The Miami Night Cruise on Biscayne Bay has garnered a disappointing reputation among reviewers. With an average rating of just 1.7 out of 5, many guests have described the experience as a "scam," citing lengthy delays and a feeling of being misled. While the cruise does offer views of iconic sights and the opportunity to purchase alcoholic beverages, prospective travelers may want to explore alternative sightseeing options that promise a more enjoyable and value-driven experience. The details behind these negative reviews, however, suggest there’s more to the story than meets the eye.
Overview of the Miami Night Cruise
The Miami Night Cruise is a 60-minute sightseeing tour along Biscayne Bay in the heart of Miami.
The cruise takes guests past iconic landmarks like the Port of Miami and the skyline of downtown Miami. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, and gratuities are included.
Guests must arrive 45 minutes prior to departure at the Bayside Marketplace to obtain their boarding pass. The cruise accommodates up to 34 travelers and is stroller-accessible, but not wheelchair-accessible.
Reviews for this cruise have been poor, with one guest calling it a "scam" and another noting the cruise stopped midway to wait for more passengers, which wasn’t mentioned in the booking.
Inclusions and Meeting Information
The Miami Night Cruise includes alcoholic drinks available for purchase and gratuities.
Passengers must check in at the window to obtain their boarding pass and arrive at least 45 minutes prior to departure due to the size of the Bayside Marketplace and potential parking issues.
The cruise returns to the same meeting point at the end. Infants must sit on laps, and service animals are allowed.
The tour is stroller accessible but not wheelchair accessible. Most travelers can participate, with a maximum of 34 per tour.
Customers should be aware that the cruise may stop for 45 minutes to wait for more people, which wasn’t mentioned in the original booking.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Miami.
Accessibility and Participation Details
Infants must sit on laps during the Miami Night Cruise, and service animals are allowed to accompany passengers.
The cruise is stroller accessible, but not wheelchair accessible.
Most travelers can participate, with a maximum of 34 travelers per tour.
The key accessibility and participation details are:
- Infants must sit on laps
- Service animals allowed
- Stroller accessible
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
Negative Reviews and Ratings
Based on the available reviews, it seems the Miami Night Cruise has received overwhelmingly negative feedback.
With only 3 total reviews, all of which are 1-star ratings, the tour appears to be a disappointment for customers. Reviewers have described the experience as a "scam" and noted that the cruise stopped for 45 minutes to wait for more people, contrary to the advertised 60-minute duration.
The negative ratings and comments suggest that the Miami Night Cruise may not be worth the time or money for prospective travelers. Customers should consider these poor reviews carefully before booking this sightseeing tour on Biscayne Bay.
Cruise Duration and Departure Point
According to the details provided, the Miami Night Cruise is advertised as a 60-minute sightseeing tour on Biscayne Bay.
Travelers are required to check in at the Bayside Marketplace, located at 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132. Guests are advised to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to departure due to the size of the mall and parking considerations.
The cruise departs from and returns to the same meeting point. Key details about the cruise departure and duration include:
- 60-minute sightseeing tour on Biscayne Bay
- Check-in at the window to obtain a boarding pass
- Arrive 45 minutes early due to parking and mall size
- Cruise departs from and returns to Bayside Marketplace
Cruise Amenities and Offerings
The cruise offers several amenities for passengers. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, allowing guests to enjoy the nighttime scenery with a beverage.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, providing convenient transportation to and from the departure point. Plus, gratuities are already covered, eliminating the need for guests to worry about tipping.
However, the reviews indicate that the cruise may not always operate as expected, with one reviewer noting a stop midway to wait for more passengers, which wasn’t mentioned in the booking details.
Recommendations and Alternatives
One should reconsider booking this Miami night cruise.
The dismal 1.7/5 rating based on 3 reviews speaks volumes, with comments highlighting it as a "scam" and noting unexpected stops to wait for more passengers.
Given the negative feedback, it’s best to explore other sightseeing options in Miami that offer a more reliable and enjoyable experience.
Consider these alternatives instead:
- Take a scenic sunset cruise for views of the city skyline
- Join a guided food tour to discover the diverse culinary scene
- Explore the vibrant Wynwood Walls and nearby art galleries
- Visit the iconic South Beach and stroll the lively Ocean Drive
- Discover the natural beauty of the Everglades on an airboat tour
Questions About Your Stay
Is the Cruise Suitable for Families With Young Children?
The cruise may not be suitable for families with young children. While infants can sit on laps, there are no accommodations mentioned for strollers or those with accessibility needs. The mixed reviews also suggest potential issues for families.
Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages on Board?
No, passengers cannot bring their own alcoholic beverages on board. The cruise offers alcoholic drinks available for purchase, but outside alcohol is not permitted. The crew enforces this policy to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?
There don’t appear to be any discounts or package deals for this night cruise. The pricing and inclusions are straightforward – alcoholic drinks can be purchased, and gratuities are already included in the overall price.
Is the Cruise Available Year-Round or Only During Certain Seasons?
The cruise is available year-round, as it’s an indoor activity not affected by weather. However, certain seasons may be more popular due to factors like temperature and tourist demand.
Can I Customize or Personalize the Cruise Experience?
The cruise experience can’t be customized or personalized. It’s a fixed sightseeing tour with set inclusions, duration, and capacity. Guests can’t personalize the activities, routing, or group size.
Final Verdict On This Stay
The Miami Night Cruise on Biscayne Bay has received overwhelmingly negative reviews, with guests describing it as a "scam" due to long wait times that detract from the advertised 60-minute sightseeing tour. While the cruise offers amenities like alcoholic beverages and iconic views, potential travelers may want to consider alternative sightseeing options that provide a more enjoyable and value-for-money experience.
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