park and go cruise fort lauderdale

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Drive Guides – Cruise Port Guides – Camping Guides

2024 Guide to Cruise Parking at Port Everglades

This is a complete guide to Cruise Parking at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale for Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Princess, Celebrity, and more.

Table of Contents

Port Everglades Cruise Parking – The 3 available options:

• SHIP-SIDE PARKING AT PORT EVERGLADES 
• COMMERCIAL OFF-SITE PARKING (private lots near the Port)
• HOTEL PARKING

What is best for some may not work for others so ultimately you have to pick what fits your budget and needs!

Port Everglades Cruise Terminal and Area Google Map

Here is a detailed map of the Port Everglades Cruise Ship terminals and parking lots for passengers. You will find accurate locations of:

• Cruise Hotels
• Port Everglades Rental Car Agencies
• Cruise Terminals
• Cruise Terminal Parking lots and garages
• Public Transportation Maps – Trolley

I also include information about Fort Lauderdale and Dania Beach.

Port Everglades Parking Ship-side: The most convenient and expensive option

Here is a map of the cruise terminals and parking garages/lots at Port Everglades. For the latest updates, please study the online Google Map above!

Officially the parking garages open at 10:30 am for entry. In reality, you can arrive earlier but on busy days the attendants may direct you to wait elsewhere.  And if you arrive too early then you have to deal with vehicles slowly departing the current cruise meaning you may not get a spot near the elevators (yet)!

• You drive up to the cruise terminal, drop your family and/or luggage at the porters, then
• Drive around to park your vehicle in a nearby undercover or open parking lot, and
• Walk back to meet your family.

No hassles, no crowds, and no waiting on shuttle buses especially after your cruise when the family is tired and a bit grumpy!

TIP – Please know there are many signs and attendants ready to direct you when you arrive at the cruise terminal. DO NOT BE WORRIED about a thing! Just get yourself to the correct terminal and the attendants will show you where to drop your luggage, where to park, how to pay, etc .

This convenience is not cheap ($20 per day – you must include your departure and arrival days). Credit cards only. Attendants are available in case you need assistance.

3 NIGHT CRUISE – $80 4 NIGHT CRUISE – $100 5 NIGHT CRUISE – $120 6 NIGHT CRUISE – $140 7 NIGHT CRUISE – $160 8 NIGHT CRUISE – $180

Oversized vehicles such as RVs must park in open-surface lots nearby. Special rates apply.

For the latest information please visit the Official Port Everglades Parking website

Specific Terminal Notes:

Port Everglades has installed new, colorful, driver-friendly wayfinding signs in the parking garages, parking lots, and throughout the Port’s roadways.

The signs feature Florida wildlife and fauna with illustrations of a bright orange heron (bird) in the port’s Northport section, a green palm (plant)  in Midport, and a blue snook (fish) directing customers to Southport.

When you arrive at any of the three port entry checkpoints, an electronic information board displays your ship name and cruise terminal. Then you follow the signs to your terminal and parking garage or lot.

We suggest:

• Use the 17th Street (Eisenhower Blvd) Entrance for Terminals 2 and 4
• Use the Eller Drive Security Entrance for Terminals 18, 19, 21, 25, 29

Terminal 2 – Carnival

Secure, Covered Parking in the 1,818-space Heron Parking Garage. An air-conditioned, elevated passenger bridge with moving sidewalks connects Terminal 2 and the Heron Garage and can be accessed from the 5th floor of the Heron Garage or the elevators on the outside of Cruise Terminal 2.

In the image below, see how you drive into Terminal 2 to drop off your luggage and passengers (ground level). Then you drive out and keep left up the ramp and into the Heron parking garage. Try to park on level 5 so you can easily get to the passenger bridge!

Terminal 4 – Disney (late 2023)

Covered Ground Transportation Area: 129,000 sq. ft. Secure Parking in the 1,818-space Heron Parking Garage. Short walk to the terminal.

Construction for the Disney terminal has begun and I doubt there will be other cruises from this terminal from now on. If for some reason, your ship departs from Terminal 4, simply follow the road signs to the Heron parking garage.

Terminal 18 – Royal Caribbean

Secure Parking in 600-space Parking Lot #18 or 400-space Parking Lot #19.

Drive up to the Terminal and hand your luggage to the porters then drive out to the parking lot and walk back.

Take a ticket upon entering the parking lot. Pay on the way out.

Terminal 19 –

Secure parking in 400-space Parking Lot #19 or 1,966-space Palm Garage.

Drive up to the Terminal and hand your luggage to the porters then drive out to the parking lot (or Palm parking garage) and walk back.

Terminal 21 – Jaume II

Balearia Ferry to the Bahamas.

https://www.baleariacaribbean.com/en

Secure, covered parking at the 1.966-space Palm Parking Garage located next to Terminal 21

Terminal 25 – Celebrity

Secure, covered parking in the 1,966 spaces at Palm Parking Garage.

Drive up to the Terminal and hand your luggage to the porters then drive out to the Palm parking garage and walk back.

Terminal 26 – Holland America

Secure, covered parking at the 1,966-space Palm Parking Garage.

Terminal 29 –

Secure, covered parking at the 1,966-space Palm Parking Garage Free shuttle service is provided between Cruise Terminal 29 and the Palm Parking Garage.

Drive up to the Terminal and hand your luggage to the porters then drive out to the Palm parking garage and take the free shuttle service back to Cruise Terminal 29

There is also a surface LOT B between Terminals 26 and 19.

Port Everglades Parking Off-site Near the Port – Shuttle bus services at a lower cost

There are only two viable commercial off-site Port Everglades parking options – Park by the Ports and Park N Go as shown below.  There are also a couple of booking agents – online companies that offer parking via discounted contracts with local hotels and parking partners.

If you drive up on the day of your cruise looking for discounted parking, off-site parking will save you money. You will use a shuttle bus to and from the cruise terminals – it is not as convenient as ship-side parking – but cheaper!

If you stayed at a hotel you will most likely park your vehicle at the hotel for the duration of your cruise. Generally speaking, the hotel security is not as good as the fenced & gated off-site parking facilities. So you have to consider more than just cost when comparing your parking options.

Booking Agents

When you search online for cruise parking at Port Everglades, you will see ads for several booking agents. These online agents don’t own parking lots (or transport vans in most cases). Instead, they have agreements with local hotels, parking facilities, and transport companies to sell parking spaces/transfers online – often at a discount to the consumer.

They change partners and rates quite often and it is hard to keep up with their parking options! Please visit their respective websites for the latest choices.

Typical hotels contracted close to the Port – Embassy Suites, Renaissance, Rodeway Inn, etc. There are many others but those are typically further away such as in Dania Beach near I-95.

How does it work? Typically (with exceptions – check your booking confirmation) – You will receive directions and phone numbers to call before arrival at the Parking Lots and after your cruise (wait in the shuttle area). These are on-demand services so be prepared to wait for drivers and/or representatives of the ground operators (Quick & Safe for example).

How safe is it to book parking with agents instead of booking directly with a parking facility? Agents come and go and change names and partners all the time. So it is impossible to generalize but you should be OK with established agents. Just know that you are not dealing directly with a parking facility/operator. Should something go wrong, you cannot address the problem in person at a parking facility. You must deal with an online agent who may be thousands of miles away from Fort Lauderdale! Here are two agents:

• Rightway Parking – A nationwide agency with parking partners at many airports and cruise ports. At Port Everglades, they partner with hotels and shuttle companies (e.g. Quick & Safe, All Stars Transportation) – not with the two top parking operators. Daily rates vary considerably. See the locations on the Google MAP above.
• Tropical Airport Parking – Partner with several hotels near Port Everglades, not with the two top parking operators. Daily rates vary considerably. You will probably use hotel shuttles and some of these cost EXTRA – please check carefully before booking.

Cost Comparison

2024 rates. Always check the websites for the latest pricing because they change often. Book online for the best rates :

Ship-side parking  for 8 days, 7-night cruise –  $160 

• Park N Go . Cheaper to pay online instead of the gate = $93 for 8 days.
• Park by the Ports . Best to book online = $94 for 8 days.

Generally speaking, the following rules apply when parking off-site:

• Lots are secured behind a fence with security lights.
• Port shuttles are generally free for up to 4 passengers. Extra charges apply to larger families.
• Do not arrive before 9:30 am. The staff will be busy helping returning cruisers until then.
• The first shuttle typically departs around 10:30 am to the ships. The last shuttle typically departs at 2:45 pm.
• Unless valet parking is required, YOU drop YOUR passengers and luggage, then park the vehicle and walk back to the check-in point.
• Shuttles run continuously every 15-45 minutes (depending on bookings and time of day).

Location considerations for off-site parking:

• Park ‘N Go   – Close to the Eller Dr security checkpoint. Very easy to in and out once you figure out the directions! From I-595 east – Take the Port Everglades exit (the overpass). Make a 90-degree left at the McIntosh Rd intersection and drive 0.5 miles to the driveway on the RIGHT. (Just past the four-way traffic-light intersection). Very secure and certainly the most popular of the offsite parking operators. 

• Park by the Ports – Parking is in a back section part of the Casino parking lot in Dania Beach. The cheapest offsite option but much further away than Park N Go – about 5 miles, at least 15 minutes. While the Casino parking lot has surveillance, the vehicles are not parked behind gates. This operator offers a shuttle tracker online – a nice feature! No RV parking.

Port Everglades Parking At Hotels Near The Port

– Please look for an upcoming article about cheap hotel parking options –

We think you will find excellent parking deals at the hotels! You can expect daily parking rates starting around $6 including a return Port shuttle for at least 2 persons.

Many hotels near Port Everglades offer Park & Cruise packages with free (not really!) or discounted parking for the duration of your cruise. Park & Cruise Packages cannot be used with other discounts and there are limitations such as holiday blackouts.

TIP – Do not worry about parking until much later in the booking process. First, book the perfect hotel for your family, then start to think about your parking options.

For example, if you have young kids who like pools then pick a hotel with a fun pool design. If you want to watch the cruise ships come and go then pick another. Or do you want to overlook the ocean and beach, or just hope to stay as cheap as possible anywhere within 30 minutes or so from the port?

So how do you know if you are getting a good hotel deal?

A] ask the following questions:.

– Is breakfast included? – Are airport transfers included? You may not need this service. – Is the Park & Cruise Package available for your stay and cruise dates? – Cruise terminal shuttle transfers should be included but usually only for 2 persons (adult or child). How much will it cost for others in your family? On average expect to pay between $5 and $10 extra per person EACH WAY! – If you do not book the package, how much is parking per day for the duration of your cruise? – How long is the shuttle drive to the cruise terminal and how often do the shuttles run? Many hotels offer only one free shuttle to the cruise terminal per day – around 10:30 am – and a few return shuttles from the ships at specified times.

B] Use hotel booking sites to find the best rates for your hotel for your travel dates.

This will give you a good idea of the discounted room rate. Then you have to add the parking costs and shuttle costs to compare packages and deals.

Cruise Planning Tips

Ultimate guide to fort lauderdale cruise parking options.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Port Everglades offers two main garages (Northport and Midport) as well as surface lots for parking.
• Parking fares at Port Everglades are $15 per day for regular cars and $19 for oversized vehicles.
• Off-site parking options include Park by the Ports, Park N Go, Tropical Airport Parking, and Self Park FLL.
• Prices for Fort Lauderdale cruise parking can vary, but expect to spend $65-$120 for a one-week cruise.

Port Everglades Official Parking

Off-Site Parking Options

Park by the ports, tropical airport parking, self park fll, individual hotels, is the parking options guide for fort lauderdale cruise applicable to tampa cruise as well, frequently asked questions, are there any discounts or promotions available for port everglades official parking, can i reserve a parking spot at off-site parking options in advance, are there any additional fees or taxes i should be aware of when parking at park by the ports, is there a maximum vehicle height or size limit for park n go parking, do any of the individual hotels offering cruise parking provide shuttle service to port everglades.

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Meet Asra, a talented and adventurous writer who infuses her passion for exploration into every word she writes. Asra’s love for storytelling and her insatiable curiosity about the world make her an invaluable asset to the Voyager Info team. From a young age, Asra was drawn to the power of words and their ability to transport readers to far-off lands and magical realms. Her fascination with travel and cultures from around the globe fueled her desire to become a travel writer, and she set out on a journey to turn her dreams into reality.

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Ultimate guide to tampa cruise parking and transportation.

• There are multiple parking options available for cruise passengers at the Port of Tampa, including covered garage parking, open-air lots, and off-site parking lots with shuttle services.
• The parking fee at the Port of Tampa is $15 per day, with valet parking available for an additional fee.
• Off-site parking options such as 241 Car Services, Park 4 Cruise, and Parkway Parking offer lower rates starting at $9 per day.
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Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is one of the top 3 busiest in the world (all thanks to the sunshine state, of course). While high demand might nudge prices up a bit, compared to other ports, Fort Lauderdale offers serious value – and the best part? The airport is right nearby, making your travel a breeze.

Now, about that cruise: parking can be a headache, but fear not! Here at One Trip at a Time, we’ve compiled all the info you need to find the perfect parking spot for your Port Everglades adventure. Check out the table below – it’s your one-stop shop for securing a safe, reliable haven for your car while you set sail on unforgettable adventures!

As with all our tables, you can filter and sort the information to quickly find a parking lot that is perfect for you. Clicking on the name of the lot will take you to further details below, including the street view of the lot so you can see where you will be parked.

Information in the table is correct as of 2024 and prices include all applicable taxes and fees, but as prices can change, please ensure you confirm the price before purchasing. There is also a map showing the locations of all the parking options at the bottom of the post.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our   full disclosure policy here .

FORT LAUDERDALE PORT PARKING LOTS

Below you will find further information on all the Fort Lauderdale cruise parking lots in the table above, including a street view of the lot and a button to take you directly to their website once you have chosen your preferred parking lot.

PARK’N GO

1101 Eller Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 | 888-764-7275 |   Parking Lot 1 on Map Below

Ideally located between the airport and the cruise terminals, this lot offers competitive pricing with a shuttle. They also have a loyalty scheme, so if you cruise from Port Everglades frequently, you could save on future parking.

Back to Table

GOLD COAST CRUISE PARKING

3000 SE 6th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 | 954-522-0665 |   Parking Lot 2 on Map Below

Not the cheapest outdoor lot in the area and they charge an extra $5 if you pay by credit card. The shuttle to the terminal takes less than ten minutes and if you want to return to a clean car, they offer a car wash service for $10 or a full valet for $35.

PARK BY THE PORTS

100 Fronton Blvd, Dania Beach, FL 33004 | 954 614 3824 |   Parking Lot 3 on Map Below

Situated south of the airport, the shuttle still takes less than ten minutes to get you to the port and makes use of the car park next to the casino.

READ MORE: Looking for more information to plan your visit to Fort Lauderdale? Check it out here!

SELF PARK FLL

1001 Old Griffin Rd, Dania Beach, FL 33004 | 844-727-5355 |   Parking Lot 4 on Map Below

The only lot to provide a covered parking option (aside from the expensive garage at the   port ) if you want to guarantee your car is not left outside, this is the only option. 

PORT EVERGLADES

The only garage option if that is important to you, but this is not guaranteed even at the price they charge. So you could pay top dollar and end up in the surface lot at either the northport or midport parking options.

Looking for more information to plan your visit to Fort Lauderdale?

You may find these articles helpful..

Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Guide How to Get to Fort Lauderdale Cruise Terminals Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale with ‘Park & Cruise’ Deals Things to See and Do in Fort Lauderdale

The  map below shows all the above cruise parking options in Fort Lauderdale in relation to the cruise terminal.

Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission but this does not affect the price to you. Please read our   full disclosure policy here . 

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• Florida Departures

Review Of Park N' Go In Fort Lauderdale

By Tallydog , February 9, 2009 in Florida Departures

Recommended Posts

Just got back from using Park N' Go In Fort Lauderdale.

Service was wonderful! Parking lot easy to find. As soon as we parked, the shuttle was waiting to take us to the ship, less than 5 minutes away. When we disembarked the ship we didn't have to wait at all for return shuttle, it was there as soon as we walked to the shuttle area. It made everything a breeze!! They even gave you a free bottle of water when leaving.

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• 1 month later...

Thanks, Tallydog, just what we wanted to hear? Anyone know of coupons for the Park N Go? Seems like I read this somewhere.

http://offairportparking.com/ftlauderdale/ftlauderdalereservationfuture.htm

• 2 weeks later...

Thanks for posting this information. We were questioning whether or not it would make more sense to use the Park N Go then it is to use the Mid-Port Parking Garage now that the RCL cruises seem to be located at Pier 19. (requires shuttle back and forth to the Port Parking Garage).

Does anyone know if a new parking garage will be built in the Pier 19 area?

Has anyone reserved parking on the Park N Go website for Ft Lauderdale cruise parking and received the discount coupon for one free day? If so, is the one free day off THAT stay, or off a future stay?

Thanks in advance.

Printed out the coupon before we left, redeemed it at the cashier when leaving, and got one day off for that parking stay

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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Parking Lot Overview

Park N' Go is a premier off-airport parking location, renowned for its convenient and safe parking solutions. They cater to travelers departing from Fort Lauderdale International Airport or embarking on a cruise from Port Everglades. Its unmatched reputation has made it one of the top choices for parking services among frequent travelers. This lot is more than just family-owned and operated; it's a place where you'll always receive a warm welcome. From arrival to departure, you can trust that this lot will take care of everything for you, leaving you free to focus on your travel plans. Their service offers a convenient lot entrance where you can drop off your car, hop into the shuttle, and be on your way in no time. No need to worry about delays or long walks; they will get you to FLL or Port Everglades in a flash, hassle-free! Their shuttles are always staffed with friendly and courteous drivers who are available and eager to aid passengers with luggage. Plus, when you return from your trip, your car will be ready and waiting for you so that you can head home quickly. Say hello to stress-free parking!

Park N’ Go in Fort Lauderdale is conveniently located - just minutes away from both the FLL airport and Port Everglades. Travelers can arrive at the lot via I-595 or US-441. From I-595, head south and take Exit 3A to merge onto N State Rd. 7/US-441 S. Keep left at the fork and follow signs for US-441 S. After 0.3 miles, turn left onto Eller Drive. The lot will be on your left-hand side. From N State Road 7/US-441 S, head south and make a right onto SE 10 Avenue, then left onto SE 4th Street. After 0.2 miles, turn right onto Eller Drive, and Park N’ Go will be on the right.

If you have reserved this lot, please print your reservation confirmation and present it at the parking facility when you pick up your car. Otherwise, you may not be given the quoted rate.

Lot Amenities

• Complimentary on-demand shuttle service
• Free bottle of water
• Luggage assistance
• Battery jump-start assistance

Parking Options

• Outdoor Valet

Customer Reviews Summary

Convenience (9.5/10).

Most users found the service to be quick and efficient, noting that it greatly simplified the parking process.

Pick-up and Drop-off (9/10)

Customers appreciated the fact that the service picks up and drops off at the car, minimizing waiting time at the airport.

Service Quality (9.5/10)

The majority of reviews rated the service as excellent, praising the helpfulness and professionalism of the staff.

Speed of Service (9/10)

Customers mentioned that even during peak times and bad weather, the service was able to promptly assist them.

Affordability (9/10)

Many customers considered the service to be convenient and affordable compared to other airport parking options.

Shuttle Cleanliness (8/10)

Some customers suggested that the cleanliness inside the shuttle could be improved for a better experience.

Reliability (9/10)

The service was described as a reliable alternative to airport parking by customers who were satisfied with their experience.

Overall Experience (9.5/10)

Based on the reviews, the overall experience with the airport parking service was highly positive, leading to a rating of 9.5.

"I would use again, wonderful!!!"

"Good lot and fast attention. The airport terminal is very close to the parking lot just 510 minutes."

CARLOS LOZAN - MIAMI GARDENS, FL

"They are very quick and professional."

"I was running late and it was raining they had tons of people there to take care of and still they took care of me ASAP. The driver was very informative about airport. Upon return to my car they were there immediately for me. Not sure how to get back to 75 west the man in the booth stayed on phone with me till I was on 75 west. 10 stars in my book"

Charles Bollo - Punta gorda, Fla

"My experience was fantastic the people there go out of their way to help. Will use again for sure."

Charles Bollo

"Good service, happy with my experience, will use it again."

Shantilal Patel - Lehigh acres

"Made parking for travel less complicated."

Rolando Garcia - Miami

"Couldnt be easier! Great place to park!!"

"Everything went well, parking was good served my purpose, we'll use it again."

John J Rhodes

"A+++. Definitely will be a repeat customer."

Kathryn Cudak

"Convenient, affordable, reliable alternative to airport parking."

ANTOINETTE R L

Other Parking Lots at FLL

Park'N Go   SELF Park FLL   Gold Coast Airport Parking   Discount Parking FLL   Fairfield Inn FLL Parking  

Why book FLL airport parking with ParkON

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Our prices are better than good. They're guaranteed for FLL Parking!

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Park 'N Go

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Review Highlights

“ Will definitely use Park "N" Go in the future when traveling and flying out of Ft. ” in 18 reviews

“ . He's picked me up a couple of times, remembers my car, helps me with my luggag e and is very personable ” in 65 reviews

“ When we got off the cruise ship the park and go bus was already there, we didn't even have to call. ” in 61 reviews

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About the Business

At Park N Go Of Ft. Lauderdale We Focus On Our Customers. We Provide Premium Airport & Cruise Parking. Our Services Include Instant Courtesy Shuttle, Friendly Help With Luggage, Frequent Parker Program, Corporate Rates, Free Jump Starts, Help With Flats And Online Reservations. Reserve Your Spot TODAY! …

Location & Hours

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1101 Eller Dr

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

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Do I have to leave them with my car keys to park my car or can I self park?

The decision to valet is made by local management, and is based on how full the lot is, or is expected to be. If the lot is very full, management may make the decision to valet, at no additional charge, in order to accommodate all reserved guests.

How early do I have to arrive to be at the airport by 8am on a Saturday?

We recommend that you arrive at least 15-20 minutes prior to the time you want to arrive at the airport, although many times it will take less time than that.

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Overall rating

295 reviews

I returned from Orlando only to find out that my car smells like mildew because they left my windows down!! Never again!! It rained all weekend in Florida!! When I tell the cashier he states "Oh the window must of been left down". *****update****** The owner left me a message apologizing and he offer to get my car detailed. I got my car back and not only was the mildew smell gone but they also took out some stains! I appreciate when companies go above and beyond to write their wrong!! Thank you for your quick response and I will be returning in the future!!

Takes too long for shuttles to show up at FLL or when they show up they are full. Otherwise they are not that bad.

Two of two parking experiences here while on a cruise were delightful. Friendly service - they even provide free water bottles when leaving. Shuttle to/from the cruise port was very quick and convenient. Prices are reasonable, and if you book online you save about $4-5 / day. There's also a Yelp check-in offer for one day at around half price. Enjoy!

The service for this place was beyond Horrible!!!! If zero stars were an option, I would give this place a NEGATIVE 10!!!! We got back from our cruise (exhausted from all of the festivities), got off of the ship and stood in the area where you were supposed to go to be picked up. Other parking shuttles, taxi's, etc. came and went and everyone with that little yellow slip for Park 'N Go was still waiting. When they finally did come around (which was about a 30 minute wait for them to get there), they sent 2 little 8 passenger shuttles with about 100+ people waiting to get on! Are you serious? I'm sure you knew that you had a cruise ship coming at the time that it did.... Why weren't you there?! Why did all the other shuttles get there almost immediately?! What's so crazy about it, is that they added 2 more shuttle vans to the rotation as well after about 45 minutes of waiting. So my next question is that if you had 4 total shuttles to begin with, why did you only send out two to start off?! I guess you get what you pay for. For my next cruise or flight, I think I'll be willing to invest a few more dollars to avoid this drama, or just get dropped off. You couldn't pay me to park here again!

These guys were so excellent from start to finish accommodating our Class B RV(Sprinter Van) during our recent cruise on Holland America. Friendly and professional when we called and had questions when searching for a pace to park our RV. Then great valet service. Friendly drivers. Pickup and delivery right to our RV when we got back. We will ALWAYS use this service again. Fantastic!!!!!!!

We had prepaid on their website for 10 days cruise parking starting Dec. 20. It showed a higher rate if we were to pay at the parking site. Well, when we checked in, we noticed the rate at the parking lot was less than what we had prepaid online! The check-in staff was of no help when we questioned why our prepaid online rate was higher. When we got on our ship, I sent an email with an attachment of our parking receipt to Dave@bookparkngo. Rick, the manager, responded instead & said he would notify the cashier to alert him when we check out & he'll credit the difference. When we checked out, we told the cashier to hit the alert button as instructed on Rick's email. Cashier said he'd been notified & we were all set. It's been 7 days since we checked out & Rick has not responded to my emails asking about the credit. First of all, it's not true that you pay less when you prepay. Secondly, the management does not keep his word and ignores your emails. Update: Rick resolved the credit issue after reading my review

Never thought I'd write a Yelp review on a parking lot, but here we are... I have zero complaints and tons of kudos for these guys. Nothing but praise from start to finish. Departing: We arrived well ahead of time, expecting to need a ton of time to park and get to the airport. It was quite the opposite. We checked in and parked instantly. Before I could pop my trunk open the shuttle bus was already at my car and the driver was helping put our luggage on the bus. He asked me how we were doing on time and I said I had plenty to spare, so he waited 2-3 more minutes to pick up the next family. Had I said we were running short on time he surely would have left for the airport right then. The bus was clean, a/c was cold and the trip from the parking lot to the terminal couldn't have been more than 3 minutes max. The drive helped us unload our bags from the bus and was nothing but nice. Returning: After grabbing our bags from the conveyer belt, we went outside and walked less than 30 seconds to the pickup point. Called the number on the ticket they provided to me at drop off and the shuttle bus was there in about 5 minutes. Same as our drop off, he helped with our luggage and quickly got us to our car. Our ticket had our exact parking spot on it so we were taken directly to our car and our baggage was in my trunk within 15 seconds. The drivers and ticket agents were all genuinely nice and accommodating. They even gave us free waters as we left. Small and cheap, I know... But it's the little things. Great experience from start to finish. I will be using this parking service every time I fly in and out of an airport. $8/day as opposed to $21/day at the airport? Yes please! And surprisingly very quick and convenient. Well lit, security cameras and 24/7 on site service. I felt my car was safe at all times

service does not get any better!!! These guys are GREAT and they are efficient. They are hard working and dedicated to the service they provide. The service was EXCELLENT and we will return if there is another occasion to do so. We even thought we left a phone in the car before departure and the staff was SUPER with the assistance in helping me track it down....damn thing was in my wife's luggage all along!! Should have thought to call her phone before leaving the ship to return to the car and look for it. Once we did not hear a ringing in the car, I had a pretty good idea where it might be....sure enough I was right! Your staff is top drawer!! Thanks for everything...

I am a frequent user of Park 'n Go. I love their service, they are quick to take me to the airport and quick to me pick me up when I return. I must give a shout out to one of their drivers, Evron, I hope I'm spelling his name correctly. He's picked me up a couple of times, remembers my car, helps me with my luggage and is very personable. Good people like him make a good service even better!

Had a wonderful experience! Drivers were courteous, professional and helpful. I was traveling early in the morning and returning late at night with my 3 year old and I was very please with the service. Highly recommend!

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Park By The Ports FLL

The secure parking place for your next destination, absolutely no rv’s, affordable and secure parking fort lauderdale airport & cruise parking.

Park By The Ports FLL wants your entire trip to be stress free, including the parking process before you leave and after you return!

We give you peace of mind with:

• Guaranteed spot with a reservation
• Car in a safe and secure place while you’re away
• Timely shuttles to drive you safely to and from your departure point

Let us make your trip as perfect as can be!

SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE

Assistance with luggage, safe & secure car parking - no rv's, sign up for our frequent parker program, sign up or log in here, affordable and secure parking for fll airport & cruise parking.

Here at Park By The Ports FLL, we want to ensure our parking fulfills all of our client’s needs. We want your parking experience to be easy and stress-free. Including the parking process before you leave and after you return. We offer shuttle services to both Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood Int. Airport (FLL) as well as Port Everglades.

Fort Lauderdale Airport and Cruise Parking Process

Before your trip: The Parking Process here at Park By The Ports is quite simple. We have two different locations for you to choose from: Ft. Lauderdale Cruise (Port Everglades) and Fort Lauderdale Airport parking (FLL). Once you’ve chosen which location best suits your parking needs, it is easy to make a reservation with us online. When you make a reservation online, you are guaranteed a spot at our secure parking lot. To make an online reservation, just scroll up and select which lot you prefer and the date and time you plan to arrive. Next, choose the date and time you plan to depart and that’s it!

Our best parking price is the price available through the online booking. Once you have secured and purchased your online reservation, please have the confirmation ready on the day of your trip. When you arrive, our staff will gladly check you in and direct you to a parking space. Our friendly staff is on hand to help with unloading and loading your luggage as well.

FLL Airport & Cruise Shuttle Service

We offer round-trip shuttle service from our parking lot to your end destination. This shuttle service covers the first 4 people in your party, and then every additional person is an extra $8. Our parking location is just a short few minute shuttle ride. Cruise shuttles run from 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Airport shuttles will be running continuously on-demand 24/7.

After your Trip

When you get back from your trip and have collected your bags from baggage claim, please refer to the instructions on your claim ticket. Once we have picked you up from your port or the airport, we will bring you back to the parking lot to check out and assist with loading your luggage back in your vehicle.

Park By The Ports

At Park By The Ports we hope to make your parking experience a memorable one. If you have any questions at all please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or call us 954.727.5566 .

Main Office

• 954.727.5566
• [email protected]

Affordable and Secure Parking FLL Airport and Fort Lauderdale Cruise Parking.

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Ft Lauderdale (Port Everglades) Park & Cruise Hotels

Last updated on June 12th, 2023 at 04:30 pm

Discover hotels in Fort Lauderdale offering park and cruise packages, providing a convenient solution for cruise passengers. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and the peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is safely parked throughout your cruise journey.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruiseport

1150 State Road 84 Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33315 | 954-828-9905

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruiseport offers a convenient stay for cruisers with ample parking and a free shuttle to the cruise terminal. Located near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades Cruise Terminal, it's perfect for pre or post-cruise stays. The hotel features comfortable accommodations,...

Miles to Port : 2.1

Airport Transfer : 24-hour free roundtrip airport shuttle

Port Transfer : Cruise terminal shuttle (surcharge)

Long-Term Parking : Free self parking on site. Extended parking on site ($)

Breakfast : Free continental breakfast available daily 6:00 AM–10:00 AM

Swimming Pool : Outdoor

Rodeway Inn and Suites Airport/Cruiseport

2440 West State Road 84, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 | 954-792-8181

The Rodeway Inn & Suites Airport/Cruiseport offers a convenient and budget-friendly stay with ample parking, including parking packages for cruisers. Located near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades Cruise Terminal, it's an ideal choice for cruise passengers. The hotel features comfortable accommodations, a heated outdoor pool, and complimentary...

Miles to Port : 3.5

Airport Transfer : Yes - Complimentary

Port Transfer : Yes - Complimentary

Long-Term Parking : up to 10 days with Stay Park and Cruise Package

Breakfast : Continental

Homewood Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport

2061 Griffin Road, Dania Beach, FL, 33312 | 954-967-9063

Homewood Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport offers a comfortable stay with ample parking, making it a great choice for cruise passengers. Located near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, it provides convenience for travelers. The hotel features suites with fully equipped kitchens, a fitness center, and complimentary breakfast. While not directly cruise-related, its...

Miles to Port : 4.6

Port Transfer : Yes - with Fort Lauderdale Cruise Package

Long-Term Parking : Yes - with Fort Lauderdale Cruise Package

Breakfast : Hot

Springhill Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port

151 Southwest 18th Court, Dania Beach, FL, 33004 | 954-920-9696

The SpringHill Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port offers a convenient and cruise-friendly stay with ample parking for cruisers. Located near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades Cruise Terminal, it's an ideal choice for pre or post-cruise stays. The hotel features spacious suites, a heated outdoor pool,...

Miles to Port : 7

Port Transfer : One Way with Escape! Cruise Transportation Package

Long-Term Parking : 14 Days with Park Here Cruise There Package

Hampton Inn Fort Lauderdale/Plantation

7801 S.W. 6th Street, Plantation, FL, 33324 | 954-382-4500

The Hampton Inn Fort Lauderdale/Plantation offers a comfortable stay with ample parking for guests. Located near attractions like the Broward Mall and Plantation Heritage Park, it's perfect for travelers exploring the area. While not directly cruise-related, it's a practical choice for cruise passengers looking for affordable accommodations before or after...

Miles to Port : 10.2

Airport Transfer : Free roundtrip airport shuttle from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM at scheduled times and on request

Port Transfer : No

Long-Term Parking : ($) for Park & Cruise. Free self parking on site for regular stays. Onsite parking includes off-street options

Breakfast : Free on-the-go breakfast available daily 7:00 AM–10:00 AM

Four Points by Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport - Dania Beach

1900 Stirling Road Dania Beach, FL 33004 | 954-926-7300

The Four Points by Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport in Dania Beach offers a convenient stay with parking and a free shuttle service to the airport and cruise port. Located near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, it's an excellent choice for travelers flying or embarking on a cruise. The hotel features comfortable...

Miles to Port : 5

Airport Transfer : Free roundtrip airport shuttle from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Long-Term Parking : Uncovered self parking on site ($)

Breakfast : Daily continental breakfast available 6:30 AM–9:30 AM ($)

Quality Inn & Suites Hollywood Boulevard

4900 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, FL 33021 | 954_981-1800

The Quality Inn & Suites Hollywood Boulevard offers a comfortable stay with ample parking for guests. Located in Hollywood, Florida, it's convenient for travelers exploring the area's attractions such as Hollywood Beach and the Seminole Hard Rock Casino. While not directly cruise-related, it provides budget-friendly accommodations for cruise passengers before...

Miles to Port : 10

Airport Transfer : No - 6 miles to Airport

Port Transfer : Yes with Stay Park and Cruise Package

Long-Term Parking : Yes with Stay Park and Cruise Package

Hampton Inn Fort Lauderdale Airport North Cruise Port

2301 SW 12th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL | 954-524-9900

The Hampton Inn Fort Lauderdale Airport North Cruise Port offers a convenient stay with parking and a shuttle to the cruise port. Near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, it's a great choice for pre or post-cruise stays. The hotel features comfortable accommodations, heated outdoor pool, and complimentary breakfast. While not directly...

Miles to Port : 3

Airport Transfer : Free roundtrip airport shuttle from 4:00 AM to midnight at scheduled times and on request

Long-Term Parking : Onsite parking available only on request. Secured self parking on site ($) Uncovered extended parking on site ($)

Breakfast : Free continental breakfast available on weekdays 6:30 AM–9:30 AM

Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale Airport/South Cruise Port

2500 Stirling Road, Hollywood, FL | 954-922-0011

The Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale Airport/South Cruise Port is a convenient choice for cruise travelers. It offers complimentary parking and a complimentary shuttle to the nearby cruise port. The hotel features comfortable rooms, a free hot breakfast, and an outdoor pool. It's close to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and the...

Miles to Port : 6

Port Transfer : Yes with Cruise Fort Lauderdale Package

Hilton Garden Inn Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruiseport

180 SW 18th Avenue, Dania, Florida, 33004 | 954-924-9204

The Hilton Garden Inn Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruiseport offers a convenient stay with parking and shuttle services to both the airport and cruise port. Near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, it's an ideal choice for travelers before or after their cruise vacation. The hotel features comfortable accommodations, a pool, and an on-site...

Miles to Port : 5.2

Airport Transfer : 24-hour free roundtrip airport shuttle at scheduled times

Long-Term Parking : Limited onsite parking

Breakfast : Daily full breakfast available 6:30 AM–9:00 AM ($)

Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port

1851 SE 10th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 | 954-763-7670

The Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port offers a convenient stay with secure parking for cruisers. Located near the Port Everglades Cruise Terminal, it's perfect for those embarking on a cruise vacation. The hotel features spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and complimentary shuttle to the cruise terminal. Guests can explore...

Miles to Port : 0.5

Airport Transfer : Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge) from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Port Transfer : Yes with Pre and Post Cruise Package or $7 pp

Long-Term Parking : Cruise terminal shuttle (surcharge)

Breakfast : Free buffet breakfast available daily

Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Airport South & Cruise Port

91 Southwest 18th Avenue, Dania Beach, FL 33004 | 954-922-0436

The Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Airport South & Cruise Port offers a convenient and cruise-friendly stay with ample parking for cruisers. Located near both the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and the Port Everglades Cruise Terminal, it's perfect for pre or post-cruise stays. The hotel features spacious rooms, a heated outdoor...

Miles to Port : 5.5

Airport Transfer : 24-hour free roundtrip airport shuttle at scheduled times and on request

Long-Term Parking : Self parking on site ($) Extended parking on site ($)

Breakfast : Free full breakfast available 6:00 AM–9:30 AM on weekdays and 6:00 AM–10:00 AM on weekends

Hyatt House Fort Lauderdale Airport South & Cruise Port

90 Southwest 18th Avenue, Dania Beach, FL 33004 | 954-922-0271

The Hyatt House Fort Lauderdale Airport South & Cruise Port offers a convenient and cruise-friendly stay with parking for cruisers. Located near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and the Port Everglades Cruise Terminal, it's an ideal choice for travelers on cruise vacations. The hotel features spacious suites with kitchenettes, a...

Port Transfer : $12 with Pre Cruise Package or $14 per ride

Breakfast : Free on-the-go breakfast available 6:00 AM–9:30 AM on weekdays and 6:00 AM–10:00 AM on weekends

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Lauderdale Airport

2620 North 26th Avenue, Hollywood, FL | 954-922-2295

The La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Lauderdale Airport offers a comfortable stay with ample parking for guests. Located near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, it's convenient for travelers arriving or departing. The hotel features comfortable accommodations, a fitness center, and a complimentary breakfast. While not directly cruise-related, it's...

Miles to Port : 8

Airport Transfer : Free roundtrip airport shuttle from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Port Transfer :

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Port Everglades Association

Florida's Premier Port Business organization promoting the growth of Port Everglades Since 1979

PEA serves as a bridge between public and private interests to facilitate the Port's achievement of its rightful place as a leader in the ranks of America's port ocean commerce.

Park 'N Go

• Transportation
• Cruise Operations

• Visit Website

Park 'N Go is a family owned and family operated off-airport parking business, serving travelers throughout the United States. For decades, Park 'N Go has been engaged in the development and management of these facilities. Our family continues to evaluate expansion opportunities in new markets. At Park 'N Go the real product is convenience for the traveler. Instant Courtesy shuttle Friendly Help with Luggage Frequent Parker Program Corporate Rates Complimentary Jump Starts and Tire Assistance as requested Online Prepaid Reservations Free Bottled Water (at select locations, while supplies last)

Whom to Contact

• John Bona , Jr. Manager
• Rick Fairchild II Manager

Upcoming Events

Start benefiting from your membership today! 

Port Everglades Association Inc

  1850 Eller Dr,  Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316-4204

 954. 463.2801

  [email protected]

© Copyright 2024 Port Everglades Association Inc. All Rights Reserved. Site provided by GrowthZone - powered by GrowthZone software.

Park 'N Go - Fort Lauderdale Airport FLL

Overall rating.

1101 Eller Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, US 33316 Get Directions

Operation Hours

The parking lot and your vehicle is accessible 24/7

Arrival Info

Cruise parking available under separate listing . .

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before you want to be at your airport terminal. An attendant will greet you at the gate and the valet will take your vehicle to an open space. Shuttle driver will pick you up and provide luggage assistance, if needed.

Please be aware that only valet parking is currently available at this location. You will be requested to leave your keys. Staffed 24/7.

• Airport Transportation

FREE shuttle transportation to & from the airport 24/7.

Shuttle service also provided to the Cruise Port when ships are in port - please see separate listing if you need the cruise option.

Shuttle Hours

The shuttle service is available 24/7

Additional Info

Located just two miles from the Fort Lauderdale Airport, Park 'N Go is a well-lit and fenced facility, providing 24-hour shuttle service to and from FLL. Professional service at a competitive price - reserve now for peace of mind!

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Complete guide to cruising from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades

Editor's Note

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Port Everglades, in Florida's Fort Lauderdale, is one of the country's major gateways to cruise vacations -- only Port of Miami and Port Canaveral are busier. Some 3.86 million cruisers passed through Port Everglades in 2018. The port is conveniently located near both Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Miami International (MIA) , making it easy to fly in, stay a night or two in any of the many points hotels in the area and then board a cruise ship to the Bahamas, Caribbean and beyond.

Sign up for the TPG Cruise newsletter and learn more about cruise lines, ships, itineraries, ports and more.

Port Everglades

1850 Eller Drive Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316

Tip: Download the CruiseSchedule Port Everglades App for searchable cruise schedules, port-of-call itinerary lists with maps and turn-by-turn GPS navigation for terminals and parking.

Click the square on the upper-right edge of the map to zoom in and see points of interest in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Who sails from Port Everglades?

Port Everglades is a home port for ships from many of the industry's major cruise lines. In 2021, lines with a presence at the port will include Carnival Cruise Line , Celebrity Cruises , Cunard , Holland America Line , Princess Cruises , The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection , Royal Caribbean and Silversea Cruises . (Note that the coronavirus pandemic continues to shake up the industry with cruise cancellations , and home ports, ships and itineraries may shift as sailings resume.)

What kind of itineraries will you find from Port Everglades? Look for three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas and plenty of Caribbean sailings ranging from five to 21 nights on some of the world's hottest ships such as Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex; Holland America's Nieuw Statendam; Sky Princess ; Carnival Sunrise ; Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas; and Silversea's Silver Moon. There's also a wide range of sailings to Mexico and the Panama Canal from the port.

In addition to the cruise lines that make Port Everglades home, the fast ferry Balearia Caribbean transports passengers from Fort Lauderdale to Grand Bahama Island.

Note that Port Everglades does not offer wheelchair service. If you need a wheelchair from the curb to ship, or parking lot to ship, contact your cruise line to make arrangements.

Disembarking from Port Everglades is also a breeze since it participates in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Global Entry program . Be sure to pack your Global Entry card and you'll zip through the immigration process so you can quickly make your way to the airport or your hotel.

Related: The 8 most exciting new cruise ships of 2020

Nearest airports

Port Everglades, the only U.S. cruise port adjacent to an international airport, is easily accessible and just 10 minutes from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Silver Airways, Southwest, Spirit and United all fly here from gateways across the U.S.

Farther away but still accessible are Miami International, just under 30 miles south, and Palm Beach International (PBI), which is 50 miles north. If you're traveling to Miami, look for flights on American, Delta, Frontier, Sun Country and United. From Palm Beach, fly Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southern Airways Express, Southwest, Spirit and United.

No matter which airport you pick, you can leverage airline programs to save money on airfare. Headed to MIA? Two airlines -- Alaska and Delta -- offer companion certificates as perks of their cobranded credit cards. Get the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card and receive a companion certificate on the card's anniversary. The certificate allows a companion to fly with you for $121 ($99 fare and the cost of taxes from $22). And, several Delta credit cards offer a similar companion certificate . Finally, you can bring a companion along for free (actually, just the cost of the ticket's taxes) if you have the Southwest Companion Pass .

If you're flying to MIA or PBI instead and are a member of Frontier's Discount Den , look for Friends Fly Free and Kids Fly Free offers, which the airline sells periodically. You can also check American's Reduced Mileage Awards to see if FLL, MIA or PBI are on the current list, and watch for JetBlue flash sales.

Related: Best airline credit cards

As your packing for your trip, don't forget to bring any credit cards that confer lounge benefits. For example, while FLL doesn't have a Priority Pass lounge, it does offer a credit at Kafe Kalik in Terminal 4. Your Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card come with a Priority Pass membership (enrollment required) — as do many other credit cards .

The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

If you carry The Platinum Card® from American Express, you have access to the Delta Sky Club at FLL, MIA and PBI.

Related: The ultimate guide to getting Delta Sky Club access

How to get to the port

Cruise line transfers.

Many times, it makes sense to buy the cruise line's bus transfer from the airport to port and vice versa. Flying into FLL isn't one of those times. The airport is so close to Port Everglades -- a 10-minute drive -- that it makes sense to simply grab a taxi or Uber. It will cost less, and you won't need to wait around as the cruise line fills the bus with passengers.

If you're flying into MIA, however, which is about an hour's drive to Port Everglades, you should price out the cruise line's transfer option and see what's a better deal.

Related: Best credit cards for booking a cruise

Hotel shuttles

If you plan to spend the night in Fort Lauderdale before your cruise, look for a hotel that offers a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel as well as a free or paid shuttle from the hotel to the cruise port the next morning. These three points properties fit that bill:

• Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport/South Cruise Port has a free airport shuttle and paid shuttle to the cruise terminal. Rooms range from 26,000 to 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
• SpringHill Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port has a free airport shuttle and a $10 one-way shuttle to the cruise terminal. Rates start at 25,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night on standard dates.
• Ramada Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port has a free shuttle service from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to Port Everglades. Rooms start from 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night.

Independent van and car services

There are several van services from FLL, too. GO Airport Shuttle costs $11 per person to Port Everglades, and vans hold a maximum of 10 people. Alternatively, you can book a luxury sedan seating up to four through GO Airport Shuttle for $40 per person.

Metro Shuttle Service costs $8 to $15 per person for the ride from FLL to Port Everglades, depending on the number of people in your group. The more people on your reservation, the lower your per person rate.

Related: The ultimate guide to GroundLink's car service

Taxi and ride-hailing services

The average one-way metered taxi fare from FLL to Port Everglades is between $15 and $17. The fee jumps to $75 if you're taking a taxi from MIA and it's $130 to $160 for a taxi ride from PBI, which is about an hour from the port. Most cabs accept credit cards, but always ask before getting in.

Uber and Lyft also serve FLL, MIA and PBI. The average rate from FLL to Port Everglades is between $10 and $15.

Related: Best credit cards for Uber

Public transportation

While there are public buses in Fort Lauderdale, there's no easy or convenient way to transit from the airport to the port.

Port parking

Port Everglades offers secure, well-lit parking in two garages and three gated surface lots with patrols. You can park your car within walking distance of nearly all the terminals. Cruise terminals 2 and 4 share the 2,500-space Northport Garage, though a new 1,888-space parking garage is under construction to serve both terminals. Terminals 18 and 19 each have their own surface lots named after them; the Terminal 19 Parking Lot is shared between the two. Four terminals -- cruise terminals 19, 21, 25 and 29 -- share the 2,000-space Midport Garage, but only cruise terminal 29 has a complimentary shuttle service between the parking spots and terminal.

There's a $15 daily maximum charge for standard vehicles, while oversized vehicles that exceed the width and/or height of a parking space (think: RVs) have a $19 daily maximum fee.

Port Everglades also provides parking for people with disabilities with unimpeded access to crosswalks and elevators. Parking is free for anyone who:

• has a Florida Toll Exemption Permit
• drives a vehicle modified with specialized equipment, such as ramps, lifts or foot/hand controls
• displays the Florida "DV" license plate -- Disabled Veteran -- or an equivalent license plate from another state

Where to stay near the port

Fort Lauderdale is a major vacation destination in its own right, so there are plenty of hotels from which to choose. There are a lot of points hotels -- close to the port, near the beaches and at the airport -- as well as other boutique-style and luxury resorts. Here are some of our favorite places to stay before after a cruise.

Hotels closest to the port

Several good points properties are less than a 10-minute drive from Port Everglades. They include:

Crowne Plaza Fort Lauderdale (455 FL-84): Book a room from 20,000 IHG Rewards Club points per night (1.9 miles from the port).

Holiday Inn Express Fort Lauderdale Cruise-Airport (1500 SE 17th Street Causeway): Rooms are available from 15,000 IHG points per night (1.9 miles from the port).

Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port (1851 SE 10th Avenue): This is one of the most popular pre-cruise hotels with travelers who often book cruise itineraries embarking from Port Everglades. Rooms are available from 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night. Don't forget, you can also transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to your Hyatt account on a 1:1 basis. (2.3 miles from the port).

Stay on the cheap

These hotels are also less than 10 minutes from the port but are a great value -- on both points and in cash -- most nights of the year. Be sure to price out both the cash and points price to find the best value. During certain times of the year, the cash prices are so low, it simply doesn't make sense to spend your hard-earned points.

Four Points by Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port (1800 South Federal Highway): Get a room from 35,000 points per night on standard dates or use a 35,000-point award night certificate like the one you'll get on the anniversary of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card. Just note that, depending on the season, cash prices may be a better value. (2.4 miles from the port)

Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street (1100 SE 17th Street): Spend between 33,000 and 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night (2.5 miles from the port).

Ramada by Wyndham Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port (2275 W SR 84, Marina Mile Boulevard): Rooms from 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night (4.1 miles from the port).

Related: How to get free hotel breakfast

Full-service hotels

Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina (1881 SE 17th Street): Stay here for between 27,000 and 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port (1617 SE 17th Street): This Category 5 Marriott property that costs 35,000 points per night on standard dates (or use a 35,000-point award night certificate).

Luxury hotels

If you'd prefer staying at a luxury property, look to the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach (available from 66,000 to 95,0000 Hilton Honors points per night); The Pillars Hotel , which you can book with your Chase Ultimate Rewards points; or The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale (a Marriott Category 7 property available from 50,000 points per night on off-peak dates or using a 50,000-point award night certificate).

Where to shop near the port

Within Port Everglades, you'll find Seafarers' House. Its mission is simple: to be a "welcoming place where mariners can connect with their communities and families, seek guidance and get emergency help if needed."

While the 4,200-square-foot facility is designed to provide services to crewmembers, cruisers are also welcome. You can shop at the on-site convenience shop, access free Wi-Fi and visit the chapel.

If Seafarers' House doesn't have what you need before embarkation, there's a CVS at 1700 Federal Highway, about a 10-minute drive from port and close to the hotels we mentioned above. There's also a Publix grocery store (1940 Cordova Road) and Total Wine (1906 Cordova Road) in that area in the Harbor Shops plaza.

Where to eat

Fort Lauderdale is a cosmopolitan city with all types of restaurants, from casual diners to fine dining. You can find everything from Southern comfort food and local seafood dishes to Caribbean and Latin American cuisines, Asian fusion and more.

If you arrive at FLL early in the morning and need breakfast before heading to the port, try The Floridian Diner (1410 East Las Olas Boulevard). Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you can order your favorite egg dishes, pancakes, waffles, breakfast wraps and more. At dinnertime, they serve pork chops, country-fried steak, St. Louis ribs and fried chicken, among other hearty plates.

Lester's Diner (250 FL-84), just 10 mins from Port Everglades, is another favorite spot for all-day and all-night dining. It's been in business for more than 40 years and is a terrific place for a quintessential diner breakfast. Try the breakfast skillets, Belgian waffles and omelets. At lunch and dinner, order Greek and Italian specialties as well as burgers, deli-style sandwiches and roast chicken.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Lester's Diner (@lesters.diner) on Oct 15, 2019 at 4:01am PDT

Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant (128 S Federal Hwy, Dania Beach) makes its frozen dairy treats on-site every day from fresh ingredients. Pick your favorite flavor and then take a look at the largest collection of rural American memorabilia in the country. This local legend is about 15 minutes from the port.

Tom Jenkins' Bar-B-Q (1236 S. Federal Highway, about 10 minutes from port) is a Southern-style restaurant known for its ribs and barbecue sauce. If you don't have time to taste its classic soul food dishes, you can still take home a bottle of its famous barbecue sauce.

Seafood restaurants abound, leading among them is 15th Street Fisheries at the Lauderdale Marina (1900 SE 15th Street), with amazing waterfront views. Other popular spots include the Rustic Inn Crabhouse (4331 Anglers Avenue) and Islamorada Fish Company (220 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach). All of these restaurants are within a 20-minute drive from the port.

For brew fans, the Ale Trail awaits. Greater Fort Lauderdale's thriving beer culture encompasses many nano- and micro-breweries that offer over 500 beers. How about a Hefeweizen made with Florida-grown mangos? New to the Ale Trail are 3 Sons Brewing Co. in Dania Beach as well as American Icon Brewery Kitchen and Taproom, Sistrunk Marketplace and Brewery and Dangerous Minds Brewing Company, all in Fort Lauderdale.

TPG also reached out to a local and cruise industry insider -- Mark Conroy, managing director of the Americas for Silversea Cruises and a Broward County resident -- to get his take on the best places to eat in Fort Lauderdale. He singled out Rainbow Palace (2787 E Oakland Park Boulevard) for "the best Chinese meal in South Florida." He said it's "not inexpensive" but serves "great food," adding, "It tastes like you are in Hong Kong, not Fort Lauderdale."

He also suggests Fort Lauderdale's Greek Islands Taverna (3300 N Ocean Boulevard) with "amazing flavors" and "reasonable prices." No reservations are taken, though, so visitors might have to go early and wait in line. "It's definitely worth the wait," Conroy promised.

Conroy also is a fan of Coconuts (429 Seabreeze Boulevard), on Route A1A adjacent to the Swimming Hall of Fame on Fort Lauderdale Beach. "It's a typical beachy seafood hang-out," he said, "with beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway with a casual, relaxed vibe."

Sights to see

There are plenty of things to see and do when in Fort Lauderdale. Here are a few of our favorite recommendations for cruise passengers passing through town.

Las Olas Boulevard

We love shopping along this 2.5-mile avenue that stretches from downtown Fort Lauderdale to the ocean. It's the city's premier shopping venue and the ideal place to stroll and people-watch. Just a few miles from Port Everglades, the promenade along New River features high-fashion boutiques, sidewalk cafes and bars, along with multiple art and entertainment venues and nearby attractions. If you're looking for somewhere to eat, you'll find a plethora of options here, including Greek, Peruvian, French, Italian, Mexican, Asian, Kosher and more.

The Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi, with multiple stops and commentary, provides easy access to the promenade. Other stops include the Hilton Marina and Convention Center, Beach Place and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Water Taxi tickets cost $28 for adults, $23 for seniors 65 and older and military personnel, and $14 for kids ages 5 to 11.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi (@fortlauderdalewatertaxi) on May 21, 2020 at 2:29pm PDT

Sawgrass Mills

In Sunrise (12801 W. Sunrise Boulevard), this mall offers 350 name-brand outlets and value shops -- everything from Nike to Kate Spade to Gucci, Lululemon, Tory Burch and Tommy Hilfiger. There's also a movie and IMAX theater as well as a variety of restaurants. Paul Maison de Qualite and SushiGami are two of our favorites. The mall is a 25- to 35-minute drive from Port Everglades.

Dania Beach Ocean Park and Pier

Locals adore Dania Beach, a 20-minute drive from FLL or Port Everglades, because it's one of the least-crowded stretches of sand in the area. Yet, it even has a marina and pier from which you can fish. If you just want to enjoy the views, grab a bite to eat at Quarterdeck Restaurant (300 N. Beach Road, Dania Beach), which is right on the pier itself. At the beach, there's a playground, restrooms with showers and lifeguards on duty. You can also rent kayaks from area vendors.

Jungle Queen riverboat tours

A visit to the "Venice of America" won't be complete without taking a trip down its beautiful waterways lined with landmark homes. A local institution since 1938, Jungle Queen Riverboats (Bahia Mar Yachting Center, 801 Seabreeze Boulevard) takes you on a 90-minute guided sightseeing tour up and down Fort Lauderdale's Intracoastal Waterway. The ship also offers a tour with dinner and show on a private island. (Tour tickets are about $24 for adults, $21 for seniors, $14 for children and free for infants.)

Museums and gardens

Historic home fans might tour Bonnet House Museum & Gardens (900 N. Birch Road; $20 for adults and $16 for kids ages 6 to 12) on Fort Lauderdale Beach or Historic Stranahan House Museum (335 SE 6th Avenue; $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and $7 for students), particularly lovely when it's decorated Victorian-style for the winter holidays.

Offering a robust "look back" into Fort Lauderdale's early days are several museum buildings of History Fort Lauderdale (231 Southwest Second Avenue; access to all three museums is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $7 for students). Located in the former 1905-era New River Inn is the History Museum with exhibits covering prehistoric times through the modern era. The 1907-era Pioneer House Museum is set up with period furnishings, antique dolls and toys, much as it was back in the day, while the 1899 Schoolhouse Museum has period wooden desks and textbooks.

Hollywood Beach Boardwalk

This 2.5-mile promenade (101 S. Broadwalk) along the Atlantic Ocean is a wonderful place to stroll. The boardwalk connects three parks, 50 restaurants and dozens of shops. You can walk the boardwalk or rent a bike, and there are benches and public restrooms along the way.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Clocking in at 180 acres, the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park (3109 E, Sunrise Boulevard, between the Intracoastal Waterway and SR A1A) lets people leave the crowds of Fort Lauderdale behind for a more relaxed experience. Within the park, there's a concession stand where you can rent bikes, kayaks and book Segway tours. Or, just enjoy the walking trails at a leisurely pace. As you walk along the Intracoastal, keep your eyes peeled and you may spy manatees. There's also a Water Taxi stop here.

Related: The 12 state parks that will make you fall in love with Florida

Bottom line

Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant vacation destination on its own, but it's also one of the easiest home ports for embarking on a cruise. Port Everglades is so close to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport; it's a breeze to make your way from your flight to ship. The array of cruise ships and itineraries available out of Port Everglades is also impressive, which is one reason why it's one of the most popular home ports in the state for Floridians driving to their cruise vacation. Check out upcoming cruise itineraries and see if it's the right embarkation port for you.

With additional reporting by Susan Young

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What to do before or after your cruise from fort lauderdale’s port everglades.

By Janet K. Keeler

Nearly 4 million cruisers come to Port Everglades cruise port in Fort Lauderdale every year to see the world. There’s not a continent untouched by at least one of the 40 ships that homeport in Port Everglades.

Cruise itineraries range from three-day Bahamas jaunts to 100-plus-night cruises around the world. In between there is a multitude of Caribbean, European and South American itineraries plus ships that traverse the Panama Canal bound for Seattle, sojourns to Africa and expeditions to the Antarctic.

Besides the broad range of cruise itineraries out of Port Everglades, South Florida is busting with things to do for travelers who arrive a few days early or want to stay a bit after the cruise ends. Extending a cruise vacation is never a bad idea.

And what a place to do that. The 22 miles of Broward County beaches are beautiful, there are plenty of accommodations and the weather is cooperative year-round. There’s a two-mile paved promenade adjacent to the sand in Hollywood Beach for walkers, bicyclists and runners. Deerfield Beach is the spot to build sand castles and the iconic fishing pier that juts 975 feet into the Atlantic lures visitors for fishing, views and people watching. Pompano Beach is a prime snorkeling and scuba site.

If you’ve arrived at Port Everglades by car, then you can easily get to all the things-to-do places on your list. If not, car rentals (at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport just four miles from Port Everglades), taxis and rideshare transportation are available.

The Fort Lauderdale Water Tax i makes 10 stops through the city along the Intracoastal Waterway. Riders can hop-on-and-off to explore, get food and drink or stay on board for the ride. It’s a convenient way to see some of the glittering hotels and high-rises. Port Everglades has eight terminals and Nos. 2 and 4 are walkable to the Convention Center Water Taxi stop (No. 4) but a taxi ride is probably in order for most cruisers. The cruise port is that big. The free Fort Lauderdale Community Shuttle is another way to get around though there is no stop at the cruise port.

Here are five more things to do before or after a cruise from Port Everglades.

Make a Bet on a Good Time

Sometimes you’ve just got to roll the dice and you can actually do that at Harrah’s Pompano Beach and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. Harrah’s, which is north of Everglades cruise port, has 1,200 slot machines and other digital games plus more than 40 tables for poker. Try your luck with other hopefuls playing three-card stud and Texas hold ’em, among other poker games. Need a break from the tables? Check out the fine dining at Farraddays Steakhouse or grab something more casual at Myron’s Delicatessen . Myron’s specializes in New York deli fare such as mile-high pastrami and corned beef sandwiches. Seminole Hard Rock has slots and poker tables but also offers live blackjack, craps, roulette and “ mini-baccarat .” Because it’s part of the global Hard Rock family, the Hollywood facility has a robust entertainment schedule . There is live music in bars, lounges, nightclubs plus a concert venue, which books top-name acts such as Heart, Diana Ross, Blake Shelton and Ed Sheeran. There are plenty of bars and restaurants offering sports bar fare to fine dining. Consider booking a couple of nights at the Hard Rock before or after your cruise, especially if a favorite act is on the schedule.

Enjoy Nature in the Big City

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a natural oasis amid the high-rises and busy streets of Fort Lauderdale and for that reason it gets the nickname “Central Park.” It’s nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway and a paddle along the mangrove canal will kick off your relaxation journey. Or maybe be a respite after a busy cruise itinerary. Kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards can be rented from the park concessionaire , The Grove is adjacent to the A1A highway, the state’s main East Coast thoroughfare—you can often see the waves as you cruise AIA. A paddle through the canal is a good way to spy some of Florida’s showy birds and even 4-foot iguanas! The Grove also offers guided full-moon and sunset tours. Other activities include biking, fishing, camping and hiking. Want a less active visit? Pack a lunch and have a picnic, the perfect activity if you just have a few hours to spare.

Retail Therapy on the Boulevard

Las Olas Boulevard is the main east-east drag through Fort Lauderdale. It’s a 2.3-mile stretch that runs from high-rise condos and businesses through a pedestrian-friendly shopping-dining-entertainment district to the white sand of Fort Lauderdale Beach. If you’ve got an afternoon available and shopping is on your mind, walk the shopping district and stop in one of the many boutiques, including Lily Pulitzer, and eat at one of the many restaurants serving breakfast through dinner, many of them with pet-friendly sidewalk dining. In addition, there are art galleries and lots of clubs with tropical drinks and live entertainment. If outlet malls are your thing, the sprawling Sawgrass Mills on the edge of the actual Everglades boasts 350 stores and 16 full-service restaurants. Arrived for your cruise still in search of trendy cruise wear? You’ll find it at Sawgrass. Do some in your party want to shop and some don’t? The non-shoppers can check out the latest movies at the Regal Sawgrass IMAX 3D theater.

Have an Inclusive Experience

Wilton Manors is one of the most progressive cities in Florida and has welcomed and celebrated the LGBTQ community for decades. It’s often called Florida’s gay capital and there are many reasons to make the 10-mile trek north of Port Everglades. There are Pride events throughout the year and the Stonewall National Museum & Archives and the World AIDS Museum are here. Wilton Manors likes to have a good time and there are plenty of shops, restaurants and clubs along Wilton Drive to do just that. It’s just a mile long but it will feel like so much more as you browse art galleries and clothing shops. There’s tongue-in-cheek fun with some of the business names including Thai Me Up and What the Pho . Order a watermelon basil martini before tucking into the very popular Sunday brunch at Rosie’s Bar and Grill . Humming nightlife, dancing included, along Wilton Drive, too.

Browse a Bookstore for the Ages

Just three miles south of Port Everglades is a place booklovers get giddy over. William Chrisant & Sons’ Old Florida Book Shop in Dania Beach has more than 50,000 antiquarian books on shelves from floor to vaulted ceiling. The shop sells old and rare maps, plus vintage magazines. It’s one of those book shops that makes it to bibliophiles’ must-see lists. Southern Living magazine put it on its list of best Florida indie bookstores . It’s in a typical Florida shopping strip mall but feels more like something you’d find on a hidden lane in London or maybe in the pages of a Harry Potter tome. After you work up an appetite scouring the stacks and other ephemera, like vintage photographs from the Miami Beach Rod & Reel Club ($600), grab a bite to eat at the kosher Ariel’s Delicious Pizza or sample authentic Cuban fare at Juana La Cubana Cafe , both in the same strip mall.

Places to Remember

Fort Lauderdale

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea

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Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale in Fort lauderdale

Spread across an impressive mile-long stretch, this sublime waterfront park is peppered with a splendid combination of lush parks, picturesque promenades, and historic districts, making it an unmissable destination. With an inviting ambiance filled with an abundance of recreational, entertainment and cultural opportunities, the Riverwalk is a hub for both locals and visitors seeking a quintessential Fort Lauderdale experience. Established as an emblem of the city’s growth and development, the Riverwalk was developed during the late 1980s as part of an urban revitalization project. Spanning across a serpentine public green, it gracefully weaves through the city like an urban lifeline, providing pedestrian access to major attractions. The heart of Fort Lauderdale's Arts and Science District, Riverwalk has proudly evolved to become an icon of unity, enjoyment, and celebration for the community. Promising a unique journey filled with wonders, Riverwalk leaves visitors spoiled for choices. Whether strolling along the enchanting Butterfly Island to admire more than a thousand tropical butterflies or stepping back in time at the historic Stranahan House Museum; every aspect of Riverwalk whispers its own tale. Other landmarks like the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Florida Grand Opera, and Florida's oldest surviving structure - the King-Cromartie House Museum - take center stage providing tourists with enriching cultural insights. Mother nature too has generously showered her blessings on Riverwalk. The Esplanade Park plays host to myriad outdoor events providing spectacular waterfront views, while the scent of the tropical garden in Bubier Park perfumes the air with a sweet fragrance. A plethora of restaurants and shops across its lengths offer delightful culinary scenes and shopping experiences, while the vibrant nightlife adds a dash of glitter and glamour to this stunning canvas. Summing up, the Riverwalk, with its seamless blend of vibrant city scape and natural beauty, monumental structures and entertaining hotspots, presents something for every visitor. Its inspiring journey from being a part of redevelopment vision to becoming the pulse of Fort Lauderdale’s life symbolizes the spirit and resilience of the city. Whether seeking history, culture, adventure, or relaxation, the Riverwalk promises you not just a visit, but an unforgettable and authentic Fort Lauderdale experience.

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4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale

What's included in the price of a disney cruise.

Broadway-Quality Shows

Pools, Waterslides & Recreation

Spacious Staterooms

Upscale, Casual & 24-Hour In-Room Dining

Adult-Exclusive Activities

Clubs for Kids, Tweens & Teens

Cruise Itinerary

• Explore the shops, restaurants and attractions of Las Olas Boulevard
• Cruise the city's famous canals on a relaxing boat ride
• Stroll the scenic riverwalk in downtown Fort Lauderdale
• Swim with dolphins at Atlantis, Paradise Island
• View coral reefs and exotic fish from a semi-submarine
• Ascend the Queen’s Staircase to Fort Fincastle
• Explore the Bahamian Arts and Culture Pavilion
• Splash it up at Family Beach and nearby play areas
• Settle into blissful serenity at the adult-exclusive beach
• Watch a Broadway-quality musical and splash it up in a freshwater pool
• Savor upscale restaurants, buffets, poolside snacks and room-service
• Find one-of-a-kind fun in unique clubs designed for kids, teens, tweens and adults

Watch CBS News

Fleet Week Miami sets sail for first time. Here's what you need to know

By Hunter Geisel

Updated on: May 2, 2024 / 12:00 PM EDT / CBS Miami

MIAMI — After docking in Fort Lauderdale for over three decades, South Florida's Fleet Week is setting a course for Miami this year.

Last July , Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, alongside U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, and other officials announced at PortMiami that the maritime event will take place from May 7 to May 13.

Fleet Week traditionally involves active military ships docking in major cities across the country, where U.S. sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will enter the city and visit its tourist attractions while the public take guided tours of the naval vessels. Military demonstrations and air shows often accompany the dayslong event.

On Monday, May 6, Cava, Toro and Matthew Lewis, chief security officer and senior vice president of Norwegian Cruise Lines, will hold a press conference to launch the event officially under the name "Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet Week Miami."

"The Department of the Navy is tremendously excited to bring the Navy and Marine Corps team to the inaugural Fleet Week Miami" Del Toro said. "Today's Navy reflects the energy, diversity and opportunity that defines South Florida — and indeed the nation. And we want all of South Florida to come join us to honor and to honor these great women and men who serve our nation."  

Here's what you need to know about this year's inaugural event .

Early Shipping

Though the event itself doesn't officially begin until that Tuesday, there are a few things that maritime enthusiasts can enjoy before the ships arrive.

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, the Frost Science Museum will host U.S. Navy and Marines officials where the public can learn about the Navy Stewards of the Sea environmental program, naval aviation, naval scientific research and see demonstrations from the K-9 team. Also, the Navy Band Southeast will provide a free performance.

Additionally, the first of the ships will begin to dock in PortMiami: the USS Bataan, an amphibious assault ship. The U.S. Navy vessel will arrive at approximately 6:45 p.m. and the public can watch its arrival at South Pointe Park in Miami Beach. An F-18 flyover will mark the arrival of the Bataan.

While the USS Bataan will be the first of the ships to arrive, South Floridians will get to see three other U.S. military vessels, all of which will be heralded by the appearance of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman.

Alongside the Bataan, the public will get to tour these ships:

• USS Normandy — Navy guided missile cruiser
• USS Leyte Gulf — Navy guided missile cruiser
• USCGS Seneca — Coast Guard cutter

"The United States Navy is America's Navy.  It's your Navy," said Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander of the U.S. Fleet Forces Command.  "Fleet Week Miami is a great opportunity for families to come out, tour our ships, connect with our Sailors, and get a better understanding of what your Navy does to protect our homeland."

Tours of the ships are planned for Monday through Sunday, May 6-12. The weekdays will focus on afternoon and evening tours from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., while Saturday tours are slated to be 9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. Sunday tours will be 9-11 a.m., 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. 

All tours are free and tickets will become available online 48 hours in advance of each date on the Fleet Week's Facebook page. Additionally, you may only select one ship per reservation. You can reserve tickets for another vessel on a separate reservation, but be aware that they will be docked at different terminals. For parking information, visit PortMiami's website .

Out of all the military ships coming, only the Truman will not be available for public tours because it will be anchored about 2-3 miles offshore.

Shore Leave

When you're not on deck, there are still plenty of things to do and see during Miami Fleet Week. One activity in particular will be the Navy Recruiting Command's Nimitz — a mobile, state-of-the-art virtual reality experience that simulates a Navy SEAL mission.

Inside the Nimitz, which is housed inside of an 18-wheeler, participants go through a video briefing before strapping on an Oculus Rift headset and a piece of wearable technology called a SubPac that percusses in real time to the sounds of the mission, according to a Navy press release. Visitors navigate the mission using a cutting-edge steering wheel and throttle system that replicate the actual sensation of piloting a high-speed Navy Special Warfare Combatant Craft. Once finished with the simulation, participants then move to the debriefing station, where they receive feedback and a performance grade.

Additionally, Navy recruiting leadership will visit J.P. Taravalla, McArthur, Flanagan, Fort Lauderdale and Coral Gables High Schools to discuss the plethora of STEM careers in the Navy, as well as its $200,000 ROTC Scholarship Program, which pays full college tuition for students with "exceptional academic and leadership credentials."

"We are extremely excited to spend time in Miami, meeting with exceptional students and faculty, and discussing the great opportunities available in today's Navy," said Comm. Dominique Jackson of Navy Diversity and Outreach. "It is important for today's high school students to understand that a Navy STEM career offers opportunities that can't be found anywhere else."

Here are more activities and events you can enjoy throughout the week.

After Cava's official welcome on Monday, the Navy's e-sports team will compete in a friendly video game tournament with students from St. Thomas, Florida Memorial and Florida International Universities. The event is from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

At 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, up to 50 new U.S. citizens will be welcomed aboard the Bataan to help make their first day as Americans memorable with a naturalization ceremony coordinated with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Headquarters in Miami.

On Wednesday, there are a few things to do. First, there is the JROTC/Youth STEM Summit, where students from Miami-Dade Public Schools will take ship tours, learn about technology careers in the military and private sector, and participate in demonstrations by local tech companies. They'll also hear from leading venture capitalists who will talk about Miami's growing tech sector. The summit will be held from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, Del Toro will hold a special enlistment ceremony for future sailors and Marines in the delayed entry program to take the oath of enlistment onboard a U.S. Navy vessel. The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m.

Later Wednesday night, 20 visiting military will get a true introduction to South Florida's Latin culture during Dancing with the Stars and Stripes. At this event, they will receive several hours of dance instruction at the Tower Theater on Calle Ocho in preparation for a fun performance at 8 p.m. before judges and a live audience at Domino Plaza. The public is invited to attend.

Thursday night is Fleet Week Innovation Night , where fans can embark on a "journey of discovery" as the U.S. Navy unveils a web of innovation, technology and strategic partnerships that drive its mission to confront global challenges and excel in cyberspace, stated event organizers.

On Friday, visiting military personnel will be honored during Military Night with the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park, where fans can enjoy performances by Navy Band Southeast and watch the F-18 flyover before the Marlins take on the Atlanta Braves.

Saturday morning kicks off with the Fleet Week 5K Miami hosted by GoRun Miami at Tamiami Park at 7 a.m. The Marine Band will provide entertainment and there will be a F-18 flyover before the starting gun at 7:30 a.m. Those who are not running can participate in Zumba and other fitness classes or visit the many vendor booths.

Meanwhile, Zoo Miami will host Navy Day at 10 a.m. While walking among the animals, visitors can meet with sailors and learn more about Navy programs, including the diving tank, and understand environmental stewardship.

Also on Saturday morning, Fleet Week Miami will honor veterans with a special tour of the Leyte Gulf starting at 9 a.m. before holding an official ceremony at 11 a.m. at PortMiami.

And for some friendly competition, teams from the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and local first responders will face off in various sporting events during the City of Miami Beach Top Gun Beach Olympics. The games begin at 9 a.m. at Lummus Park, and they're free and open to the public.

For Sunday, the last of the public tours for the Bataan will be available from 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

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Hunter Geisel is a digital producer at CBS News Miami. Hunter has previously produced digital content for local and national outlets, covering several topics from breaking news and current events to politics and pop culture.

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Standby cruising: A new option for bargain seekers

In February, Barb McGowan took a seven-day cruise on Holland America Line, visiting the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic for just $343, or $49 a day, excluding taxes, port fees and extras. By comparison, Holland America in April listed a seven-day Caribbean itinerary in October from about $700.

The catch: She had just 48 hours’ notice.

McGown, a 64-year-old from Naples, Florida, who runs a restaurant franchise, took one of the line’s new standby cruises, which are aimed at travelers who live near departure ports and intended to fill ship vacancies.

“I look for deals, and this was an especially good experience,” McGowan said, praising the food and entertainment. “I was impressed enough to put down a deposit on a future cruise.”

A way to keep ships full

Holland America, headquartered in Seattle, introduced its standby program in August to maximize ship occupancy, knowing that cancellations are inevitable. So far, the rest of the cruise industry has not followed its lead.

“If cancellations are within a week or two of sailing, it’s difficult to resell that space in the open market,” said Dan Rough, vice president of revenue management at Holland America.

In the same way that airlines oversell seats, cruise lines may compensate for cancellations by overselling staterooms. Filling in with standbys, however, reduces Holland America’s reliance on overselling, which runs the risk of bumping passengers to distant departures or potentially offering generous cash incentives to coax volunteers to cancel.

Although the company does not heavily promote the new practice, it has attracted a following among the thrifty by dangling a bargain rate — $49 a person, whether sharing a cabin or traveling solo, before taxes and fees — on a webpage that lists available departure dates to attract flexible travelers. Standbys should expect an inside cabin, according to the company, although ocean-view and veranda cabins have been assigned. (The company declined to say how many standby cabins it has offered.)

“Forty-nine dollars per person, per day is pretty exceptional,” said Colleen McDaniel, editor of CruiseCritic.com, a website that reviews cruises, noting that the price covers all meals and entertainment. “You can’t find a cheaper rate at a land resort for what’s included.” (In 2023, the average nightly rate for a hotel room in the United States was nearly $156, according to STR, a data analytics firm that monitors the hospitality industry.)

To participate, travelers choose an itinerary from the standby list on the website — current embarkation ports include Boston; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Montreal; Quebec City; San Diego; Seattle; Vancouver, B.C.; and Whittier, Alaska — and pay for the trip in advance by calling Holland America or booking through a travel adviser.

There are no refunds for standby cruisers who want to back out. However, if the gamble fails to pay off, and the cruise line cannot offer a cabin to someone on the standby list, it issues a refund.

The company says standby offerings are added on a rolling basis and usually lists itineraries within two to three months of departure. Current offerings include seven-day sailings in Alaska’s Inside Passage from April through September and seven-to-11-day trips cruising the coast of New England and Canada’s Maritime Provinces between May and October.

Proximity is a bonus

Standby cruisers don’t learn of their acceptance or denial until a week to two days before departure, complicating transportation arrangements.

“Last-minute airfare could offset the savings on a cruise,” Crystal Seaton, owner of Road to Relaxation Travel, a travel agency based in Raleigh, North Carolina, wrote in an email. Although she has not booked a client on a standby sailing yet, she surmised that it is intended for travelers who can drive to a port.

“We were lucky; we found out Tuesday we were going on a Friday 3 p.m. sailing,” said Sheila Valloney, 66, of Clermont, Florida, who with her husband spent nine days aboard a Holland America ship in the southern Caribbean in February by going standby.

Before being cleared, she reserved a parking spot near the ship dock in Fort Lauderdale, which would have set her back about $6 if she canceled. She also kept their vacation clothes ready to go at the last minute for the 3 1/2-hour drive to port.

Booking a refundable airline ticket — or at least one that guarantees a credit in loyalty points or cash in the event of cancellation — is one way travelers who must fly can take advantage of the deal.

For her standby sailing, McGowan drove 90 minutes from her home to the ship in Fort Lauderdale. But her travel companion was coming from Indiana, so when she joined the standby list a few months before the departure date, she booked her friend a Southwest Airlines flight using frequent flyer points that would be refunded if the last-minute cruise didn’t come through.

Avoiding extra charges

Once on board, charges for extras such as cabin upgrades, Wi-Fi, alcohol and shore excursions can inflate the bill, although the thriftiest travelers try to avoid them.

McGowan sprang for the $17.50-a-day charge for an upgraded drink package (basic nonalcoholic drinks are included in the cruise) and took one shore excursion, focused on coffee growing, which she deemed a good value at $89.

On their Caribbean cruise, the Valloneys asked around for recommendations for good beaches, where they went to relax on port days, and waited until they were on land to check emails, in order to avoid paying for Wi-Fi on the ship.

“We didn’t miss it at all,” Valloney said. “For beverages, we would wait until happy hour, when it was buy one, get one free.”

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Will other companies follow suit?

To date, no other cruise lines have adopted standby programs.

Princess Cruises said it did not plan to offer cabins on a standby basis, but noted that it already offers last-minute deals, which tend to run about $50 to $60 per passenger per day. For example, a seven-day Alaska sailing from Vancouver to Anchorage departing May 8 is listed at $399 a person in a double-occupancy cabin.

Several other major cruise lines did not respond to inquiries about potentially adopting standby programs, although operators such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line also offer last-minute deals on their websites.

“We would be surprised to see many mainstream cruise lines begin to adopt a similar model” to the standby system, Kimberly Coyne, head of sales and content strategy for Cruiseline.com, a cruise review site, wrote in an email. She said the standby fares might be financially unsustainable for cruise lines and cited the potential that travelers might become too accustomed to late-booking deals.

More ways to save

With the recent surge in cruise bookings, companies are discounting less, said McDaniel.

She identified more reliable ways to get a deal compared with going standby, such as booking during “wave season,” a sales period that generally runs January through March, or taking a repositioning cruise, in which a ship relocates from one region to another seasonally. A repositioning itinerary might sail in the fall from Alaska to the Caribbean via the Panama Canal.

“It’s not unusual to see a repositioning cruise at less than $75 per night,” McDaniel said, noting that other expenses such as an airline itinerary into one city and returning from another may cost more than a standard round-trip ticket.

Repositioning cruises tend to stop at fewer ports and add more shipboard enrichment programs, such as lectures and activities such as cake decorating classes and craft spirits tastings.

“For a lot of people, the ship is the destination and this is the perfect activity for people who like to be on the ship,” she said.

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Disembarkation: Everything You Need to Know

By Sue Bryant

Last updated: April 27th, 2024

• Find a Cruise

Make the most of the day in your disembarkation port, which will run all the more smoothly with a little preparation and planning.

Disembarking a cruise ship is not the same as checking out of a hotel on your last day. Disembarkation day is a carefully choreographed event. It has to be, with sometimes 2,000 guests or more and their luggage to move from the ship to the cruise terminal and beyond in a short time.

Your Celebrity Cruises crew are highly experienced in this logistical exercise, though, and will do all they can to make that bittersweet goodbye as easy as possible.

What is a disembarkation port?

A disembarkation port is a port where a cruise ends. Most passengers will leave the ship here, apart from those who have booked back-to-back cruises.

The ship will then be “turned around”—cleaned top to bottom, refueled, and re-provisioned with everything that’s needed for the next voyage.

Once all the disembarking guests have left, after a brief lull, new arrivals will begin to check in, ready for the next cruise.

Typical disembarkation ports tend to be gateway cities with good air and road access, like Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale in Florida; Cape Liberty, New Jersey; and San Juan, Puerto Rico in the Caribbean.

In Europe , disembarkation ports include Barcelona, Rome, Athens, and Southampton, England. Sydney, Australia and Singapore are two of Celebrity’s disembarkation ports in the Asia-Pacific region.

What happens on disembarkation day?

Disembarkation day is a busy day on a cruise ship. You’ll be invited to put your luggage outside your stateroom the night before. It will be collected by the crew overnight and will be waiting for you in the terminal when you leave the ship.

You’ll make sure your final bill is settled the day before, pack your carry-on luggage, and have breakfast. When your pre-allocated disembarkation time comes, make your way to the gangway.

You will then identify and claim your luggage in the terminal, clear customs, and take whatever onward transportation you’ve arranged.

Read: Everything You Need to Know About Embarkation Day

How will I know on board what to expect on disembarkation day?

Towards the end of your cruise, there will be a talk on disembarkation procedures. This will be shown on your stateroom TV, too, in case you miss it. You’ll also find details in the daily program.

You will already have been asked about your arrangements on disembarkation day. These might include a transfer to the airport arranged by Celebrity Cruises, or a shore excursion that ends at the airport.

You may have made independent plans, in which case you will need to add your flight details to the form you’ll be given, or the time your private pickup is booked.

A day or so before the voyage ends, your stateroom attendant will deliver a disembarkation letter and a set of colored luggage tags. The letter will tell you what time you are due to disembark. On the day, you will be called by group number or color code. You should stick to these staggered times to avoid congestion at the gangway.

If you’re not happy with the time you have been allocated, take it up with Guest Services as soon as possible rather than waiting until disembarkation day.

Do I have to put my luggage out for collection the night before disembarkation?

The vast majority of cruisers put their luggage outside their stateroom door, color-tagged and locked, the night before disembarkation. It’s more convenient and practical, as dragging heavy bags into crowded elevators and down a sometimes steep gangway is no fun for anybody.

But if you feel strongly about hanging onto your bag, or are perhaps traveling light with only a small wheelie on a short cruise, you can opt for “self disembarkation”. This usually means you can leave the ship as soon as disembarkation has begun.

How long can you stay on the ship on disembarkation day?

Disembarkation day isn’t a time to linger on board as the crew has to work hard to prepare the ship for the next voyage. Normally, there’s a window between around 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. for disembarkation. If your flight isn’t until much later, you will be given a later slot in this window, but this isn’t a day to expect to sleep in.

If you’ve booked a back-to-back cruise, you can relax on board during disembarkation day, or join a shore excursion while the new guests are checking in.

You will normally be asked to vacate your stateroom by 8 a.m. so the stateroom attendant can prepare it for the next guest. If your allocated disembarkation time is later than this, there will be public areas on the ship where you can relax with your carry-on before you leave.

Read: The Only Cruise Packing List You’ll Ever Need

How early can you get off?

A ship will usually only have a short distance to travel from its penultimate port to the disembarkation port to account for any delays or weather issues; no cruise line wants to arrive late on turnaround day. So you may find you’re docked alongside very early in the morning.

But the ship has to be cleared by the local authorities before anybody can leave. Luggage has to be offloaded, too.

When you book your cruise, you will be told about the earliest reasonable flight departure time to choose. A very early morning flight, for example, is usually impractical. If you do have a relatively early flight, this will be factored in when disembarkation groups are allocated.

Disembarkation times vary from port to port, but it is unusual for the process to begin any earlier than 7 a.m.

Is there time for breakfast?

Of course! You are still on vacation and will never be sent away hungry. Most of the usual breakfast venues will be open, including Café al Bacio for coffee to go.

Restaurants may be busier than usual as everybody is preparing to leave within the same short timespan, and some people may have already left their staterooms and will be carrying their hand baggage with them.

Read: What Is Food on a Cruise Really Like?

What documents do I need for disembarkation and customs?

You will need your passport and receipts for any duty-free goods you have bought, in case you get stopped at customs. Normally, the ship will have been cleared by the local immigration authorities, but you may still be required to show a passport to officials when you disembark.

If you have already checked in for your flight and feel happier with a paper boarding pass, you can print this out in the ship’s internet center. If you’ve parked your car at the port, make sure you have the receipt and know where it is.

You will also need your SeaPass key card to leave the ship for one last time.

How long does it take to get off a cruise ship?

If everybody follows the instructions they have been given and shows up at the gangway when invited, getting off a ship is quick and easy. You should be able to disembark in 15 to 30 minutes, including collecting your baggage in the terminal.

There can be delays, though, and the ship is at the whim of the local immigration authorities. This is another compelling reason for leaving plenty of time between your scheduled disembarkation time and your flight home.

If you have booked an airport transfer or a disembarkation day tour with Celebrity, your transportation will wait until everybody is present.

How do I choose the right disembarkation port for my cruise?

First, to be clear, you can’t choose where to disembark your cruise. Unless there is some kind of personal emergency or you have booked two back-to-back cruises, everybody disembarks on the same day in the same port.

It’s worth thinking about where your cruise ends, though, and what you might want to do to extend your vacation. If, for example, you’ve always wanted to see Athens and you’ve booked a cruise that ends in the Greek capital, you’re not going to actually see Athens unless you extend your stay there. The transfer from the port to the airport will not take you through the city center.

The same applies to Rome and Barcelona . So by all means pick a disembarkation port that you want to see, but bear in mind that unless the ship arrives there the day before the end of the cruise, you will need to add on a night somewhere, or book an evening flight and plan your day carefully.

Can I arrange transportation from the disembarkation port to the airport or other destinations?

Yes, of course. Celebrity Cruises offers airport transfers, which can be pre-booked, either as a group transfer by coach or a private car or van. If you haven’t pre-booked and decide that you would like an airport transfer, this can be done on board through your Guest Account or the Celebrity Cruises app up to five days before the end of the cruise.

In the vast majority of disembarkation ports, taxis will wait to pick up independent travelers. But do your research first; in some instances, the airport is a long way from the seaport. If you disembark in Southampton, England , for example, the drive to London Heathrow Airport is at least one hour and a taxi will be expensive.

What happens if my flight is in the evening?

An evening flight means you have the whole day to enjoy your disembarkation port. But this needs to be planned, as you will most likely have luggage. There’s no fun in going straight to the airport and sitting there for eight hours or so—and your flight check-in will not be open, in any case.

There are various ways to make the most of your time in your disembarkation port. You could go to the airport and deposit your bags in a left luggage locker and then take off for a day in town. This is only practical if the airport is not too far from where you want to go, though.

Booking a day room in a hotel is an option and also means you can freshen up before your evening flight. Be sure to book somewhere that will allow early check-in.

Celebrity Cruises offers tours with airport and sometimes rail station and downtown hotel drop-offs in most ports. In Sydney , for example, you could join a city tour taking in the Opera House and Bondi Beach before being dropped off at the airport.

From Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, Italy , there’s the option of joining a wine-tasting tour in the Italian countryside before heading to the airport.

If your Alaska cruise ends in Vancouver , you could take a trip to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, deep in the forest, that ends with an airport drop-off.

Best of all, you could extend your stay. Celebrity Cruises offers a comprehensive City Stays program , which means everything will be organized for you.

In Alaska , you could pre-book a Cruisetour to extend your vacation, heading off to the wilds of Denali National Park to see a different face of the 49th state.

What are some things not to do on disembarkation day?

• Don’t pack all your clothes in your suitcase and leave it for collection the night before. Nobody wants to be disembarking in their PJs.
• Similarly, don’t pack your travel documents in your checked luggage. Keep them with you as you may need to show your passport in the customs hall.
• Don’t party too hard on your last night; while it’s tempting, disembarkation day is busy and comes with an early start, so a clear head helps.
• Don’t forget the valuables that you put in the safe on the first day.
• Don’t wait until disembarkation morning to check your final bill. If you need to ask questions about your account, this will delay your disembarkation. You can view your statement on your stateroom TV.
• Do not expect to use the ship’s facilities on disembarkation day; this is not the time for a last swim or a workout, and the onboard shops will be closed when the ship is in port.
• Don’t leave your key card in your stateroom. You will need it to leave the ship for the last time.
• Leave the bathrobe. The slippers are yours to take, but if you walk off with a bathrobe, the cost will be added to your account, even after you have left the ship.

Read: Things Not to Do on a Cruise

Ready to plan your next cruise vacation? Browse our itineraries and plan your dream escape.

Sue has been writing about cruising for 20 years and is lucky enough to have sailed all seven continents. She lives in London, where she is cruise editor of The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers, as well as a freelance contributor to magazines and websites worldwide.

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