Port Everglades cruise port anchors the southern edge of Fort Lauderdale’s busy Intracoastal Waterway, only two miles from Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport and five minutes from award‑winning beaches. Eight modern cruise terminals serve Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, Carnival, MSC, Disney, and more, handling about four million passengers a year. The port keeps growing with shore‑power upgrades, art‑filled lobbies, and huge Terminal 18 built for Oasis‑class ships. The 17th Street Causeway links travelers to Las Olas Boulevard shopping, waterfront dining, and kid‑friendly museums. Mild winter highs near 75 °F and steamy summer highs around 90 °F make sailing season a year‑round affair. (Port Everglades)
Port Overview
The official address is 1850 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Eight dedicated cruise terminals (2, 4, 18, 19, 21, 25, 26, 29) handle ships from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, Holland America, MSC, Disney, and Carnival. Roughly 4.4 million cruise guests are projected for FY 2025, placing Port Everglades among the world’s busiest cruise ports. Notable features include on‑site garages, facial‑recognition customs, LNG‑ready terminals, and a $195 million shore‑power program slated for 2027. Winter averages hover around 75 °F / 58 °F with low humidity, while summer brings 90 °F / 76 °F days, brief afternoon showers, and warm ocean breezes. (Port Everglades)
Transportation & Access
Option
Details
Nearest airport
Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood Intl (FLL) – 2 mi / 5‑10 min by taxi or rideshare (Rome2Rio)
Public transit
Broward County Transit Route 40 stops on SE 17th St Causeway (15‑min walk); Sun Trolley Beach Link on weekends
Rail
Brightline Fort Lauderdale Station – 3 mi, 10 min by taxi; Tri‑Rail Dania Beach Station – 15 min shuttle
Shuttles
Cruise‑line buses plus private services like GO Airport Shuttle & hotel shuttles run all day
Rideshare
Uber & Lyft allowed inside port; follow “Rideshare” signs at every terminal curb
Accessibility
All terminals ADA‑compliant with ramps, elevators, wheel‑chair help; accessible taxis available
Port gates open around 7 a.m.; travelers need a government photo ID to enter.
Expect traffic on the 17th Street bridge during embarkation mornings—leave 15 extra minutes.
Florida sun is strong; pack sunscreen and a refillable water bottle.
Area is generally safe; keep valuables out of sight in parked cars.
Manatees visit the port channel November–March; boat tours slow for wildlife.
Cruise Day Logistics
Multi‑level garages sit beside each terminal; pay by card on exit.
Curbside porters take checked bags—keep medicines and documents in carry‑ons.
Rideshare and taxi lanes are separate from shuttle bays—follow color‑coded signs.
Free Wi‑Fi inside terminals lets passengers download boarding passes or stream while waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should passengers arrive? Most cruise lines assign a check‑in window; aim to arrive within that slot, about two hours before sailing. Is on‑site parking covered? Yes—each garage is shaded and linked to its terminal by walkway bridges. Are there hotels with free shuttles? Many nearby hotels along SE 17th Street run complimentary port shuttles—confirm when booking. Can luggage be dropped off first? Porters accept bags curbside before drivers park or return rental cars. Is there public Wi‑Fi? Yes—high‑speed Wi‑Fi is free in every cruise terminal. Are ride‑shares allowed to pick up after the cruise? Uber and Lyft may enter the port; follow “App Rides” signs after customs. What documents are needed? A valid passport (or approved ID and birth certificate for some U.S. itineraries) plus the cruise boarding pass are required at security.