Fort Lauderdale Holland America Cruise Port Travel Guide

Fort Lauderdale is a popular cruise port, attracting millions of visitors each year. It's also a great destination for a pre- or post-cruise stay.

The Port of Fort Lauderdale is a major cruise hub, with Holland America offering a variety of itineraries from the city. You can choose from a range of ship sizes and amenities, from smaller, more intimate vessels to larger, more luxurious ones.

Getting to the cruise port is relatively easy, with several transportation options available. You can take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft, or even use public transportation like the Broward County Transit bus.

Take a look at this: Transportation from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami Cruise Ship Terminal

You can park your car close to the cruise ships at Fort Lauderdale's cruise port, with security-patrolled public parking available.

All parking lots are within walking distance of the cruise terminals, except for terminal 29, which has a free shuttle connecting it to the Palm Parking Garage.

There are dedicated spaces for disabled passengers at all parking garages and surface lots, providing barrier-free access to and from the terminals.

Check this out: Cruise Parking Port Everglades Florida

The Heron Parking Garage offers up to 1,818 spaces, serving terminals 2 and 4, while the Palm Parking Garage hosts 1,966 spaces serving terminals 19, 21, 25, 26, and 29.

You can also take advantage of hourly and daily parking at all parking garages and surface lots, with maximum daily rates set at $20 or $25 for over-sized vehicles.

Parking is $4 for up to an hour and $8 for up to 5 hours, with $1 charged per hour for each additional hour up to the daily maximum.

If you're flying in, several airport shuttles link each airport terminal with the port, including the Go Airport shuttle, which offers connections every 15 to 20 minutes using air-conditioned vans.

Some cruise lines also offer dedicated shuttles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Miami's airport, making it easy to get to the port.

Getting around Fort Lauderdale is a breeze, thanks to its compact layout and variety of transportation options.

Taxis and ridesharing services are a quick and inexpensive way to get around, with most local trips costing under $20.

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the area and visit nearby cities like Miami and West Palm Beach.

Fort Lauderdale's Water Taxi system is a unique way to see the city and get around, with 14 points of interest to choose from and an all-day pass available for $40.

The Water Taxi runs every 25 to 35 minutes, making it easy to hop on and off throughout the day.

You can also use the free LauderGO shuttle, which offers 5 different routes to popular destinations like the beach and downtown area.

Broward County Transit operates commuter buses, including the Number 40 bus that links Port Everglades with downtown, for just $2 per ride.

If you prefer to bike, you can reserve a bicycle through the Broward B-cycle bike-sharing service, with rentals starting at $7 for the first 30 minutes.

Fort Lauderdale is a popular cruise port, with many terminals to choose from.

You can download the Port Everglades app to find your cruise ship's exact terminal and layout. This will help you navigate the area and plan your day.

There are eight cruise terminals in total, each with its own set of facilities including air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and snack and drink machines.

Here are the terminal numbers you should look out for:

Miami International Airport is 27 miles south of Port Everglades and 50 miles north of Palm Beach International Airport.

If you're driving from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, follow signs toward U.S. 1 North when leaving the car rental area before following signs for Port Everglades and Eller Drive directly to the port.

From terminals 1 through 4, travel along U.S. 1 North before exiting on 17th Street and using the 17th Street Causeway to enter the port.

Port Everglades is just a 10-minute drive from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

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The cruise port offers security-patrolled public parking close to ships, with all parking lots within walking distance of cruise terminals.

The only exception is terminal 29, which does not have dedicated parking nearby, but a free shuttle connects the terminal with the Palm Parking Garage.

All parking garages and surface lots have dedicated spaces for disabled passengers, providing barrier-free access to and from terminals via crosswalks and elevators.

If you're driving to the cruise port, be aware that hourly and daily parking are available at all parking garages and surface lots, with maximum daily rates set at $20 or $25 for over-sized vehicles.

Riverwalk is a paved riverside path on the banks of New River in Fort Lauderdale. It's a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the scenic views.

Stranahan House is the city's earliest residence, built by Frank Stranahan in 1901. This historic house offers a glimpse into Fort Lauderdale's past.

Forth Lauderdale's South Beach Park is the nearest beach to downtown, and it's lifeguarded for your safety. It's also unique because it borders a paved promenade street.

Fort Lauderdale is a shopper's paradise, and you'll find plenty of options near Port Everglades.

The city's top retail destinations are just a short drive away, with 17th Street offering convenient shopping options if you're staying close to the port.

Downtown Fort Lauderdale is renowned for its shopping, and you'll also find fantastic boutiques in Fort Lauderdale Beach and Hollywood Beach.

If you're willing to take a 20-minute bus ride or 15-minute drive north of the cruise port, The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination with great shops and restaurants.

Las Olas Boulevard is about ten minutes from the cruise port and is home to independently owned boutiques, inviting cafes, and acclaimed restaurants.

You can also access these destinations using the Greater Fort Lauderdale's Water Taxi system.

To the south, Dania is home to Antique Row, where you'll find over 100 dealers selling every conceivable collectible and antique.

A little further afield, Westfield Broward in Plantation is within a 20-minute drive west of Port Everglades, with over 80 shops and restaurants.

Sawgrass Mills, a popular destination for bargain hunters, is also within driving distance, with nearly 400 retail outlets and restaurants.

Consider reading: Where Is Port Everglades Florida

If you want to stay close to your cruise ship, the Port Everglades area near the 17th Street Causeway is a great option. You're also close to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Hotels in this area, such as the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port, and Pier Sixty-Six Hotel and Marina, are within a ten-minute walk of Port Everglades. The area is also home to the Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale.

Staying near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is ideal if you have an early flight home or arrive late, and if you're only planning to stay a night before or after your cruise. Options include the Crowne Plaza Hotel Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise, Hampton Inn Fort Lauderdale Airport North, and Ramada by Wyndham Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port.

Fort Lauderdale Beach is a fantastic option if you want to spend time along the coast. From affordable hotels to luxury beach resorts, all budgets are catered in the area.

The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale, The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, The Atlantic Hotel and Spa, W Fort Lauderdale, and DoubleTree by Hilton Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach are some of the top hotels in the area.

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Fort Lauderdale is a popular departure and arrival point for cruises, located on the east coast of Florida. It's situated between Cape Canaveral and Miami.

The city's official port is called Port Everglades, and many cruise lines operate from here. You can download the Port Everglades app to find out where your ship will dock and view a map of the area.

There are multiple cruise terminals in Fort Lauderdale, each with amenities like air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and snack and drink machines. You can find your ship's terminal number using the app.

Here are the terminal numbers you might need:

You can stay in many hotels in Fort Lauderdale, which is a great idea if you're departing from this port, as I did.

Make sure your hotel has a shuttle service to the port, to make your journey even easier.

Book your hotel in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak season.

The Fort Lauderdale Holland America cruise port is a bustling hub of activity, with thousands of passengers embarking and disembarking each day. Located at 1015 Middle River Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, it's easy to find.

The terminal is open 24/7, so you can drop off your luggage or pick up any essentials at your convenience. You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the many nearby restaurants.

Security checks are in place to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all passengers. Be prepared to show your ID and cruise documents when you arrive.

You'll find plenty of parking options nearby, including a parking garage and several lots. Rates vary, but you can expect to pay around $20-$30 per day.

The terminal is also wheelchair accessible, with elevators and ramps making it easy to get around.

Recommended read: List of Busiest Cruise Ports by Passengers