Fort Lauderdale, Florida Port Everglades Cruise Port🚢

Port Everglades

Port Everglades, located in Greater Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Florida, is ranked third among cruise ports worldwide and has more homeported cruise ships than any other port!

Port Everglades

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The Fort Lauderdale Cruise port is called Port Everglades.

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While you can walk to the cruise port, make sure to check the cruise ship's terminal number as some ships are a long way from the port entry. Princess Cruises are generally located near the port entry at Terminal 2, while Celebrity and other lines are usually in Terminal 25 or 26! Click the link below for more information about Cruise Terminals. 

Cruise Terminals

www.porteverglades.net

Where to Stay

There is a wide range of hotels around the Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port - Port Everglades, and we've found it most convenient stay as close as possible.

You can arrive in town the day of your cruise as most set sail in late afternoon, but we've found it helpful to fly in the day before for a few reasons:

☀ Nice way to ease into vacation mode

☀ Extra time for potential travel glitches, especially in winter when weather can wreak havoc

☀ Take advantage of earlier boarding times and lunch on the ship

Note that hotel prices can vary greatly depending on time of year, and early booking is recommended as Fort Lauderdale is a very popular cruise port!

Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel

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This has been our go-to hotel and we've stayed there several times as it is closest to the port. It offers slightly more upscale with contemporary décor. Mid-size with approximately 250 rooms. Restaurant, fitness center, and nice outdoor pool on site. This hotel is part of the Marriott chain, so become a member of Marriott Bonvoy to earn and redeem points for benefits.

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Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina

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This is a nice but large hotel located next to the Stranahan River and 17th Street Bridge. Decorated in a yacht theme, it has almost 600 rooms (there can be lines for the popular coffee shop and check-in/out). If possible, reserve an Intracoastal View room or High Floor Waterview room. The hotel has an outdoor pool, fitness center, and restaurant on site (new restaurant Olive & Sea opening soon! This hotel is part of the Hilton chain, so become a Hilton Honors member to earn and redeem points for benefits.

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Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street

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All-suites hotel located about 6 blocks from the cruise port entrance. Many cruise lines use this hotel, which offers a casual restaurant, sports bar, pool, and room service. There are 360 rooms, and they offer free happy hour in the atrium lobby. This hotel is part of the Hilton chain, so become a Hilton Honors member to earn and redeem points for benefits.

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Holiday Inn Express Ft. Lauderdale Cruise-Airport, an IHG Hotel

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Nicely updated decor in this basic hotel. There is a pool and fitness center on site, and they offer a full breakfast (very crowded). This hotel is part of the IHG Group, and IHG One Rewards offers loyalty deals such as free wi-fi, late check-out, and points for reward nights.

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Where to Eat

Boatyard

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Their philosophy is "eat local, be coastal"! We visit each time we're in town for friendly service, tasty raw bar, and seafood and a few steak options as well.

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15th Street Fisheries

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A popular spot for seafood with an upstairs dining room and more casual eatery downstairs. We haven't managed to get in due to the crowds... let us know if you try it!

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Bonus Cruise Tips!

PACKING

It can be tempting to pack a large suitcase, but do your best to avoid overpacking! I usually lay out all of my outfits a week or so before the cruise, then subtract about half of the items before packing them into my suitcase!

If you travel with a large suitcase, there's no need to haul your bags onboard! Instead, you will drop off your bag at the cruise port for delivery to your stateroom/cabin. I suggest using a tracking device such as an Apple Air Tag or Samsung Smart Tag for extra piece of mind in knowing the location of your luggage! 

PERSONAL BAG

Since you may have to wait a few hours before your large suitcase is delivered to your stateroom, make sure to pack a personal bag with your valuables (e.g. jewelry, computer, etc.) as well as essentials such as medication. You might also throw in a swimsuit so you can head right to the pool once onboard!

TOILETRIES

Instead of trying to pack a bunch of toiletries (or maybe you just forgot to pack), we just buy full-sized sunscreen, lotion, shampoo, and conditioner once we arrive in Fort Lauderdale. There is a convenient Walgreens Drug Store on the main road to the Cruise Port, and a newer Publix Super Market at The Harbor Shops on SE 17th St as well. 

Walgreens

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Walking distance from the entry to the Cruise Port!

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Publix Super Market at The Harbor Shops

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New(er) shopping area and store with essentials, groceries, and more!

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RANDOM USEFUL ITEMS!

+ Magnets with hooks for hanging items (cabin walls are steel)

+ Daypack and/or foldable bag for pool and beach

+ Small purse or wristlet for carrying phone and/or cruise card

+ Light sweater/sweatshirt for cool evenings

+ Plastic towel clips to secure towels to lounge chairs on windy days

+ Extra medications (especially for international cruises)

+ Hat to keep out the sun and "bad hair days"

+ Laundry detergent packets for rinsing items in sink

+ Download podcasts, videos, and/or books on mobile device

+ Waterproof smartphone case (or plastic bag)

+ Dramamine or Bonine for motion sickness

Happy cruising!