Port Everglades cruise ship terminals are not actually located in the Florida Everglades wetlands. This port is 23 miles north of Miami on the state’s southeast coast, and ranks as the second busiest cruise port in the world.
How to get there
Port Everglades is only three miles from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and 25 miles from Miami International Airport (MIA).
If you fly in, land transportation can be easily found via taxis ($10 from FLL/$75 from MIA), Uber or Lyft ($10 from FLL/$35 from MIA), cruise line shuttles (most expensive at approximately $50 per person round trip from either location), or independent shuttles (approximately $15 per person from either location).
If you drive in, parking at the Port Everglades cruise terminals is the most convenient, and costs $15-$19/day. You can park further away for less than half the cost; but you’ll need a ride to the terminal. For a moderate rate, you can park and ride free shuttles from some parking facilities.
To save money, explore parking options online if your cruise lasts a week or more. For those staying at hotels prior to launch, you may have a parking fee for leaving your car (but it’s usually reasonable).
Who sails from Port Everglades
At publication, there are currently 12 cruise lines and 40 different cruise ships that set sail from Port Everglades. These include vessels from Balearia Bahamas Express, Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Crystal, Cunard, Holland America, ISE, Pearl Seas, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Silversea.
The most popular destinations include Caribbean ports in Mexico, the Bahamas, Belize, and Jamaica. However, you can also board here for those luxurious multi-month voyages like the 94-day Queen Victoria cruise.
What can I expect at my cruise terminal
Port Everglades cruise ship terminals are easy to access with covered walkways, vehicle-to-ship luggage service, and elevators/escalators to the gangways.
There are nine comfortable terminals, air-conditioned with snack machines, restrooms, and ample seating.
Signs are digital, regularly updated, and easy to read – so finding your ship is stress-free.
The port authority recommends an arrival time after 11:30 AM to avoid traffic. Be sure to check your cruise ship’s specific embarkation window.
Interesting tidbits
Port Everglades has been a deep-water harbor near the Atlantic shipping lanes since 1927. She’s the winter home port to the Queen Mary 2 – the world’s grandest luxury liner, and home port for Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas – largest cruise ship in the world.
Over 2,000 voyages leave this location every year. This creates a unique and fun opportunity to arrive early for your cruise and do some ‘ship spotting’!
Port Everglades is also a participant in the International Sister Seaports program with agreements at the Port of Olbia (Sardinia, Italy), Port of Marseille (France), Port of Xiamen (China), and Docas do Rio (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil); and has a relationship of understanding with the Panama Canal Authority.
Also Read:Â Top 5 Things to See When Cruising South Florida
Port Everglades is an exciting and interesting point of embarkation for your next cruise vacation. For my fellow map-lovers, get all the details here – Port Everglades, Florida.
