The Wandering Disciple

The iconic skyline of Miami Beach rises above the coastline as seen from the top deck of a cruise ship at the Port of Miami. This coastal view is the last thing passengers see before departing for their Caribbean cruise.  The Port of Miami is one of the busiest ports in the world. It is the largest cruise port in the world and is the largest container port in Florida and ninth largest in the US. And for each of the ships passing to and from the Port of Miami, the skyline of Miami Beach is the guiding light welcoming ships into the port and waving good-bye as ships depart.  Taken: April 19, 2010 at Port of Miami (Miami, FL)

The downtown Miami skyline shines bright along the dark Floridian nighttime skies. This sight is usually the first thing that cruise passengers see after returning to the port following their cruise. This photos was taken from the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas and features the Port of Miami bridge in front of the downtown skyline. (Photo: October 28, 2006)

The Majesty of the Seas passes through the Government cut as it embarks on another Bahama cruise. The Government Cut is a manmade shipping channel that connects the Port of Miami and the Atlantic Ocean. (Photo: April 19, 2010)

The Carnival Destiny maneuvers through the busy water of the Port of Miami. The Port of Miami is the gateway that connects South Florida cruisers with the Caribbean ports of call. (Photo: April 19, 2010)

The Carnival Victory prepares for a new Caribbean cruise vacation at the Port of Miami. The Victory is a member of the Triumph class of ships and can accommodate 2,758 passengers. The ship is currently sails to the Bahamas out of Miami. (Photo: October 21, 2005)

Miami, Florida: One of the busiest ports in the world, the Port of Miami is home to both passenger and cargo ships. Over 4 million cruise passengers and 7.5 million tons of cargo pass through the port each year. Mother Nature helped to create the port in the early 1900’s. A hurricane hit south Florida and separated the southern end of Miami leading to what is today the port. The newly created channel now known as the Government Cut was then dredged and the leftover soil became Dodge, Lummus and Sam’s Island which is now the site of the present day Port of Miami. As the business at the port began to pick up, the port needed to be expanded. The city government passed legislation to expand the port by land filling the three islands into one and increasing the overall size of the island. Today the port contains eight passenger terminals as well as an extensive collection of cargo equipment. It is also the headquarters for some of the cruise lines including Royal Caribbean. Future ...