24 flat rate. For the estimated taxicab fares from the Port to major attractions and shopping sites, please click:

Estimated Taxicab Fares

http://www.miamidade.gov/portofmiami/taxi_fares.asp

- Four car rental agencies are allowed to do business at the Port, offering courtesy shuttle services to a number of locations off Port of Miami. These four companies are respectively Dollar Rent-A-Car, Thrifty Car Rental, Hertz Corp, Alamo Rent a Car. You are suggested to contact each of them for the updated rates and shuttle schedules.

Dollar Rent-A-Car

http://www.dollar.com/

Thrifty Car Rental

http://www.thrifty.com/index.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

Hertz Corp

http://www.hertz.com/rentacar/reservation/gaq/index.jsp?targetPage=reservationOnHomepage.jsp

Alamo Rent a Car

http://www.alamo.com/

By the way, if you are on a self-driving tour to the Port, you can find the best driving direction on the homepage, as well as map and parking guide.

Directions and Parking

http://www.miamidade.gov/portofmiami/directions_parking.asp

Located within the City of Miami in Miami-Dade County, Florida, Port of Miami is the largest cruise ship port in the world. It is also the largest container port in the state of Florida and the ninth largest one in the USA. As a top-ranking port, the Port of Miami is among an elite group of ports on earth, accommodating both cruise ships and containerized cargo.

As a vital contributor to the local south Florida and state economies, the port also provides an equal employment opportunity to everyone including minorities and women. If you are hunting for an opportunity to make a difference while working in a vibrant and challenging environment, join the dynamic family of Port of Miami employees.

Port of Miami is a favorable place to work, with great benefits and an exciting work environment. All aspects of the hiring process are taken charged and coordinated by the Human Resources Department of Miami Dade County Government.

Is there any current job opening available at the port? Yes. They are in need of a seaport facility security officer now. The deadline of this position is up to February 18, 2011. To apply for this job, a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field is required. Also, you need to possess three years of advanced professional experience in planning, analysis and implementation of a Security Program including seaport security, mass transportation security or law enforcement experience.

This is a full-time job, with the entry yearly salaries of $55,159 and the maximum yearly salaries of $92,599.52. You also can enjoy full medical, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, paid holidays, vacation/sick time and more. For more info, visit this page:

http://exterd.miamidade.gov/psp/GUEST/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL

Port of Miami is also looking for employees for its Port of Miami Tunnel Project. This employing process is taken charge of Bouygues Civil Works Florida, the general contractor selected by MAT Concessionaire.

Port of Miami Tunnel Project

http://www.portofmiamitunnel.com/home/

Applicants could submit their resumes by email (resume@bcwf-miami.com). Resumes can also be submitted in person to South Florida Work Force - Little Havana Center situated at 701 SW 27 Avenue, GR 10, Miami, FL 33134, from 2pm to 4pm on Mondays & Thursdays. For more info, you can contact BCWF Human Resources Department at 305-894-1840. Follow up your resume submission by calling this number as well.

How to apply for a job at the port? Only online applications for employment are accepted by Miami Dade County. Your application could be submitted reacting to an announced vacancy or to express your interest in employment. To get step-by-step instructions on applying for a job, click here:

Step-By-Step Instructions on Applying for a Job at the Port of Miami

http://www.miamidade.gov/hr/jobs_applying.asp

Job vacancies will be posted or announced for at least one week. As long as the recruitment is open, applications are accepted. Each posted vacancy includes a notice concerning the day the recruitment period closes.

Interviews are frequently performed by panels, including the hiring managers. In the course of the interview, you have to present all documents you indicated in your application. Additional interviews may be arranged at the department's discretion. Please note that the jobs websites will be down for maintenance from 11:45 pm to 3:45 am every Wednesday and from midnight to 6am every Sunday. During this time, you can not access to the status of your job application.

As the Cruise Capital of the World, the Port of Miami has established the pier as a world-class seaport facility. The port operates eight passenger terminals. Passenger Terminals D and E are among the most modern cruise facilities in the world. It's not only the ultra-modern terminals that make the pier fantastic and great, but the comprehensive experiences and services.

Whether you're looking for a short cruise escape or longer sailings, the Port of Miami has it all for you. The port offers a wide option of cruise prices to fit all budgets, from 3-day cruise to 11-day cruise to longer durations. The port also features the world's most distinguished cruise lines, like Azamara Cruise Lines, Carnival Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruises and Oceania Cruises etc. Visit the website below to pick up the ideal cruise lines for your vacation.

Cruise Lines at Port of Miami

http://www.miamidade.gov/portofmiami/cruise_cruise.asp

Located in Biscayne Bay, the Port of Miami is connected with downtown Miami by Port Boulevard. Ships dock at the pier and it's about five minutes from the downtown area. If you want to tour around Miami or the Bayside shopping center, you'll need rental cars to explore. Several car rental companies are allowed to do business at the Port of Miami. But car rental company facilities are not situated on the port premises because of security precautions.

Dollar Rent A Car offers a variety of car rentals for customers, ranging from SUVs to large upscale sedans. If you want to explore Miami on your own schedule, a Miami car rental is an absolute must after you debark on Port of Miami and hit the scenes. Two nearest Dollar rental locations are Miami Intl Airport on 3900 NW 25th Street and Miami Beach - Mosaic Condominium on 3801 Collins Avenue.

Dollar Rent A Car at Miami International Airport is open 24 hours a day. Reservations can be made by calling 866-434-2226. A large selection of fine quality Chrysler rental vehicles are offered.

Car Options at Miami International Airport

http://www.dollar.com/Locations/GEN/Cars.aspx?locationId=MIA

The rental agency at Miami Beach - Mosaic Condominium is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. It closes at 4 p.m. on Sunday. The available telephone number is 305-532-5359. Different types of cars are offered, from economy cars to standard SUVs. Rates vary with different cars. For example, a Chevrolet Aveo costs $53/weekend day, while a Jeep Grand Cherokee will cost $100/weekend day. Visit the following website to view all available options.

Cars and Rates at Miami Beach - Mosaic Condominium

http://www.dollar.com/Reservations/AllCars.aspx

Alamo Rent A Car is the third-largest car rental agency throughout the U.S. Also serving the Port of Miami, it has a wide selection of vehicles for both personal and business car rental needs, ranging from economy and compact cars to SUVs, cargo vans and 15 passenger vans. Three branch agencies are located in Miami for your service.

MIAR71 is located at 18080 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles. It's open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. For more car rental info, please contact 888-826-6893 ext: MAIN or 305-935-5140 ext: LOCAL. You can also fax at 305-935-4857.

Miami Intl Arpt/Shuttle is also operated by Almo Rent A Car. It's located on 3900 NW 25th Street. From Monday to Sunday, the car rental agency is open from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Please call 305-633-6076 or fax at 305-635-3291 for more detailed rental info.

MIAS71 on South Miami Beach also has a variety of rental options for varying needs. It's located on 4332 Collins Avenue, Suite 104. Several telephone numbers are listed as follows: 888-826-6893 ext: MAIN, 305-532-8257 ext: LOCAL, 303-532-0702 and 305-532-4390. You can also fax at 305-532-0702.

Alamo Car Rental Specials:

- Last minute specials (good through February 22, 2011)

- Florida one-way rentals for $19.95 per Day

- Pre-pay & save an additional 10%

- Weekend rentals from $20/day

- $30 off a weekly rental

Alamo Rent A Car

http://www.alamo.com

Thrifty Car Rental is another partner for Port of Miami. When it comes to car selection, Thrift has got rental cars for every occasion, such as minivans for short vacations and ragtops for weekend getaways. There are two Thrifty rental car locations close to the Port of Miami.

Miami Airport has a Thrifty rental car agency located on 3900 NW 25th Street. You can always get the guaranteed lowest price for any reservation of SUV or luxury sedan. If you're a frequent renter, sign up for a free Blue Chip Express Rental Program for the best deals and discounts.

Car & Rate for Thrifty Miami Airport

http://www.thrifty.com/Reservations/index.aspx?SavedState=True&ControlTarget=TransitionLocationTime

Another Thrifty Car Rental is located on 1520 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. Whether your rental cars are used for leisure or for business, Thrifty Car Rental has one to meet your needs and budget.

Hertz Rent-A-Car has more than 8,100 rental locations scattered in over 147 counties worldwide. More than 100 rental car agencies are located in Florida. You can have a view of the complete list of Hertz car rental locations in Florida and pick the nearest ones in the area of Port of Miami. You're sure to have one car for your vacation plans.

Hertz offers regular shuttle service from the port terminals to their rental locations. The shuttle is available every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, and Friday through Monday. For more rental cars and rates info, please check into the official website of Hertz at www.hertz.com.

The Port of Miami is recognized as the "Cruise Capital of the World" and "Cargo Gateway of the Americas". The port is also an important contributor to the local state and national economies. The Port of Miami serves about 20 shipping lines to destinations over 100 countries and 250 ports across the world. The port serves worldwide markets, such as Asia, Europe, The Middle East, North America and South America.

This world-class seaport lies in Biscayne Bay on Dodge Island in Miami, Florida. Port Boulevard, a bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway connects the port to downtown Miami. Millions of visitors board cruise ships at Port of Miami for Caribbean vacations annually. Passengers driving to the port can park their vehicles for the duration of their cruises. Charged parking is available for all guests.

Port of Miami owns seven parking garages and lots. Convenient parking is available in parking facilities that are located in front of individual cruise terminals. Currently there're three parking garages for Cruise passengers, including Garage C, Garage G and Garage J. All these parking garages have a total capacity of 5,871 parking spaces. 56 parking spaces are handicapped accessible and 7 spaces are prepared for passengers with infants. The top floor is open to air for each garage. There's also one outside Parking Lot available for passengers: Lot #2.

Three other parking facilities include Garage D, Lot D and South Lot. All these parking facilities in the Port of Miami are patrolled by security 24 hours a day. But remember not to leave valuables behind to avoid losses.

Parking Map of Port of Miami

http://www.miamidade.gov/portofmiami/library/port_map_10.pdf

Long-term parking and short-term parking are offered at the Parking Garage/Lot. No reservations are required if you want to park at the port. But you're required to park at the right place depending on your parking time.

Passengers who are leaving for any overnight cruise must park their cars in the long term cruise parking lots. Long-term parking at the Port of Miami for a regular vehicle costs $20 each day. Larger vehicles, like oversized vans, vehicles with trailers and RVs cost $40 per day. All oversized vehicles are only permitted to park in Lot #2.

Short-term parking is available for people who are coming to the Port of Miami, but not for cruising. You may come to drop off or pick up cruise passengers. Then you're permitted to park in the short-term lot. Short-term parking at the port is $7. Overnight parking is not permitted for short-term parking in the parking facilities. There's no valet parking service at the Port of Miami.

Currently, Garage C, Garage G, Garage J and Lot #2 have more payment options. You can pay in cash, or credit card, like Visa, MasterCard & American Express only. Any major U.S. Travelers check is also accepted.

Cruise passengers needing long-term parking can turn to Airport Hotel Parking Packages. It's very economical to select a package. The total package price includes one night's accommodation, free shuttle service and up to 7-14 days or more free parking. These packages offer convenient parking and hotel accommodation options for your cruise vacations. You can also save a considerable amount of parking fees when compared with port parking.

Hyatt Summerfield Suites is located in the Waterford Corporate Park. It offers a package of $189 for king occupancy. This room rate includes 10 nights of parking. If you want to leave your car longer, any additional night will cost $7. Free shuttle service is available from 5 a.m. to 12 Mid to and from the Port of Miami.

Hyatt Summerfield Suites

http://www.hyatt.com/hyatt/summerfield

The Ramada Miami provides a special package of $114 for up to 2 people. Registered hotel guests can enjoy free parking up to 60 days, leaving you enough time to cruise around the world.

More Miami Airport Hotel Parking Packages

http://www.parksleepfly.com/reservation/search.php#null

What are some other methods to reduce costs on parking at the port? Alternatively, you may contact some transportation companies that offer services to the port, instead of driving to the pier. Both Super Shuttle and Go Airport Shuttle serve Greater Miami - Ford Lauderdale/Airports. Besides, the best option to save parking fees is to ask someone to drop you off at the pier.

Super Shuttle

http://www.supershuttle.com

Go Airport Shuttle

http://goairportshuttle.com

Recognized as the "Cruise Capital of the World" and "Cargo Gateway of the America", Port of Miami is an important contributor to the local, state and national economies. It is also regarded as the number one cruise/passenger port in the world, accommodating the world's largest cruise ships and operating about 20 shipping lines.

Where to find the Port of Miami? As a world-class seaport, Port of Miami is seated in Biscayne Bay in Miami, 10 miles from Miami International Airport and 25 miles from Ft. Lauderdale Airport. Connected to downtown Miami by Port Boulevard, the port combines three historic islands (Dodge, Lummus and Sam's Islands). The specific address is 1015 N America Way, Miami, Florida 33132.

Want to gain a deep understanding of its location or the layout of the port? The following maps may be a big help for you.

Port of Miami Map

http://www.aaccessmaps.com/show/map/us/fl/miami_port

Detailed Map of Port of Miami and nearby Places

http://www.maplandia.com/united-states/port-of-miami/

Map of Port of Miami

http://www.southbeach-usa.com/maps/port-of-miami-map.htm

Driving Directions to the Port of Miami: Due to its important geographical location, Port of Miami is well-located and easily accessible from many directions. For that all, learn by heart the directions to the port before setting out, especially for those who are unfamiliar with this area.

1) From Miami International Airport:

Visitors coming from Miami International Airport could take SR 836 East through the toll. Take N.E. Second Avenue / Biscayne Boulevard (US1) exit. Make a right on N.E. Second Avenue. Stay in your left lane and turn left onto the N.E. Fifth Street. Then drive across the big bridge. The signs will help get you to the piers.

2) From downtown Miami:

For guests coming from downtown Miami, you are suggested to drive to the Miami International Airport first. You can take Biscayne Boulevard North and turn off at I-195 West (36th Street). Drive on towards west on S.R. 112, until you get to the airport. Then go to the port from the airport.

3) From South Dade Area:

If you are coming from South Dade Area, take SR 826 North and turn off at SR 836 East through the toll. Get off at N.E. Second Avenue / Biscayne Boulevard (US1) exit. Then turn right onto the N.E. Second Street.

4) From Florida Keys:

For visitors coming from Florida Keys, take US1 North to Florida Turnpike North. Follow signs to 874 North and turn off at SR 836 East. Drive through the toll and take N.E. Second Avenue / Biscayne Boulevard (US1) exit.

5) From I-95:

Whether you are taking I-95 South or North, get off at Miami Beach I-395 (exit #5). Then follow the signs to the Biscayne Boulevard exit. When you reach the Biscayne Boulevard, turn right to 5th Street which converts into Port Boulevard. Take a left and cross the Port Bridge. Follow the directional signs to the piers.

6) From west:

Visitors driving from the west are suggested to take FL-836 / Dolphin Expressway east. Drive on until you go through the tolls. Stay straight to I-395 east. Then take the Biscayne Boulevard exit. After you reach the Biscayne Boulevard, take a right. Drive to the 5th Street and go over the Port Bridge. Follow the signs to designated terminal.

Non-driving Directions to the Port of Miami: For those arriving at Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale Airport, there are also various modes of transportation to help get you into the Port of Miami.

1) By Taxi:

Taxicabs are available on the arrivals level of the Miami International Airport. The flat rate fare is about $24 between Miami International Airport and the Port of Miami and about $50 between Ft. Lauderdale Airport and the port. These taxicabs are also available at all terminals of the port. To explore estimated taxi cab fares from the Port of Miami, check this page:

Estimated Taxicab Fares from the Port of Miami

http://www.miamidade.gov/portofmiami/taxi_fares.asp

2) By Public Transportation

If coming from Miami International Airport, catch Bus #150 at the airport, located on the lower level. The bus travels to Earlington Heights MetroRail Station without stop. Then transfer to MetroRail to Historic Overtown / Lyric Theatre or Government Center Metrorail Station. After exiting at Historic Overtown Station, hop on Bus #243 to your cruise terminal. The total fees are $6.35, with a fee of $2.35 for Bus #150, $2 for MetroRail and $2 for Bus #243.

For visitors from Fort Lauderdale Airport, you are suggested to use SAS Transport. SAS offers transportation from the airport to Port of Miami, with a fee of $15.

Be welcomed by the great hospitality that each Miami Hotel can offer. Visiting the port area in Miami, Florida could be the best decision you make as there are a lot of first class hotels that stand one after the other offering their respective and unique services. The Port of Miami hotels has been inspected and approved by Mobile Travel Guide as well as AAA, the respected authority in worldwide hotel inspections. All of the Port of Miami Hotels offers their own price in a way that visitors would greatly appreciate while enjoying their unique services.

http://www.portmiamihotels.com/

And to give a highlight, here is a list of the best Port of Miami Hotels:

• InterContinental Miami-A luxury hotel which lives by its reputation as the Shining Star in Miami
• Holiday Inn Port of Miami-Downtown-Stands proud with its 14 renowned restaurants and 96 specialty stores
• Epic Hotel-It beauty reflects on the clear water as it stands in the banks of Miami River
• Mandarin Oriental, Miami-Well-known for its luxuriously decorated and spacious guestrooms
• Courtyard Miami Downtown-Still is a proud luxury hotel which just done with its second renovation to better improve the guest experience
• Viceroy Miami-Stands proud in the middle of two towers in Brickell complex
• Hyatt Regency Miami-Located in the heart of the downtown and stands brightly visible from Miami River
• River Park Hotel and Suites-Proud by its unique hospitality and very warm style of welcoming their guests
• Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay-It offers everything for people who want to experience everything in Miami while on vacation
• Miami Grand Biscayne Bay DTH-A luxurious condo-hotel in the heart of Miami, Florida that offers one-of-a-kind experience.

Each Miami Hotel has its own unique way of letting the guests experience what they have not experience back at home. Therefore, you cannot compare one from the other because they are the best in Miami, Florida.

In case you're not aware of parking rates near the Port of Miami, you must beware if you're planning to park your car for 3-4 days. The parking charges near the Port Of Miami are as high as $15-$20 per night, while the average hotel accommodation charges hardly cross the $100 mark.

Therefore, if you wish to enjoy the cruise for say a week's time, you'd be better off selecting Miami hotels that offer stay as well as free parking, even if you need to pay a bit higher.

To take a look at the opinions of various visitors related to parking problems as well as relevant resolutions, visit this link:

http://cruise-chat.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2541070261/m/9801019733

While some places offer discounted parking, you may also find Miami hotels that offer you free parking too, and are located extremely close to the Miami Port, allowing you to enjoy cruises and not waste money on additional parking.

It might be a bit tough to locate good options near the Port of Miami for the first time, hence here's a quick help guide and map:

http://www.miamibeach411.com/news/index.php?/news/comments/port-map/

Additionally, you must keep in mind that you'll get charged $7 for short term parking or $20 per day for overnight parking in most of the cases, but if you're travelling in limousine watch out - you'll be charged additional $20 per day for parking any vehicle whose length exceeds the 20′ mark.

However, there's some good news for handicaps as fortunately handicapped parking is provided totally free of cost, and they can also make use of free shuttle service with wheelchair to enjoy the cruise.