Fort Lauderdale Gateway
Port Everglades

Port Everglades: South Florida's Cruise Capital

Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale ranks among the world's busiest cruise ports, serving as homeport to Royal Caribbean's largest ships, Celebrity, Princess, Holland America, and more. The port is remarkably close to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport — a major advantage for fly-cruise passengers.

Fort Lauderdale's beaches, Las Olas Boulevard dining, and water taxi system make this an excellent pre- or post-cruise destination. The port's location also provides easy access to Miami and the Florida Keys.

Insider Tip: The Fort Lauderdale water taxi is the best way to explore — hop on/hop off along the Intracoastal, hitting Las Olas, the beach, and waterfront restaurants.

Getting to the Port

  • From FLL Airport: 10-15 minutes — one of the closest airport-to-port distances anywhere
  • From Miami (MIA): 30-45 minutes via I-95
  • From Miami Beach: 45-60 minutes depending on traffic
  • Uber/Lyft: $10-15 from FLL, $35-50 from MIA
  • Brightline: High-speed rail to Fort Lauderdale station, then short taxi/rideshare to port. gobrightline.com

Getting Around Fort Lauderdale

  • Water Taxi: Hop-on/hop-off service along the Intracoastal, connecting hotels, Las Olas, beach, and waterfront restaurants. All-day pass $35. watertaxi.com
  • Sun Trolley: Free trolley service in downtown and beach areas — Las Olas Link connects downtown to beach. suntrolley.com
  • Broward County Transit: Bus routes throughout the county; Route 40 connects airport to beach
  • On Foot: Beach strip and Las Olas Boulevard are walkable; water taxi is best for covering distance

Parking Options

  • On-site parking: Midport Parking Garage and surface lots at each terminal
  • Cost: $15-20/day for uncovered, $20-22/day for covered
  • Off-site: Several private lots along SE 17th Street "cruise corridor" offer lower rates with shuttles
  • Reserve ahead: Highly recommended for busy sailing dates — book through porteverglades.net

Nearby Hotels

  • Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina: Steps from Terminal 25, waterfront views — the closest major hotel to the port (0.5 mi)
  • Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort: Oceanfront luxury on the beach with pool and spa
  • Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port: Connected to Terminal 4
  • Hyatt Regency Pier 66: Iconic revolving restaurant, marina views
  • W Fort Lauderdale: Beachfront luxury on the beach
  • Hampton Inn Fort Lauderdale/Downtown: Budget-friendly with free breakfast, near Las Olas

Pre-Cruise Activities

  • Fort Lauderdale Beach: Wide, clean beaches with beachfront promenade perfect for morning walks
  • Las Olas Boulevard: Dining, shopping, galleries — the heart of Fort Lauderdale culture
  • Water Taxi: Scenic way to explore the "Venice of America" — over 300 miles of waterways
  • NSU Art Museum: Contemporary art collection in downtown
  • Bonnet House Museum: Historic estate with tropical gardens, art collection, and resident monkeys
  • Everglades National Park: UNESCO World Heritage Site — airboat tours through the River of Grass about 30 minutes west. Book through Viator
  • Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: 180-acre urban oasis with beach access, kayaking, and nature trails

History & Heritage

Fort Lauderdale's cruise story began in 1927 when the channel to Port Everglades was completed, but the city's history as the "Venice of America" dates to the 1920s when developers dredged the Intracoastal Waterway, creating the network of canals and islands that define the landscape today. The original Fort Lauderdale was established in 1838 during the Second Seminole War, named after Major William Lauderdale.

Port Everglades has grown into one of the top three cruise ports in the world, handling over 3.9 million passengers annually. The port's proximity to the Gulf Stream — just 2 miles offshore — means ships reach deep water quickly, maximizing time at sea.

Practical Tips

  • FLL Advantage: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International is consistently easier to navigate than Miami International — consider flying here even if cruising from PortMiami
  • Weather: Hot and humid year-round; afternoon thunderstorms common in summer
  • Swimsuit Shopping: Fort Lauderdale's Sawgrass Mills outlet mall (20 min west) is one of the largest in the US
  • Happy Hour: Las Olas and beach restaurants often have great early evening specials

Port Everglades Area Map

Interactive map showing cruise terminals, Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale Beach, and the Intracoastal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Port Everglades or PortMiami — what's the difference?
A: Port Everglades is in Fort Lauderdale (FLL airport); PortMiami is in Miami (MIA airport). Check your cruise line's embarkation port.

Q: How early should I arrive?
A: 2-3 hours before sailing. Earlier if driving during rush hour.

Q: Is FLL airport really that close?
A: Yes — it's one of the best airport-to-port distances in cruising. Some hotels even offer walk-to-port convenience.

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