Complete guide to cruising from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades

Table Of Content

• Cruise Ship Terminals Around the World for Avid Cruisers
• ✧ Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel (Also Known As Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel)
• Read Next: Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America
• Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Parking
• Convenient Port Canaveral “Park & Cruise” Hotels
• Alaska & Pacific Northwest

A 600-space surface parking lot is located outside terminal 18, while parking lot 19 provides 400 surface parking spaces between terminals 18 and 19. Driving to Port EvergladesIf you are already in South Florida, then you can simply drive to the port. One thing that you’ll need to keep in mind is if you are sailing from Northport (Terminals 2 or 4) or from Midport (Terminals 18-29). Depending on your cruise terminal, you want to use a different entrance to get into the port so that you can get to your ship faster. As a rule of thumb, the hotels that are away from the beach typically have better prices and more benefits to attract cruisers.

Cruise Ship Terminals Around the World for Avid Cruisers

Given the price and convenience, we recommend taking Uber or Lyft, and it’s what we personally use to get to the port. One thing to note is that for that rate up to four people can ride in a car. With luggage, you might need a larger vehicle or take two cars if you are traveling with more than three people.

✧ Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel (Also Known As Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel)

Port Everglades, the only U.S. cruise port adjacent to an international airport, is easily accessible and just 10 minutes from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Silver Airways, Southwest, Spirit and United all fly here from gateways across the U.S. Hotel Shuttles to the PortOne option that many people don’t think about are hotel shuttles. Because Fort Lauderdale is such a hub for cruising, a number of hotels offer perks to attract cruise passengers. Whether you are driving to the port or flying into Fort Lauderdale, you need to get to the cruise terminal before you can start your vacation! We’ve sailed from Port Everglades several times and can tell you about all your options (including our favorite) for getting to the cruise port.

Read Next: Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America

Please note that the cruise lines with options from Port Everglades may change slightly each year. Located in the bustling yachting area of 17th Street, this beautiful hotel is popular amongst cruise guests. It's also a short walk to Broward County Convention Center, which you can reach on foot in less than 10 minutes.

There is often a rush of passengers right at the start of boarding — and the ship may not be ready to accept passengers. In other words, if you don’t want the possibility of having to wait around to board, then arrive later in the window. Before you can get onto the ship, you have to check in and pass through security. The good news is that it’s no big deal and in most cases can be done in 15 minutes or less. Unlike some other ports, Port Everglades has security checkpoints where those 18 years or older need to show identification/passenger ticket to get into the terminal area. Just be ready as you approach the checkpoint at the entrance to the port to make the line go faster.

Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Parking

Once again, the location of Port Everglades offers a big advantage for cruise passengers. Sitting right near the airport and near A1A that runs along the beach, there are a number of hotels that are within just minutes of the port. Terminal 29Terminal 29 is a bit out of the way from the other terminals at the southernmost end of the cruise port facilities.

Convenient Port Canaveral “Park & Cruise” Hotels

Most shuttles, on the other hand, charge per person, which can make them more expensive for an entire group. If you love top-deck thrills, world-class dining and award-winning entertainment — you’ll love a weekend getaway on Freedom of the Seas®. With so many activities onboard to choose from, it’s the perfect ship to turn up bold adventures in just a few days. The first human settlement in the Fort Lauderdale area happened over 4,000 years ago by Native Americans, including the Tequesta tribe.

This way, if Miami has a better schedule or is cheaper, you can fly there and then head to Port Everglades. We’d recommend having some patience as it can take minutes before your car arrives. However, if you are sailing out of terminals 2 or 4 (which are located on the north side of the port), we recommend using 1801 SE 20th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL as the address. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more authentic Fort Lauderdale dining experience than eating fresh-off-the-boat seafood in a waterfront eatery. Local “Floribbean” cuisine melds Caribbean and Latin-influenced flavors with locally caught fish, shrimp and crab.

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida)

Farther away but still accessible are Miami International, just under 30 miles south, and Palm Beach International (PBI), which is 50 miles north. If you're traveling to Miami, look for flights on American, Delta, Frontier, Sun Country and United. From Palm Beach, fly Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southern Airways Express, Southwest, Spirit and United. Disembarking from Port Everglades is also a breeze since it participates in the U.S.

It’s an older terminal, but still perfect for getting on the ship. One issue is that the official port parking garage is a bit of a trek from here. You’ll want to park and then take the free shuttle to the terminal. Port Everglades is located in Fort Lauderdale about 30 miles North of Port Miami Cruise Port. Taxis (Recommended) If catching a cab, the ride is short (only about three miles or 10 minutes).

While these lots aren’t as convenient as parking right at the ship, they have the advantage of being cheaper. Plus, the lots will have shuttles to take you right to the ship. So if you don’t need to park right at the ship and don’t mind an extra 10 minutes to get to the ship, you can save significantly.

Here are some of our favorite places to stay before after a cruise. Port Everglades Park and Cruise Hotels — If you plan to stay in the area the night before your cruise, look at this list of hotels that offer cruise parking with a one-night stay. See our list of Fort Lauderdale hotels with cruise port shuttles here. Cruise line transfers offer convenience, but we also find they can be expensive and restrictive. Many are only available on the day you cruise and the day you depart and only go from the airport to the cruise ship. If you’re flying in the day before, then a transfer from the cruise line won’t work.

If you are using GPS to guide you to the port, its official address is 1850 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. While we’ve used Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale interchangeably, they are not actually one in the same. Fort Lauderdale is the city where Port Everglades is located. Don’t worry, many people use the names to mean the same thing.

Below, we have general information regarding your parking options. Given the location of the port, getting there is a breeze, especially if you are flying in. But even if you live in the area and plan on driving, you can still easily get to your ship and park at the port. We’ve covered all the ways to get to your cruise with our port transportation article. Below we have the highlights on the most popular ways to get to Port Everglades. Then you’ll sail from Terminal 4, the last cruise terminal in the Northport area and right next to the Convention Center.

You’ll feel a warm breeze as you soak in the views of boats docked in the nearby waters. Meander down the Riverwalk past restaurants and parks, or board the ferry to see the city from a different vantage point. Rent a beach chair and lounge on the sand, rollerblade on the boardwalk, or go windsurfing. Grab lunch or a drink at one of the conveniently located restaurants lining the promenade before diving back into the ocean. In February of 2009 a new 30,000 square foot terminal opened, doubling the size of the airport.

Disney Celebrates Opening of New Terminal at Port Everglades - Cruise Industry News

Disney Celebrates Opening of New Terminal at Port Everglades.

Posted: Mon, 13 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

On average, each cruise vessel generates approx USD 2,2 million in revenue for local businesses. Ideal for shorter trips, you can reserve a bicycle using the Broward B-cycle bike-sharing service. Stations are found in popular destinations including Downtown Fort Lauderdale and Central Beach.