Canada & New England
Ships dock at Port Everglades, one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, located in Fort Lauderdale with multiple cruise terminals (Terminals 2, 4, 18, 19, 21, 22, 25, 26, and 29) situated approximately 5 km from downtown Fort Lauderdale and 3 km from Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Choose the Right Port Day
Only 3-4 Hours
Grab a rideshare to Las Olas Boulevard, walk the strip for coffee and a quick browse, then head to Fort Lauderdale Beach for an hour of sand and surf before riding back. Doable for under $30 in transport.
Best Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beach (directly off A1A) — wide, clean, free to access, and lined with cafes and bars within easy reach of the ship via rideshare.
With Kids
Head straight to the International Swimming Hall of Fame area on the beach — free to walk around outside, shallow surf nearby, and plenty of casual food options within a short walk.
Cheapest Option
Take a rideshare to the beach ($12-18 each way), park yourself on the free public sand, grab a $5 slice somewhere on A1A, and walk the beach promenade. Full morning for well under $50 per person.
Best Overall
Rideshare to Las Olas Boulevard, walk toward the beach, spend time on the sand, and grab lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants before returning to the ship. It's the classic Fort Lauderdale day and it works.
What To Avoid
Skip the overpriced and rushed water taxi if time is short — it's scenic but slow. Also avoid the generic souvenir shops right outside the cruise terminal; they're expensive and low quality.
Quick Take
- Port Type
- Major Embarkation Hub & City-Beach Hybrid
- Best For
- Pre- or post-cruise stays, beach days, waterway exploration, and cruisers who want a real city alongside sand
- Avoid If
- You want a quiet, off-the-beaten-path experience — this is busy, commercial, and touristy by nature
- Walkability
- Moderate — Port Everglades is not walkable to the city or beach, but Las Olas Boulevard and the beach strip are pleasant on foot once you get there
- Budget Fit
- Mid-range; beach access is free, but taxis, dining, and water sports add up fast
- Good For Short Calls?
- Yes — Las Olas plus beach is easily done in 3-4 hours; the city rewards a full day if you're pre-cruising
Port Overview
Fort Lauderdale is one of the busiest cruise embarkation ports in the world, with Port Everglades handling millions of passengers a year for Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, Princess, Holland America, and most other major lines. The port sits about 3 miles south of the beach and 4 miles from downtown Las Olas, so nothing is walkable from the terminal itself — you'll need a rideshare or taxi to get anywhere useful.
That said, Fort Lauderdale is genuinely worth exploring. The city has a real identity beyond the cruise terminals: a compact, walkable beach strip on A1A, a lively dining and shopping corridor on Las Olas Boulevard, and an extensive network of inland waterways that earned it the nickname 'Venice of America.' It's polished and tourist-friendly, which can feel commercial, but the infrastructure works in your favor on a port day.
Most cruisers use Fort Lauderdale as an embarkation or debarkation port rather than a destination stop, and that's the right instinct. If your ship overnights or arrives here mid-itinerary, treat it as a chance to see a well-functioning Florida city with a real beach. If you're just passing through to board, consider arriving a day early — the hotel and dining options near the port and beach are solid, and pre-cruise stress drops dramatically with an overnight buffer.
Is It Safe?
Fort Lauderdale is a safe, well-policed tourist city and the areas most cruisers visit — the beach strip on A1A, Las Olas Boulevard, and the Riverwalk — are low-risk during the day. Exercise standard urban awareness: don't leave bags unattended on the beach, keep valuables out of sight, and use official taxis or rideshare rather than unmarked cars near the terminal.
The beach areas can get rowdy during spring break (mid-March through April), with larger crowds and louder atmosphere. It's not dangerous, but it changes the feel significantly. Outside of that window, the beach is relaxed and family-friendly.
Accessibility & Walkability
Fort Lauderdale Beach has paved promenades and beach wheelchairs are sometimes available through the city — check locally for current availability. Las Olas Boulevard is flat and easy to navigate. Port Everglades itself is manageable for mobility-limited passengers but requires transport to reach any real destination. The water taxi has limited accessibility; confirm with the operator before committing. Most major restaurants and attractions in the tourist zones are ADA compliant.
Outside the Terminal
Stepping off at Port Everglades, you'll find yourself in an industrial port zone with limited immediate appeal. There are typically vendor stalls and basic services near the terminal entrance, but nothing worth lingering for. Ground transportation staging is organized and clearly marked. Within a few minutes of arranging a rideshare or taxi, you'll be on your way — the city begins to open up quickly once you're moving. Don't waste time wandering the port perimeter; just get in the car.
Beaches Near the Port
Fort Lauderdale Beach
The main city beach — wide, well-maintained, with a paved promenade, public restrooms, and consistent surf. Backed by a solid strip of cafes and bars on A1A. Not secluded, but clean, accessible, and easy to enjoy on a port day.
Hollywood Beach
A broader, slightly calmer beach town about 8 miles south of the port with a famous 2.5-mile broadwalk lined with restaurants and shops. Less commercial than Fort Lauderdale Beach and popular with families. The broadwalk is genuinely one of the better beachside promenades in South Florida.
Dania Beach
A quieter, less developed beach close to the airport and port — useful if you want sand without the full Fort Lauderdale Beach scene. Fewer amenities but also fewer crowds.
Local Food & Drink
Las Olas Boulevard is the best dining destination — a mix of upscale restaurants, casual bistros, and outdoor patios. Standouts include sushi, Cuban, and contemporary American options. Prices are higher than average, so plan accordingly. The beach strip on A1A has plenty of casual options — fish tacos, burgers, and bar food dominate, quality varies, and crowds slow things down on busy days.
For something more local and affordable, the area around Himmarshee Street (near the Riverwalk) has a solid cluster of bars and casual restaurants popular with residents. For breakfast before embarkation or after arrival, diners and cafes near the port hotels are reliable and reasonably priced. Skip the food vendors immediately outside the cruise terminal — they're mediocre and overpriced.
Shopping
Las Olas Boulevard has the best independent retail — art galleries, boutiques, and specialty stores that feel like actual local businesses rather than tourist traps. The beach strip on A1A is more commercial, with surf shops, souvenir stores, and swimwear retailers that are fine for necessities but nothing special. Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise (about 20 minutes west) is one of the largest outlet malls in the US and worth the trip if shopping is a priority, though it requires dedicated time.
Money & Currency
- Currency
- US Dollar (USD)
- USD Accepted?
- Yes
- Card Payments
- Excellent — cards accepted nearly everywhere, including small cafes and food trucks
- ATMs
- ATMs are plentiful throughout the beach strip, Las Olas, and inside the terminal area
- Tipping
- Standard US tipping applies: 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, $2-5 for taxi/rideshare drivers
- Notes
- No currency exchange needed. Foreign visitors should notify their bank before arrival to avoid card holds.
Weather & Best Time
- Best months
- November through April — warm, dry, and low humidity; ideal cruise season
- Avoid
- June through September — hot, humid, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and peak hurricane season
- Temperature
- 70-82°F (21-28°C) during peak winter cruise season
- Notes
- Spring break (mid-March to mid-April) brings large crowds to the beach — not dangerous, but noticeably busier and louder. Hurricane season officially runs June through November.
Airport Information
- Airport
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
- Distance
- 4 miles
- Getting there
- Rideshare ($10-15), taxi ($20-28), shared shuttles, and car rentals all available. No direct public transit link between FLL and Port Everglades.
- Notes
- FLL is often cheaper than Miami International (MIA) for cruise itineraries and is significantly less chaotic. Many cruisers flying in the day before use FLL as their primary arrival airport. Miami airport is 30 miles south if FLL is unavailable or more expensive for your route.
Planning a cruise here?
Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line & more sail to Fort Lauderdale.
Getting Around from the Port
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
The most practical option from Port Everglades to the beach, Las Olas, or downtown. Pickup is straightforward from the terminal.
Taxi
Available at the terminal; more expensive than rideshare but reliable if your phone is low or you prefer no app.
Sun Trolley
Fort Lauderdale's free trolley system runs routes along Las Olas and the beach corridor. Useful once you're already in those areas.
Water Taxi
Scenic hop-on/hop-off boat service covering the inland waterways, connecting the beach, Las Olas, and several stops in between.
Rental Car
Multiple agencies near the port and at Fort Lauderdale Airport. Practical if you're extending your trip or heading to Miami or the Everglades.
Top Things To Do
1
Fort Lauderdale Beach & A1A Promenade
The city's headline attraction — a wide, clean Atlantic beach with a well-maintained pedestrian promenade, beachside cafes, and consistent surf. Free to access and easy to enjoy at your own pace. Not as crowded as Miami Beach, which is a genuine advantage.
Book Fort Lauderdale Beach & A1A Promenade on Viator2
Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale's main dining and shopping corridor — a palm-lined street with independent restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and outdoor terraces. It's genuinely pleasant for a stroll and a meal. More upscale than typical cruise-port shopping areas.
Book Las Olas Boulevard from $153
Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi
Hop-on/hop-off boat service navigating the city's 165 miles of inland waterways past mansions, marinas, and drawbridges. It's genuinely scenic and gives you a different perspective on the city than anything on land.
Book Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi on Viator4
Everglades National Park Day Trip
One of Florida's most iconic natural experiences is within striking distance — airboat tours through the River of Grass, alligator sightings, and a landscape unlike anything in the developed world. Most airboat operators are 45-60 minutes from the port.
Book Everglades National Park Day Trip on Viator5
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale
A serious regional art museum with strong collections in CoBrA movement art, William Glackens works, and rotating contemporary exhibitions. Small enough to do in 90 minutes and genuinely interesting, not just a rainy-day fallback.
Book NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale on Viator6
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
A historic 35-acre estate right on the beach, with preserved 1920s architecture, botanical gardens, and wildlife including swans and monkeys. It's a surprisingly peaceful contrast to the commercial beach strip a block away.
Book Bonnet House Museum & Gardens on Viator7
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
A 1.5-mile landscaped path along the New River connecting museums, restaurants, and green spaces through downtown. It's flat, pleasant, and gives you a feel for the city beyond the tourist strip.
Book Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale on Viator8
International Swimming Hall of Fame
A niche but genuinely interesting museum dedicated to the history of competitive swimming and aquatic sports. Compact, well-presented, and worth 45 minutes if you have any interest in the sport — or if you're already at the beach and looking for something with air conditioning.
Book International Swimming Hall of Fame on Viator9
Miami Day Trip
Miami is 30 miles south — close enough for a half-day trip by rideshare or shuttle. South Beach, Wynwood Walls, Little Havana, and the Art Deco Historic District are all accessible. This is a legitimate option for repeat cruisers who've already covered Fort Lauderdale.
Book Miami Day Trip from $3010
Stand-Up Paddleboarding or Kayaking the Waterways
Several outfitters rent boards and kayaks for exploring the calm inland canals — a more active and personal way to experience the waterways than the water taxi. The canals are flat and beginner-friendly.
Book Stand-Up Paddleboarding or Kayaking the Waterways on ViatorPractical Tips for Cruise Passengers
- Arrive the day before embarkation — Fort Lauderdale airport delays, traffic, and embarkation line backups have ruined many cruises for same-day flyers.
- Rideshare is almost always faster and cheaper than taxis from the port — have Uber or Lyft open and ready before you clear the terminal.
- The Sun Trolley is free within the beach and Las Olas corridors, but it doesn't reach the port; use it to extend your time once you're already in those areas.
- Fort Lauderdale Beach is best before 11am — by midday it fills up fast, especially on weekends and during spring break.
- If you're using the water taxi, buy a day pass rather than a single ride — the value improves significantly if you plan to move between multiple stops.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen; Florida waters and ocean-minded locals appreciate it, and it's increasingly required at some parks and natural areas.
- If your ship overnights in Fort Lauderdale, consider an evening on Las Olas — the restaurant scene is better at night and the crowds thin out from the beach.
- Miami is closer than it looks on a map but traffic on I-95 can be brutal — add significant buffer time if you're planning a Miami day trip from the port.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — the port is in an industrial zone about 3 miles from the beach and 4 miles from Las Olas. You need a rideshare, taxi, or organized transport to reach anything worth seeing. Budget 10-15 minutes each way.
About 4 miles and typically 10-15 minutes by rideshare or taxi. It's one of the most conveniently located airport-to-port combinations of any major US cruise hub.
Most major lines use Port Everglades including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, Princess, Holland America, Norwegian, MSC, Cunard, and several luxury and expedition lines. Check your specific terminal assignment — the port has multiple terminals spread across the facility.
Fort Lauderdale wins on logistics — the airport is closer to the port, it's less chaotic, and hotels are generally more affordable. Miami has more to offer as a destination, but the extra distance adds stress on embarkation day.
Yes, beach access itself is free. You'll pay for parking if you drive, and obviously for food, drinks, and rentals. Public restrooms and showers are available on the beach promenade.
Yes — the main tourist areas (beach strip, Las Olas, Riverwalk) are safe and well-patrolled. Use standard city awareness, keep valuables secured on the beach, and stick to licensed transport from the port.
Yes, but it requires a half day minimum and reliable transport. Most airboat operators are 45-60 minutes west of the port — book in advance and factor in travel time carefully so you don't miss all-aboard.
Rideshare to Las Olas, walk toward the beach, spend an hour on the sand, grab a quick lunch on A1A, and rideshare back. It's quick, covers the highlights, and costs under $50 per person in transport and food.
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) is one of the world's busiest and most well-connected cruise homeports — search for Caribbean, Bahamas, or Canada & New England cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale to find your next voyage.
Compare sailings and book with no fees — best price guaranteed.
