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Local news | luxury ritz-carlton ship to be christened at port everglades.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Ilma, the luxury line’s second yacht, will be named at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale in December.

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NAPLES AND PUNTA GORDA: Book two tickets (or more) to Florida's Paradise Coast Back to video

Well, with all due respect to Eddie Money and his hit single from 1978, you don’t need to limit yourself to two tickets when you visit Florida’s Paradise Coast. Heck, bring the entire family or a large group of friends to check out one of the lesser-known Sunshine State destinations for Canadian snowbirds.

And, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous when heading south, combine a stop at the Paradise Coast, a 50-kilometre stretch of stellar Gulf of Mexico white sand beaches and coastline in the southwest corner of the state, with a visit to the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach area about an hour drive north of Naples, where you’ll find the heartbeat of the region.

That’s exactly what I did recently, doubling up on the two often-overlooked destinations for a sensational few days in F-L-A. Here’s the breakdown.

NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND AND THE EVERGLADES

Get away from the maddening crowds you’ll find in other popular Florida destinations – that means Orlando and the Disney experience, Tampa and Miami – and drop into one of the most relaxing, and less populated, stretches of beach in the entire state.

Don’t pigeonhole the Paradise Coast as just a shopping (Naples is a pretty swank town), sun, sand and sea centre, though. It’s also a great base to get out and enjoy the environment, with the Everglades a short drive away, limitless boating and fishing options and golf courses out the wazoo, with more than 90 public and private tracks available to play.

Immediately upon landing at RSW after a stress-free three-hour flight from Toronto, our small group of Canadian travel writers headed for the Everglades to enjoy an exhilarating airboat tour, complete with the expected adrenaline rush you get from ripping around the area’s wetlands. Talk about a fun way to start our trip!

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Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours in Ochopee allowed us to cruise on (the water) and over 259 acres of private grasslands while learning about the flora and fauna of the ‘Glades, one of Florida’s most famous natural features. A wander through Wooten’s animal sanctuary, where you’ll experience everything from otters to lions to alligators, or watching their 20-minute gator show, is also worth your time.

The pace of our journey slowed considerably – and I mean that as a compliment – when we hit the luxe and recently renovated Ritz-Carlton Naples, our beach-front home for two nights.

One of two Ritz-Carlton properties in Naples – the other is the Ritz-Carlton Naples Tiberon, which is geared more to golfers (Tiberon Golf Club is on site) than beach lovers – the iconic luxurious resort is the perfect place to unwind and relax by the pool or on the sandy shoreline. With so many options available at the hotel, from dining to entertainment, you’ll never need to step foot off the property unless you choose to do so.

Of course, there is also a plethora of things to do in the area, so you’ll probably want to get out and move for at lease part of your stay, like we did. More on that later.

Like so many other hotels, the Ritz-Carlton Naples had a bite taken out of it by Hurricane Ian in 2022, two years after work began on the 14-storey Vanderbilt Tower. The hotel was shuttered for nine months while repairs were completed and renos done and the new tower, which is home to the exclusive, 4,000 square foot Club Lounge (and 70-plus Club-level rooms), opened in July 2023.

The ornate grand lobby, complete with an impressive marble-topped lobby bar and its champagne menu, was transformed during renovations and the pools were upgraded to include bungalows and cabanas, All told, the resort boasts 474 rooms and suites, all with the touch of refinement expected at a Ritz-Carlton property, and nine restaurants, ranging from Nolita (Italian classics) to The Grill (steakhouse) to beach-side Gumbo Limbo (casual, seafood), which offers sensational views of the sunset.

An even better way to watch the sun go down is to rent a private, open-air beach cabana – it includes a butler and drink service – which is how we spent the start of our final evening at the resort. We also hit up one of the pool-side, air conditioned private cabanas for a couple hours one morning, which was a great way to start the day.

As tempting as it is to stay on the resort grounds (book some time in the spa, keep your workout going in the state-of-the-art fitness centre of relax by the adults-only pool), the Ritz-Carlton is also a great launching point for seeing some of the many options a trip to Florida provides, be it on the water or, well, on powered tricycles.

Thanks to Marco Island Boat Tours , we spent a glorious, sunny afternoon viewing dolphins in their natural habitat, marvelling at the many species of birds and doing some shelling on one of the uninhabited barrier islands in the area. The two-hour tour, guided by a Florida master naturalist, was a relaxing way to educate ourselves about the area’s wildlife

The next morning, we headed off to Tin City, an eclectic collection of dozens of unique shops on the waterfront of Naples, including Trike Tours USA, to get saddled up on our motorized trikes for our 90-minute guided ride through some of the town’s poshest neighbourhoods (think nine-figure houses; at least seven billionaires own property here), the town’s landmarks and the iconic Naples Pier.

Sure, your motorcycle-riding friends (or in this case, my girlfriend) might chuckle at the sight of you on the peppy little trike but it was a neat way to get around town. Be warned, though, the breathtaking homes will probably make you feel slightly inadequate.

And before you go, be sure to walk down Fifth Avenue, Naples’ unofficial main street and prime dining, shopping and entertainment district.

A couple of places to eat in the Naples area I’d highly recommend, besides the top-notch eateries at the Ritz-Carlton, are Bicyclette Cookshop on Vanderbilt Beach Rd. (a hop, skip and jump from the resort) and Barbatella on 3rd St. S.

Bicyclette, a “new American” restaurant with executive chef/partner Kayla Pfeiffer, a winner of the Food Network’s “Chopped,” at the helm toes the line between “traditional and eccentric,” which includes the likes of caviar paired with Bugles and creme fraiche. Barbatella, an Italian trattoria, serves up some of the tastiest artisan pizza and pasta you will ever mange.

PUNTA GORDA/ENGLEWOOD BEACH

An hour north of Naples, in Charlotte Harbor, is the Sunseeker Resort , a massive new (opened in late 2023) waterfront resort that we called home for two nights.

Although slightly lower on the opulence level than the Ritz-Carlton, the Sunseeker is another resort where you won’t need to leave the grounds to have a great time.

With 785 guestrooms and 189 Sunsuites, the Sunseeker offers private check-in, personalized concierge service and signature suites, along with multiple dining options. Check out the Harbor Yards Food Hall, with 11 unique culinary counters, a novel idea for a large resort, or Maury’s steakhouse, one of seven traditional restaurants on site. The resort also boasts a beautiful rooftop bar and pool, if you want to get even closer to the sun.

Bring your golf clubs, too, if you’re staying at Sunseeker. Charlotte Harbor’s Aileron Golf Club (green fees range from $249 US plus tax in winter and spring to $140 plus tax in the summer), a world-class 7,235-yard course that features 17 water holes and Stratolaunch, a 664-yard par-5, is only available to Sunseeker guests.

Do yourself a favour, though, and book some down time to walk the white sand or catch some rays at Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park on Manasota Key. And pop in at the newly renovated Lock ‘N Key Restaurant and Pub across the street – literally – from the beach for lunch.

An activity you don’t want to skip when you’re in the area is a kayaking excursion with SUP Englewood on the waters off Don Pedro State Park in Cape Haze. We had a blast paddling off the shore of Don Pedro Island – it wasn’t taxing but anyone with physical limitations might have difficulty – and saw plenty of dolphins and manatees up close before navigating a tricky route through the mangroves to a quiet, sheltered pond. All the while our guide, who was on a stand-up paddleboard, educated us about the importance of conservation in the local waters and chatted about the wildlife we were seeing.

Later in the trip, we also got to visit Babcock Ranch, east of Punta Gorda, to learn about the land-based creatures of the Sunshine State.

We stopped in for a 90-minute Swamp Buggy Eco Tour through the 14,000 acres of pastureland of the working cattle ranch, the Crescent B Ranch. We rode in a converted school bus through four different eco-systems of Florida, including the Telegraph Cypress swamp, looking for gators, deer, wild hogs and turkeys and distinctive Florida Cracker cattle. Again, education about local wildlife was key but the tour was also plenty of fun.

If you’ve got some down time and are looking for some retail therapy, visit the Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda. The waterfront outdoor mall, marina and resort features boutique shops, restaurants (lunch at Harpoon Harry’s was fantastic) and even luxury two-bedroom rental suites. It’s also a good one-stop spot to book harbour cruises, pick up some warm-weather clothes, have a drink at the new Sunset Beach Club Tiki Bar or check out a live band.

On our last night in Florida, we went out in style, stopping for a casual waterfront dinner at Laishley Crab House – the Grouper Laishley, a grouper fillet topped with blue crab meat and a parmesan cream sauce, was outstanding – before walking a short distance to the dock to board our tiki boat for the tour of the Peace River, which divides Punta Gorda from Port Charlotte. Red Tiki Tours took us on a fun but unconventional cruise aboard the tiki-shaped vessel, where we enjoyed a cold beverage, a refreshing breeze and, yep, karaoke.

Because what better way is there to finish a Florida vacation than singing off-key classics with friends?

HOW TO GET THERE

Air Canada offers regular non-stop service from Toronto to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, which is probably your best choice, but other options include Punta Gorda (PGD), Tampa (TPA), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL) or Miami (MIA) airports. Fort Lauderdale or Miami would require a two-hour drive across Florida, though, and Tampa is three hours away.

MORE INFO TO HELP PLAN YOUR VISIT

Check out the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) website for a ton of useful information if you plan to check out the Paradise Coast.

The Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor and Convention Bureau website will help plan your visit to the Southwest Gulf Coast.

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Port Everglades cruise port: A guide to cruising from Fort Lauderdale

With 10 cruise lines sailing out of Port Everglades (and more to come) and 3 million-plus passengers annually, Fort Lauderdale's cruise port is the third busiest in the country — behind PortMiami and Port Canaveral (near Orlando).

Ships sail from Port Everglades mainly to the Bahamas , Mexico and the Caribbean , but many travelers choose to make Fort Lauderdale's world-famous beaches and waterways part of their vacation plans with pre- and post-cruise stays.

Arguably one of the best aspects of flying into and sailing out of Fort Lauderdale is the fact that Port Everglades is conveniently located less than 2 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). In fact, it's the closest cruise port to any airport in the country, which makes it easy to access for out-of-towners who want to fly in and cruise out on the same day.

Port Everglades is also an easy port to depart from on debarkation day because passengers can use Global Entry and the Mobile Passport Control app to skip long customs queues at the terminal.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

If you've booked a cruise sailing out of Port Everglades, this is your guide to everything you need to know about cruising from Fort Lauderdale. Discover which airport is best, which hotels to book and where to park, eat, shop and explore with your extra time in Fort Lauderdale.

All you have to worry about is enjoying the vistas of Fort Lauderdale's sandy shoreline as your ship sails out to sea.

Port Everglades cruise port overview

Port everglades cruise terminal information.

Address : 1850 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Number of terminals : 8

Each cruise terminal is fully accessible, and parking fees are waived at all Port Everglades lots and garages for disabled persons driving their vehicles to the port.

Luggage storage is not available at the port.

Cruise lines sailing 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

Other cruise lines sailing out of Port Everglades include Azamara, Crystal, Cunard, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Silversea and Viking. These ships are slotted to sail out of available terminals.

To access the cruise schedule, download the CruiseSchedule Port Everglades app .

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Airports near Fort Lauderdale cruise port

Cruisers sailing out of Port Everglades have two major South Florida airport options when booking flights: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Miami International Airport (MIA).

Most travelers prefer to fly into FLL because it's so close to Port Everglades, making transfers much quicker and cheaper than from MIA. In fact, it's possible to book a same-day flight and get to your ship within an hour of your flight landing.

MIA offers more daily flights on the whole. If you're flying in from overseas, MIA also offers more international flight options. Miami's airport might also be more appealing if you're a member of an airline loyalty program or a cardholder who wants to prioritize lounge access.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is the nearest airport to Port Everglades. Only 1.8 miles away, it's the closest airport to a cruise port in the country. Major carriers, including Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Silver Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines, all fly into Fort Lauderdale's airport.

If you need to kill time between the cruise disembarkation and your flight time, the airport offers a United Club Lounge and a Delta Sky Club for passengers of those airlines, as well as an Escape Lounge in Terminal 3 that's open to all travelers in that terminal for a fee. FLL does not have a Priority Pass lounge , but Priority Pass members with restaurant perks get a dining discount at the Kafe Kalik restaurant in Terminal 4. (This perk might not be available to travelers with a membership through certain credit cards.)

Related: Best airline credit cards

Miami International Airport

About 40 minutes away from the Fort Lauderdale cruise port (often longer during rush hour), Miami International Airport (MIA) serves ​​most major airlines, including Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country Airlines and United.

At MIA, lounge options include an American Airlines Admirals Club and a Flagship Lounge, a Delta Sky Club, an Amex Centurion Lounge for holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express and a Priority Pass lounge called Club America. To get access, you can buy a Priority Pass membership or hold a credit card that offers a membership, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

How to get to the Fort Lauderdale cruise port

Cruise line transfers

Cruise lines often offer transfers from the airport to the cruise port, but they're usually only available on the day the ship departs. A cruise line transfer wouldn't be an option for guests flying in earlier.

Cruise line transfers are priced per person, so if you're traveling with a group from nearby Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, it would be cheaper to split a taxi or an Uber or Lyft instead.

Transportation from FLL to Port Everglades through Disney Cruise Line, for example, is $45 per person each way. The cruise line doesn't offer transfers from MIA.

Hotel shuttles

Several hotels in the area offer shuttles to the airport for $8 to $15 per person, with select hotels offering complimentary shuttle service to the cruise port.

For more information on hotel options with free or paid shuttles, see the hotel section below.

Independent airport shuttles

Private shuttle companies like Go Airport and South Florida Shuttles offer shared rides from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Port Everglades from $15 to $27 per person. Shared shuttles to the Fort Lauderdale port are not typically available from Miami International Airport.

Independent van and car services

Companies like South Florida Elite Shuttle, Fort Lauderdale Airport Shuttle and Go Airport also offer private cars or vans to Port Everglades from both FLL and MIA.

Transportation from nearby FLL ranges from $65 for three people and three pieces of luggage to $105 for up to 10 passengers and 10 bags with Go Airport. Pricing starts upward of $120 from MIA.

Taxis and ride-hailing services

The average taxi fare from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Port Everglades is $20. To take a cab from the airport, exit your terminal on the arrivals level and follow the wayfinding signs to the nearest taxi stand.

Ride-hailing services from FLL, like Uber and Lyft, are typically slightly cheaper, often starting as low as $10. This rate can spike during periods of surge pricing, such as when everyone is disembarking the ship and calling for cars at the same time.

If you're heading to the port from Miami International Airport, the taxi fare to Port Everglades can run upward of $100 one-way. Exit baggage claim to find a taxi on the ground arrivals level.

Uber, on the other hand, can start around $55 for UberX, $70 for Comfort and $100 for Uber XL if you need to fit up to six people and more luggage. Pickup zones for ride-hailing services are stationed outside doors 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 15, 20 and 23 on the ground arrivals level. Stand and wait at the middle median.

Related: Frequent Uber or Lyft user? These are the best credit cards for you

Public transportation from nearby airports

From FLL : Broward County's Route 1 bus service from the Fort Lauderdale airport stops at the Northport section of Port Everglades on SE 17th Street. The bus stop is located at the Rental Car Center, Stop G, at the airport.

From MIA : You can take the Tri-Rail train from Miami International Airport to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport station, with free shuttle buses to the airport terminals. Continue on the bus route above to Port Everglades.

Port Everglades cruise port parking

On-site parking

Port Everglades has two on-site parking garages and three parking lots providing more than 5,500 parking spaces for cruisegoers.

Heron Parking Garage serves Terminals 2 and 4 (with an air-conditioned elevated passenger bridge on the fifth floor that leads directly to Terminal 2), while Palm Parking Garage serves Terminals 19, 21, 25, 26 and 29 with shuttle service to Terminal 29.

Additionally, Lot A serves Terminals 19 and 26, Lot B serves Terminals 18 and 19, and Lot C serves Terminal 18.

Port Everglades' on-site parking costs $20 per day or $25 for oversized vehicles. If you're parking for less than a day, it's $4 for the first hour and $8 for up to five hours.

Park-and-cruise

Beyond the port, several private parking lots provide shuttle service to the cruise port. One of the cheapest park-and-cruise lot options is Park by the Ports, which offers parking rates starting at $9.99 per day. The shuttle is free for the first four passengers and is only about a 10-minute ride to the port.

Park 'N Go is another reliable option only a few blocks from the port. It has 24-hour staff and free on-demand shuttles to the port that will meet you at your vehicle. This lot starts as low as $10 per day if you reserve online in advance.

With both of these options, reservations are the only way to guarantee yourself a parking spot, but they do accept drive-ups as well.

Tropical Airport Parking is a unique option that lets you park your car at hotels with unused parking spaces. Their prices start at only $7.45 per day, and you must reserve a space in advance. The shuttle to the cruise port costs extra depending on which hotel you choose, so compare the total price to other options when you're deciding where to park.

Various hotels also offer park-and-cruise arrangements where you can keep your car at the hotel for the duration of your cruise if you stay for at least a night. SpringHill Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port currently offers a hotel package that includes a complimentary round-trip airport shuttle and up to 14 nights of parking for one vehicle (the shuttle to the cruise port is extra).

In other cases, the price for parking is separate from the overnight hotel rate but is usually much cheaper than parking at the cruise port and makes the most sense if you already were planning a precruise hotel stay. Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale Airport North Cruise Port and Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port, for example, offer post-checkout parking for hotel guests for only $5 to $10 per night and a paid shuttle to the cruise port.

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

Hotels near Port Everglades cruise port

Hilton hotels

Some of the closest hotels to Port Everglades are located along the 17th Street Causeway, such as the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina and the Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street.

The all-suite Embassy Suites hotel (starting around 42,000 Hilton Honors points per night) is a great family-friendly choice because of its spacious rooms and free made-to-order breakfast. It also offers a complimentary evening reception with snacks and drinks.

For more of a resort experience without sacrificing proximity to the port, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina (starting around 31,000 points per night) covers transportation to the beach and beach towels in its resort fee. It also offers a rooftop restaurant with views of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, a heated outdoor pool and pool bar, and a lobby lounge and coffee shop. A third-party company offers transportation between the hotel and Port Everglades for $11 per person.

Related: Best Hilton credit cards

Marriott hotels

If you're looking for a more upscale stay on the beach before or after your cruise, check out one of Marriott Bonvoy 's luxury hotel options on Fort Lauderdale Beach.

The elegant Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale (starting around 59,500 points per night) offers luxurious amenities, such as oceanfront dining at Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits and a serene beachfront spa. The chic and ultra-modern W Fort Lauderdale (starting around 42,000 points per night) is famed for its Wet Deck pool five floors above the ocean and nightlife at Living Room.

Hyatt hotels

The Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Airport — South & Cruise Port (starting around 9,000 points per night) is a great value hotel option within five minutes of Port Everglades. The family-friendly hotel provides free continental breakfast, an outdoor pool, a gym and a shuttle to the cruise port for $9 per person.

Related: Which hotel has the best free breakfast? TPG ate 10 meals to find the winner

Non-points hotels

If you're looking for an affordable, no-frills place to stay overnight before your cruise, Red Carpet Inn Airport/Cruise Port Fort Lauderdale is a budget-friendly hotel about 10 minutes from Port Everglades that offers free shuttles to and from the airport and cruise port.

The free shuttle runs to the airport from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and you can schedule your shuttle to Port Everglades at check-in. The hotel also offers complimentary parking during your stay and a park-and-cruise rate of $10 per day of your cruise.

Another popular value hotel with a free airport and cruise shuttle, Rodeway Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port also offers complimentary breakfast with your stay.

For an extended beach escape, book a stay at the secluded Pelican Grand Beach Resort, the only resort that's located directly on the beach in Fort Lauderdale. This luxury boutique hotel on the quieter end of the beach offers relaxing amenities like an oceanfront zero-entry pool, a lazy river and its own private stretch of shoreline.

Restaurants near Port Everglades cruise port

Fort Lauderdale's most popular dining destination, Las Olas Boulevard, is known as downtown's main drag of sidewalk cafes, bars, shops and art galleries. You'll find everything from seafood and steakhouses to tacos, burgers and American bar food. A personal favorite is Louie Bossi's Ristorante, a high-energy Italian spot for handcrafted pastas, Neapolitan pizzas and an impromptu round of bocce in the outdoor courtyard.

For the local experience, you might enjoy breakfast on the beach at Casablanca Cafe, a restaurant and piano bar in a restored historic home. If it's lunch or dinnertime before the sun goes down, grab a seafood-centric meal at a waterfront institution along the Intracoastal Waterway, like Coconuts or Boatyard, or head to Boathouse at the Riverside for a view of the New River.

Looking for evening drinks or a morning coffee before boarding your ship? Flagler Village is a trendy neighborhood in a former warehouse district with several local breweries and artisan coffee shops.

Related: Best dining credit cards

Things to do in Fort Lauderdale before or after your cruise

Visit the beach

Most visitors to Fort Lauderdale come for the beach, and Fort Lauderdale Beach along state Road A1A is sure to impress — whether you want to soak up some sun from the sand, take a splash in the Atlantic or drive along state Road A1A for views of the ocean right from your car.

About 15 minutes south, you can explore Hollywood Beach, which feels like a small beach town with a 2.5-mile stretch of pedestrian promenade called the Broadwalk. Watch the joggers and cyclists go by, or join in yourself.

Related: The best beaches in Florida

Ride the Water Taxi

With an extensive system of canals and waterways, Fort Lauderdale is known as the Venice of America for good reason. The Water Taxi will take you along the Intracoastal Waterway on a route behind some of Fort Lauderdale's most stunning waterfront mansions.

It stops along the way at popular attractions, hotels and waterfront restaurants. Hop off at 15th Street Fisheries or Shooters Waterfront for a classic South Florida seafood meal.

Hit the slots

If you want to continue gambling after your cruise, Broward County is home to a few major casinos that attract tourists and locals alike.

About 15 minutes west of the port in Hollywood, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and its adjacent Guitar Hotel feel like two Las Vegas resorts in the middle of South Florida, with a casino connecting the two properties. Across the two music-themed luxury hotels, guests can enjoy the spa, various shops, a lagoon-style pool with cabanas, more than a dozen restaurants and multiple nightclubs, bars and lounges. The Hard Rock Live entertainment venue often hosts concerts and other acts like comedians.

Stay for the nighttime light show from the Guitar Hotel that's choreographed to different songs. Six beams of light project 20,000 feet into the sky, representing the strings of a guitar neck. The Guitar Hotel's grand entrance also features a 35-foot-tall central waterfall called The Oculus with another musical light show that runs every 20 minutes.

Farther south in Hallandale Beach (about 30 minutes from Port Everglades), Gulfstream Park is a horse racing track and casino that's home to equestrian events like the Pegasus World Cup. The complex also has an array of shops, restaurants and entertainment like nightclubs and a karaoke venue.

Shopping near Fort Lauderdale cruise port

If you're looking for last-minute cruise necessities like sunscreen or snacks, visit a pharmacy like Walgreens or CVS near Port Everglades on U.S. Highway 1 or 17th Street Causeway. The Harbor Shops is also a convenient nearby shopping plaza with a Publix Supermarket and a Total Wine if you want to grab a bottle of wine to bring on board.

Las Olas Boulevard is an outdoor shopping and entertainment district with boutique shops, art galleries, sidewalk cafes and bars. It stretches from downtown Fort Lauderdale to the beach on state Road A1A, and it's the perfect place to stroll for the afternoon, shop after you disembark or wander the evening before you board.

For a more traditional shopping mall experience, head to The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, an upscale shopping center with more than 100 retail shops, including Macy's, Michael Kors, H&M and Free People.

Farther away but a worthwhile destination for bargain hunters, Sawgrass Mills is one of the world's largest outlet malls. The sprawling shopping center with more than 400 shops and restaurants is about a 20- to 30-minute drive from the cruise port.

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Port Everglades Cruise Parking Guide: Prices, Options, Tips

If your cruise is sailing out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida you have a few parking options to consider.  The most convenient parking is right at the port itself and will cost $15 per day to leave your vehicle there. 

But there’s a lot more to take into account.   This article will explore everything you need to know about parking before your cruise so you can find the best Port Everglades parking option for you.

• Some Quick Facts About Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, FL
• There are 2 parking garages with over 4,000 spaces
• An additional 1,000 parking spaces are available between 2 outdoor lots
• 8 cruise terminals are at the port
• There is a complimentary shuttle service from parking garages to select distant terminals
• Free cell phone waiting areas available for those picking up cruisers
• Parking facilities are well-illuminated and security patrolled
• Disabled parking is available with access to crosswalks and elevators
• An average of 3.7 million passengers sail through the port each year

In this article:

Where is port everglades located, port everglades parking map, what terminals are used for various cruise lines, how much is parking at port everglades cruise terminal, parking garages at the port.

• Parking at Port Everglades for Princess Cruises
• Parking at Port Everglades for Royal Caribbean
• Parking at Port Everglades for Celebrity Cruises
• Parking at Port Everglades for Holland America
• Can You Reserve Parking at Port Everglades?

Does Port Everglades Have Parking for the Disabled?

• Park and Cruise: Port Everglades 3rd Party Parking Options

Port Everglades Park and Cruise Hotels

Port Everglades is conveniently located for those traveling by air into Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood airport.   The cruise port is only 2 miles from the airport, which equates to a 8-12 minute drive depending on traffic.   Miami airport is about 30 miles away and will be a 40-55 minute drive for cruise travelers.

The port is the heart of Broward County on the southeastern coast of the Florida peninsula. It’s also accessible by car, taxi, bus and rail. Proper Identification for those 18 and older, such as state issued driver’s license or passport, is required and your vehicle may be subject to search.

Port Everglades has three entrances :

• 17th Street Causeway, located at Eisenhower Boulevard
• State Road 84, located just off of US 1

The Port is easily accessible from I-595, I-95, I-75, US 1 and the Florida Turnpike.

If you are using GPS to guide you to the port, its official address is 1850 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.

• Terminal 2 – Princess Cruises
• Terminal 4 – Carnival Cruises (Disney Cruise Line 2023)
• Terminal 18 – Royal Caribbean
• Terminal 19 – Various
• Terminal 21 Various
• Terminal 25 – Celebrity Cruises (Royal Caribbean Group)
• Terminal 26 – Holland America Line
• Terminal 29 – Various (Celebrity, Royal Caribbean etc)

The cost of parking at Fort Lauderdale’s cruise port depends on the duration of your cruise or how long your vehicle will need to be parked.   The rates begin the moment you pull the ticket from the machine when you first pull into the parking area.  Fortunately these prices are much cheaper than airport parking.

The parking rate prices are listed below:

• $6 for up to 5 hours, and then $1 per hour thereafter up to daily maximum
• $3 for 0-1 hours
• $19 daily maximum for over-sized vehicles (those that exceed the standard width and/or height of a parking space).
• $15 daily maximum

There are two main parking garages at Port Everglades that offer covered parking.   Heron Parking Garage is on the northern side of the port and is used for cruise terminals 2 and 4.    Terminal 2 is used by Princess Cruises and terminal 4 has recently been transformed into a 2 nd home for Disney Cruise Line, having also been used by Carnival Cruise Line.

Palm Parking Garage is in the southern part of the port and is used for cruise terminals 19, 21, 25, 26, and 29.   You should always check with your cruise line ahead of time to determine which terminal will be used the day of your cruise, and be mindful that sometimes terminals can change even the day of the cruise.

Terminal 29 does not have a dedicated parking lot, but a free shuttle service will transport travelers from Palm Parking Garage to the terminal directly.

Parking for Princess Cruises

Princess cruise ships will generally berth just outside of cruise Terminal 2 which is used exclusively for Princess Cruises ships.  This is in the Northern section of the port.  Princess cruise ships will also often be berthed at Terminal 4 and Terminal 19.  Always check with your cruise line on the day of your cruise to see which Terminal will be used for your cruise.

Parking for Royal Caribbean

Terminal 18 is one of the largest cruise terminals in the world and home to Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class vessels like Harmony of the Seas.   These ships can carry over 6,500 passengers at maximum capacity so the terminal is specially built to handle large numbers of travelers.  Secure parking is available at Parking Lot #18 and #19 which offer 1,000 spaces between the two of them.

Parking for Celebrity Cruises

Terminal 25 was built for some of the innovative Celebrity Edge class ship and is used by Celebrity Cruises for other ships in their fleet.  The terminal was first unveiled in 2018 and was the first brand-designed terminal for the cruise line.  Cruisers can park at Palm Parking Garage for this terminal.

Parking for Holland America

Holland America’s exclusive terminal at Port Everglades is Terminal 26.   The parking area to use for this terminal is the Palm Parking Garage which has 1,966 parking spaces and a short walk to the terminal.

Can You Reserve Parking at the Port?

At this time, you cannot reserve a parking spot at Port Everglades or pre-pay for parking after booking your cruise.  With over 4,000 parking places available, though, this will not be a problem.    There are two parking garages on site and several open lots available for cruise travelers.

Yes, absolutely.  And in compliance with Florida law any and all parking fees for the disabled will be waived for individuals operating vehicles with disabilities.

So, how do you know if you qualify for your parking fees to be waived?  You must have one of the qualifications listed below, as according to Port Everglades:

• Display a Florida Toll Exemption Permit
• Vehicle is modified with specialized equipment such as ramps, lifts, or foot and hand controls for use by a disabled person
• Display the Disabled Veteran (DV) license plate issued from any state government. The DV license plate must be on the car parked in a Port Everglades lot or garage at the time of your cruise.

Off-site Parking: Other Cruise Parking Options

These off-site parking facilities are all near the port and provide a more affordable way for cruise passengers to keep their vehicles safe and secure while on vacation. Keep in mind you will want to give yourself some extra time when parking off-site as it’s an extra trip to take. It’s an option I often use myself. Just park and let the shuttle take you to the port.

Park ‘N Go

Just 1.2 miles from the cruise port, Park ‘N Go offers free shuttle service and an uncovered parking area for your vehicle.  Online rates start at $8.99 per day .  It is recommended that you arrive at the parking area 20 minutes before you want to be at the cruise port.  A valet attendant will take your car to an open space.  The shuttle driver will give you a yellow slip, which you need to give to the shuttle driver that picks you up.

More information on Park ‘N Go here

Park by the Ports

3.1 miles to the cruise port, Park by the Ports is located inside the Dania Beach Casino in the northeast corner of the parking lot.   The cost is $7.99 per day plus tax . Free transportation for up to 4 passengers; every additional is $8.00 per person.  Shuttles from the cruise port start at 7:00 am and arrive about every 20 minutes from 7am to 9am and every 40 minutes from 9am to 12am.

More information Park by the Ports here

Quick & Safe Parking

This parking option is 1.3 miles from Port Everglades and is located at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street (1100 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316).  The shuttle is a 14-passenger vehicle.   Upon arrival, a valet attendant will greet you. Please be ready to show your printed reservation receipt and you’ll be instructed where to park.  Rates start at $8.50 per day.

More information on Quick & Safe Parking here

Park ‘N Fly

3.4 miles from the cruise port, Park ‘N Fly offers free shuttle service to and from it’s uncovered parking lot.  The parking lot is accessible 24/7.  Shuttles run about every 30 minutes and drop you off at your car after your cruise.   Prices start at $12.95 per day.

More information on Park ‘N Fly here

Parkway Parking

2.7 miles from Port Everglades, Parkway Parking offers round-trip shuttle service and secure hotel cruise parking.  Rates start at $7.99 per day.  Parking location is behind the Embassy hotel and shuttle service runs from 10am – 2pm.

More information on Parkway Parking here

SpringHill Suites

SpringHill Suites is 5.3 miles from the cruise port. Shuttle service to the port is at 10:40am, 12:15pm, and 1:40pm. Service form the port back to the hotel is on demand and travelers need to call the hotel for time of pickup. The cost is $15 per person or $35 round trip and will be paid directly to the driver.

Quality Inn & Suites

The Quality Inn and Suites on Hollywood Blvd. is 8 miles from the cruise port.  Shuttle service is offered form 5:00am to 12:00am and should be arranged with the front desk. The cost is included with a package rate for a night at the hotel.

Rodeway Inn & Suites

4.5 mile from Port Everglades, Rodeway Inn & Suites offer hotel packages that include parking for the duration of your cruise.  On demand shuttle service is offer from 5:00am to 12:00am and should be arranged with the front desk for specific times of departure.

Hyatt Place

The Hyatt Place offers one of the closest parking options to the cruise port, being only .5 miles away.  Hotel packages include the cost of the shuttle and service runs from 7:00am to 11:00pm.

Hilton Garden Inn

Hilton Garden Inn is 5 miles from Port Everglades and offers 24/7 shuttle service to and from the hotel.  Hotel and parking options are available in various packages and shuttle frequency is every hour at the top of the hour.

Related: Cruise Parking Guide for Cruises out of Miami

If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest options for parking before your Fort Lauderdale cruise then it’s hard to beat a park and cruise 3rd party company.  Keep in mind this will take some extra time in traveling to and from the port, so leave yourself a few extra minutes.  For the cheapest option of $8 per day, it’s about half the rate of staying at the cruise port parking garage.

If convenience and time is a bigger factor then simply leaving your vehicle at the port itself makes more sense.  As soon as your cruise is over you don’t have to wait for a shuttle and squeeze into a van with 10 other cruisers.  You simply walk to your car and drive off.  Still, a 7 day cruise will cost about $120 since you have to include the extra day when you get off the ship. 

If you’re already planning on driving to your cruise and staying at a hotel then a park and cruise hotel package might be just what you’re looking for.  Even if you just want to use the hotel’s parking lot and take your own Uber or taxi to the port, using a hotel package saves a little on the cruise budget. 

Parking at the Fort Lauderdale airport costs $15 a day, so it’s about the same cost to park your vehicle at the cruise port itself.

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Best Hotels near Port Everglades Cruise Port

Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotels (with Free Shuttle & Parking)

Some of the top hotels in Fort Lauderdale are located nearby and offer a free cruise shuttle , other are located at Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood beach and in downtown Las Olas Boulevard area.

Still, if you find them expensive, you should be able to find affordable alternatives around Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International airport .

We will review the top hotels in the region so that you can pick the one which suits you best.

When flying to Fort Lauderdale

For those flying to Fort Lauderdale, many hotels are located close to both Port Everglades cruise port and the airport. Very popular is the 17th Street Causeway area, which is the closest to the port. Another option is staying at the beach .

Several properties offer a shuttle service to the different terminals either for free, a small fee or included with cruise packages.

If you are traveling without your own vehicle, you could select your accommodation first, choosing a hotel that meets your needs for room size, location, budget, and star-rating, etc. Once you have secured your accommodation, you can then arrange your port transfers. Port transfers are not so expensive.

Looking for a hotel with free cruise shuttle service ? A few hotels offer a free transport to Port Everglades cruise terminals. Keep on Reading !

Traveling with your own car

If you are traveling with your own car you have two options. Select a hotel that offers cruise parking and a shuttle service to the port or prebook your parking at one of the port car parks.

There are several garages and surface lots located near the cruise terminals . These are well-illuminated and security-patrolled as well as having disabled bays and easy access to embarkation points.

Read also : Where should I stay for a cruise from Fort Lauderdale?

Port Everglades (different areas) Hotels near Port Everglades with FREE Shuttle Closest Hotels to Port Everglades (17th Street Causeway) Best Hotels near Fort Lauderdale Airport Hotels in Downtown Las Olas

Hotels near Port Everglades with Free Cruise Shuttle

1. Rodeway Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port ★★★ (Free Shuttle)

The Rodeway Inn and Suites hotel is just ten minutes from the port and offers a free shuttle service to/from both the cruise port (at certain departure times) and the airport. The free shuttle to Port Everglades departs every day while alternative shuttles can be arranged at your convenience. Hotel amenities include a tropical landscaped garden, heated outdoor pool, and a gift shop.

Outdoor parking is available at the hotel for the duration of your stay. Extended cruise parking fees apply, which are around $15* a day.

Distance to Port Everglades: 13 minutes

2. Red Carpet Inn Airport and Cruise Port Hotel Fort Lauderdale ★★ (Budget)

The Red Carpet Inn is a budget accommodation conveniently located directly on State Road 84 (Marina Mile Blvd.) and I-95, not far from the airport terminals. It offers its guests comfortable guest rooms, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet service as well as having an outdoor swimming pool.

The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to the Airport and Cruise Port. Please let the reception know at check-in. Free on-site guest parking is available as well. Park and Cruise Parking rate is $10.00 per day, just check with the front desk.

Shuttle Time to Port Everglades: 10 minutes

Other Hotels near Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port with Shuttle

We have created a list of the very best hotels near Fort Lauderdale cruise port for both visitors and people who are familiar with the place. So, let’s dive right in and have a look at some of the finest hotels in this superb city in Florida.

The Port Everglades 17th Street Causeway area is the closest to Fort Lauderdale cruise port, approx. 5 to 10 minutes depending on traffic. Distance to Fort Lauderdale Beach hotels is approx. 3 miles.

1. Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina ★★★★ (Popular Pre-Cruise Stay)

The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina is one of the closest and most popular hotels near Port Everglades. With its modern design, you will enjoy some of the greatest decorations on the inside of your preferred room.

There a two restaurants, a snack bar and a Starbucks in the foyer. If you insist on dining outside the hotel, you can visit Las Olas Boulevard, which is just a 5 minutes’ drive away. Here, there is a strip of eateries, bars, and clubs. The property offers also a free shuttle every 2 hours to the nearest beach, which is 1.5 mile away.

When you’re looking for an excellent pre or post cruise stay, Hilton Ft Lauderdale Marina is one of the best. Guest rooms have a balcony with either marina, Intracoastal Waterway, pool or port view. As for transportation from/to the Hotel/Port Everglades they charge around $11* per person per way (provided by third party company).

Distance to port entrance: 5 minutes

2. Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel ★★★★ (Closest)

This is a classy hotel which perfectly combines luxury and affordability. It is located in the middle of the dazzling 17th Street Port Everglades Cruise District and was recently renovated. Since it is close to the cruise ship terminals, most travelers find it convenient for their needs.

Whether you are looking for spacious rooms for the entire family or a spot from which you can go out at night, have a good time, they have it all. To relax, you can go to the outdoor pool, where there are lounge chairs, a hot tub, and cabanas. The hotel has great accessibility, thanks to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and the Water Taxi.

The property is a popular choice among those heading off on Caribbean cruises from the adjacent Port Everglades cruise terminal. Long Term Parking is available. An affordable shuttle can be arranged to the cruise port.

Distance to port entrance: 4 minutes Cruise terminal shuttle (approx. $8.00* pp)

3. Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port ★★★ (Good Value)

This Hyatt one of the best hotels for people who want to access Everglades Port, as it’s strategically located less than 10 minutes from both Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport and the cruise port terminals. The hotel provides breakfast and first-class amenities such as an outdoor pool and gym to ensure that you get high value from your stay. There’s a shopping mall and restaurants within walking distance.

This property is especially favorable for families since children are allowed to stay for free. A shuttle goes to all ships in the port. The fee is $9.00* per person each direction.

For car parking the property charges $10* per night per vehicle .

Travel time to port entrance: 6 minutes

4. Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale – 17th Street ★★★ (Popular)

The Embassy Suites 17th Street is among the best hotels in Florida for people embarking at Fort Lauderdale cruise port. The establishment is only a few blocks from Port Everglades which makes it convenient for guests who want to stay one of two nights before or after a cruise vacation. Also, you will be getting a serene atmosphere exuded by the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel has 12 stories and features one of the fanciest lobbies in the region.

A complimentary evening reception with free snacks and beverages, and a free continental breakfast is offered by the hotel. Rooms are spacious and feature a kitchenette and private balcony. Port transportation is available at the property for a fee, shuttle charges are around $12.00 per person each way. Extended parking on site costs USD 12.00 per day.

Travel time to port entrance: 5 minutes

5. Four Points by Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port ★★★ (Good Value)

The Four Points by Sheraton is among the top hotels situated between the airport and port, and it is highly rated in terms of cleanliness, facilities, and room condition. Key landmarks of the region, including the Port Everglades cruise port and the Broward County Convention Center can easily be reached. A wide variety of restaurants are located close by. Stay in this hotel if you are looking for a reasonable priced overnight stay between your arriving flight and sail-away. The hotel rooms offer unrivaled levels of affordable luxury. Amenities include a gym and outside pool.

Airport shuttle is free have while a cruise port transfer is around $15.00 per person . Shuttle is provided by a 3rd party and you can arrange transportation upon arrival. The hotel also has extended parking while cruising . Fee is $10 per night.

Distance to port entrance: 6 minutes

6. Holiday Inn Express Cruise Airport, an IHG Hotel ★★★ (Free Airport Shuttle)

The Holiday Inn Express is multistory property, ideal for staying close to the Port Everglades cruise terminal which can be reached in just four minutes. You pay a fee (around $15.00) to use the local shuttle transfer service provided by a third party company. Long term parking is available at $10 per night while on cruise.

The airport shuttle is free and takes ten minutes. 145 spacious rooms are bright and comfortably furnished in a modern style. The guest lounge has modern leather chairs and benches in various colors while outside there’s a spacious pool and sun terrace.

Travel time to port: 4 minutes

What are the Best Hotels near Fort Lauderdale Airport?

Hotels located between Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and the cruise port are only 10 to 15 minutes away from Port Everglades. It’s a good location when looking for a budget friendly place to stay. Many properties provide a free shuttle to/from the airport.

1. Hampton Inn Ft Lauderdale-Airport North ★★★ (Shuttle – Cruise Parking)

The Hampton Inn Ft-Lauderdale Airport North is a popular pre- and post cruise hotel, perfectly situated so that you won’t struggle to get to the port any time you want. Book this property if you are looking to stay in a budget-friendly facility within close proximity to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport and cruise terminals. There’s also a shopping mall across the street with several restaurants and some retail stores.

Rooms are smoke-free, well-furnished and family friendly. To keep guests comfortable, the rooms have luxury sofas, flatscreen TVs, and blackout curtains. When cruising the next day, a shuttle service is offered to Port Everglades at a $15 charge per person, each way. Transfers from airport are free (limited hours at scheduled times). Parking is complimentary the nights of your stay. Long term parking is offered for $60, which includes up to 10 days.

Distance to Port : 9 minutes

2. Hyatt House Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port ★★★ (Shuttle – Cruise Parking)

This well-appointed, highly rated property has 143 elegant rooms and suites, each with a colorful decor and comfortable furniture. The guest lounge and dining area have a bright, contemporary design and there’s also an outdoor pool and patio.

There’s a free shuttle to/from the airport and a paid transfer to the cruise port which can be reached in around eleven minutes. Transfer to the cruise port is $15 per person or $30 round trip . Departure times to the Port Everglades cruise terminal are between 10.00am and 1.00pm.

While enjoying your cruise, the hotel offers inexpensive parking at a cost of $12 (plus tax) per night per car for the nights you are away.

3. Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port ★★★ (Free Airport Transfer)

With its modern amenities and tempting restaurant, the Courtyard by Marriott hotel is ideal for pre and post-cruise stays. There are complimentary on-site parking and a shuttle service to the port at a cost of approx. $15.00* per person. The shuttle departs from the hotel to the Cruise Port on a rotational basis each hour by ship/terminal. It’s advised to be in the lobby 15 minutes prior to the departure time.

The property also offers complimentary shuttle service for hotel guest to/from the airport. For pick-up just call the hotel once you collect your luggage. Courtesy phones are located in baggage claim area of all terminals. Transportation from the hotel departs approx. every 30 minutes.

Shuttle time to Port Everglades: 12 minutes Extended parking on site ($10.00 per day)

4. Wyndham Garden Ft Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port ★★★ (Good Value)

Three miles south of Port Everglades is this multistory property with 142 well-appointed rooms and unobstructed views of the neighborhood. It includes a spacious, informal dining area, while outside there’s a large swimming pool.

The hotel offers free regular transportation to the airport and Dania Point (shopping and dining) that departs regularly from the property, although there’s a fee of about $16* for the seven-minute shuttle service to the cruise terminal . While enjoying your cruise, there’s a small fee of $10.00 per night for using the parking lots. While staying, overnight parking is free.

Distance to Port : 7 minutes

5. AC Hotel by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport ★★★ (Top Hotel)

Take advantage of this hotel’s fitness center and outdoor swimming pool before or after your cruise. A free shuttle transport runs daily from the property to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. This modern hotel is well situated within the new Dania Pointe development. Lots of stores and restaurants are located within a couple min walk.

The cruise port shuttle cost $20* per person to travel to Port Everglades. Times: 9:55am, 12:30pm and 1:40pm (subject to change). There is a charge for long-stay cruise parking per vehicle per night. Overnight self-parking is $22.00 daily (Parking Garage).

Distance to Port Everglades: 10 minutes

6. Hotel Dello Ft Lauderdale Airport, Tapestry Collection by Hilton ★★★ (Cruise Parking)

Hotel Dello Ft Lauderdale Airport is a family-friendly, seven-story hotel which has 143 uncluttered, spacious rooms. There’s a large guest lounge with a cozy bar and several informal dining areas. An outdoor pool is surrounded by a sun terrace.

The hotel offers a free shuttle to the airport (limited hours), but charges a fee of $15.00* per person for driving to the Everglades cruise port, eight minutes away. Free parking is available, but you have to pay to park while on your cruise. If you leave your car, it’s $10.00 plus tax a day.

Distance to Port Everglades: 8 minutes

7. avid hotels – Ft Lauderdale Airport – Cruise, an IHG Hotel (Free Airport Shuttle)

The avid Hotels is a great value establishment (popular by cruise passengers), well located just off the highway within close proximity of the airport, local restaurants and entertainment options. The hotel offers a free scheduled transportation service to the international airport . The hotel can provide a transfer to the Port Everglades at around $15* per person. This transport is provided by a 3rd party company.

Please note there’s no long term Parking for Cruisers allowed but offers complimentary parking for hotel guests while staying at the property.

13 minutes from Cruise Port Everglades

8. Crowne Plaza Hotel Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruiseport, an IHG Hotel ★★★ (Good Location)

This Crowne Plaza Hotel & Resorts hotel is well located close to Port Everglades and the arrival terminal of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), and this location makes it popular among cruise travelers and short-term visitors.

This modern property has 148 elegant, well furnished rooms and suites. Enjoy free transport to and from the airport . When you check in you can sign up for the shuttle the following morning to Fort Lauderdale cruise port at $15.00* a person which is provided by a 3rd party transportation company. Uber/Lyft are other options.

Parking is also available for the duration of the cruise at a fee of $20.00 per night . Generally, this hotel offers a good value for money.

Only 5 minutes from Entrance

9. Tru By Hilton Ft Lauderdale Airport ★★★

This larger property in Dania Beach is particularly welcoming. 115 comfortably elegant rooms have pale wooden floors and wall panels. They also offer panoramic views of the local district. The extensive guest lounge and snack bar include multi-colored, ultra-modern chairs and cute Chinese pendant lamps.

There’s a fee of around $15.00 for the eight-minute transfer to Port Everglades cruise terminals, but you can travel to the airport for free with the twenty-four-hour shuttle.

Travel time: 6 minutes

10. Sleep Inn & Suites Dania Beach ★★

Located near the marina and picnic areas of West Lake Park, this stylish property has a secluded outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees. Each of the sixty-nine spacious rooms is comfortably furnished in a colorful modern and contemporary design.

There’s free transportation to the airport, but the transfer to the cruise port is a paid service (provided by a third party). Just reserve with front desk upon arrival. You can also pay to park your vehicle at the property while on your cruise. Please contact the hotel directly for details and fees.

Travel Time to Port Everglades: 10 minutes

11. Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport West, an IHG Hotel ★★★

Each of the seventy-seven rooms at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and features colorful drapes and traditional furniture. The communal guest lounge has comfortable sofas, elegant lamps and artwork. There’s also a large outdoor pool and sun terrace.

Located seven miles to the west of the Port Everglades cruise port, you can reach your ship from the property in twelve minutes. There’s a reasonable cost for the shuttle to Port Everglades (about $10.00*). The free transfer to the airport runs from 5:00 AM to midnight on request. Please set up transportation at check in with the Front desk.

Distance to Port : 10 minutes

12. Comfort Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port ★★★

You can park for free at this comfortable hotel during your stay. There’s also a free shuttle service to the airport (5 a.m. – 11 p.m) and paid transportation to the cruise port (approx. $15.00 per person) provided by a third party company. Reservations are required.

The property includes 100 suites, each with individual lounge areas decorated in a modern, colorful style. In the well-stocked breakfast room there is plenty of informal seating. You can relax in the large outdoor swimming pool or visit the nearby Cozy Cove Marina.

Only 5 Minutes from Port Entrance

13. Maritime Hotel Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port ★★★★

The 150 comfortable rooms at this deluxe 4 star hotel are decorated in a colorful, contemporary style complete with an ocean theme. There are wonderful views of the neighborhood which includes the nearby Secret Woods Nature Center. The wavy ceilings of the cozy bar, lounge and dining area continue the nautical theme, while outside there’s an elegant garden terrace and a small pool.

There’s paid transportation to Port Everglades cruise terminal and the airport. The transfers are handled by a third party company.

Distance to Port : 13 minutes

14. Holiday Inn Express Ft. Lauderdale Cruise-Airport, an IHG Hotel ★★★ (Popular)

This Holiday Inn Express and Suites is one of the best mid-range hotels for cruise travelers. The property is located on West State Road and charges some of the fairest prices for their rooms. Parking is free while staying at the hotel.

To reduce your expenses, a free Airport-Hotel shuttle service is provided to Hollywood International Airport which is just one mile away from the establishment. If you want to hold a business meeting or social gathering, they have perfect conference rooms on-site. When heading to Fort Lauderdale cruise port, the hotel can arrange a shuttle service for a fee ( around $10* per person ). You can also take a taxi or Uber.

There’s complimentary self-parking for registered guest for nights of stay. Extended parking fee is USD 10 per night.

It’s an excellent good value for money property.

Distance to Port : 8 minutes

15. Four Points by Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport – Dania Beach ★★★

This Dania Beach property has 112 spacious, modern rooms with traditional furniture and wood paneling. There’s a cozy bar and dining area, while outside, the pool and patio are screened by palm trees.

Port Everglades is about fifteen minutes away through paid transportation ($15.00*, by a third party shuttle) although the airport shuttle is free (limited hours). Extended hours must be booked 24 hours in advance. There’s a small fee of $7/day for parking, and an inexpensive daily fee to leave your vehicle while on your cruise vacation (Uncovered extended parking on site).

Travel time: 10 minutes

What are the Best Hotels in Fort Lauderdale Downtown Las Olas?

The area is known for Las Olas Boulevard, “The Venice of America”. Visit art galleries, local shops and enjoy excellent dining. The district is around 10 to 15 minutes from Port Everglades cruise terminals.

1. Riverside Hotel ★★★★ (Top)

The Riverside is a classic chic hotel located in the middle of Las Olas Boulevard. Built in 1936 it has an Old Florida charm. Enjoy top selections of local and exotic seafood at the hotel or at one of the multiple restaurants and lounges surrounding the property. One of the meals you should try out in the hotel is the Atlantic Monkfish loin, as it is among their most unique dishes.

Riverside Hotel has received a high number of positive reviews online for a reason. Also, the fact that the accommodation is only a few miles from the airport and cruise terminal makes it convenient for most visitors.

It cost approximately $20.00 for a taxi from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport to this luxury hotel depending on traffic.

Travel time to Port Everglades is 10 minutes

2. Element Fort Lauderdale Downtown ★★★ (Good Value)

The Element is one of the best rated Downtown Fort Lauderdale hotels. Enjoy conveniences like a fitness center, Wi-Fi connectivity, and an outdoor pool. Since the property was recently constructed, you can expect amenities of the best quality. Rooms are bright, spacious and comfortable.

This hotel has a modern design with unique touches. Though they provide premium services, they will not overcharge you to stay a night or two. Some rooms have balconies that are well-positioned to let you have a better look at the surroundings as you sip on your cup of joe or bear. There a free shuttle to the beach and Port Everglades cruise terminals (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, …) are a short Uber ride away.

Travel time to Port Everglades is 8 minutes

3. Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Fort Lauderdale Downtown/Las Olas ★★★

The Fairfield Inn & Suites hotel is a highly rated 3-star property located in downtown Ft. Lauderdale and is the best for people who want easy access to amenities of the area. It is only a 4-minutes walk away from Las Olas Boulevard. Other landmarks around the hotel include the Riverwalk, Las Olas Beach, the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, and the Broward County Library.

The place is suitable for families as it offers free cots, infant beds, and a private bathroom.

Travel time: 9 minutes

List of Hotels near Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port with Shuttle Service

note (*) : The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. Most rates listed are one-way fees and are subject to change without notice. Fees can be changed by the hotel and may change at any time. Please contact the hotel directly for latest shuttle information and hotel/cruise parking packages.

(Latest update December 29th 2023) Please contact us if any information is incorrect or not up-to-date.

What are the Closest Hotels to Port Everglades?

We have created a list of the very best hotels near Fort Lauderdale cruise port for both visitors and people who are familiar with the place. The Port Everglades 17th Street Causeway area is the closest to Fort Lauderdale cruise port, approx. 5 to 10 minutes depending on traffic. Among the best hotels are the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel, Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port and Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale – 17th Street .

What Hotels offer a Free Shuttle to Port Everglades?

For those traveling without a car, many hotels offer a transport service to the different terminals of Port Everglades either for free or for a small fee. The following hotels in Fort Lauderdale provide a complimentary shuttle service ; Rodeway Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port, Hotolos Hollywood and budget friendly Red Carpet Inn Airport Fort Lauderdale . Extended cruise parking is available at some properties for a small fee.

Hotels located between Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and the cruise port are only 10 to 15 minutes away from Port Everglades. It’s a good location when looking for a budget friendly place to stay. Many properties provide a free shuttle to/from the airport such as the Hampton Inn Ft Lauderdale-Airport North, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites and Crowne Plaza Hotel & Resorts .

The area is known for Las Olas Boulevard, “The Venice of America”. Visit art galleries, local shops and enjoy excellent dining. The district is around 10 to 15 minutes from Port Everglades cruise terminals. Among the best hotels are the Riverside Hotel, Element Fort Lauderdale Downtown and Fairfield Inn & Suites Downtown Las Olas .

About Fort Lauderdale in Florida

One of the key reasons for the increased popularity of the place is the fact that it is currently the second-largest cruise port in the world.

Throughout the year, the city welcomes visitors from all parts of the world for cruises out to mainly the Caribbean and Bahamas .

Fort Lauderdale is not your ordinary city. From historical properties to immaculate waterfront views, you will have everything you need to have a remarkable visit.

A jewel on the Atlantic coast, the place has lots of attractions that have led to a boom in the number of tourists who visit the place every year.

If you are new to Fort Lauderdale, finding a suitable hotel with enough amenities might be daunting. With many factors to have in mind, the more you look, the more confused you get.

Though modernly designed, some still use traditional decoration to accentuate rooms for guests who want to connect with the past.

Also, some hotels create luring adverts about the services they provide, but when you get there, you find different things that you don’t like.

That is why we have created this list of the very best hotels near Port Everglades cruise port.

Port Everglades Cruise Terminals

As well as being one of the largest cruise ports in the world, Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is one of the most streamlined and well-equipped ports in the USA.

It offers a range of services that deliver a seamless and stress-free cruise experience. From its enviable location on Florida’s south-east coast, Port Everglades features on a wide variety of cruise itineraries from local weekend sailings to around the world cruises lasting several weeks.

By road, the cruise terminals are easily accessible from several Interstate and Highway routes as well as the Florida Turnpike.

The port is also adjacent to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport making it convenient for flight arrivals .

For cruise passengers who would like to extend their holiday experience with a few days in Florida or need overnight accommodation before and after sailing there is a wide variety of hotels within easy reach of Port Everglades . There are plenty of things to do in Fort Lauderdale to keep you busy.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a small commission if you click through and make a reservation.

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2024 Labor Day Holiday

Port Everglades administrative offices will be closed Monday, September 2nd for the Labor Day holiday. However, the building will remain open during normal business hours for tenants. Port Operations' marine services will be provided at standard levels without interruption on a 24/7 basis.

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Arriving & Departing

Port Everglades' cruise guests enjoy:

• Secured parking with over 5,500 spaces in two  parking  garages and three gated surface lots within walking distance to the terminals
• Free cell phone waiting lots for people picking up debarking guests
• Efficient drop-off areas 
• Covered walkways
• Elevator/escalator access to gangways
• Curbside porter service for baggage
• Only 1.8 miles from  Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• Ideal for a  post-cruise vacation  in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area 

Here are a few simple travel tips to enhance your experience.

Departing passengers (embarkation)

• Follow cruise line’s  assigned check-in time. To alleviate delays, do not arrive prior to assigned time.
• Bring government-issued photo ID. Anyone 18-years-old and older must produce a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’ license or passport) at the security checkpoint before entering the port.
• Keep identification/cruise documents handy.  Put them in your carry-on bag. Do not pack them in your checked luggage. You will need to produce these documents at the port’s security checkpoint and several times before boarding your ship.
• Follow signs. Colorful digital wayfinding featuring Florida native plants and animals will appear with ship names and terminal assignments.
• Assist security. Security measures at the port help to ensure your safety. Please cooperate with security personnel to expedite boarding.
• Weapons of any type are not permitted inside the port.  Cruise guests traveling by car must store weapons off-site, including guns, off port property during their cruise vacation.
• Tag your luggage.  Complete and attach the luggage tags provided by your cruise line before you give your luggage to porters for delivery to your stateroom. Porters can provide additional tags. 
• Carry valuables. Place in your carry-on bag valuables, fragile items, personal belongings and medications, along with your photo ID and cruise documents.

Returning passengers (disembarkation)

• Wait for shore-leave announcement. Passengers typically debark the ship between 7 and 9AM.
• Wait for a call. People coming to pick up returning cruise guests may park for free in our cell phone waiting lots located at the Port Administration Building, 1850 Eller Drive, just past the security checkpoint and at the Cell Phone Lot north of Cruise Terminal 18. Paid parking is also available in the  parking garages .
• Consider porter service. Porter services hired by your cruise line can be used to deliver your bags to private cars, taxis and limousines. Tipping is optional.
• Time your airport arrival. Airlines at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport may only be able to check your bags up to two hours before your scheduled flight.
• Extend your vacation.  If you have a later flight, extend your stay with a tour of Greater Fort Lauderdale. Many cruise lines offer post-cruise shore excursions that take care of your transportation and luggage.

For more information, please contact our cruise services 954-468-3720.  

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Park 'N Go - Port Everglades Cruise Parking - SOLD OUT

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Operation Hours

The parking lot and your vehicle is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Arrival Info

Please be aware only valet parking is currently available. You will be requested to leave your keys. Security 24/7.

Please arrive at Park' N Go Port Everglades 20 minutes prior to the time you want to be at the port. You are greeted at the gate and a valet attendant will take your vehicle to an open space.

Please note: This reservation is for cruise port parking for Port Everglades only. Please see separate listing if you need the airport option.

Cruise Port Transportation

FREE transportation to & from the port is provided on shuttle buses. The shuttle driver will give you a yellow slip, which you need to give to the shuttle driver that picks you up.

Shuttle Hours

The shuttle service is available 24/7

Additional Info

Park 'N Go Port Everglades is a popular cruise parking service, offering safe, secure parking with luggage assistance and shuttle transport to your cruise departure destination at Port Everglades.

1101 Eller Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, US 33316 Get Directions

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Hotels Near Port Everglades with Parking & Shuttle Service

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Hyatt place fort lauderdale cruise port, quality inn & suites hollywood boulevard port everglades cruise port hotel, rodeway inn & suites fort lauderdale airport - port everglades cruise port, hilton garden inn ft. lauderdale airport-cruise port, free parking with one night stay.

Get free FLZ parking and shuttle transportation as part of your cruise hotel with parking package. Save money on FLZ Cruise Port parking and arrive at the cruise port in good time! Reserve today.

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If you have an early flight or long drive to FLZ Cruise Port then a Park Sleep Fly Hotels package is perfect for you. Get a preflight hotel stay and free FLZ parking and arrive at the cruise port refreshed and in plenty of time.

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Cruise Parking at Port Everglades

Last updated on January 30th, 2024 at 09:49 am

Parking near the cruise port in Fort Lauderdale offers a range of options for cruise travelers. Leave your vehicle in a secure parking facility and embark on your voyage with peace of mind.

Onsite Cruise Parking at Port Everglades (Ft Lauderdale, FL)

• $15 a day for regular-sized vehicles
• Over-sized (i.e. RVs) vehicles cost $19/day
• Display a Florida Toll Exemption Permit as explained in  Florida Statute 316.1964
• Vehicle is modified with specialized equipment such as ramps, lifts, or foot and hand controls for use by a disabled person
• Display the "DV" license plate from any state - Disabled Veteran - issued under  Florida Statute 320.084

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The Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port is the perfect location for a Park Sleep Fly or Park Sleep Cruise stay in Fort Lauderdale. Located in downtown Ft Lauderdale, the hotel is 5 minutes from the Broward Center for t... read more

Quality inn & Suites is a great ParkSleepFly location to rest and relax before your trip. Enjoy one of the hotel's quality rooms with comfortable beds that will help you get a great night's sleep before your travels. The ... read more

The Rodeway Inn and Suites in Ft. Lauderdale, FL is conveniently located just behind the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, right off of I-95, I-595, and Florida's Turnpike. The hotel offers many amenities, ... read more

Located just 5 miles from Port Everglades, the Hilton Garden Inn Ft. Lauderdale Airport-Cruise Port provides travelers the ease and convenience when going on a cruise.Guest rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, a microwave, r... read more

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Complete Guide to Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port (Port Everglades)

Fort Lauderdale is a bustling city with a major airport and a world-renowned cruise port. This east coast destination has so many wonderful cruise opportunities and attracts millions of visitors a year. In fact, we've sailed from the port and appreciate how central it is in the city.

We're taking the guesswork out of Port Everglades for you with our guide to the Fort Lauderdale cruise port. We'll help you figure things out for your South Florida visit, including the closest airports and hotels to stay at before or after your cruise.

We will also share what cruise lines leave from Port Everglades and how to find last-minute Fort Lauderdale cruise port deals. 

Disclosure: This page has affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase  at no cost to you . We recommend cruises, experiences, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port FAQs Answered

Where is the cruise port in fort lauderdale.

The cruise port is in the southern United States. It's just inland from the east coast of Florida, north of the Dania Beach neighborhood and south of the city's famous Las Olas Boulevard district, which runs into the downtown Fort Lauderdale area. It's also right next to the Fort Lauderdale airport.

How far is Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale cruise port) from the Fort Lauderdale airport?

Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (code FLL) are in close proximity to one another; they are less than 4 miles apart. The short drive is approximately ten minutes between the two.

How much does a taxi cost from the Fort Lauderdale Airport to the Fort Lauderdale cruise port?

A taxi is approximately $12 to $15. You can reach the taxi area by following the signs for airport ground transportation when exiting your airline terminal.

The taxi cost is determined according to the taxi meter. By Broward County law (the county where Fort Lauderdale is), cab fares are regulated by the government.

Alternatively, you can use Uber or Lyft to get to the cruise port.

Is there a free airport shuttle service from the Fort Lauderdale International Airport to the Port Everglades cruise terminal?

How far is the fort lauderdale cruise port (port everglades) from the miami cruise port (port of miami).

The two popular South Florida cruise ports are approximately 30 miles apart, depending on what number cruise terminal you're going to. The drive is around 40 to 90-minutes, depending on traffic. Traffic can get really bad in South Florida!

How far is the Miami airport from the Fort Lauderdale cruise port?

Depending on traffic, it's approximately 28 miles and a 40 to 90-minute drive. It's the same time and distance as Port Miami, but the Miami Airport (code MIA) is inland, and the cruise port is on the coast.

Where can I view the live webcam of Port Everglades?

You're in luck if you want to view a live camera feed of ships in port in Fort Lauderdale, industrial and recreational. View the Port Everglades webcam .

Overview of Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port (Port Everglades): All You Need to Know

Fort Lauderdale is a hot spot in Florida — literally and figuratively! The city attracts nearly four million cruise passengers annually and millions of more visitors who are not going on a cruise. The official name of the cruise port is “Port Everglades.” It's in the best location for travelers.

Several terminals and parking lots are near the cruise port, which is next to the Fort Lauderdale airport.

✦ Closest Airport to the Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port

Depending on your travel needs and budget, there are four airports you can choose from when planning your cruise from Fort Lauderdale. The closest is certainly Fort Lauderdale Airport.

✧  Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (Airport Code: FLL) 

Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is the closest airport to Port Everglades. It is only 2.7 miles away, and it's incredibly easy to get to the cruise terminals. This is the best airport to fly to and from for easy access to Port Everglades.

✧ Miami International Airport (MIA)

The next closest major airport is in Miami, which is about 30 miles away from Port Everglades. Paid shuttles, ride shares like Uber and Lyft, and private transportation are all options here.

Beware that the drive from the MIA airport to Port Everglades can take between 45 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic. It may be best to pre-arrange a private car service so the cost doesn't vary based on traffic, which can add up.

✧ Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)

A bit further out, at 50 miles away, is the Palm Beach International Airport. This may be a good option if you plan to do some sightseeing first. It's a small airport, so it's not overwhelming like FLL, MIA, or MCO; cars easily get in and out of this airport, and it's easy to navigate for people walking through the terminals.

✧ Orlando International Airport (MCO)

If you have your heart set on visiting Orlando to go to the world-famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal , then Orlando International Airport could be a more budget-friendly option despite its distance, at over 200 miles away.

The drive from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale is usually two-and-a-half to three hours, depending on traffic and how often you stop. 

This is the closest major airport to the Cape Canaveral area, where many cruises leave from Port Canaveral , on Florida’s Space Coast. There are also a ton of great things to do in the Cape Canaveral area.

✦ Top 3 Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotels

Enjoy a post-cruise or pre-cruise stay in one of the many Fort Lauderdale hotels before or after your vacation. Stay at resort-like Port Everglades hotels near the terminals because the options are plentiful. Our favorite brand of hotels is Marriott because they offer the best perks for loyalty, including room upgrades depending on your loyalty level and free wi-fi for all Marriott Bonvoy guests. We also find their customer service to be the best out of any hotels we stay at time and again.

We have indicated which hotels offer shuttles to the Fort Lauderdale cruise port, but if a hotel you’re interested in does not offer one, know that it’s easy to take Uber or Lyft to Port Everglades or ask the hotel to call a taxi.

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

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.

In addition to its great location, you can unwind in one of the resort-style poolside cabanas or take advantage of Fort Lauderdale's Sun Trolley, which is next to the hotel and offers free city transfers. Ride to the luxurious Galleria Mall , the pristine beaches, or the chic Las Olas Boulevard for dining and shopping. 

Another perk of staying here is that it's within walking distance of several restaurants and cafes, including Einstein Bagels, a personal favorite spot for breakfast, coffee, and lunch.

Though it doesn't offer a complimentary shuttle service, it's available for a low cost per person.

Distance to Port Everglades: 1.7 miles

Shuttle to the port: Every half hour from 10:30 am; $8 per person

✧ Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa

Enjoy luxurious beachside living along a quarter-mile length of immaculate private beachfront at this high-end hotel.

Take advantage of being a 10-minute drive from Las Olas Boulevard stores, restaurants, and nightlife. Unwind in one of the newly renovated rooms or suites, many of which have private balconies with water views. Swim in the lagoon-style outdoor pool, enjoy jet skiing and snorkeling, the fitness center with beachfront views, or treat yourself to the opulent spa. 

Distance to Port Everglades: 4.5 miles

Shuttle to the port: No

✧ The Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale

This oceanfront Fort Lauderdale hotel is a sought-after hideaway that is rich with nautical themes and elegant design. It offers modern amenities, like a 29,000-square-foot tropical sundeck with an infinity pool and private cabanas.

This Ritz Carlton luxury hotel is known for its welcoming, laid-back, and beachy vibe, on-site spa, and guest rooms with Atlantic Ocean views. What's more is that if your room isn't looking east to the ocean, it's looking west to the great view of the intracoastal waterway. Even the heated outdoor pool overlooks the water!

Distance to Port Everglades: 6 miles

Getting to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale

✦ driving to the ft. lauderdale cruise port.

If arriving at the port by car, you can easily access Port Everglades via major highways such as Interstate 595, U.S. Route 1, and Interstate 95. 

Signs are well-posted and help guide you. Once you arrive in the area, follow the signs to your specific cruise terminal for drop-off points. Onsite parking is also available.

Here are the suggested driving directions from Port Everglades authority :

✧ From I-95: 

• From the south: Take Exit #26 to I-595 East
• From the north: Take Exit #24 to I-595 East

Once on I-595 East from either direction, follow signs to the Port Everglades exit. 

✧ From I-75 north or south:

Take Exit #19 to I-595 East, then take the exit to Port Everglades.

✧ From Florida Turnpike North or South

Take Exit #54 to I-595 East, then take the exit to Port Everglades.

✦ Parking at Port Everglades

Onsite parking garages and parking costs .

Parking at the Fort Lauderdale cruise port is on a first-come, first-served basis and is the best option if your budget allows. Parking fees start at $15 per day.

The Port has two parking garages with nearly 4,000 spaces and several lots: 

• Palm Parking Garage is the largest covered parking lot with 1,966 spaces and serves terminals 19, 21, 25, 26, and 29. 
• Heron Parking Garage is another covered lot with over 1,800 parking spots and serves terminals 2 and 4. 
• The surface lots are not covered (AKA: exposed to the Florida heat!). Lots 18 and 19 offer 600 and 400 spaces if you want to park outdoors. Truthfully, though, if you park at Port Everglades, they’ll likely direct you to the open lot that day closest to the embarking cruise ships. That's what they did when we sailed with Celebrity Cruises .

✧ Parking Offsite Near Port Everglades

If you want reassurance that you will have parking, choose privately run lots such as Park By The Ports , located in Dania Beach, where the Fort Lauderdale airport is; it's right next to the cruise port. A shuttle will take you to your cruise terminal, and you can reserve a spot in advance. Other options are Park N’ Go , and Parkway Parking , which offer the best prices. 

✧ Airport Shuttle Option 

If you’re flying into an airport to board your cruise, you can take a third-party shuttle from either Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Airport or Miami Airport (MIA), which includes the shuttle price, driver's gratuity, and Port Fees. There is no free shuttle service.

✧ Uber/Lyft

Taxis and rideshares are available to get to Port Everglades. Expect to pay between $15-$20 from FLL and between $80 and $120 to the port in Fort Lauderdale from MIA.

✦ Getting to Port Everglades via Public Transportation 

Though it’s not very direct, it's possible to get to the port by bus if you’re up for a bit of a trek. Local bus service stops at the Northport section of Port Everglades on SE 17th S. Look for scheduled bus routes 1 or 40 for more details.

If you’re traveling to Fort Lauderdale from Miami or Orlando, the Brightline train is a good option. You take the train to Fort Lauderdale, then can hop in a taxi, Lyft, or Uber to get to the cruise port, which is only 4 miles away.

Brightline tickets are as low as $10 each way for adults, depending on the route and day of the week.

✦ Getting to Port Everglades with Cruise Line Transfers

Cruise lines often provide port transfers between airports and hotels, and hotels and cruise ports. Be sure to inquire with your cruise line to see if this is an option. Some cruise lines include it, while others offer it at an additional cost. 

If there is an additional cost, compare it to the options we list here — like a paid shuttle or taxi — to see which is the best choice.

Who Sails from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale? 

Many familiar cruise li n es call on Port Everglades, such as:

• Celebrity Cruises
• Viking Ocean Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Silversea Cruises
• Balearia Caribbean
• Royal Caribbean International
• Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection

Please note that the cruise lines with options from Port Everglades may change slightly each year.

✦ Where to Find Last Minute Cruise Deals from Fort Lauderdale 

Our favorite sites to find last-minute cruise deals and cruise packages are Cruise Direct and Cruise Critic .

✦ Port Everglades Cruise Port Terminals: Where Do Cruise Lines Dock?

Knowing where to embark on your cruise is an important piece of info. Docking terminals are assigned based on the type and size of the vessel. Be sure to check your booking information, but don’t worry if you don’t have it on hand upon arrival; the staff at the terminal will be happy to direct you to your ship and its specific terminal when you arrive. 

Below are terminal designations up to date as of 2023:

• Princess Cruise Line : Port Everglades Terminal 2, 19, 21
• Celebrity Cruises: Port Everglades Terminal 25, 29
• Disney Cruise Line: Port Everglades Terminal 4
• Carnival Cruise Lines: Port Everglades Terminal 4
• Royal Caribbean : Port Everglades Terminal 18, 25, 29 
• Carnival Cruise Line : Port Everglades Terminal 21
• Holland America Line: Port Everglades Terminal 21, 26, 29

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St Petersburg FL (Florida)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-08-30 22:44

Port St Petersburg FL cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from St Petersburg FL, Florida. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

St Petersburg is a port city in Florida USA (Pinellas County) with population around 260,000. The Tampa-St Petersburg-Clearwater Metro by population (around 3,2 million) is Florida's second-largest - after Miami - Fort Lauderdale - West Palm Beach Metro (around 6,14 million). The city is on the Mexican Gulf and is one of the Tampa Bay Area's main cities - together with Tampa and Clearwater.

Port St Petersburg Harbor (1925-opened) is in downtown, and adjacent to two boats/yachts serving facilities - Municipal Marina and Harborage Marina (Bayboro Harbor). The Port houses the USCG Sector St Petersburg and serves mainly passenger ships - ferries (Cross-Bay Ferry boats), superyachts, cruise ships.

Cross-Bay ferries serve the Tampa-St Petersburg route seasonally (October-November thru May) since 2016.

• In Tampa, the boats depart from Tampa Convention Center's dock, while in St Petersburg, they leave from North Straub Park's dock (near Vinoy Marina).
• Departures from St Petersburg are on Wednesdays and Thursdays (at 4:45 pm), on Fridays and Saturdays (at 10 am), and on Sundays (at 11 am).
• Departures from Tampa are on Wednesdays and Thursdays (at 10:45 pm), on Fridays and Saturdays (at 11 pm) and on Sundays (at 7:30 pm).
• As of 2023, Cross-Bay Ferry adult ticket prices were US$12 pp per one-way crossing. Youths, college students, seniors, people with disabilities and active/retired military personnel receive discounted tickets.
• In 2022, on the Tampa-Petersburg route was deployed the twin-hull catamaran Provincetown III (2004-built, IMO 9329394) which has max passenger capacity 149 and average speed 30 mph/50 kph.

The Cross-Bay ferry service is a public-private partnership between the counties Pinellas and Hillsborough and HMS Ferries Inc (part of HMS Global Maritime (1994-founded as Hornblower Marine Services, based in New Albany, Indiana).

As cruise port, St Petersburg Florida was introduced with the 2023 schedule of the ACL-American Cruise Lines catamaran ship American Glory .

Next table shows the 21-night/22-day "Complete Southeast" itinerary from Baltimore to St Petersburg. Prices started from US$ 17260 per person with double occupancy.

As cruise port, Saint Petersburg is also included in the ACL's itinerary "Florida Gulf Coast & Keys" (7-night/8-day roundtrip from St Petersburg).

Prices started from US6010 pp with double occupancy.

The settlement was town-incorporated in 1892 and city-incorporated in 1903. As a harbor port, St Petersburg started to grow in the early-20th-century when the downtown waterfront infrastructure was developed, and especially after 1908 when the shipping channel was dredged/deepened allowing access to larger vessels. The city's tourism industry developed in the 1920s-1930s, with seasonal tourists arriving (by cars, trains and yachts) from Canada and the North-Midwest USA.

St Petersburg was the principal Gulf Coast destination for trains serving the routes from Chicago, Cincinnati and New York. The 1924-opened Gandy Bridge (carrying highway 92) and the 1960-opened Howard Frankland Bridge (carrying highway I-275) both span Old Tampa Bay and directly connect St Petersburg to Tampa.

The city's current-day economy is largely based on industries like finances (Raymond James Financial, Fidelity National Information Services), healthcare (Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St Anthony's Hospital, Bayfront Health), retail shopping (HSN, Publix Super Markets), electronics manufacturing (Jabil), communications, private and higher education, tourism (annual festivals, parades, museums, arts, sports).

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ACL-American Cruise Lines' newest voyage makes a second stop in Punta Gorda

ACL-American Cruise Lines' latest vessel American Glory, navigating from Saint Petersburg to Tampa, Key West, and back within an 8-day itinerary...

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ACL-American Cruise Lines, the USA's largest cruise company renowned for its smaller ships navigating coastal and inland waterways, will soon sail to...

ACL-American Cruise Lines to introduce 3 new riverboats in 2023

ACL-American Cruise Lines revealed it will introduce 3 new riverboats in 2023, along with 10 brand new itineraries that will venture into ports the...

Cross-Bay Ferry begins its 6th season sailing between Saint Petersburg and Tampa Florida

The Cross-Bay Ferry begins its 6tth season sailing across Tampa Bay at 4:45 pm on Wednesday, October 19. The service, linking the downtowns of Tampa...

Cross-Bay Ferry Returns to Tampa Bay

The popular Cross Bay Ferry service (Tampa to St Petersburg) will soon be back to Tampa Bay. Starting November 1, travelers can take a ferry out...

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5 Easy Ways to Get to the Tampa Cruise Port (Port Transportation)

If you’re flying into Tampa to take your cruise, you can’t start your vacation without getting to the cruise terminal first! Below we have all the information you need to get to the Tampa port by Uber, Lyft, taxi, or shuttle.

Before getting too far, however, it’s helpful to understand where the Port of Tampa is in relation to the airport and city. The Port of Tampa (lower right) is roughly 10 miles from the Tampa airport and right near downtown:

The port’s official address is 1101 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Florida, 33602 if you wish to map your route using GPS. It’s about 10 miles from Tampa International Airport.

If you are parking for your cruise, click here for more info on all your options .

Getting to the the Tampa Cruise Port Without a Car

If you’re flying into the Tampa airport, it’s very easy to get back and forth to the cruise port. In our opinion, the two best options are a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft, or to take a taxi. Both are fairly convenient.

Uber/Lyft (Recommended)

If you are familiar with rideshare companies, then you’ll be happy to know that both Uber and Lyft operate in the Tampa area. If you don’t know these companies, they operate a service where you can request rides around a city from your smartphone. The entire transaction takes place through the phone — from requesting a ride to paying.

Uber/Lyft are a great option whether you are coming from the airport or anywhere else around town as they offer service in Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater, and surrounding areas. Thus, if you are staying in an area hotel or want to explore the city, you can get a ride to spots other than the port.

You’ll likely find that Uber/Lyft also offer cheaper fares than taxis and potentially better service than most taxis. For example, Lyft estimates a ride from the Tampa airport to the cruise port would run $25-30 . Considering taxis charge a $35 flat fee from the airport to the cruise port, rideshare services are a cheaper deal.

That’s why we would have to favor using Uber or Lyft over a taxi if we were needing transportation to the Tampa cruise port. Here are a number of estimated costs from points around the area to the cruise port…

Estimated costs to the cruise port from select points:

• Tampa International Airport: $25-30
• Orlando International Airport: $100-120
• St. Petersburg: $35-40
• Ybor City: $8-12
• Disney World: $70-80
• Lakeland: $35-45
• Clearwater: $35-42
• Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa: $15-20

Of course, while Uber and Lyft have taken a bite out of their business, taxi cabs aren’t extinct. They are also a decent option on getting from the airport to the cruise port, or from other points around town.

The ride is short (less than 10 miles, or about 15-20 minutes) and the fare is very reasonable. Taxicabs leaving the Tampa airport have a set rate of $35 from the airport to the cruise port. Given that several people can ride for this amount, taxis are a reasonably convenient way to get to your cruise.

You can also call a cab from points all around town, such as if you are staying in an area hotel. 

Cruise Line Transfers

The cruise lines will offer transfers from the Tampa airport to the cruise port, however, they can be expensive. For example, Carnival charges $24.99 for each person , one way, for a shuttle between the the airport and cruise port. So a family of four would spend $200 round-trip, just to go about 10 miles each way.

Meanwhile, you are on the shuttle’s schedule, can only go directly from the airport to the cruise port, and it is only available on the day of your cruise. If you come in a day early, you can’t use the cruise line shuttle.

For that reason, we recommend other forms of transportation.

Public Transportation

Want to get to the port without spending a bundle? If you are in the right spot you can get to your ship with public transportation.

Tampa has the TECO Streetcar System . This route offers rides on a retro trolley car, running from Ybor City down Channelside Drive (where the terminals are located) to the edge of downtown Tampa. The great news is that the trolley runs seven days a week from early in the morning until late at night, and it’s free to ride . (There are a number of hotels near trolley stops as well .)

Unfortunately, this is the only route that runs right near the port. You can make connections at the Whiting Street Station from other routes throughout the city to the TECO Streetcar, but we’ll be honest: unless you are familiar with the area or staying directly on the streetcar route, you’ll likely want to just pay for the convenience of getting a ride to the cruise port.

Cruise Hotel Shuttles (Recommended if Staying in the Area)

One way that some hotels in Tampa compete for cruise passenger business is by offering rides to the cruise port.

The premise is simple — book at a hotel with a shuttle (often there is a cruise package you can reserve) and you’ll get your night’s stay plus a ride to the cruise port in the morning.

It makes things very simple and takes the headache out of figuring out transportation on cruise day. Keep in mind that the packages usually cost extra compared to just booking the normal base hotel rate.

You can see our list of Tampa hotels with cruise shuttles here . In addition, there are a number of hotels also listed that are near the free TECO Streetcar line that goes right by the ports.

Getting from Orlando to the Tampa Cruise Port

It may be that you find cheaper fares into Orlando International Airport, or maybe you want to visit Orlando attractions while you’re in the area. Whatever the case, there are many people who need to get from the Orlando area to the Tampa port.

What most cruise passengers don’t realize is that the two cities are about 90 miles (1.5 hours) apart. For that reason, there aren’t a lot of options to get back and forth.

Uber and Lyft will provide rides for about $100-120 each way.  There are some private car options, but the long drive makes them expensive. As well, taxis will run hundreds of dollars round-trip.

The best option we’ve found is a one-way car rental . We’ve found rates of about $70 one-way (and sometimes cheaper). If you’re needing a ride back, then you’ll need to book round-trip. As well, you will need to pay for cruise parking in Tampa for the rental during your cruise. ( You can search Kayak for car rentals here .)

You’ll want to keep this expense in mind when selecting flights. While it might be cheaper to fly into Orlando, the extra transportation cost could make a costlier flight to Tampa worth it.

More on Cruising From Tampa

Getting to the Port of Tampa  — Transportation options from airports and the area to the cruise port. Everything you need to know to get to the port and start your vacation.

Tampa Cruise Parking — Parking at the port? We’ve got you covered with all your parking options, including costs and discounts.

Tampa 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.

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Wondering how to get to the port from Palm Harbor. Uber, lyft and taxis of course but any other options?

Where does Lift or Uber pick you up at the port? Is there a designated area? We need a ride home once we return from our cruise

I have a friend dropping me off for Celebrity, all cruises share same terminal?

There are several terminals. When you arrive, you’ll be able to see the ship and just head toward it for drop-off. Tampa doesn’t have too many terminals, so it shouldn’t be difficult.

Is their a shuttle service company that will take you from orlando international airport to the port of tampa and how much and how can I get in touch with them?

Hmm, not that we’ve heard of. We’d suggest getting in touch with companies that offer car service like a limo company in Orlando. Often they have other cars (not just limos) and will take you anywhere you want to go.

We use to take Supershuttle to the cruise port and TPA for a low price but we just got notice that they are going out of business at the end of the year December 31st, 2019. We are going on a cruise out of Port of Tampa on Jan 6th, 2020. I guess we will have to use Lyft or Uber now as it doesn’t look like any company decided to take over in the Tampa area where Supershuttle used to service.

Uber and Lyft are pretty easy to use and shouldn’t be that expensive.

We are flying into Tampa and cruising out of Tampa. We are arriving the day before our cruise but will be on a flight that’s coming in real late on a Friday night. What’s our best means of transportation to get to a hotel. Hoping to stay in one near the port.

We’d suggest getting an Uber/Lyft or Taxi.

What is cheapest transportation from Tampa cruise port to St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport?

We’d check out Uber or Lyft.

Is a taxi rate the same from the port to Tampa airport? Readily available or need to reserve? I found a shuttle service that can be reserved for $22. We have a 4PM flight so plenty of time to get there. Not sure the latest we can get off the ship.

Bev, what is the name of that shuttle service, please?

We are arriving the day before our cruise so we will be in a hotel (Harborside Suites in Ruskin, FL). We Uber here in VA alot. Debating whether to Uber from hotel to cruise ship. Three of us.

That’s what we would use personally.

Bajo del crucero y desde ahi quiero ir a miami Como viajo?

Renting a car is your best option. You could also rent a private driver to take you there.

We are planning to come to Tampa Florida and we would like to take a cab from the airport to Port of Tampa, we are planning to book a taxi and we have made a prearrangement pickup with Tampa Taxi Service , we would like to know what is your thought about it or if there is any additional option from the Airport. Thank you.

We don’t know anything specific about that company, but a taxi from the airport to the cruise port is perfectly fine. In fact, there is likely no need to pre-arrange. Just go tot the taxi line and let them know you want to go to the port when you arrive. Should be a flat fee of $28. Uber/Lyft might be a little cheaper, but it won’t be much.

There are four of us going on a cruise from Port of Tampa. Because of the flat-fee taxi service, is it cheaper to take a taxi? I have used both Uber and Lyft, but it’s usually by myself or with one other person, so I don’t know if they charge per mile, per person, or flat rate.

The taxi runs $28 flat fee. Lyft estimates it to be about $20. With Uber and Lyft you are paying per car, not per person. So they are about the same, with a cab being slightly more. However, it’s not a big difference.

I have my family of 7 going on a cruise in March is better to Uber between two cars or arrange transportation for all 7 of us together to get to the port from the airport.

That’s a tough one. You might try a shuttle service that lets you rent a van to see what the cost would be. Otherwise, two Uber cars won’t be too expensive.

Ride cheap but tip good because we are not slave.We drive for those companies because we are unemployed and need to pay our bills or we get homeless.

I thought lift was running more expensive than Uber. But in your article it looks like lift is cheaper?

It really depends, but usually they are around the same. Sometimes they run specials, discount the rates, offer sign-up bonuses for new customers, etc. Whatever the difference, it won’t be dramatic.

We are looking to get 24 people from Zephyrhills to the port of Tampa: any bus companies you would suggest?

Linda, since we’ve never personally used any of the bus services, we can’t recommend anyone specific. However, with that many people, you should be able to get a decent deal on a per person basis. Enjoy your cruise!

We are coming off a cruise at Fort Lauderdale port and need to join another cruise at the Tampa Port on the same day. Please let us know the most cost efficient way to get there.

That’s a tough one. The ports are about 250 miles apart (4 hours). We’d suggest getting in touch with a private car service to see what they would charge. You could also see about one-way car rentals from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa.

We need a ride from New Port Richey to the Tampa Cruise Port Terminal. What companies would provide such a service?

You might look into either rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or private car services.

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