Port Everglades Cruise Port is a bustling hub in the heart of South Florida. Ranked as the world’s third largest cruise port, Port Everglade Cruise Port is on track to welcome over 3 million cruise guests this year.
For cruise enthusiasts, the port of Port Everglades is an important gateway to some of the most exciting destinations in the Caribbean and beyond.
If you’ve booked a cruise holiday that starts from Port Everglades Cruise Port or your cruise itinerary offers a stop here, our Port Everglades Cruise Port Guide will help you make the most of your visit. Discover answers to questions such as:
Where do cruise ships dock in Port Everglades, Florida?
How far is Port Everglades from the cruise port?
Is there anything near Port Everglades Cruise Port?
And what are the best activities by Port Everglades Cruise Port?
So, read on and get ready to make the most of your visit to this vibrant and dynamic cruise port.
Where do cruise ships dock in Port Everglades?
Port Everglades Cruise Port is strategically located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, making it easily accessible for cruise guests. There are multiple Port Everglades cruise terminals within the port, each serving different cruise lines and destinations. The terminals are designed to ensure smooth embarkation and disembarkation processes for passengers.
Knowing where your cruise ship will dock in advance can be incredibly handy to help you plan your arrival and departure more efficiently and make the most of your time at the Port Everglades Cruise Port.
Here’s a list of the major cruise lines and which Port Everglades cruise terminals they typically dock at:
Princess Cruise Lines: Terminals 2 and 21
Carnival Cruises: Terminals 4 and 21
Disney Cruise Line: Terminal 4
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line: Terminals 18, 25 and 29
Holland America Line: Terminals 19, 21, 26 and 29
Celebrity Cruises: Terminals 25 and 29
Please be aware that on busy days, these dedicated cruise terminals may change, and cruise ships may need to use an alternative docking area, so always check your cruise information before arriving.
Port Everglades cruise terminals are well-serviced, offering a range of facilities, including shops and dining areas, tourist information and toilets.
How to get from Port Everglades Cruise Port to the city centre
Port Everglades Cruise Port is situated on the coastline of the city of Fort Lauderdale. Therefore, it is incredibly easy and convenient to visit the city centre.
With the distance from Port Everglades Cruise Port to the city centre being only 3 to 4 miles (depending on which terminal you start at), taxis are affordable, with most accepting major credit cards. A bus service also runs between the port and downtown Fort Lauderdale.
What to do in Port Everglades on port days
When looking for what to do in Port Everglades Cruise Port, you’ll find many activities and attractions to explore. Here are a few of our favourite nearby places to visit:
Explore Fort Lauderdale’s Beaches
With around 23 miles of sunny shoreline, Fort Lauderdale’s beaches are renowned for their pristine sands and vibrant atmosphere.
For example, Hillsboro Beach is overlooked by an iconic 20th-century lighthouse and is one of the most historic beaches in the area. It also has one of the highest densities of sea turtle nests per mile along Florida’s East Coast.
Meanwhile, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea offers a tranquil place to relax and soak up the sun. You’ll also find an inviting farmer’s market within walking distance.
Visit the Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is a fantastic place to visit when looking for what to do in Port Everglades on port days. Immerse yourself in the enchanting wilderness of the Florida Everglades, exploring this unique and ecologically diverse ecosystem.
Discover endless vistas of unspoiled wetlands, mangrove forests, and serene waterways. Take an exhilarating airboat tour, which offers a chance to encounter native wildlife, including alligators, exotic birds, and other fascinating creatures, in their natural habitat. Alternatively, if you like to hike, the nature walks and guided ranger programmes provide opportunities to learn about the park’s delicate balance of water, land, and wildlife.
It is just under an hour and a half’s drive to the National Park. However, several cruise lines offer excursions here, so a visit is well worth considering.
Enjoy Shopping at Las Olas Boulevard
This trendy boulevard offers a mix of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. It’s an ideal place to shop for souvenirs or savour delicious cuisine. Las Olas Boulevard also hosts vibrant cultural events and outdoor festivals, adding an extra layer of entertainment and cultural enrichment to your visit.
Stretch the Credit Card at Sawgrass Mills
However, if you have a real passion for shopping, one of the best activities by Port Everglades Cruise Port will be taking a trip to Sawgrass Mills. As one of the largest outlet and value retail shopping destinations in the United States, it takes up an area equivalent to 31 football fields! With 355 stores, including over 70 luxury outlets and 16 restaurants, it is a shopper’s paradise!
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
This enchanting property was originally the winter retreat of artists Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett. Now, it showcases a unique blend of art, architecture, and natural beauty for visitors to enjoy.
Wander the historic estate’s lush gardens that feature a tropical orchid collection and a charming courtyard. You can also explore the meticulously preserved main house, a prime example of Caribbean plantation-style architecture, which provides the opportunity to connect with the legacy of South Florida’s past.
Port Everglades is more than just a cruise port; it’s a gateway to a world of adventure and entertainment. With its strategic location and various transportation options, you can easily explore the surrounding areas and enjoy an unforgettable visit to this vibrant, sunny destination.
