PortMiami, known as the “cruise capital” of the world, is recognized as the busiest cruise port. In fiscal year 2023, the Miami cruise port processed over 7.2 million passengers. The Miami cruise port is home to some of the newest and most innovative ships afloat. If you are planning a cruise from this popular homeport, we outline the best ways to get from the Fort Lauderdale airport to the Miami cruise port.

Best Ways to Get from the Fort Lauderdale Airport to the Miami Cruise Port

Given Miami’s ideal location, this cruise port offers an array of cruise itineraries. Cruisers will find routes to the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America, as well as Panama Canal transits, transatlantic cruises, and more departing from Miami, Florida. Cruisers will also find a variety of ships from most major cruise brands — as well as many smaller luxury lines — sailing from this homeport.

While many Florida locals do drive to the port, most cruisers fly here to embark on their cruise vacations.

The closest airport is the Miami International Airport (MIA). This airport is located less than 10 miles from PortMiami. All large U.S. airlines do fly to Miami, however carriers such as JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and Allegiant airlines also have major operations in Fort Lauderdale.

Luckily, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is also located under 30 miles away. With traffic, this trip should take between 45 minutes and an hour.

Despite the distance, several options do exist to ensure you arrive to the ship on time for your cruise. If you are not sure which mode of transportation is best for your next vacation, we’re comparing all of the best ways to get from the Fort Lauderdale Airport to the Miami Cruise Port.

Given the distance from the airport to the cruise terminal, be sure to plan your flights appropriately if you plan to fly in the day of your cruise. Though, we always recommend cruisers fly the day before to avoid any potential travel delays. We suggest considering a pre-cruise hotel stay prior your cruise. If you are flying into the Fort Lauderdale airport, we would recommend securing a hotel in Miami so you are closer to the cruise port in the morning.

Cruise Line Transfers

If you are arriving the day of your cruise, a cruise line transfer from the airport might be the easiest option. Many cruise lines offer an option to book this transportation pre-cruise. Once at the airport, a cruise line representative will check you in and direct you to the next bus departing for your ship.

These transfers can run upwards of $40 per person depending on the cruise line. Further, the buses run on set schedules, so depending on your flight time, you might need to wait a little while for the next departure time.

While not the cheapest option, the pro of booking a cruise line transfer is that you are guaranteed you will not miss the ship.

Independent Shuttle Services

There are also several independent shuttle options. These services can sometimes be the cheapest per person option, especially for larger parties — expect to pay anywhere between $15 and $40 per person.

These shuttle options may include shuttles from the airport to the cruise terminal and/or hotel shuttles (if arriving a day early). Some of these options include GO Airport shuttle, Quick Shuttle, Express Shuttle Miami, Fort Lauderdale Airport Shuttle, and South Florida Shuttles.

Most of these shuttle services offer smaller vehicles rather than a large bus, and they are located right at the airport and cruise terminal for arrivals and departures. Still, they are a shared service and also run on a set schedule. Though, some companies do offer private transfers as well.

If you have issues with a reservation or a problem getting to the port, you will have to deal directly with the shuttle service. This is especially true if you arrive late and are worried about getting to the ship on time.

Private Cars

If sharing is not your idea of being on vacation, we understand. There are several reputable companies from which you can reserve a private vehicle that will pick you up at the airport.

The drivers will assist with your bags and make sure you are comfortable during your trip from the Fort Lauderdale airport to the Miami cruise port.

While this is the most expensive transportation option, this will be a private accommodation and a more upscale vehicle.

When reserving one of these private services, be sure to get a price quote that includes all tolls, airport fees and charges, and gratuities. Some companies will quote a very low price but then tack on all of these additional costs once you arrive.

Shared Ride Services

Shared Ride Services are probably the most popular form of transportation in recent years. This is always our preferred transportation method when on vacation.

Popular apps like Uber and Lyft are allowed to pick-up/drop-off passengers at both the airport and the cruise port. The cost of using these services varies based on the type of vehicle you choose but the average for an UberX is around $50-$60 from Fort Lauderdale to the Miami cruise port. This price is for the entire car — not per person.

An UberX should have enough room for two people and all your luggage; however, a family of four and all your luggage will probably need a larger vehicle (UberXL).

Of course, the larger vehicle will come with a higher price tag.

The biggest benefit to using these ride share services is convenience. You will meet your private car at a designated location at the airport, and it will drop you off right in front of the cruise terminal.

However, the one issue with this mode of transportation can be quality control. We have had some great and some not so great Uber drivers. Depending on the driver, you might have to load your own luggage into the vehicle. We have also experienced some language barriers.

Similarly, taxis are available from Fort Lauderdale for around $80 to $100 each way. If for some reason you aren’t able to find a rideshare driver using the app, a taxi is always a good backup.

Public Transportation

If you are up to taking public transportation, it could save you quite a bit of money. You can get from the Fort Lauderdale airport to the Miami cruise port using a combination of the Tri-Rail, the Metrorail, and the Miami Trolley which in total will cost under $10 per person. Though, this will certainly not be the most convenient or efficient. This entire trip could end up taking you upwards of an hour and a half. The multiple transfers is not ideal, so we only recommend this option if you need to save money on your trip or you are very comfortable with public transportation.

A better option if you’re leaning towards a train is Brightline, which has stations in downtown Fort Lauderdale as well as in downtown Miami. The Brightline ride to Miami takes around 40 minutes and — in our experience — is one of the nicest, cleanest public transportation options available.

There are two types of Brightline fares available. The standard one, called the Smart fare, usually costs between $19 and $40 per person, one way from Fort Lauderdale to Miami and includes perks such as high-speed wifi and outlets at every seat. The Premium option usually costs between $44 and $80 for the same route and includes extras such as larger seats, snacks and drinks, access to the Premium lounge at the train station, and a $10 Uber voucher.

Just keep in mind that if you’re taking Brightline, you’ll still need to take an Uber/Lyft or use another method of transportation to get to/from the train station and the airport/cruise port.

Renting a Car

Technically, you can also rent a car and drive to Miami. When you factor in gas and cost for the car, it might work out to be cheaper than some of the other options, especially for a family of four. However, you will then have to deal with traffic and other associated parking fees.

Even if you are planning to spend a few days in Miami before your cruise, we don’t recommend renting a car. Much of the area near the cruise port is walkable.

There is also plenty of public transportation options once in the city, along with Uber/Lyft. Further, if you are looking to go sightseeing, a hop-on/hop-off bus might be the perfect choice. Big Bus Miami has stops located near all the major Miami attractions.

Choosing the Right Mode of Transportation to the Cruise Port

Deciding which form of transportation to take from the Fort Lauderdale airport to the Miami cruise port depends on the preferences of your travel party.

Couples or those who don’t want to be bound to a schedule will probably find a shared ride service to be the best option. Small groups or those looking to save some money will probably opt for a shared transfer from a third-party company.

Those travelers looking for sheer convenience or first-time cruisers might be best just sticking with the cruise line’s offered transportation; whereas, travelers looking for luxury might be best served with a private car. If you are traveling with a larger party, you might want to reserve a private shuttle.

Either way, knowing your options can help you can make an informed decision for your next cruise from PortMiami.

Comments

What is your preferred method of transportation from the Fort Lauderdale Airport to the Miami Cruise Port? Which of these services have you used in the past? Drop us an anchor below with your tips for cruising from PortMiami.

The post Best Ways to Get From Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami Cruise Port appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

Not far north of the busiest cruise port in the world (Miami) is another cruise port that’s more than worthy of a cruiser’s attention: Port Everglades. Not only is it another extremely well-trafficked cruise destination — it’s actually the 7th busiest cruise port in the world. If you’re planning to cruise from this Fort Lauderdale port, here’s our 2024 guide to Port Everglades. This helps to answer many frequently asked questions.

Our Guide to Cruising Out of Port Everglades Cruise Port (2024)

Which cruise lines sail out of Port Everglades?

There are eight cruise terminals at Port Everglades. Terminal 2 is home to Princess Cruises, and is equipped with the line’s Ocean Medallion technology which helps expedite the check-in process. Terminal 4 is Disney Cruise Line’s new terminal, which opened in fall 2023. It features a colorful ‘Finding Nemo’ theme.

If you’re sailing from Terminal 18, chances are you’re taking a cruise on Royal Caribbean. Terminal 19 is home to Holland America Line, while Terminal 21 hosts both Holland America and Princess Cruises.

Celebrity Cruises‘ home is Terminal 25, and Terminal 26 is a third terminal that’s used by Holland America. Terminal 29 is a bit of a catch-all, with Holland America, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean all having used it.

Other cruise lines that sail from Port Everglades include Crystal, Cunard, Silversea, Viking, and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Fast-ferry company Balearia Caribbean also operates ferry rides to Grand Bahama and Bimini from Port Everglades.

Holland America, Princess, and Celebrity make up the majority of cruise calls at Port Everglades. Ships from those lines sailing from Fort Lauderdale this year include Celebrity Beyond, Apex, and Reflection; Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam and Eurodam; and Enchanted and Sky Princess.

Disney Magic and Dream; Oasis, Freedom, Grandeur, and Liberty of the Seas; several Viking ocean and expedition ships; and ships from Ritz-Carlton and Silversea are also calling on Port Everglades this year.

Which airport is closest to the Fort Lauderdale cruise port?

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is by far the closest and most convenient airport for those cruising from Port Everglades. It’s just a three-mile, 10-minute drive from the airport to the cruise port. All main U.S. airlines service FLL including Delta, United, American, JetBlue, Allegiant, Southwest, and others.

Those who are flying to get to a cruise out of Fort Lauderdale but don’t arrive into FLL are probably flying into Miami, which is a 29 mile drive to Port Everglades. The length of time it takes to get from Miami International Airport to Port Everglades can vary widely — from a quick 45 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

Palm Beach International Airport is also an option, though less convenient as it’s about a 49-mile, 45-50 minute drive to the cruise port.

How do you get to and from the Port Everglades cruise terminal?

Port Everglades has three entrances:

• SE 17th St., located at Eisenhower Blvd.
• State Road 84, located just east of U.S. 1, located at Spangler Blvd.
• I-595 East, located at Eller Dr.

Each entrance has a security checkpoint where passengers and visitors ages 18 and older are required to show a government-issued photo ID and their cruise documents.

If you’re driving in, Port Everglades is easily accessible from major highways:

• From I-95 south: take Exit #26 to I-595 East. Take exit to Port Everglades.
• From I-95 north: take Exit #24 to I-595 East. Take exit to Port Everglades.
• From I-75 north or south: take Exit #19 to I-595 East. Take exit to Port Everglades.
• From Florida’s Turnpike north or south: take Exit #54 to I-595 East. Take exit to Port Everglades.

If you’re already in the area, the SE 17th St. or State Road 84 entrances may be more convenient. Colorful signage points guests towards the parking garages and terminals.

Additional Transportation Options

Rideshares (such as Uber and Lyft) and taxis are a popular option for cruisers getting from FLL to Port Everglades — especially given the fact that the airport and the port are so close together, meaning the ride will be quick and inexpensive. The average taxi fare is about $20. For an UberX, expect to pay around $10 to $15. For an UberXL (good if you have several people and several suitcases), expect to pay around $15 to $25.

Shuttles are also an option, both to and from FLL and Port Everglades. Many cruise lines offer shuttle transfers between the airport and the cruise port that you can book ahead of time; once you arrive just look for someone holding a sign or a kiosk with your cruise line’s name on it in the baggage area. Independent shuttles are also available, and many hotels offer their own shuttles to the cruise port for guests who stay with them pre or post-cruise.

Lastly, if you live in Florida or are visiting another part of the state before or after your cruise, consider the Brightline train. It connects Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach (along with other cities along the way) on the east coast of Florida before turning inland to a station at Orlando International Airport. Thus, if you’re in Orlando, West Palm Beach, or Miami, you can conveniently get to Brightline’s station in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. From there, it’s an easy 15-20 minute ride in a taxi or rideshare to get to the port. Because of the convenience of Brightline, flying into MCO and taking the train down to Fort Lauderdale is also a transportation option.

Is there parking at the Port Everglades cruise port?

Port Everglades offers both surface parking lots as well as two parking garages for cruise passengers. Parking is charged on a daily basis for every day your car is on the lot or in the garage. This means it will include both the day you park the car and the day you get off the ship. The maximum daily charge is $20, with oversized vehicles paying a daily maximum of $25. This means that for a weeklong cruise from Saturday to Saturday, it will cost a maximum of $160 to park a standard vehicle at the port.

Most of the port’s parking areas are within easy walking distance of the cruise terminals. Complimentary shuttle service is available between Palm Garage and Cruise Terminal 29.

Off-Site Parking Options

You can also park at an off-site parking lot. Options include:

• Park By The Ports: Located inside the Dania Beach Casino 3.1 miles from the port, $7.99 per day. Shuttle service is complimentary for up to four passengers, $8 per person for additional passengers
• Q&S Cruise & Airport Parking: .5 miles from the port, $6 per day. Shuttle service is complimentary.
• Quick & Safe Parking: 1.3 miles from the port, $6 per day. Shuttle service is complimentary.
• Park ‘N Go: 1.2 miles from the port, $10.50 per day. Shuttle service is complimentary.

Parking at Nearby Hotels

Another option for parking is to stay at a nearby hotel that offers a ‘park and stay’ package. This means that you’ll be able to stay at that hotel pre-cruise and then keep your car parked there for the entire duration of your sailing at a lower price than it would cost you to park at the port. Many hotels that offer this type of package also include a free shuttle to the port. Some of these hotels include:

• Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel
• Holiday Inn Express Cruise Airport
• Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port
• Hilton Garden Inn Fort Lauderdale
• Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port

Which hotels are closest to the Fort Lauderdale cruise port?

When cruising from Port Everglades, there’s a plethora of hotel options nearby. You can choose to stay near the port, head north to a hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach, or stay downtown to enjoy the restaurants and nightlife on Las Olas Boulevard.

The closest hotels physically to Port Everglades are the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Fort Lauderdale Cruise Airport, and Extended Stay America Premier Suites – Fort Lauderdale.

Other very nearby options include the Crowne Plaza Ft. Lauderdale Airport/Cruise, Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port & Convention Center, Four Points by Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port, and Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale.

Beach options include Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale Beach, Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach, W Fort Lauderdale, Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, and The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. There’s also the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, which is the only hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach that has direct beach access with no road in between.

If you’re looking to stay downtown, good options include Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale, Riverside Hotel Fort Lauderdale, The Dalmar Fort Lauderdale, Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Downtown/Las Olas, and Element Fort Lauderdale Downtown.

Do you need a passport to sail from Port Everglades?

If you’re a U.S. citizen taking a roundtrip voyage from Port Everglades (meaning it both starts and ends in Port Everglades), you don’t actually need a passport to sail. You should absolutely use your passport to sail if you have one. If you don’t, you’ll need to provide the following documents: a government-issued photo ID (such as your driver’s license) and your original birth certificate (or a certified birth certificate).

Note that this option ONLY applies to roundtrip voyages to/from a U.S. port and only applies to U.S. citizens. We still strongly encourage everyone to sail with a passport because it provides more security and convenience if something were to happen during the voyage and you were forced to fly home from a foreign country.

Top Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale

If you’re looking for a convenient way to get around Fort Lauderdale and see some of the most popular sights, consider taking the Fort Lauderdale water taxi. This relaxing mode of transportation on Fort Lauderdale’s waterways provides an opportunity to hear expert commentary from the vessel’s crew on what you’re sailing past and gets you to spots such as the vibrant Las Olas Boulevard lined with stores, restaurants, and bars, Fort Lauderdale Beach, and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. There’s also a complimentary river shuttle from Riverwalk Laura Ward Park up the New River to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

If you’re looking to take a stroll through Florida’s idyllic past, consider a visit to the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. You can choose to walk around the grounds, which features lush gardens, multiple ponds, native foliage, and even peacocks. For the full experience, you can also tour the house via both guided and self-guided tours, which offers a peek into one of Florida’s oldest residences filled with art and history. We recommend bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy a meal in the inviting gardens before touring the property.

For some more adventure, you could head further inland to Everglades National Park and take a fanboat ride. You can also rent a bicycle and take a ride on one of the park’s five biking trails.

Comments

Have you sailed out of the Port Everglades cruise port? Do you like cruising from Fort Lauderdale? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences with this South Florida cruise port.

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PortMiami officially has power… for cruise ships! Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, local officials, and cruise industry executives came together to celebrate the launch of shore power at the busiest cruise port in the world.

Shore power allows cruise ships to turn off their engines and plug into landside electrical power while docked, resulting in reduced emissions and noise. When ships are berthed, they need electricity for lights, refrigeration, operating equipment, and other vessel functions.

“As Mayor, I vowed to protect our environment; shore power has been my personal dream and initiative. We embarked on this journey in 2021, thanks to an innovative partnership with our major cruise line partners and Florida Power & Light Company,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Shore power is a great example of progress in tourism and clean energy converging. Together, we are creating jobs, expanding our economy, and preparing to meet the dynamic needs of tomorrow.”

A partnership between Miami-Dade County, Carnival Corporation & plc, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Royal Caribbean Group, Virgin Voyages, and Florida Power & Light Company, PortMiami is the first major cruise port on the U.S. eastern seaboard offering shore power capability at five cruise berths. In the coming year, 21 cruise ships will be outfitted for shore power and connect in Miami. The seaport will have over 350 vessel calls plugged into the shore power system.

“We are committed to being a sustainable global gateway,” said Hydi Webb, PortMiami Director and CEO. “We thank our Mayor, County Commissioners, and port partners for their continued support of our resilience initiatives.”

Plugging into shoreside electricity allows cruise ship engines to be turned off, reducing emissions by up to 98 percent. The annual emission estimate associated with the connection to shore power at one terminal is equivalent to the emission reduction associated with the removal of 7,500 cars from the road.

Miami-Dade County’s mission is to operate one of Florida’s most active seaports in a way that supports economic development and sustainability. PortMiami has a $4.2 billion capital improvement program centered around NetZero efforts.

Comments

Do you think adding shore power to PortMiami is a big step in the right direction towards the cruise industry’s environmental and sustainability goals? Do you often sail from Miami?

Stay up to date with the latest cruise news and travel updates!

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Port Everglades, located in Fort Lauderdale, is one of three busiest cruise ports in the world. The cruise lines that typically sail from Port Everglades include: Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Ritz-Carlton, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, and Viking Ocean.

If your next cruise departs from Port Everglades, and you are planning to drive to the port, we answer all of your questions about parking for the Port Everglades Cruise Port.

Why Drive to Port Everglades?

Flying seems like a logical choice for getting to a cruise port, but driving might save both time and money. Have you looked at the cost of airfare recently? Don’t you hate it when you spend almost as much on airfare as you do for your cruise? The cost benefits may be worthy of considering a drive to Fort Lauderdale.

Time savings may also be worthy of opting to drive to Port Everglades. Add up the time from leaving home to driving to the airport, finding a parking spot, waiting for a shuttle, and then going through the check-in process. Think about the hassle of security lines or hearing that your flight is delayed.

When you finally reach your destination, don’t forget about the time waiting for your luggage. When you finally see your luggage on the belt and breathe a sigh of relief that it wasn’t lost, you now need transportation to your hotel or to Port Everglades.

Thus, adding up all the time it takes to fly and the cost, you may conclude that driving is a perfect alternative. But where do you park when you arrive? Are there options besides parking at the cruise port? What happens if the lots are full? Do you have a plan B?

Here’s What You Need to Know About Parking for Port Everglades

Once you have decided to drive to the Port Everglades Cruise Port, you need to take a few things into consideration. Bad weather, construction delays, a flat tire, or mechanical issues with your car can add additional hours of travel to reach Port Everglades. Don’t cut your arrival too close to final boarding time. In fact, we always recommend that those who fly in, should arrive a day early.

That same advice also holds true for driving, especially if you have driven from far away. It’s worth the stress relief knowing that you have arrived and are an easy drive or shuttle ride to your cruise terminal at Port Everglades the next morning.

 Being rested and unrushed prepares you for enjoying every moment of your cruise.

Getting to Port Everglades

Port Everglades covers an expansive area with three different entrances to the port. The cruise port is accessible from I-595, I-195, I-175, US 1 (Federal Hwy), and the Florida Turnpike.

Do not consider walking to Port Everglades! Unauthorized roaming through the port is strictly prohibited.

If you are using a navigation app, Port Everglades recommends putting in “Port Everglades” rather than an address. Otherwise, you may be misdirected. When you put in Port Everglades on Google Maps, you will be able to select a terminal from a drop down menu. Most cruise lines regularly use a certain terminal but that can change. So, look at your cruise docs ahead of time to determine from which terminal your ship will sail.

Port Everglades has three entrances:

• 1595 Eller Drive, which is open 24 hours.
• US 1 (Federal Hwy) at State Rd, aka 84 (Spangler Blvd.) Open 6AM-6PM.
• Southeast 17th St. at Eisenhower Blvd. Open 6AM-6PM.

Once you reach your preferred entrance, you will find a security checkpoint. To avoid being honked at or being subjected to loud sighs of frustration from the cars behind you, be sure to have a government issued photo ID and your cruise documents ready to present to the security officer. These documents are required for any cruise guest 18 or older.

Be aware that no weapons, even permitted weapons, are allowed on port property and definitely not onboard a ship.

There is signage throughout the port directing you to both your terminal and the appropriate parking facility. Your first stop should be the terminal where all luggage and your passengers are dropped off. If any of your passengers are disabled, you may request curbside wheelchair assistance to the terminal.

While the driver is parking, the other guests should give the luggage to the porters at the cruise terminal. Be sure to keep your documents handy before giving the luggage to the porters. Additionally, keep medication and anything else important with you in your cruise carry-on. It will likely take time to get the luggage delivered to your stateroom.

What Are My Parking Options?

With nearly four million passengers per year sailing from this port, it’s no surprise that Port Everglades provides over 5,500 parking spaces in several fenced surface parking lots and two parking garages.

While parking at Port Everglades itself is likely the easiest and most convenient option, you should be aware that there are other options available for parking including off-site parking and park and cruise options that you should consider. This way, you can make an informed decision as to which option best fits your needs.

Parking at Port Everglades

The parking areas at Port Everglades include Parking Lots A, B, and C along with two garages – Heron and Palm. The good news is that parking on site at Port Everglades offers convenient and secure facilities.

Parking is charged on a daily basis. So you are charged for the day you first park the car and the day that you retrieve your car. The maximum daily charge at Port Everglades parking facilities is $20. Oversized vehicles pay a daily maximum of $25. 

Port Everglades parking facilities do not accept reservations or pre-payment for parking. Disabled parking is available and may be complimentary in certain cases, if you have the correct waiver. Being a resident of Florida makes getting a waiver a bit simpler. For more assistance or instructions about disabled parking, call SP Plus at 954-468-4680.

When entering the parking area, take the ticket and keep it with you. That way you can pay for your parking before retrieving your car when you return from your cruise.

There are contactless payment machines in both the garages and the parking lots. The machines accept credit cards and cash. Keep in mind that there are no cashiers at the exits.

Now that you have parked your car, you will find that most of the parking areas are within walking distance to the cruise terminals. There is complimentary shuttle service between Palm Garage and Cruise Terminal 29.

Port Everglades Terminals By Cruise Line

It’s best to check your cruise documents to know where your ship will dock, as things do change. Though, here is a general idea of where some cruise lines typically dock along with the associated parking areas.

• Terminal 2 – Princess Cruises. This terminal is connected to the Heron Parking Garage via a passenger bridge with moving sidewalks. Access is from the fifth floor of the garage. There are also elevators on the outside of Terminal 2.
• Terminal 4 – Disney Cruise Line. This is also connected to the Heron Garage.
• Terminal 18 – Royal Caribbean. Parking is in Lots 18 or 19.
• Terminal 19 – Holland America. Parking is in Lot 19.
• Terminal 21- Various cruise lines. Parking is in adjacent Palm Garage.
• Terminal 25 -Primarily used by Celebrity Cruises. Parking is in the Palm Garage as well.
• Terminal 26 – Holland America. Parking for this terminal is in the Palm Garage.
• Terminal 29 – Various cruise lines. Parking is in the Palm Garage with free shuttle service to/from the terminal.

Other Parking Options

While the cruise port may be the most convenient, it’s often more expensive. So, you may want to consider alternative parking options for Port Everglades. These include hotel park and stay options, offsite parking lots, or even the Fort Lauderale airport which is just over 4 miles away.

Hotel Park and Stay

Especially if you are arriving the day before your cruise, a park and stay hotel may be a good option. Often the parking fare for the duration of your cruise is included with paying a higher price for the room. Many of these hotels even offer complimentary shuttles to Port Everglades on your embarkation day.

Your travel advisor should be able to find you a hotel with parking using the International Holidays website, which is just for travel advisors. Or, you can also do your own online search.

Below are some popular hotels options that offer park and stay packages listed in order of distance from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

• Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel (0.1 miles to cruise port)
• Holiday Inn Express Cruise Airport (0.1 miles to cruise port)
• Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port (0.5 miles to cruise port)
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale (0.7 miles to cruise port)
• Hampton Inn Ft Lauderdale-Airport North (2.5 miles to cruise port)
• Candlewood Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise (2.5 miles to cruise port)
• Rodeway Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport – Port Everglades Cruise Port (5 miles to cruise port)
• Homewood Suites By Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport-Cruise Port (5.5 miles to cruise port)
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port (5.5 miles to cruise port)
• Residence Inn By Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port (6 miles to cruise port)
• Courtyard By Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port (6 miles to cruise port)
• Cambria Hotel & Suites Ft Lauderdale Airport South & Cruise Port (6.5 miles to cruise port)
• Hilton Garden Inn Fort Lauderdale (7 miles to cruise port)
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port (7 miles)
• SpringHill Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port (7 miles)
• Hyatt House Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port (7 miles)

Alternative Off-Site Parking Lots

Another alternative for less expensive parking for Port Everglades are off-site parking lots. There are many independent parking lots near the cruise port. Some of the above mentioned hotels also offer parking without a stay. Sites like Spot Hero and Cruise Parking provide real time availability.

Again do a search to see where the nearest parking lots are in relation to the port, what the fees are, and if they offer a free shuttle to the port. You may even find recommendations in Facebook groups from fellow cruisers.

Some options for off-site parking near Port Everglades include:

• Park by the Ports
• Park ‘N Go
• Gold Coast Cruise and Fly Parking

Discounts or Special Offers

After deciding which of these parking options is best for you, it doesn’t hurt to see if you can score any discounts or special offers on the price. Check out sources like Groupon, auto club memberships, other types of memberships or special coupons to see if you are eligible for a parking discount.

Saving the Best Option to Last

If you have friends or family who live near the port, you might be able to stay with them and leave your car with them. They might even agree to drive you to the port.

Or, maybe they live elsewhere in Florida near the newer Brightline train, which runs between Orlando and Miami, with limited stops between, including one at Fort Lauderdale.

Considerations for Parking at Port Everglades or Elsewhere

• Figure out what the value of your time is. Remember that you are here for a cruise. Do you want to spend hours figuring out parking alternatives to save a few bucks? Likely, you have saved a lot by driving rather than flying anyway.
• Check out reviews of the parking lots that you are considering.
• If you need a shuttle to the cruise port, be sure that the shuttle service can carry all of your luggage and inquire about fees.
• Be sure to allow plenty of time for taking a shuttle or other transportation to Port Everglades.
• Drop off your passengers and all luggage at your designated cruise terminal before parking your vehicle.
• Make note of where you parked. Grab a business card from the attendant at a remote lot. You will need to call for the shuttle when you get back. Take a photo of the nearest sign or landmark.
• Arrive a day early so you aren’t exhausted from driving long distances.
• Remember how you dropped off your passengers and luggage before heading to the parking lot? When you return, do the opposite. Leave the others with all the luggage at the terminal and retrieve your vehicle.
• If you park at a surface lot, put a sun blocker in your windshield to protect your vehicle from the scorching sun.
• If you are traveling with kids who need a car seat, don’t forget to grab it if you are planning on renting a car for independent exploration in a port of call.
• Carry a spare set of keys that you keep on your person.
• Don’t wait to the last minute to reserve your parking space if not parking at Port Everglades.

Final Thoughts

With advance preparation, drivers can make the process of finding parking for their cruise go smoothly. Choosing Port Everglades parking takes much less thought than other parking locations, but they are certainly viable options if you are looking to save money.

Remember that it’s your vacation. Choose the parking option that works best for you and gets you to your cruise ship safely and easily.

Comments

Do you have any other questions about parking for Port Everglades? Do you usually fly or drive to your cruise’s departure port? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences cruising from Fort Lauderdale.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Parking for Port Everglades Cruise Port appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

While Miami is known as the cruise capital of the world, there’s another cruise port a bit north of it in Florida that shouldn’t be forgotten. Not only is Port Canaveral the second busiest cruise port in Florida, but it’s actually the second busiest in the entire world. In fact, it processes nearly 7 million passengers each year with more growth on the horizon.

If you are planning a cruise from this eastern Florida location, here’s our 2024 guide to the Port Canaveral cruise port to help answer many frequently asked questions.

Cruise Lines That Sail From Port Canaveral

The Port Canaveral Cruise Port currently has seven cruise terminals. There are four A terminals, which are located on the north side: terminals 5, 6, 8, and 10. There are three B terminals, located on the south side: terminals 1, 2, and 3. A new terminal 4 is slated to open in 2026.

When arriving at Port Canaveral for your cruise, there are large electronic signs directing passengers to their correct terminal.

Cruise Terminal 1 was built to handle some of the largest cruise ships in the world, which includes Royal Caribbean‘s Oasis-class ships. This year, ships sailing from Terminal 1 include Allure, Wonder, and Utopia of the Seas.

Cruise Terminal 3 is the newest terminal at Port Canaveral to house Carnival Cruise Line’s largest ships — specifically Mardi Gras. Carnival Liberty and Glory also sail from this $163 million, 188,000 square foot terminal.

Terminal 5 is home to some of Royal Caribbean’s mid-sized ships — currently Mariner and Adventure of the Seas. Terminal 6 is home to some of Carnival’s mid-sized vessels, Carnival Freedom and Vista.

Cruise Terminal 8 is Disney Cruise Line‘s terminal, complete with a Mickey head-shaped portal that welcomes guests through the terminal and onto the ship. Disney Fantasy and Wish currently sail from Terminal 8, and it will also be home to Disney Treasure when the ship debuts in December 2024.

Related Post: Beginner’s Guide to Cruise Planning

Terminal 10 is home to Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises ships. Currently, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Jade, and MSC Seashore sail from this terminal.

Flying to Port Canaveral for a Cruise

Port Canaveral’s not far from the Bahamas. So, this cruise port is popular for short three and four-day cruises. These cruises often visit cruise line private islands such as Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay,.

Several popular cruises also visit Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay or Disney’s Castaway Cay.

While many Florida locals do drive to the port, many cruisers still fly here for cruise vacations. The closest airport to Port Canaveral is Orlando International Airport. MCO hosts plenty of airlines from destinations across the country, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding a flight.

This airport is located approximately 45 minutes from Port Canaveral. Thus, you should plan your flights appropriately if you plan to fly in the day of your cruise. Though, we never recommend doing so. We always recommend cruisers fly in the day before to avoid any potential travel delays.

Related Post: How to Budget for a Cruise

Once you arrive at the airport, you will have several transportation methods. Some of these options will depend on whether you fly in the day before or the day of your cruise.

Transportation To and From the Port Canaveral Cruise Port

As mentioned previously, if you live within driving distance of Port Canaveral, you will likely be driving to the cruise terminal. If you are driving, we will discuss parking options a bit later. However, there are several other transportation options available.

If you are arriving the day of your cruise, a cruise line transfer from the airport might be the easiest option, though likely not the cheapest.

Many cruise lines offer an option to book this transportation pre-cruise. Once at the airport, a cruise line representative will greet you at baggage claim and escort you and your luggage to the check-in area. After checking-in, you will board the next departing bus to the ship. 

These transfers will run upwards of $40 per person and do run on set time schedules.

There are also several independent shuttle options. These shuttle options may include shuttles from the airport to the cruise terminal and/or hotel shuttles from the airport. These shuttle services tend to be a bit cheaper than transportation arranged through the cruise line.

Some of these options include Cortrans Shuttle Service and Cocoa Beach Shuttle. Of course, some hotels themselves offer transportation — sometimes complimentary — from the airport. Most often, these shuttles are a shared service and run on a set time schedule.

Shared Ride Services are probably the most popular form of transportation in recent years. Popular apps like Uber and Lyft are allowed to pick-up/drop-off passengers at both the airport and the cruise port.

The cost of using these services varies base on the type of vehicle you choose but average between $70-$100. So, depending on your party size and amount of luggage, this option may or may not save you money. While Uber or Lyft are convenient and often cheaper, one issue that can arise is quality control among drivers.

Related Post: Do I Need a Passport to Cruise?

GoPort is another nice option offering packages that can include hotel accommodations, airport transportation, and cruise transfers for one set price. The company also offers shared shuttle service from the airport to the cruise port for as low as $29.99.

Parking at the Port Canaveral Cruise Port

If you are driving to the Port Canaveral Cruise Port, the Official Port Canaveral Cruise Parking is the most convenient option available. This “official” cruise parking is the only area directly adjacent to each of Port Canaveral’s cruise terminals.

With this option, you can park at your cruise terminal’s designated parking garage and simply take a short walk to your ship. The current parking rate is $17 per day, including day of arrival and day of departure.

The Port does not own or operate any off-site parking facilities. Though, independent off-site parking lots can be a cheaper option. This will entail taking a shuttle from the lot to the cruise terminal.

One of these options is the GoPort Plaza. Packages start at a flat fee of $60 for a seven-night cruise for one person, plus $10 for each additional traveler. For a week-long cruise for two, this would be about a 50 percent savings.

Park Port Canaveral and Port Parking Space are other options as well.

Related Post: What to Wear on a Cruise

Of course, if you opt for a pre-cruise stay in a hotel, many hotels offer cruise and stay packages which can include parking for the entire duration of the cruise.

Hotels Near Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal

When preparing for your cruise, you should consider planning a pre-cruise stay before the vacation. 

When cruising from Port Canaveral, you will have a number of hotel options. You could opt to stay closer to the Orlando airport and make the commute to the port in the morning.

Or, you could choose a hotel that is located closer to the port or nearby Cocoa Beach. Better yet, you could spend a few days at Disney World or Universal Studios before your cruise.

The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Radisson Resort at the Port, and Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach are among the closest to the Port Canaveral Cruise Port. You can also find our top picks for the Best Hotels Near Port Canaveral right here!

Top Things to Do Near Port Canaveral

Serving as an embarkation port as well as a port of call on some cruises, you might be wondering what activities there are to enjoy while visiting Port Canaveral. Whether you are visiting Florida’s Space Coast for the day or plan to spend a few pre-cruise or post-cruise days in the area, you will have several options.

Given the proximity to Orlando, one of the obvious choices is to visit your favorite central Florida theme park. Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are both located about an hour away. Walt Disney World is home to the popular Magic Kingdom theme park and Epcot which hosts various festivals throughout the year like the Food and Wine Festival in the summer/fall and the Flower and Garden Festival in the winter/spring. Additionally, Hollywood Studios is home to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, and Animal Kingdom has Pandora — The World of Avatar.

Harry Potter fans will love visiting Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. Not mention, there are plenty of thrill rides as well as the immaculately-themed Volcano Bay water park.

Further, Kennedy Space Center is one of the most popular attractions near Port Canaveral. Admission to this active spaceflight facility includes a variety of exhibits and attractions. To enjoy everything Kennedy Space Center has to offer, plan on spending at least one full day there.

If you want to grab a bite to eat almost at the port itself, Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar and Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill are two popular options. These restaurants are located right at the pier and are cruiser favorite spots to watch the ships sail out of port.

Of course, there are several other activities in the area as well. If you are looking for more options, check out our list of top things to do near Port Canaveral.

Comments

Have you cruised from the Port Canaveral Cruise Port? What are some of your best hotels and things to do in the area? Drop us an anchor below to share your Port Canaveral cruise tips.

The post Complete Guide to the Port Canaveral Cruise Port appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

The Port of Miami continues to grow and many cruisers opt to drive to the port rather than fly. Known as the Cruise Capital of the World, Miami is well-prepared to welcome guests arriving by automobile. Lucky those cruisers who can drive to the port rather than fly. But where do you park when you arrive? Are there options besides parking at the cruise port? What happens if the lots are full? Do you have a plan B?

Well, if you are planning to drive to your next cruise from PortMiami, we answer all your questions about parking for the Miami Cruise Port.

Here’s What You Need to Know About Parking for the Miami Cruise Port

First and foremost, if you are driving to the port be prepared for unexpected delays. Don’t cut your arrival too close to final boarding time. In fact, we always recommend that those who fly in arrive a day early.

That advice also holds true for driving, especially if you have driven from far away. The relief of stress knowing that you have arrived and are an easy shuttle ride to the port is worth it. Being rested prepares you for enjoying every moment of your cruise.

What Are My Parking Options?

As the largest cruise port in the world, PortMiami offers a variety of parking spaces paired with the nearest cruise terminal, eliminating long walks from the car to the terminal.

Yet, while the Port of Miami itself may be the first option that comes to mind, you should be aware of other alternatives for parking that are outside of the port itself as well. This way, you can make an informed decision as to which option best fits your needs.

Parking at the Port of Miami

For many, parking right at the port makes everything simpler. This choice takes away the time and stress of researching and comparing other options. Just take note of your cruise line and find the garage that provides parking for that terminal.

The Port of Miami has excellent signage directing you to your appropriate cruise terminal. You should also check your cruise docs or the cruise website to see where your cruise ship will dock at the port before your embarkation day.

PortMiami has made it simple to know which parking option is closest to the cruise terminal where your ship departs. Most of these parking facilities are in garages, but the overflow lots have uncovered parking. Here is a list of the current parking areas and their matching cruise lines.

• Terminal AA/AAA – MSC Cruises (coming in 2024)
• Terminal A – Royal Caribbean | The Crown of Miami
• Terminal B – Norwegian Cruise Line | The Pearl of Miami
• Terminal C – Disney Cruise Line/MSC (Disney will move to Port Canaveral and MSC will move to a new terminal AA/AAA. Other cruise lines will eventually use this lot.)
• Terminals D & E – Carnival, Princess Cruises, P&O, Holland America Line
• Terminal F – Carnival Cruise Line
• Terminal G – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises
• Terminal J – Small vessels and luxury cruises
• Terminal K – Overflow Lot
• Terminal V – Virgin Voyages | Palm Grove

Cost of Parking at the Miami Cruise Terminal

For most vehicles, the charge for parking is $22 daily. Remember that includes any part of a day. So, if you come in on Sunday at 3:00 PM and leave the next Sunday at 9:00 AM, you will pay for eight days of parking.

Royal Caribbean’s parking A has its own system. You may reserve your parking in advance. You go to the site, select your sailing and it will give you the total amount. Expect to pay $35 per day for Terminal A parking.

Terminal J requires pre-payment upon entering. Cruisers will be given a decal to stick to their windshield.

Parking lot E has an outside lot for oversized vehicles. The cost is $22 per space. If your rig takes up two spaces, you will pay $44.

Please call the port to check on parking fees if you have a disabled veterans license plate, adapted controls in the car, and are a resident of Florida to see what your parking costs will be.

Other Parking Options

While the port may be the most convenient, it’s often more expensive. Though, it does have security, which may be comforting to many. Who wants to come back to a car missing its catalytic converter or to no car at all?

If you are looking for alternative parking options, you have some choices.

Hotel Park and Stay

Some hotels have a stay and park option. If you are using a travel advisor, ask them to check International Holidays, a company that only works with professionals. They can help quickly find a hotel that offers such a combo fare. Usually, you will pay a higher premium for your room, but it will make sense when you figure that you are paying for both a night at the hotel and parking for the duration of your cruise.

Another way to find these deals is to go to your favorite search engine and look for “park and stay hotels in Miami”. While many hotels have a free shuttle with this rate, they will likely have assigned shuttle times to/from the cruise port, and they may even have a per person rate to get to PortMiami. With a shared ride service or taxi, you go when you want and the cost may be less or close to what the hotel charges for this service.

Below are some popular hotels options that offer park and stay packages listed in order of distance from the Miami Cruise Port.

• DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay (2 miles to cruise port)
• Hilton Miami Downtown (2 miles to cruise port)
• Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Brickell Downtown (2.7 miles to cruise port)
• Courtyard by Marriott Miami Airport (6.5 miles to cruise port)
• Residence Inn by Marriott Miami Airport (6.5 miles to cruise port)
• Towneplace Suites Miami Airport (6.5 miles to cruise port)
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Miami International Airport (7 miles to cruise port)
• Sonesta Miami Airport (7 miles to cruise port)
• Hyatt Place Miami Airport East (7.5 miles to cruise port)
• Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Airport South/Blue Lagoon (8.5 miles to cruise port)
• Hampton Inn Miami Airport East (8.5 miles to cruise port)
• Eb Hotel Miami (8.5 miles to cruise port)
• SpringHill Suites By Marriott Miami Airport South Blue Lagoon Area (10.5 miles to cruise port)
• Four Points by Sheraton Miami Airport (11.5 miles to cruise port)
• Hilton Garden Inn Miami Airport West (12 miles to cruise port)

Hotel Lots Without a Stay

Have you ever had a flight cancelled and decided to drive to the Port of Miami to catch your cruise? You wouldn’t have made a Park and Cruise hotel reservation due to the unexpected circumstances. But if you are still looking for an alternative parking option, some hotels do offer such without a stay. Hotels that offer this option often use a third party reservation system. You can do a search for long term hotel parking.

While not PortMiami, I did encounter this situtation recently. My personal experience when my flights were cancelled meant I quickly looked for a flight that would leave that same day. Most were a few days out, but I suggested an alternate airport to the agent and she found one that I could make the same day. This meant driving for three hours in a snowstorm!

Thankfully, after a thorough search, I found a hotel near the alternate airport that had long-term parking. Most of the options had parking for less than half of what the airport charged. Just do your homework before reserving this option as some have cancellation fees.

Alternative Off-Site Parking Lots

Another alternative for less expensive parking for the Miami Cruise Port are off-site parking lots. There are several independent parking lots near the cruise port. Again do a search to see where the nearest parking lots are in relation to the port, what the fees are, and if they offer a free shuttle to the port. You may even find recommendations in Facebook groups from fellow cruisers.

Also, be sure to check on the reviews for these places and the type of security they offer. Caveat Emptor.

Some options for off-site parking near the Miami Cruise Port include:

• Premier Cruise Parking
• Safe Cruise Parking
• We Park in Miami
• The Cruise Parking Miami

Discounts or Special Offers

After deciding which of these parking options is best for you, it doesn’t hurt to see if you can score any discounts or special offers on the price. Check out sources like Groupon, auto club memberships, other types of memberships or special coupons to see if you are eligible for a parking discount.

Getting to the Port of Miami from the Miami Airport

If after reading this you’ve decided to just fly to Miami or to park at the airport, there are a few ways of getting to PortMaimi from the Miami Airport. You could use a ride-share program like Lyft or Uber, a shuttle service, a taxi, or you could use Miami-Dade public transportation.

Shared Ride Service and Taxis

From Miami Airport to the Port of Miami, driving time is just about 15 minutes depending on traffic. The cost will vary with shared-ride services depending if you are traveling during a surge period and on which class of car you book. A good estimate would be around $15, but that is subject to a variety of factors.

Ride App pickup zones are located on the Arrivals Level (1) at the middle median outside of doors 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 15, 20 and 23.

Miami-Dade County provides this rate card for taxis:

Shuttle Service

Services like Lyft, Uber, and taxi charge per car. Shuttle services unless booked as a private car charge by the person. So if your family of four needs transport to the port it may be more economical to hire a Lyft, Uber, or taxi.

You will find both economy and luxury options for shuttles between Miami airport and the Port of Miami. My favorite at the luxury end is Blacklane. However, many shuttle services do operate from MIA and the costs for these services vary. The cruise lines typically offer shuttles from the airport as well on the day of embarkation.

Public Transportation

Public transportation is also an option. From the airport, you will first take the MIA Mover, station located on the third level between the Dolphin and Flamingo garages at the airport. Take the Skyride on the third level to reach the station. Allow about four minutes. Then, look for the Orange MetroRail, which will take you to Government Center.

The train into downtown Miami is an inexpensive and convenient option to get near the port. The fee is only $2.25. But remember that you will likely have luggage with you. They don’t call it “lug”- gage for nothing. Consider what it takes to get your bags on and off the train.

Once you reach Government Center, you can get a shared ride to the port. Or you can wait for the free Trolley. Keep in mind that the trolley does not stop at every cruise terminal in the port. And don’t forget that your luggage has to get onto the trolley with you.

Saving the Best Option to Last

If you have friends or family who live near the port, you might be able to stay with them and leave your car with them. They might even agree to drive you to the port.

Or, maybe they live elsewhere in Florida near the newer Brightline train, which runs between Orlando and Miami, with limited stops between.

Considerations for Parking at the Port of Miami or Elsewhere

• Figure out what the value of your time is. Remember that you are here for a cruise. Do you want to spend hours figuring out parking alternatives to save a few bucks? Likely, you have saved a lot by driving rather than flying anyway.
• Check out reviews of the parking lots that you are considering.
• Check out reviews of the shuttle or car service that interests you.
• If you need a shuttle to the cruise port, be sure that the shuttle service can carry all of your luggage.
• Be sure to allow plenty of time for taking a shuttle or other transportation to the Port of Miami.
• Check your cruise line to see if they offer shuttles to and from the airport if you have chosen to park near there.
• Drop off your passengers and all luggage at your designated cruise terminal before parking your vehicle.
• Make note of where you parked. Grab a business card from the attendant at a remote lot. You will need to call for the shuttle when you get back. Take a photo of the nearest sign or landmark.
• Arrive a day early so you aren’t exhausted from driving long distances.
• Remember how you dropped off your passengers and luggage before heading to the parking lot? When you return, do the opposite. Leave the others with all the luggage at the terminal and retrieve your vehicle.
• If you park at a surface lot, put a sun blocker in your windshield to protect your vehicle from the scorching sun.
• If you are traveling with kids who need a car seat, don’t forget to grab it if you are planning on renting a car for independent exploration in a port of call.
• Carry a spare set of keys that you keep on your person.
• Don’t wait to the last minute to reserve your parking space if not parking at the Port of Miami.

Final Thoughts

With advance preparation, drivers can make the process of finding parking for their cruise go smoothly. Choosing the Port of Miami parking takes much less thought than other parking locations, but they are certainly viable options if you are looking to save money.

Remember that it’s your vacation. Choose the parking option that works best for you and gets you to your cruise ship safely and easily.

Comments

Do you have any other questions about parking for the Miami cruise port? Do you usually fly or drive to your cruise’s departure port? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences cruising from PortMiami.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Parking for Miami Cruise Port appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

Port Canaveral is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, with millions of cruise passengers filtering in and out each year. And with the cost of flights continuing to rise, more and more guests are choosing to drive to their next cruise vacation. There are many parking options for guests leaving from this Florida cruise port including onsite parking and offsite parking. In this guide, we’re giving you everything you need to know about Port Canaveral cruise parking to help ensure your next trip is smooth sailing.

Located 45 minutes from Orlando and its attractions, many guests opt to have a car to explore what Orlando has to offer before or after their cruise vacation. Port Canaveral is located right next to Florida’s beaches, where many guests opt to extend their vacation. Not to mention, it’s conveniently located nearby Florida’s theme parks, so guests could spend some time at Walt Disney World while in the area as well.

If you choose to spend your time in the Port Canaveral area, there is plenty to keep you busy as well– from Kennedy Space Center, to an everglades airport ride, to the nearby Coco Beach.

Guide to Cruise Parking at Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral is a large terminal complex and has an ample amount of onsite parking. This will be the most expensive option, but likely the most convenient. Off-site parking lots are available, including a shuttle service, but may take longer. Here, we break down all the parking options including price, location, and convenience to help you decide which is right for your travel party.

Port Canaveral Parking Lots

There is an ample amount of onsite cruise parking at the port. Each cruise terminal has an associated parking lot directly across from baggage drop off, making this short walk the most convenient option by far.

When parking directly at the port, guests can pull the car right up to baggage drop off and not have to lift a finger! Be aware that parking lots at the port do not open until 10 AM though. Oversized parking is available for buses and RVs at each cruise terminal if needed for the same cost.

Price: With convenience does come a higher cost. Parking at the Official Port Canaveral Parking lot will cost $17 per day and includes the day of arrival and the day of departure. This means on a 7-day cruise, guests pay for 8 days of parking since debarkation is technically the 8th day.

Forms of payment are credit card only, no cash accepted. Terminal 3 does offer payment in the form of a Sun pass or E-pass, but this is the only participating terminal at this time.

Location: Directly at the cruise terminal. All pre-boarding paperwork should tell you at which terminal your ship is located, as well as multiple signage areas at the port.

Shuttle: Not needed. Guests can walk directly to the cruise terminal from their designated Port Canaveral parking lot.

Reservations are NOT needed to park in the Port Canaveral parking lots.

Go Port Cruise Parking

Go Port is an off-site parking lot near Port Canaveral. While Go Port used to be a parking spot for all cruises, Go Port now offers parking for ONLY Carnival Mardi Gras. They market their parking differently, as a free parking lot where guests just pay for shuttle service.

Go Port is a paved parking lot offering 24/7 video monitoring, a seating area, and restrooms while guests wait on a shuttle.

Price: $60 per vehicle for up to four travelers. For any 5th or 6th traveler in the vehicle, it will cost an additional $20 per person for the transfer to Port Canaveral. Taxes are included.

Location: 3345 N. Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953

Shuttle: 10-minute shuttle rides are offered to the Carnival Mardi Gras cruise terminal from 10:30 AM to 1 PM, and return shuttles are offered from 7 AM until ship debarkation is complete.

Park Port Canaveral

Park Port Canaveral is another one of the many off-site parking lots. It services all cruise lines at Port Canaveral. Here, parking lot gates open at 9:30 AM and close at 2:45 PM, so be sure to plan your arrival accordingly. Their website recommends arriving by 1:30 PM.

This lot offers 24/7 security and video monitoring, is paved, and has wheelchair accessible shuttles.

Price: $12.85 per day with advanced reservations. $15.95 per day for drive up with no reservation. There is a 15% off offer for subscribing to their email list. Oversized vehicles over 17 feet are $20.95 with an advanced reservation, $24.95 without a reservation. There are additional taxes and fees added to your total here.

Location: 500 Thurm Boulevard, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920

Shuttle: 5-minute shuttle ride to Port Canaveral. Shuttles run every 30 minutes with guests being boarded by their assigned check-in time for their ship. The last shuttle leaves at 2 PM daily, guests needing assistance after 2 PM will need to call the office for arrangements. Return shuttles begin at 8 AM and will continue until ship debarkation is complete.

Park N Cruise Port Canaveral

Park N Cruise markets themselves as being the closest off-site parking lot to Port Canaveral, located two miles from the port. This lot is a family-owned and operated business with a law enforcement background. Security features include 24-hour surveillance, stadium lighting, and 8-ft tall gates at entry. The parking lot opens for check in at 10:30 AM and closes at 2 PM.

Their website has every cruise line listed EXCEPT for Disney Cruise Line. Although, it doesn’t specifically say they don’t service the Disney Cruise terminal, so I would suggest verifying before booking.

Price: $12.99 per day, with a shuttle included for up to 4 travelers. Additional $5 per traveler over 4 people. Taxes and fees do apply at checkout. Discounts such as military, public service worker, AAA, AARP, and more are offered.

Location:  1700 Sea Ray Dr. Merritt Island, FL 32952

Shuttle: Shuttle service starts at 10:30 AM with shuttles running every 30 minutes. The final shuttle leaves at 2 PM. Return shuttles on debarkation day start at 7 AM and continue until the last guest has been picked up.

Port Parking Space

Port Parking Space at Port Canaveral offers off-site parking for guests sailing with Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line. They do not operate for guests sailing with Disney Cruise Line. Port Parking Space is one of the newest cruise terminal off-site parking lots, being only a mile from the port. Port Parking Space offers 24-hour video surveillance and a fully fenced in lot.

They also offer “Snooze and Cruise” packages, partnering with nearby hotels for packages with a pre- or post-cruise night’s stay. The parking lot is open from 10 AM to 2:45 PM.

Price: $12.95 per day. Taxes and fees do apply at checkout. Military discounts are offered, as well as discount codes for creating an account with them.

Location: 8945 Columbia Road, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920

Shuttle: Continuous shuttle from roughly 10 AM to 2:45 PM. There is no charge for additional travelers or additional luggage.

Cruisetime Parking

Cruisetime Parking is the furthest parking lot from Port Canaveral, but it is also the cheapest. They work off flat rates. Located 8.5 miles from the port, guests are definitely choosing price over convenience with this lot.

Cruisetime Parking is a secure, 24-hour surveillanced fenced in lot. They do offer RV parking as well.

Price: Flat rate of $50 for cruises of 4 nights or less. $80 for cruises of 5-7 nights. Price includes 4 travelers, with a $5 fee per additional passenger. There are no additional fees added to this cost.

Location: 350 Fortenberry Rd., Merritt Island, FL 32952

Shuttle: Shuttles run from approximately 10:30 AM to 2 PM. The final shuttle leaves at 2 PM. They recommend you arrive at the parking lot between 9 AM and 1:45 PM. This location is almost 10 miles from the port, so the shuttles will take anywhere from 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

Hotel Parking

In addition to the onsite and off-site parking lots, many nearby hotels in Port Canaveral will offer packages that include parking at the hotel for the duration of your cruise with an included shuttle service to the port.

Depending on the hotel, proximity, and any loyalty status with the hotel brand, prices will vary.

Port Canaveral Cruise Parking Overview

There are an ample number of parking options for those seeking Port Canaveral cruise parking. With all of Port Canaveral’s expansions, they see millions of cruisers each year and are only growing! Finding somewhere to safely keep your car while on vacation can seem intimidating, especially if this is your first cruise, but we have a summary below of the most popular parking options to help make your decision a little easier.

• Most convenient parking option: onsite Port Canaveral parking lots
• Highest rated off-site parking lot: Park Port Canaveral
• Cheapest off-site parking lot: Cruisetime Parking

Comments

Have you parked at any of these locations before? What’s your preferred Port Canaveral parking lot? Drop us an anchor below to share where you park your car when sailing out of the Port Canaveral cruise port.

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Florida’s cruise ports are among the busiest and most recognized shipping ports in the world, with Port Canaveral overtaking PortMiami as the busiest cruise port on the planet in 2022. A third port in the state, Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, comes in as the third busiest cruise port both in Florida and worldwide.

How many cruise ports are in Florida in total? In addition to the ports already mentioned, the state rounds out its offerings with Port Tampa Bay, JAXPORT in Jacksonville, and the Port of Palm Beach. An additional port in Key West serves as a port of call on many Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries.

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7 Cruise Ports in Florida

1. PortMiami

PortMiami is located on Dodge Island in Biscayne Bay. It is connected to the mainland by both the Port Miami Bridge and The Port of Miami Tunnel. Known as the “Cruise Capital of the World,” PortMiami is the largest cruise port in Florida. It’s home to ships from many lines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, and Regent Seven Seas, among others.

Located just an island over is Miami’s famous South Beach neighborhood. This area is home to expansive beaches, pastel art-deco buildings, luxury and boutique hotels, shops, restaurants, and a renowned nightclub scene.

To the west on the mainland is downtown Miami. Downtown features the open-air Bayside Marketplace shopping center, Little Havana neighborhood, and the large Bayfront Park. Other nearby attractions include the Miami Seaquarium, Jungle Island nature theme park, and the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science.

Popular Nearby Hotels: DoubleTree Biscayne Bay, Intercontinental Miami, Holiday Inn Port of Miami-Downtown, Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, Kimpton EPIC hotel, and Hilton Miami Downtown. Cruisers can also opt to stay in the popular Brickell neighborhood with plenty of hotel choices, including the trendy EAST Miami or SLS Brickell.

Airport Transportation Information

If you’re flying into Miami International Airport, expect at least a 20 minute drive to get to PortMiami — more if there’s heavy traffic. Rideshares and taxis are available. Many hotels offer shuttles from the airport and to the cruise port, so look into whether your hotel has this option.

If you’re flying in day-of (which we don’t recommend), your cruise line may also have a shuttle directly from the airport to the cruise port. Other shuttle companies are also available, as well as public transport such as the Metrorail and Miami Trolley.

Cruisers may also fly into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport for a voyage out of Miami. This is about a 45 minute drive. We recommend using a rideshare to get from FLL to PortMiami, but shuttles, taxis, and public transportation are also available.

2. Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral is often referred to as Orlando’s cruise port, thanks to its less-than-an-hour drive to the city’s downtown area. Located on Merritt Island in Cape Canaveral, Port Canaveral is central to both northern and southern Florida. This makes it an easy driving port for many Florida residents.

In addition, its proximity to Walt Disney World is the reason it’s the most popular port for Disney Cruise Line. Other cruise lines that sail from Port Canaveral include Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC, and Princess Cruises.

One of the most popular activities to do before or after a voyage — or during a port call to Canaveral — is to visit Kennedy Space Center. The visitor complex includes an astronaut hall of fame, a rocket garden, and interactive and informational exhibits. There’s also a shuttle launch experience, kids’ programming, and the Space Shuttle Atlantis on display.

Other activities near Port Canaveral include the Manatee Sanctuary Park, The Wizard of Oz Museum, helicopter tours, airboat rides, and more. Many cruisers also head further inland pre or post-cruise to visit theme parks such as Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando. Of course, there’s also the nearby Coco Beach.

Popular Nearby Hotels: Radisson Resort at the Port; Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Port Canaveral; Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral Cruise Port; Residence Inn by Marriott Cape Canaveral; Home2Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral Cruise Port; SpringHill Suites Cape Canaveral. Cruisers can also opt to stay in the Cocoa Beach area.

Airport Transportation Information

There are three convenient airport options for those sailing from Port Canaveral. They are Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), and Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB). MCO and MLB are located about a 45 minutes’ drive away and SFB is located about an hour away.

If arriving at MCO, there are several ways to get from the Orlando airport to Port Canaveral. Many cruise lines have their own shuttles from the airport to Port Canaveral, such as Disney Cruise Line. Carnival offers a shuttle from both MLB and MCO. Some hotels may also offer shuttles, with independent shuttles available as well. Rideshares, taxis, and public transport via bus are also options.

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3. Port Everglades

Port Everglades is the third-busiest cruise port in the world. It serves as home to cruise ships from lines including Celebrity, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Silversea, Disney, and Viking, among others. Located just south of downtown Fort Lauderdale, the land that makes up Port Everglades is actually located in three municipalities: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Dania Beach.

If you’re looking to get some shopping in before or after your cruise, head north just across the river to Las Olas Boulevard, which is lined with shops and restaurants. Then, take a stroll along the Las Olas Riverwalk. Located 14 miles west of Port Everglades, Sawgrass Mills is the largest outlet mall in the U.S., making it another great shopping option.

Other nearby activities and points of interest include the Museum of Discovery and Science, Ft. Lauderdale Beach, downtown Hollywood, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, and the Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise.

Popular Nearby Hotels: Crowne Plaza Fort Lauderdale Airport, Holiday Inn Express Ft. Lauderdale Cruise-Airport, Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Courtyard by Marriott Ft. Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port, Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel, and Four Points by Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port. There’s also the popular Marriott Harbor Beach among others on Ft. Lauderdale Beach and nearby Dania Pointe with a few hotel options.

Airport Transportation Information

Port Everglades is located a quick 10-minute drive from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Rideshares, taxis, and public transportation via bus are all available. Many hotels offer airport and cruise port shuttles, and there are also independent shuttle company options.

And similar to PortMiami, cruisers may alternatively fly into Miami for a sailing from Port Everglades. We recommend ridesharing but taxis, shuttles, and public transportation are also available.

4. Port Tampa Bay

Port Tampa Bay is located on the west coast in central Florida. Its convenient downtown Tampa location makes it a great option for those who want to spend some time in Tampa before or after their voyage, then hop on the ship without much of a (or any!) drive. Tampa is a popular starting point for western Caribbean voyages. Though, other Caribbean, Bahamas, and Panama Canal itineraries originate in the city as well. Cruise lines that sail from Tampa include Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and Celebrity.

A popular attraction to visit before or after your voyage is the Florida Aquarium, located next to the port. The American Victory Ship & Museum, located in the same area, is a historic United States Merchant Marine Ship that you can walk through.

For upscale shopping and dining, head to Hyde Park Village which is just a mile from the port. The Glazer Children’s Museum and the Tampa Museum of Art are located near the port, which are along the two-mile-long Riverwalk.

Popular Nearby Hotels: The Westin Tampa Waterside, Tampa Marriott Water Street, Hotel Tampa Riverwalk, Hilton Tampa Downtown, Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa/Ybor City/Downtown, and Aloft Tampa Downtown

Airport Transportation Information

Cruisers may fly into one of two airports to get to their cruise out of Tampa: Tampa International Airport or St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. The Tampa airport is a quick 25 minute drive, depending on traffic. St. Pete-Clearwater usually takes around 35-40 minutes.

Some cruise lines have shuttles from Tampa International Airport to the cruise port. Further, independent shuttle companies have options from both airports. Some hotels also offer their own shuttles from the airport and to the cruise port. Public transportation through Tampa’s TECO Line Streetcar is also available, but we don’t recommend it for getting to the cruise port because only one route runs near it. Rideshares and taxis are also available.

5. JAXPORT

Located on Florida’s northeastern coast, JAXPORT is primarily a cargo port. However, two cruise lines currently have ships based in Jacksonville as well: Carnival Cruise Line and small-ship company American Cruise Lines. Located on the St. John’s River, cruisers have a scenic sail away as they wind down the river for a couple miles before reaching the open ocean.

Things to do in Jacksonville before or after your cruise include visiting the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, exploring the Museum of Science and History, and catching a performance at the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. There’s also Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Ponte Vedra Beach within about a 30 minutes’ drive. If you want a quiet place to enjoy the ocean, you can also head to Amelia Island, which is under an hour away.

Popular Nearby Hotels: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jacksonville – Blount Island, Hampton Inn Jacksonville East Regency Square, Courtyard Jacksonville I-295/East Beltway, Marriott Jacksonville Downtown, and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront

Airport Transportation Information

The drive from Jacksonville International Airport to JAXPORT is around 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Rideshares, taxis, and independent shuttles are all available. Many hotels have airport shuttles, though you aren’t likely to find many hotels in Jacksonville that also offer shuttle service to the cruise port.

6. Port of Palm Beach

When many people think of cruising from Florida, they’d never think of Palm Beach. But the city does have a port and it’s home to one cruise ship: Margaritaville at Sea Paradise. The sole vessel under the Margaritaville at Sea cruise brand, Paradise sails short two-night voyages between Palm Beach and Freeport, Bahamas.

Fun attractions in Palm Beach and West Palm Beach include the Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, the Norton Museum of Art, Rapids Waterpark, and Mounts Botanical Garden. For time outside and at the beach, consider visiting the John D. MacArthur Beach State Park or Phil Foster Park, which includes an underwater snorkeling trail.

Popular Nearby Hotels: Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa, Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront/Palm Beaches Resort, SpringHill Suites by Marriott West Palm Beach I-95, and Courtyard by Marriott West Palm Beach

Airport Transportation Information

The drive from Palm Beach International Airport to the Port of Palm Beach is about 20 minutes. Rideshares and taxis are available. Further, some hotels offer shuttles to and from the airport as well — though they likely won’t offer a shuttle to the cruise port.

7. Port of Key West

We had to include the Port of Key West on this list of cruise ports in Florida as well. Even though it isn’t a cruise ship homeport, it does serve as a port of call on many itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Located on the westernmost tip of the islands that make up the Florida Keys, the city of Key West has a distinctly Florida charm highlighted by its Old Town historic district and pastel houses.

Popular activities in Key West include taking a stroll on Duval Street — lined with unique shops and vintage restaurants. Cruisers can also visit the famous Sloppy Joe’s Bar for a sloppy joe, explore the Hemingway Home & Museum, and take a photo at the southernmost point of the continental U.S.

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As one of the biggest cruise ports in the world, Port Canaveral, Florida hosts ships from a variety of cruise lines. Serving as an embarkation port as well as a port of call on some Bahamas cruises, you might be wondering what activities there are to enjoy while visiting the Space Coast. In this post, we share our picks for the Top Things to Do Near Port Canaveral, Florida on a cruise.

Whether you are spending a few days pre-cruise or just visiting for the day, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

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Top Things to Do Near Port Canaveral, Florida on a Cruise

Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center is perhaps the most popular attraction near Port Canaveral. Admission to this active spaceflight facility includes a variety of exhibits and interactive attractions that are fun and educational for all age groups.

The Behind the Gates bus tour includes a narrated tour of historic launch sites and operational spaceflight facilities. It also includes a visit to the Apollo/Saturn V Center featuring an actual Saturn V moon rocket and real moon rocks along with other Apollo program artifacts.

In the Heroes & Legends zone, you can explore the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, and the new Gateway exhibit brings the future of space travel to life. Further, you can visit the permanent home of the Space Shuttle Atlantis and walk among giant rockets from NASA’s Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs in the Rocket Garden.

Other highlights include the Shuttle Launch Experience, 3D space films in the IMAX Theater, and so much more.

To enjoy everything Kennedy Space Center has to offer, plan on spending a full day here.

American Space Museum and Space Walk of Fame

In downtown Titusville, there is also the American Space Museum.

Inside the museum’s galleries, you will find items that have been donated by astronauts, space workers, NASA, and more in an effort to preserve the history of the United States’ Space Program and honor the astronauts and aerospace innovators.

Some of the galleries include Mercury and Gemini, Apollo, Space Shuttle, and Women of Space exhibits. You will also see actual Space Shuttle Launch Control Center consoles, Air Force Launch Pad 36A consoles, and a Pad 16 Launch Sequencer.

You can tour the museum self-guided or book a guided tour by a docent as available.

Following the museum visit, you can enjoy a stroll down the nearby Space Walk of Fame in the Space View Park. The Space View Park includes monuments, mission plaques, and bronze handprints of six of the original seven astronauts. 

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Airboat Ride

Another popular excursion in Florida is an airboat ride to set out in search of the wildlife lurking within. While many cruisers are probably aware of airboat tours near Port Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale), there are also similar tours offered in the Port Canaveral area.

Located about a half hour away from the cruise port, Airboat Rides at Midway offers 1-hour tours on the St. Johns River, sometimes referred to as the Central Florida Everglades.

On this adventure, you’ll glide through the grassy wetlands at speeds up to 45 mph. Prepare to see wildlife up close and personal, as you will be treated to appearances by alligators, various types of birds, and other creatures.

During the ride, your guide will provide narration and answer any questions.

After the airboat ride, you can interact with the animals on the property including baby alligators.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

If you want to set off in search of more wildlife while in the area, a visit to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge should also make your list of things to do near Port Canaveral.

This 140,000 acre U.S. National Park was established in 1963 in agreement with NASA and the Kennedy Space Center. It is home to more than 1,500 species of plants and animals. This area is a key resting stop for many migratory birds. Further, 15 federally listed threatened and endangered species call this refuge home.

At Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, there are a number of walking paths and hiking trails that are perfect for bird watching and photography. There is also the Black Point 7-mile Wildlife Drive and the Manatee Observation Deck that are perfect for wildlife sightings as well.

If you’d prefer to leave the planning to someone else, Canaveral Tours offers organized tours in the refuge. The company has knowledgeable tour guides, customizable itineraries, and small shuttles equipped with binoculars that are perfect for wildlife sightings.

You can even arrange for a wildlife tour with an airport drop-off after your cruise vacation.

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Canaveral Lighthouse & Spaceflight Tour

Another popular attraction near Port Canaveral is the Canaveral Lighthouse & Spaceflight Tour. This Cape Canaveral Lighthouse has stood on the cape for over 150 years.

On this tour, you will be transported from the meeting point at the Exploration Tower to the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

There are several stops during this 4-hour tour including the ability to climb the first five floors of the Lighthouse. The visit at the lighthouse is approximately 1-hour where there will be a semi-guided tour available. There is also a museum and gift shop on site.

Further, the tour visits Space Program museums with artifacts and exhibits of Air Force launch vehicles and programs. You even get to walk where the first U.S. astronauts were launched into space.

Given that this tour takes place at the Air Force station, reservations and pre-approved security clearance are required. In fact, a scheduled tour is the only way to visit these historic landmarks.

Helicopter Tour

If you are looking to get a whole new perspective of Port Canaveral, then a helicopter tour is a perfect option. There are a number of tours offered of varying lengths and prices that give you a bird’s eye view of areas including the Port with all the cruise ships, the Canaveral Locks, Cocoa Beach, and the Thousand Islands.

The Classic Tour is approximately 17-20 minutes of flight time for $99.99 per person. This option gives you the opportunity to see the port along with extended time over Cocoa Beach and the Thousand Islands. Here, you can often spot dolphins, sharks, stingrays, and more.

If you are looking for something a bit different, Florida Air Tours also offers biplane rides. You can even add a little extra excitement with aerobatic upgrades.

One of these tours definitely makes for the perfect add-on to your cruise vacation.

Bioluminescence Tour

Another tour that allows you to get a unique perspective of the area from sea level is a bioluminescence tour.

You’ve probably heard of the bioluminescent waters of Puerto Rico, but did you know that you can take a bioluminescent kayak or raft tour right in Florida? The Indian River and the Banana River lagoons both have glowing algae.

BK Adventure offers nighttime kayak tours and raft tours to experience this natural beauty. These tours are approximately 1. 5 hours and are offered from a couple different departure points in the Port Canaveral area.

Of course, if you’d rather explore the area’s ecosystem during the day, you can do that too.

The Manatee and Dolphin kayak tour is a popular eco-adventure. During this 1.5 hour journey, you will get to observe these sea mammals in their natural habitats. Some other wildlife you may be lucky enough to see along the way are herons, turtles, and otters.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is located just outside Port Canaveral and is known for its sand and surf. It is also a popular pre-cruise hotel area due to the distance from the pier and the availability of amenities.

Besides the obvious beach day, visitors can stroll the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier that stretches 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean. This boardwalk is lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and live music.

There is also the Ron Jon Surf Shop, which is the largest surf shop in the world with its own surf museum, and the Kelly Slater statue. Kelly Slater grew up in Cocoa Beach and learned to surf all along the Space Coast. 

If you are looking for a bit more excitement, Cocoa Beach offers a variety of watersport activities like paddle boarding, kite surfing, and even surf lessons.

Or, if you’re cruising with the little ones, they might enjoy a visit to the nearby Dinosaur Store and Museum.

Jetty Park Beach and Pier

Jetty Park has over 30 acres to explore. The park offers 4.5 acres of sandy beachfront for relaxation, a fishing pier, a children’s playground, and more. With all the recreational activities available at Jetty Park, it is easy to spend the day here soaking up the Florida sun.

If that’s not enough, the 1,200 foot fishing pier that extends into the ocean is a great place to watch the cruise ships sail away. This is a popular location, so do expect a bit of a crowd around sail away time.

While rather bitter sweet, watching your cruise ship sail away with the next group of vacationers might be the perfect way to end your trip.

Fish Lips and Rusty’s are nearby restaurants and also popular spots to watch the ships sail out of port.

Exploration Tower

The Exploration Tower in Port Canaveral is an architectural landmark that offers several educational and interactive exhibits as well as observation decks with stunning views.

The Exploration Tower opened in November 2013 as part of the Canaveral Port Authority’s 60th anniversary celebration.

While visiting this popular attraction, guests can learn a bit of Central Florida’s history as well as the history of the port itself. The Air and Space Port on the 6th floor is an indoor observation deck that faces Kennedy Space Center.

The 7th floor is home to an outdoor observation deck that features panoramic views of Port Canaveral, the cruise ships, and surrounding beaches and wildlife.

There is even a state-of-the-art theater and a navigation simulator making a visit to the Exploration Tower fun for the whole family.

Currently (June 2022), only the gift shop and outdoor observation deck are open.

Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures

If you are looking for a little excitement during your visit to Port Canaveral, then you will want to check out Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures. Here, you can enjoy a day filled with plenty of zipping and climbing fun.

This aerial adventure park offers 7 different courses of varying levels of difficulty with a total of 49 different challenges. New in 2022, there is even the unique ZIPDROP free fall.

The unique ability to traverse through the course as an individual instead of as a group gives participants the flexibility to only complete the challenges with which they are comfortable. This makes it a great activity for all age and skill levels.

During a typical 2-hour climb session, participants usually complete 3 or 4 of the courses.

The park is located between the Banana River and Atlantic Ocean affording spectacular views from atop the lush canopy.

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Day Trip to Disney World

If you are taking a cruise from Port Canaveral, you should consider a pre-cruise or post-cruise visit to the most magical place on earth, Disney World. Walt Disney World is located in Orlando, Florida which is a little over an hour away from Port Canaveral.

Walt Disney World is home to the popular Magic Kingdom theme park and Epcot which hosts various festivals throughout the year like the Food and Wine Festival.

Additionally, Hollywood Studios is home to the new Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. Not to mention, there is also Animal Kingdom with its popular Avatar-themed land, two waterparks, and Disney Springs which is home to several dining and shopping experiences.

While we recommend visiting Disney pre-cruise or post-cruise, some cruise lines do offer shore excursions to the parks during a day visit in port. In a previous post, we break down if it’s actually worth visiting Disney World as a shore excursion.

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We always recommend travelers arrive at their cruise port destination at least a day early to ensure a smooth embarkation day. If you are cruising from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, consider extending your vacation at Dania Pointe. In fact, we just returned from a weekend of fun and sun before our latest cruise. Find out why we are ready to head back with our top 5 reasons why your next pre- or post-cruise stay should be at Dania Pointe.

Disclaimer: We were sponsored by Dania Pointe for the weekend. However, as always, all opinions in this post are our own.

Why You Should Stay at Dania Pointe When Cruising From Fort Lauderdale

Great Location

One reason we highly recommend checking out Dania Pointe is its great location. This family-friendly lifestyle destination for dining, entertainment, and shopping is only a short distance from both the Fort Lauderdale airport and the Port Everglades cruise terminals.

In fact, it is less than 15 minutes away from the airport, beaches, and the cruise port. So, it is perfectly situated for a pre- or a post-cruise stay. Further, Dania Pointe is a great alternative to spending endless hours at the airport if you have a late afternoon or evening flight.

Along with all of its own activities and dining, Dania Pointe is only a few miles away from Dania Beach. This secluded beach offers plenty of shoreline, with a more relaxed and chill vibe. Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale beach are only a short drive away if you’re looking for a more action-packed beach day.

Once you arrive at Dania Pointe, everything is within walking distance. This is great for travelers like us who must fly to their cruise embarkation ports and don’t want to have to rent a car. This means you can save money on transportation and spend more time outdoors in the beautiful Florida weather.

Accommodations

Dania Pointe offers two hotels right on the property giving travelers flexibility. For our 3-night pre-cruise hotel stay, we had a king room at the AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Airport.

This chic, urban hotel offers modern and sophisticated rooms with all of the comforts of home. We appreciated the thoughtful design and layout of the hotel room. The oversized bathroom features plenty of space for getting ready in the morning as well.

With several USB outlets and power outlets throughout the hotel room, and a good-sized desk, it was easy to get some last minute work done. Other conveniences include a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and a safe in the room.

With inspired European design and subtle nods to the beachside communities of Florida, this hotel is perfect for all types of travelers. Not to mention, you can enjoy amenities like included Wi-Fi, a fitness center, a large central lounge and bar, an outdoor terrace, and a shared rooftop pool.  

Located adjacent to this hotel, there is the Marriot Fort Lauderdale Airport. This equally comfortable and well-appointed hotel is also within walking distance of all the fun Dania Pointe has to offer. Featuring a fitness center, shared rooftop pool, and open lobby perfect for socializing, the hotel boasts elegant finishes built for the modern-day traveler.

Dining Options

At Dania Pointe, there are several restaurants and eateries, along with a number of bars and lounges, all within walking distance.

At Cooper’s Hawk Winery, diners can sip various award-winning wines while slicing into favorites like the parmesan crusted chicken, crispy Brussel sprouts, or Thai lettuce wraps. The dishes were large portions, quite tasty, and paired great with the wine and cocktail list.

With indoor and patio seating, you can enjoy the restaurant’s diverse menu and extensive wine list wherever you choose.

During our stay, we also carved our way through several different selections at Rodizio Grill. This Brazilian steakhouse features a variety of rotisserie-grilled meats for one all-you-care-to enjoy price. Not to mention, there’s a gourmet salad bar, authentic Brazilian sides, and a dessert tray.

More fire-grilled favorites are also available at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. Featuring an open kitchen, you can feel the heat and revel in the aromas of this American-style menu. We sampled some of the savory starters, grilled chicken, and steak; each was more delicious than the next.

As cruisers, we felt right at home with the island vibes of the Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar. It was the perfect spot for a few midday snacks, as well as some hand-crafted umbrella drinks. Don’t pass up the sliders and signature libations like the coconut pineapple mojito and blood orange blossom margarita.

Not to mention, you will want to start your vacation with one of the 14 frozen daiquiris or other cocktails at 14 North Daiquiri Bar!

Further, breakfast fans will want to stop by First Watch. Located a short walk from the hotels and shopping, this award-winning restaurant serves fantastic brunch selections, like breakfast sandwiches, skillets, and even seasonal specials like the caramel crunch cinnamon roll.

With order ahead and join the waitlist options, the restaurant makes it easy for you to enjoy all its gourmet menu items.

Of course, Dania Pointe is home to plenty of other casual options and to-go eateries. Yes, there is even a Starbucks within walking distance! If you know us, we never stay at a hotel that isn’t nearby for my wife’s morning caramel latte!

Retail Therapy

While there are several restaurants located within Dania Pointe, one of the main attractions is shopping. Whether you need to pick up a last minute item for your trip or are looking for a new wardrobe, there are plenty of options.

From cruise classics at Tommy Bahama to other popular retailers like Kendra Scott, Anthropologie, and Sugarboo & Co., plenty of clothing, jewelry, and home décor selections are worth browsing.

This sprawling outdoor mall means you don’t have to sacrifice the fresh air and beautiful Florida weather while shopping. This open air design lets you stroll the sidewalks while soaking up the sun and admiring the vibrant murals along the way.

Even if you don’t have any room in your luggage for shopping, Dania Pointe is a lively and pedestrian-friendly area to enjoy a walk and relax.

Not to mention, Dania Pointe offers free parking. So, even if you are not staying nearby, you can still enjoy all of the destination’s attractions without paying a premium.

Entertainment

Typically, we fly into the port the day before a cruise. But, with the diverse options at Dania Pointe, it is easy to extend your vacation by a few extra days.

Here, your family can enjoy a movie at the Regal Cinema. The cinema boasts 4DX movies, which is like an amusement ride for first-run movies. There is also the brand’s RPX experience which boasts the best sound and visual quality to date.

For a more immersive experience, select movies are shown on ScreenX. This movie theater literally surrounds the audience with a 270-degree view.

For a more hands-on activity, you can test your bowling skills at Bowlero. It is a fun time for all ages with digital scoring, black lights, upbeat music, and tons of digital screens.

There is also an arcade with several new and retro video games as well as arcade classics like basketball, skee-ball, and more.

There is the Improv at Dania Pointe if you’re looking for a date-night activity. This comedy club regularly hosts headliner comedians. So, if you time it right, you could begin your cruise with a night full of laughs.

Further, ensure you save some time to enjoy the free events on the Lawn at Dania Pointe. From free fitness classes every Wednesday, to Night Market Fridays with local artisans selling goods to Cultural Saturdays and Family Sundays with live entertainment, the Lawn is a festive beginning to any vacation.

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