Cruising From Port Everglades: Tips For A Smooth Embarkation

Getting There

Cruising from Port Everglades can be smooth and enjoyable if you know a few things prior to arrival. The port is located in Fort Lauderdale Florida and is fairly easy to find. Entering the port is through one of three gated entrances: Eisenhower Blvd, Eller Drive, or Spangler Drive. At each gate there is a security checkpoint where each person in your party must show their identification before being allowed to enter. Have your ID handy and it only takes seconds and you are in. If you fly in to Fort Lauderdale, the airport is a quick 10-15 minute drive from the port. Obviously if you are arriving a day or more before your cruise (recommended) you will be leaving from your hotel. Once in the port, you’ll need to find your terminal.

Finding Your Terminal

Finding your terminal is easy. Once you’re inside the port area there are large electronic signs that let you know what ship is at each terminal. Also, remember all of those cruise documents and emails that the cruise line sent you before your sail date? In there someplace is most likely going to be information about which terminal you’ll leave from. once you know the terminal number, there are plenty of signs to guide you to the right place. The port is a big place, so a little preparation is advisable. On the port’s website you can find a schedule of ship arrivals and departures so once your sailing date gets close you can actually look this up.

Parking

For those of you who drive to the port, you’ll need to find the parking area for your terminal. I recommend you drop your luggage with the porters at the terminal and then park your car. The port website will tell you what garage you need to use. When cruising from Port Everglades the parking is marked and signs will guide you. Remember that your ship is unloading passengers on the morning that you are arriving so it’s best not to arrive too early. There will be a lot more parking after the disembarking passengers have left. Right now, parking is 20$ per day which may sound steep but you can’t beat the convenience. Cheaper parking can be had from third party vendors who will shuttle you to the port. Once bags are dropped at the terminal and the car is parked it’s a short walk to the entrance.

Check-In

Now you are ready to check in for your cruise vacation. Depending on your arrival time, the terminal may or may not be open. Arrive too early and you’ll probably wait in line a little. We have good luck arriving right around 10:30-11:00 am or so. At that time you won’t have to wait too long for the terminal to open if it isn’t already. Make sure you have your boarding documents in hand when you enter the terminal, including your boarding pass and identification. These will be checked at least one or two times during the check in process. The line will move quickly, and depending on the time you will either be directed to the waiting area or possibly right on the ship. Boarding typically begins around 11 am but can vary either way.

Boarding The Ship

After check in, all that’s left is to board the ship. As mentioned above, if you arrive before boarding starts you will be in the waiting area. Generally speaking the wait isn’t long but be prepared just in case there are any issues that delay boarding. Nobody likes to wait but it does happen sometimes. Once boarding starts, you’re group will be called when it is your turn. Remember, passengers with high loyalty status and guest in suites will go first, followed by those who purchase packages that include priority boarding. It’s a little bit of a cattle call for a few moments but soon enough you’ll be walking up the ramp to the ship and cruising from Port Everglades.

Conclusion

This simple guide is meant to be helpful for those that have not been to Port Everglades before. It’s always nice if you can avoid those unexpected curveballs and delays. Cruising from Port Everglades can be smooth and easy with a little preparation and these tips might help too.