A Visitor's Guide to Port Everglades

Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. In fact, the facility holds the world record for handling the most cruise passengers in a single day. Despite all of this traffic, Port Everglades remains one of the nicest and most accessible ports in the world. If you are heading for a cruise out of Fort Lauderdale, here's what you need to know:

About Port Everglades
According to port statistics, Port Everglades welcomed more than three million cruise passengers in 2010. The port, founded in 1928, sits on 2190 acres. It is currently the deepest of Florida's ports, although a deeper channel is being dug in Miami. In addition to its cruise traffic, Port Everglades is a major shipping port, handling more than 23 million tons of cargo each year.

Fifty-five cruise liners, representing 15 cruise lines, call Port Everglades home. These ships give passengers a choice of more than 2000 itineraries originating at the port.

Getting There
Port Everglades is very easy to get to from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, located just two miles away . You can practically see the cruise port from the airport. Expect for it to take about five minutes and cost about $10 via taxi from the airport. If you purchased your air transportation as part of your cruise package, most cruise lines will include a bus transfer from the airport to the ship. However, since a taxi is so inexpensive, you might want to forgo the bus, avoid the crowds and the waiting, and hail yourself a cab.

The Cruise Terminals
Facilities at Port Everglades include 11 full-time passenger cruise terminals and one part-time terminal. All terminals are air-conditioned and feature vending machines, mobile vendors, rest rooms and seating areas. Some also feature childrens' play areas, original art and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Port Everglades has 4500 secured parking spaces in two garages for cruise passengers. Parking at the port is $15 per day (2011 prices.) There is also a free cell phone lot for drivers waiting to pick up arriving cruise passengers. Most terminals are within walking distance of the lots, but shuttle service is offered to distant terminals, and there is porter service throughout the complex.

Hotels near Port Everglades
Port Everglades' close proximity to Fort Lauderdale airport gives cruise passengers a variety of nearby hotels from which to choose. Among these are the Crowne Plaza Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port, located just outside the port gates; the Fort Lauderdale Airport Inn, located one mile from the port; and the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, also located one mile away.

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Sources:
Port Everglades: Cruising