Ahoy there, Kelly! Welcome aboard planDisney!
Ah, one of the new
Disney Dream sailings out of Miami! This is usually the part where I say something filled with dad jokes and puns, but you're embarking in just a few days, so let's get straight to it!
When it comes to
arriving for a cruise out of Port Miami, you've already taken the "planDrew-approved" approach by getting there at least a day in advance. I sailed over to
chat with a crew member and was able to confirm that Guests are encouraged to arrive as close to their scheduled time as possible, and those arriving early may be asked to wait until their scheduled time to enter the cruise terminal. Also, for security reasons, there is no way to arrive prior to that time and drop off luggage.
Since you mentioned staying close to the port, my recommendation would be to first ask your hotel if they can offer you a late checkout. Nothing is ever guaranteed, but it's worth the ask! If that's a no-go, I suggest that you and your crew check out of your hotel room and hang out in the lobby as long as you can remain comfortable. While it's not a perfect plan, it's better than standing out on the sidewalk outside the cruise terminal at Port Miami! Assuming the hotel provides a shuttle service, if you can "reserve" yourself a spot on a shuttle as close to your Port Arrival Time as possible, that should minimize your wait at the port, too!
I hope that helps make for calm seas and smooth sailing for you and your crew, Kelly! Thank you so much for your question, and if any others surface in the short time between now and your sailing, please drop us another line here at planDisney!
Bon Voyage!
Andrew