The Port Everglades cruise terminal is the main departure point for cruises leaving from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Cruise Ships That Call at Port Everglades
Port Everglades is actually a series of 11 terminals, each designed to handle embarkations and debarkations from large cruise ships. Some of the cruise lines that use this terminal include:
Getting To the Terminal
If you're flying into Fort Lauderdale, you'll find that the airport is conveniently located near the Port Everglades cruise terminal. The port is situated about two miles away from the airport and is easily accessible by cab. If you're driving to the terminal you can take Interstate 595 to Eller Drive, which will bring you to the port entrance. There you can park your car in one of two secure garages.
Once you determine that your ship is leaving from a Port Everglades cruise terminal, you should find out the exact terminal number you need to go to. The port is fairly large, so you don't want to be left wandering around trying to find your ship. You can determine this by looking at your paperwork from the cruise line or calling your booking agent. As a last resort, you can check the schedule Port Everglades website, but you'll have to search through a list of every vessel leaving the port, including container ships.
If your terminal is number one, number two or number four, you'll want to head to the northern end of the port. If it's any number between 18 and 29, you need to go to the center of the port. All of the other terminals at the port are not designed for cruise ships, so you can disregard them. Workers will also post signs with ship names on them to help you out on cruise day. As long as you have this information you should be fine.
What to Expect at Port Everglades Cruise Terminal
When you arrive at the cruise terminal you will have to show security personnel both a government issued photo ID and travel documents that prove you are taking a cruise, which departs from Fort Lauderdale on the particular date and time.
You will have to put your luggage through a security screening and walk through a metal detector. You may also have to declare certain items you plan to take on the ship. This depends on your destination and your cruise line. Just remember that there are certain items that are prohibited onboard cruise ships.
Once you make it through security you will be cleared to board your ship. Be aware that due to the large capacity of ships that typically dock at this terminal, you may have to wait in line for an hour or more. Your cruise line may use this time as an opportunity to take souvenir photos.
It's best to arrive at least an hour before your ship is set to depart or you may get left behind. It's not nearly as much fun hanging out in the cruise terminal watching your ship head out without you as it is to be on the ship.
