Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale
Port Everglades, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is one of the nation’s busiest and most important seaports. Best known to many travelers as a major cruise departure point, it also handles container cargo, petroleum products, and other essential trade for South Florida. Its location near downtown Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and major highways makes it especially convenient for cruise passengers, arriving visitors, and pre- or post-cruise stays.
A Major Cruise Hub
Port Everglades is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading cruise ports. Millions of passengers pass through its terminals each year on sailings to the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Panama Canal routes, transatlantic crossings, and other itineraries depending on the season. Cruise line deployments can change, but the port regularly serves major brands such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and others.
- Modern Cruise Terminals: Port Everglades features multiple passenger terminals designed to support smoother embarkation and disembarkation, with accessibility accommodations and terminal services that vary by sailing.
- Large Ship Access: The port regularly accommodates some of the cruise industry’s largest and most recognizable vessels, making it a common departure point for high-capacity, amenity-rich ships.
- Convenient Location: The port is only a short drive from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and close to major hotels, beaches, and dining districts. Many travelers turn their sailing into a longer South Florida getaway with time on Las Olas Boulevard or Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Cargo and Trade
Beyond cruising, Port Everglades is a major commercial seaport and energy gateway for the region. It supports container shipping, bulk and breakbulk cargo, refrigerated goods, and petroleum distribution, helping connect Florida businesses with domestic and international markets. For many visitors, this means the area is a working port first and foremost, with active terminals and restricted industrial zones alongside passenger operations.
- International Trade Gateway: Port Everglades links South Florida with shipping routes throughout the Americas, Europe, and beyond, supporting both imports and exports across a wide range of industries.
- Regional Energy Importance: The port is a key fuel distribution point for South Florida, including supplies that support local transportation and nearby airports.
- Ongoing Improvements: Infrastructure upgrades, channel work, and terminal enhancements help the port handle modern vessels more efficiently. Specific projects and timelines can change over time.
Environmental Stewardship
As a major coastal port, Port Everglades also operates alongside sensitive South Florida marine habitat. Environmental efforts have included air and water quality initiatives, wildlife protection measures, reef and habitat considerations, and ongoing work to reduce the impacts of port operations where possible. Policies and programs evolve, but sustainability remains an important part of long-term port planning.
Key Attractions Nearby
Travelers using Port Everglades are well placed to explore Fort Lauderdale before or after a cruise:
- Fort Lauderdale Beach: Just minutes from the port, this popular beach offers wide sand, blue water, hotels, restaurants, and a lively beachfront atmosphere.
- Las Olas Boulevard: Known for its shopping, dining, and galleries, Las Olas is a favorite stop for travelers with extra time in the city.
- Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center: Adjacent to the port area, this large event venue hosts conventions, meetings, and exhibitions throughout the year.
- Everglades Excursions: Visitors can head inland to explore the nearby Florida Everglades for wildlife viewing, wetland scenery, and airboat tours.
Visitor Information
- Location: 1850 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Access: Port Everglades is reached via major South Florida roadways including I-95 and I-595, and it is only minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Entry routes and terminal assignments may vary by cruise line and sailing date.
- Parking: On-site cruise parking is typically available in port garages and lots near the terminals. Rates, availability, and payment procedures may change, and some nearby hotels offer cruise parking packages or shuttle service.
- Hours: Port operations run around the clock, but terminal access, parking, and cruise check-in times depend on your ship, terminal, and embarkation schedule.
- Official Information: For current directions, parking details, terminal maps, and passenger notices, check the official Port Everglades website before you go.
Vicinity of Port Everglades
Tips for Cruise Passengers
- Arrive with Extra Time: Traffic, terminal entry, luggage drop, and security screening can all add time on embarkation day, especially during busy travel periods.
- Confirm Your Terminal: Check your cruise line’s latest boarding documents before leaving for the port, since ship assignments and terminal locations can change.
- Bring Required Documents: Make sure passports or other accepted travel documents, boarding passes, and identification are easy to access during check-in.
- Consider a Pre- or Post-Cruise Stay: Fort Lauderdale has many hotels, dining options, and beach areas close to the port, making it easy to turn cruise travel into a longer vacation.
- Check Transportation and Parking Options: Review parking, ride-share, taxi, shuttle, or hotel transfer plans before you travel so embarkation day goes more smoothly.
Why Visit or Use Port Everglades?
Port Everglades is one of South Florida’s most important transportation gateways. For cruise passengers, it offers efficient access to major sailings and easy connections to Fort Lauderdale’s hotels, beaches, and attractions. For the region as a whole, it remains a vital center for trade, fuel distribution, and international maritime activity. Even if you are simply passing through, its location and connectivity make it a practical starting point for a South Florida trip.
For the latest passenger information, directions, and parking details, visit the official website: PortEverglades.net 
