Everglades

Port Everglades ranks among the busiest cruise harbors on earth. It handles over three million vacationers in Fort Lauderdale every single year. Review these core port details before you plan your trip.

Port Terminals and Logistics

Port Everglades has 8 operational cruise terminals spread over two main areas called Northport and Midport. Luggage porters dressed in uniform are available to carry your heavy bags at either set of outside doors of every terminal. This is a summary of the whereabouts of each terminal, major cruise lines, and its distance from the center of Fort Lauderdale by driving distance:

How to Reach Port Everglades

Choosing the correct form of ground transportation avoids delays on embarkation morning. Passengers might elect to use one of the many available ride-share cars, yellow taxis, shuttle vans, or regional buses.

From Airport

• Rideshare apps pick up right outside baggage claim doors. Rides from Fort Lauderdale Airport cost fifteen to twenty-five dollars. Trips starting at Miami International Airport cost sixty to eighty dollars.
• Yellow cabs queue up along airport arrival curbs. Metered fares from Fort Lauderdale Airport run between eighteen and twenty-two dollars.
• Shared shuttle vans pick up passengers at airport doors. Fares run fifteen to thirty dollars per person. You must book these seats ahead of time.
• Public buses do not enter secure cruise terminals directly. You must take a cab or rideshare from bus stops outside port gates to reach terminal check areas.

From City Center

• Metered cabs wait near major downtown hotels. Drivers take State Road 84 or Southeast 17th Street to reach port entry gates fast.
• Take the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi or city transit to Southeast 17th Street. Short cab rides carry passengers straight through security gates.
• On-site parking structures like Midport Garage or Northport Garage cost fifteen dollars per day. Off-site lots charge lower rates from seven to twelve dollars daily.
• Unloading lanes sit directly in front of terminal doors. Drivers must stay in their vehicles to prevent parking fines or towing.

Cruise Lines and Popular Routes

Port Everglades offers dozens of Caribbean and Bahamas cruises. Cruise lines have different terminals, which go through the boarding process quickly. Use the chart below to help you find popular routes based on your travel time frame.

Best Time to Cruise from Port Everglades and Pricing

While it is always hot in Fort Lauderdale, cruise prices change along with the number of people taking the cruises. The costliest cruise prices and long security checks are seen on the holidays, school breaks and spring travel. During late spring and autumn, there is a decrease in cruise prices and the terminal is less crowded. The table below gives the monthly details of weather, terminal crowds, and fare trends for Fort Lauderdale.

Best Cruise Deals and Reference Pricing

Port Everglades offers an efficient and decadent port experience as it has exclusive and modern amenities. It is one of the primary ports of call for extended ocean journeys, luxury liners, and special tours to the Southern Caribbean. Here is a list of the most lucrative cruise deals from Port Everglades, including reference prices.

Where to Stay Before and After Your Cruise

Arriving a day early protects your trip from flight cancellations and highway delays. Hotel areas near Port Everglades offer different price ranges and settings. The table below lists three top districts alongside distance metrics and hotel options.

Embarkation Day Guidelines and Pro Tips

On embarkation day, the terminal staff will require you to stick to set check-in times to accommodate the possible crowds. The cruise line schedules the entry time to prevent hundreds or thousands of passengers arriving at the same time. 

• Make sure your travel documents and bags are kept in an organized manner.
• Arrival times are given between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM by the cruise line. Do not arrive before your window. Staff will make you wait outside until your time slot opens.

• Keep passports and IDs inside your personal handbag. Do not pack check-in documents inside large suitcases handed to porters. Keep digital or printed boarding passes ready for security checks.
• Porters collect heavy bags at the curb and load them onto ship carts. Tip porters two to five dollars per bag for their help. Make sure official cruise luggage tags are attached before handing over bags.
• Terminal security lines get busy between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Expect wait times of thirty to forty-five minutes unless you hold suite priority boarding status.
• Take Interstate 595 East directly into port gates to avoid city street traffic. Always park in garages attached to your assigned terminal building. Keep government photo IDs ready for security checks at entry gates.