With 10 cruise lines operating out of Port Everglades (and more expected in the future) and over 3 million passengers each year, Fort Lauderdale’s cruise port ranks as the third busiest in the United States, trailing only PortMiami and Port Canaveral (located near Orlando).
Ships primarily depart from Port Everglades to destinations such as the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Caribbean. However, numerous travelers opt to include Fort Lauderdale’s renowned beaches and waterways as part of their vacation by planning pre- and post-cruise stays.
One of the most notable advantages of traveling through Fort Lauderdale is that Port Everglades is situated less than 2 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). This proximity makes it the nearest cruise port to any airport in the nation, providing an easy and convenient option for travelers arriving by air and wishing to depart on a cruise the same day.
Port Everglades is a convenient port for departure on debarkation day, as passengers can utilize Global Entry and the Mobile Passport Control app to bypass lengthy customs lines at the terminal.
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If you’ve reserved a cruise departing from Port Everglades, this guide provides all the information you need for cruising from Fort Lauderdale. Learn about the best airport options, recommended hotels, and where to park, dine, shop, and explore with your additional time in Fort Lauderdale.
You just need to focus on appreciating the views of Fort Lauderdale’s sandy beaches as your ship departs into the ocean.
Overview of the Port Everglades Cruise Port
Information about the Port Everglades cruise terminal.
Location: 1850 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Number of terminals: 8
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Every cruise terminal is entirely accessible, and parking charges are exempted at all Port Everglades parking areas and garages for disabled individuals driving their own vehicles to the port.
There is no luggage storage available at the port.
Cruise companies departing from Port Everglades
Terminal 2: Princess Cruises
Terminal 4: Disney Cruise Line
Terminal 18: Royal Caribbean
Terminal 19: Holland America
Terminal 21: Holland America and Princess Cruises
Terminal 25: Celebrity Cruises
Terminal 26: Holland America
Terminal 29: Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean
Additional cruise lines departing from Port Everglades feature Azamara, Crystal, Cunard, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Silversea, and Viking. These vessels are scheduled to embark from the available terminals.
Download the CruiseSchedule Port Everglades app to view the cruise timetable.
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Airports in proximity to Fort Lauderdale cruise port
Cruisers departing from Port Everglades have two primary South Florida airport choices for booking flights: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Miami International Airport (MIA).
Many travelers choose to fly into FLL due to its proximity to Port Everglades, which makes transfers faster and more affordable compared to MIA. In fact, you can book a flight for the same day and reach your ship within an hour after landing.
Overall, MIA provides a greater number of daily flights. For those traveling from abroad, MIA also has a wider selection of international flights. Additionally, Miami’s airport may be more attractive for individuals who are part of airline loyalty programs or possess cards granting lounge access.
Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is the closest airport to Port Everglades, situated just 1.8 miles away. It holds the distinction of being the nearest airport to a cruise port in the United States. Major airlines such as Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Silver Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines all operate flights into Fort Lauderdale’s airport.
If you need to occupy time between getting off the cruise and your flight, the airport provides a United Club Lounge and a Delta Sky Club for passengers of these airlines. Additionally, there is an Escape Lounge in Terminal 3 available to all travelers in that terminal for a fee. FLL doesn’t have a Priority Pass lounge, but Priority Pass members who have restaurant privileges can enjoy a dining discount at the Kafe Kalik restaurant in Terminal 4. (Note that this benefit may not be available to members who obtained their Priority Pass through specific credit cards.)
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Miami International Airport
Situated roughly 40 minutes from the Fort Lauderdale cruise port (potentially longer during peak traffic periods), Miami International Airport (MIA) accommodates the majority of major airlines, such as Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country Airlines, and United.
At Miami International Airport (MIA), travelers can choose from several lounge options including an American Airlines Admirals Club, a Flagship Lounge, a Delta Sky Club, and an Amex Centurion Lounge for eligible cardholders.The American Express® Platinum CardYou can access the Priority Pass lounge named Club America by purchasing a Priority Pass membership or by having a credit card that includes membership benefits, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
Directions to the Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
Cruise line transfers
Cruise companies frequently provide shuttle services from the airport to the cruise terminal, but these are generally offered solely on the day the vessel sets sail. Guests arriving prior to the departure day would not be able to use a cruise line transfer.
The cost of cruise line transfers is calculated per individual, making it more economical to share a taxi or an Uber or Lyft when traveling with a group from the nearby Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Traveling from FLL to Port Everglades via Disney Cruise Line costs $45 per person for a one-way trip. Note that the cruise line does not provide transfers from MIA.
Hotel shuttles
Various hotels in the region provide shuttles to the airport costing between $8 and $15 per individual, while some hotels offer free shuttle service to the cruise port.
For additional details on hotel choices that offer complimentary or paid shuttle services, please refer to the section on hotels below.
Independent airport shuttles
Private shuttle services such as Go Airport and South Florida Shuttles provide shared transportation from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Port Everglades, with prices ranging from $15 to $27 per person. Shared shuttle options to the Fort Lauderdale port are generally not available from Miami International Airport.
Autonomous vehicle and automobile services
Businesses such as South Florida Elite Shuttle, Fort Lauderdale Airport Shuttle, and Go Airport additionally provide private cars or vans for transportation to Port Everglades from both FLL and MIA.
Transportation from the nearby Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) ranges from $65 for up to three passengers with three pieces of luggage to $105 for groups of up to 10 passengers with 10 bags, offered by Go Airport. From Miami International Airport (MIA), prices begin at $120.
Cabs and app-based transportation services
The typical cost of a taxi ride from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Port Everglades is $20. To get a cab from the airport, leave your terminal at the arrivals level and follow the signs directing you to the closest taxi stand.
Ride-hailing services from FLL, such as Uber and Lyft, are usually a bit more affordable, with rates often beginning at around $10. However, these fees can increase significantly during surge pricing times, like when many passengers are disembarking from a cruise and requesting rides simultaneously.
If you’re traveling from Miami International Airport to Port Everglades, the taxi fare may exceed $100 for a one-way trip. After collecting your luggage, proceed to the ground arrivals area to locate a taxi.
Conversely, Uber fares may begin at approximately $55 for UberX, $70 for Comfort, and $100 for Uber XL if accommodating up to six passengers and additional luggage is necessary. Pickup locations for ride-hailing services are positioned outside doors 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 15, 20, and 23 on the arrivals level of the ground floor. Please wait at the central median.
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Local transit options available from nearby airports
From FLL: The Route 1 bus service in Broward County, departing from Fort Lauderdale airport, makes a stop at the Northport area of Port Everglades on SE 17th Street. This bus stop is situated at the Rental Car Center, at Stop G, within the airport.
From MIA: You can board the Tri-Rail train from Miami International Airport and travel to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport station, where complimentary shuttle buses are available to take you to the airport terminals. From there, follow the aforementioned bus route to reach Port Everglades.
Parking at the Port Everglades cruise terminal
On-site parking
Port Everglades offers ample parking options for cruise passengers, with two on-site parking garages and three parking lots, totaling over 5,500 available spaces.
Heron Parking Garage caters to Terminals 2 and 4, featuring an air-conditioned elevated bridge on the fifth floor that connects directly to Terminal 2. Palm Parking Garage, on the other hand, serves Terminals 19, 21, 25, 26, and 29, providing a shuttle service to Terminal 29.
In addition, Lot A provides service to Terminals 19 and 26, Lot B caters to Terminals 18 and 19, and Lot C services Terminal 18.
The cost of parking at Port Everglades is $20 per day, with an increased rate of $25 for oversized vehicles. For shorter durations, the fee is $4 for the first hour and $8 for up to five hours.
Park-and-cruise
Outside the port, various private parking facilities offer shuttle services to the cruise terminal. Among the more affordable park-and-cruise options is Park by the Ports, with parking fees beginning at $9.99 per day. The shuttle service is complimentary for the initial four passengers and takes roughly 10 minutes to reach the port.
Park ‘N Go is a dependable choice located just a few blocks from the port. It offers 24-hour staffing and complimentary on-demand shuttle services that pick you up at your vehicle and take you to the port. Rates start at just $10 per day when reserved online in advance.
For both of these choices, making a reservation is the sole way to ensure a parking spot, though they also accommodate drive-up customers.
Tropical Airport Parking offers a distinctive service where you can park your vehicle at hotels with available parking spaces. Rates begin at just $7.45 per day, and a reservation is necessary. Note that the shuttle to the cruise port incurs an additional fee, which varies by hotel, so be sure to compare the overall cost with other parking options before making your decision.
A number of hotels provide park-and-cruise options, allowing you to leave your car at the hotel for the length of your cruise if you book at least a one-night stay. SpringHill Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port has a hotel package available that features a complimentary round-trip airport shuttle and permits up to 14 nights of parking for one vehicle (an additional fee is required for the shuttle to the cruise port).
Alternatively, the parking fee may not be included in the overnight hotel rate but is often more affordable compared to parking at the cruise port. This option is ideal if you have already planned to stay at a hotel before your cruise. For example, Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale Airport North Cruise Port and Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port provide post-checkout parking to hotel guests for just $5 to $10 per night and offer a paid shuttle service to the cruise port.
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Accommodations close to Port Everglades cruise terminal
Hilton hotels
Several of the nearest hotels to Port Everglades can be found along the 17th Street Causeway, including the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina and the Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street.
The Embassy Suites hotel, where stays begin at approximately 42,000 Hilton Honors points per night, is an excellent family-friendly option due to its roomy suites and complimentary made-to-order breakfast. Additionally, the hotel provides a free evening reception complete with snacks and beverages.
For a resort-like experience near the port, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina (starting at approximately 31,000 points per night) includes transportation to the beach and beach towels in its resort fee. The hotel features a rooftop restaurant with views of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, a heated outdoor pool with a pool bar, and a lobby lounge and coffee shop. A separate company provides transportation between the hotel and Port Everglades for $11 per person.
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Marriott hotels
For a more luxurious beachside stay before or after your cruise, consider one of Marriott Bonvoy’s high-end hotel options on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
The sophisticated Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale (from approximately 59,500 points per night) features opulent amenities, including seaside dining at Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits and a tranquil beachfront spa. The stylish and ultra-contemporary W Fort Lauderdale (from approximately 42,000 points per night) is renowned for its Wet Deck pool five stories above the ocean and vibrant nightlife at Living Room.
Hyatt hotels
The Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Airport — South & Cruise Port (starting at approximately 9,000 points per night) is an excellent value hotel located just five minutes from Port Everglades. This family-friendly establishment offers complimentary continental breakfast, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a shuttle service to the cruise port for $9 per person.
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Non-points hotels
For an inexpensive, straightforward overnight stay prior to your cruise, consider the Red Carpet Inn Airport/Cruise Port Fort Lauderdale. This budget-conscious hotel, located approximately 10 minutes from Port Everglades, provides complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport and cruise port.
The complimentary shuttle service to the airport operates from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and you can arrange transportation to Port Everglades during check-in. Additionally, the hotel provides free parking during your stay and a park-and-cruise rate of $10 per day throughout your cruise.
Another well-liked budget hotel, Rodeway Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port, provides free shuttle service to the airport and cruise port, along with complimentary breakfast included in your stay.
To enjoy a longer beach getaway, reserve a room at the isolated Pelican Grand Beach Resort, the sole resort positioned directly on Fort Lauderdale’s beach. This high-end boutique hotel, situated on the more serene section of the beach, features calming facilities such as an oceanfront zero-entry pool, a lazy river, and its own private beach area.
Eateries in proximity to Port Everglades cruise terminal
Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale is the city’s prime spot for dining, famous for its many sidewalk cafes, bars, shops, and art galleries. The boulevard offers a variety of cuisines, including seafood, steakhouses, tacos, burgers, and American bar food. One standout location is Louie Bossi’s Ristorante, a lively Italian restaurant known for its handmade pastas, Neapolitan pizzas, and the chance to play a spontaneous game of bocce in the outdoor courtyard.
For a local experience, consider having breakfast on the beach at Casablanca Cafe, which is a restaurant and piano bar situated in a beautifully restored historic home. If the time is right for lunch or dinner before sunset, savor a seafood-focused dish at a waterfront spot along the Intracoastal Waterway, such as Coconuts or Boatyard. Alternatively, you could visit Boathouse at the Riverside to enjoy a view of the New River.
Searching for a place to enjoy evening drinks or a morning coffee just before you embark on your ship? Flagler Village is a fashionable neighborhood situated in a former warehouse district, offering a variety of local breweries and specialty coffee shops.
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Activities to enjoy in Fort Lauderdale prior to or following your cruise
Visit the beach
The majority of visitors to Fort Lauderdale are attracted by its beaches, and Fort Lauderdale Beach located on state Road A1A is bound to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun from the sandy shore, take a dip in the Atlantic, or drive along state Road A1A to enjoy ocean views directly from your vehicle, this beach has something for everyone.
Approximately 15 minutes to the south, you can visit Hollywood Beach, a quaint beach town characterized by a 2.5-mile-long pedestrian walkway known as the Broadwalk. Observe the joggers and cyclists as they pass, or participate in the activity yourself.
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Take the Water Taxi.
Boasting a vast network of canals and waterways, Fort Lauderdale is aptly nicknamed the Venice of America. The Water Taxi offers a scenic journey along the Intracoastal Waterway, passing by some of the city’s most beautiful waterfront mansions.
The route pauses at various popular attractions, hotels, and waterfront eateries. Disembark at 15th Street Fisheries or Shooters Waterfront to enjoy a quintessential South Florida seafood experience.
Hit the slots
Should you wish to carry on gambling after your cruise, Broward County hosts several significant casinos that draw both tourists and residents.
Approximately 15 minutes west of the port in Hollywood, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino along with the neighboring Guitar Hotel resemble two Las Vegas resorts set in the heart of South Florida. These connected properties offer an array of amenities including a casino, a spa, numerous shops, a lagoon-style pool with cabanas, over a dozen restaurants, and several nightclubs, bars, and lounges. The Hard Rock Live entertainment venue frequently features concerts and performances by comedians.
Enjoy the nighttime light show at the Guitar Hotel, which is synchronized to various songs. Six beams of light, symbolizing the strings of a guitar neck, shine 20,000 feet into the sky. The grand entrance of the Guitar Hotel also showcases a 35-foot-tall central waterfall known as The Oculus, featuring an additional musical light show that occurs every 20 minutes.
Located farther south in Hallandale Beach, approximately 30 minutes from Port Everglades, Gulfstream Park is a horse racing track and casino that hosts equestrian events such as the Pegasus World Cup. The complex offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, including nightclubs and a karaoke venue.
Shops close to the Fort Lauderdale cruise terminal
If you need last-minute cruise essentials such as sunscreen or snacks, consider stopping by a pharmacy like Walgreens or CVS near Port Everglades on U.S. Highway 1 or 17th Street Causeway. Additionally, The Harbor Shops is a nearby shopping center that offers a Publix Supermarket and a Total Wine store, ideal for picking up a bottle of wine to take with you on the cruise.
Las Olas Boulevard is an open-air shopping and entertainment area featuring unique shops, art galleries, outdoor cafes, and bars. Extending from downtown Fort Lauderdale to the beach on State Road A1A, it offers an ideal setting for a leisurely afternoon stroll, post-cruise shopping, or an evening wander before embarking.
To experience a classic shopping mall atmosphere, visit The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, a high-end shopping complex featuring over 100 stores, including Macy’s, Michael Kors, H&M, and Free People.
Located farther away but still a worthy destination for bargain hunters, Sawgrass Mills stands as one of the largest outlet malls globally. This expansive shopping center, featuring over 400 stores and dining options, is approximately a 20- to 30-minute drive from the cruise port.
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