Holland America Line has released new cruises for 2027-2028 that range from 14- to 35-nights in length and visit some of the most sought after vacation spots in the world.
Holland America’s 2027-2028 season to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific are now open for bookings. The cruises will stop in Bora Bora, New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, Fiji and Australia and will allow guests to visit vibrant coral reefs and dramatic volcanoes.
The cruises will depart from September 2027 through March 2028 on three different Holland America Line ships.
Highlights of these cruises include overnight stays in Melbourne and Cairns, Australia and Lautoka, Fiji. The extra time in Cairns gives cruisers more time to snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef. In Melbourne, guests can explore the cultural capital without being rushed.
Itinerary highlights of these new cruises from Holland America Line are:
Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and revenue planning, gave the following statement:
“Whether guests want to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Milford Sound, the crystal-clear waters of Fiji and the South Pacific, or encounter the region’s iconic wildlife, we’ve designed this season to deliver the authentic experiences travelers are looking for.
“We’ve also added time for guests to linger longer with new overnight stays in Melbourne, Cairns and Lautoka — joining a growing list of ports in the region where we extend the experience beyond a single day.”
For a limited time, when cruisers book 2027-2028 Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific cruises with the Have It All premium package, they will receive:
Shore excursions
Specialty dining
Signature Beverage Package
Surf Wi-Fi
Free prepaid crew appreciation
Free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi
Get the latest cruise news, tips, and deals sent straight to your inbox with our free newsletter: Sign Up Now
The lifeboat fell off Carnival Dream shortly after 12:00pm while the ship was docked in Cozumel, Mexico. Carnival Cruise Line told Cruise Fever that no one was injured during the incident.
Parts of the lifeboat were still attached to the ship while the majority of it floated over to the pier.
Photo used with permission from Tracy Sommers
Gail Faust posted photos of the incident on X just a few minutes ago. They can be seen below.
Carnival Dream in Cozumel just broke part of ship. Lifeboat broke off. Loud boom. Hit ocean. Dramatic. pic.twitter.com/NBzt4t0BBa
Cruise Radio posted a video on Facebook showing the lifeboat floating up against the pier.
Carnival Dream is currently on a six-night cruise from Galveston, Texas with port stops in Costa Maya, Belize City and Cozumel. The ship is scheduled to arrive back in Galveston on Friday. Cozumel is the last port stop on the cruise.
Cruise Fever reached out to Carnival Cruise Line about the incident and was given the following statement:
“The team on Carnival Dream was conducting an unmanned test of lowering one of the lifeboats when a latch got caught on one of the cables, resulting in the vessel hanging from one end then falling into the water below. No one was injured.”
Get the latest cruise news, tips, and deals sent straight to your inbox with our free newsletter: Sign Up Now
U.S News & World Report has named the best cruise lines for 2026 with three cruise lines, Viking, Disney Cruise Line, and Virgin, coming out on top in multiple categories.
Cruise ships in Nassau, Bahamas. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
Every year, U.S. News reveals the best cruise lines in categories that range from Best Cruise Line for Families to Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean.
Viking Ocean Cruises came out on top in four categories, with Virgin Voyages and Disney Cruise Line each with two top awards. New categories for 2026 include Best Cruise Lines for Dining – Luxury, Best Cruise Lines for Dining – Mainstream, and Best Cruise Lines for Wellness.
Here is a look at the Best Cruise Lines for 2026 from U.S News & World Report.
Best Cruise Lines for the Money
1. Virgin Voyages 2. Celebrity Cruises 3. Royal Caribbean
U.S. News highlighted 19 of the most popular ocean cruise lines across 10 categories using a scoring system that combined expert ratings (30% weight), traveler ratings (50% weight), and health ratings (20% weight).
The traveler ratings were provided under license by Cruiseline.com, the web’s leading cruise review website. Cruisers assigned a rating between 1 and 5 based on their level of satisfaction with their cruise experience.
The expert ratings were done by U.S. News’ editors as they compared dining, entertainment, cabins, service, when the ship was last updated, crew-to-passenger ratio, and more.
The health rating used inspection scores done by the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program. They used the most recent inspection score for their ratings.
Nicola Wood, senior travel editor at U.S. News, gave the following statement about this year’s awards:
“U.S. News Travel’s offerings are continuously evolving to meet consumers where they are as they consider new destinations, adventures and experiences.
“The 2026 Best Cruise Lines rankings recognize the top cruise lines in a variety of categories, allowing travelers to compare features, amenities and itineraries across multiple lines. Now, four brand-new ranking lists give even more comprehensive choices for cruisers to create their ideal experiences at sea.”
Get the latest cruise news, tips, and deals sent straight to your inbox with our free newsletter: Sign Up Now
From now through December 15, 2025, Celebrity Cruises is offering resident rates to cruises who live in 17 states and Canada.
The resident rates are good on six Celebrity cruise ships and 45 different sailings to the Caribbean that depart from November 2025 through April 2026.
If you live in one of the following 17 states and Canada, you can take advantage of these Caribbean cruise deals that offer up to $400 of each sailing.
Alabama
Arizona
California
Florida
Georgia
Louisiana
Michigan
Nevada
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
The seven ships that have resident rates are Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Summit.
To see a complete list of cruises that are eligible for resident rates, you can see those here.
Get the latest cruise news, tips, and deals sent straight to your inbox with our free newsletter: Sign Up Now
Princess Cruises will have a ship float at The Rose Parade on January 1, 2026 that will be a floral replica of their newest ship, Star Princess.
The next world-famous Rose Parade will take place in Pasadena, California on January 1, 2026. Since Princess Cruises has been named as the #1 cruise line to Alaska, their float will capture the awe and beauty of the 49th state.
The float will showcase towering glaciers shimmering in icy blues, soaring bald eagles, spouting humpback whales, and bears salmon fishing – all crafted from thousands of fresh flowers, seeds, bark and natural elements.
The design reflects the breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures and unforgettable wildlife encounters that define a Princess Alaska cruise.
The float will also showcase Princess second Sphere-Class ship, 177,800 gross ton, 4,300-guest Star Princess.
The cruise ship has standout venues including The Dome, a next-generation relaxation and entertainment space atop the ship; and sphere-shaped Piazza, the architectural centerpiece of the ship with its dramatic curves, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sweeping ocean vistas.
Marie Lee, Princess Cruises Chief Marketing Officer, gave the following statement about the float in The Rose Parade:
“We’re thrilled to welcome the new year by sharing the wonder of Alaska with millions of people watching the Rose Parade. Our spectacular float celebrates Alaska’s natural, breath-taking beauty and honors Star Princess, our newest ship, your gateway to discovery and unforgettable moments at sea.”
Mark Leavens President, 2026 Pasadena Tournament of Roses, added:
“It is an honor to welcome Princess Cruises, Los Angeles’ Hometown cruise line back to the Tournament of Roses Parade. For more than a century the Rose Parade has celebrated community, creativity, and the enduring spirit of hope that brings people together. Princess Cruises embodies that same spirit by inspiring travel and connecting guests to the most memorable destinations. We’re delighted to have them join this cherished celebration that continues to captivate millions of viewers around the globe each New Year’s Day.”
Get the latest cruise news, tips, and deals sent straight to your inbox with our free newsletter: Sign Up Now
Royal Caribbean is bringing the cruise duck craze onto their next and third Icon class ship, Legend of the Seas.
The Duck Carousel will be on Royal Caribbean’s next new cruise ship, Legend of the Seas
When Legend of the Seas debuts next summer, it will have a duck themed carousel in Surfside. Surfside is a neighborhood on the ship that is dedicated just for families with young children.
Royal Caribbean is calling the carousel the Duckie-Go-Round.
The carousel will have at least nine different ducks that will range from Captain Quack to two that have yet to be named.
The ducks that will be featured on the carousel are:
Captain Quack, master of the high seas
Bella, has a sweet tooth for ice cream and churros
Roo, the thrill-seeking duck of the flock
Puddles, loves Royal Bay (largest pool at sea) and the FlowRider
Rosie, love Surfside, the neighborhood for families
Coco, love sea says and soaking up the sun
Marco, loved the water slides and pools
Two yet to be named
Royal Caribbean recently allowed cruisers to vote on the name of the Explorer Duckie. The four options were Kona, Miles, Flip and Atlas.
Legend of the Seas will debut on July 11, 2026, a seven-night roundtrip cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy that will visit Naples, Barcelona, Palma De Mallorca and Marseille.
After a season of sailing in the Mediterranean, the ship will head to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in the fall of 2026 for cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean.
In the spring of 2027, Legend of the Seas will head back to Europe for the summer season.
Get the latest cruise news, tips, and deals sent straight to your inbox with our free newsletter: Sign Up Now
Contrary to common myths about cruise ships and the industry as a whole, these floating resorts offer one of the cleanest and most thoroughly tested environments on the planet.
With 44 days still left in 2025, at least 24 cruise ships have scored a perfect 100, according to CDC health inspection reports. So far, at least 191 ships have had surprise inspections, with an average score of almost 96%.
The Ultimate Pop Quiz: How Ships Earn a Perfect 100
Earning a score of 100 from the CDC is no cake walk. These thorough health checks are conducted by the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) without any prior warning or heads up. This means that the crew must always be ready when their ship is pulling into a U.S. port.
It’s the ultimate “pop quiz” for crew members, and a perfect score shows a detailed, day-in, day-out commitment to cleanliness. I’ve seen some crew members stressed out over the possibility of an inspection and the kind of pressure it puts on them. It’s definitely not easy, but these workers are the real backbone of your seamless vacation.
Inspectors look through every area that could impact public health. They’re not just glancing around. They’re looking for perfection in everything from:
Food Safety: Ensuring proper temperature control, preparation, and storage in the galleys (kitchens), and that all equipment is clean.
Water Systems: Monitoring the entire water system, from sourcing to purification, to guarantee it’s safe for everyone onboard.
Immaculate Public Spaces: Checking that pools, spas, medical facilities, children’s areas, and cabins are disinfected and maintained to the highest standards.
Even a minor slip-up, like a cleaning log missing a signature or a fridge being a degree off, can cost points. So, when a ship scores a perfect 100, it’s a huge testament to the crew’s dedication.
A score of 86 or higher is considered “satisfactory,” which truly puts the 24 perfect scores into perspective. Only one ship failed to score an 86 or higher: Villa Vie Odyssey which was tested in July of this year and scored an 81.
Top Performers of 2025
While the entire cruise industry deserves credit for its impressive 96% average score, some cruise lines have multiple scores of 100.
Royal Caribbean is leading the charge, with 5 inspections that have resulted in a perfect 100 this year. Disney Cruise Line and Viking both received 3 perfect 100 scores as well.
Other cruise lines with more than one perfect CDC score in 2025 include Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Oceania Cruises.
All 24 Ships That Scored a Perfect 100
Curious about which specific ships earned a perfect 100? Here is the complete list of all 24 cruise ship inspections in 2025 that aced their inspections:
Royal Caribbean:Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean:Jewel of the Seas
Royal Caribbean:Ovation of the Seas
Royal Caribbean:Utopia of the Seas
Royal Caribbean:Adventure of the Seas
Disney Cruise Line:Disney Magic
Disney Cruise Line:Disney Treasure
Disney Cruise Line:Disney Wish
Viking:Viking Neptune
Viking:Viking Orion
Viking:Viking Sea
Celebrity Cruises:Celebrity Silhouette
Celebrity Cruises:Celebrity Solstice
Holland America Line:Rotterdam
Holland America Line:Westerdam
Norwegian Cruise Line:Norwegian Escape
Norwegian Cruise Line:Norwegian Star
Oceania Cruises:Oceania Allura
Oceania Cruises:Oceania Vista
Carnival Cruise Line:Carnival Luminosa
Crystal Cruises:Crystal Serenity
Lindblad Expeditions:National Geographic Venture
MSC Group:Explora I
Virgin Voyages:Valiant Lady
Bottom Line
The next time you read a headline about a cruise ship being a floating petri dish or an article trying to convince the public that norovirus is more common on a cruise ship than on land (which is patently false), remember the kind of dedication that goes into keeping these vessels clean and safe.
There’s a reason cruise lines want you to wash your hands before you enter the buffet area. And while some will make an annoying habit out of how they remind you to wash your hands, just know they are working just as hard behind the scenes to have an even higher standard of cleanliness.
Get the latest cruise news, tips, and deals sent straight to your inbox with our free newsletter: Sign Up Now
Star Princess was officially named and christened by Camila and Matthew McConaughey at a ceremony that took place at Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The night was capped off with a drone show over the port.
Star Princess is the second Sphere class ship from Princess Cruises and will spend the winter season offering cruises to the Caribbean. In the spring of 2026, Star Princess will head to Seattle for the 2026 Alaska season.
Disney Destiny was named and christened during an epic ceremony that included a multi-tiered set, drone special effects and scenic projections, alongside a live band and a dozen vocal performers.
Susan Egan, the voice behind Megara in Walt Disney Animation Studios “Hercules”, served as the ship’s godmother and gave the traditional blessing on the ship and all those who sail on her.
Disney Destiny will sail short cruises from Port Everglades to The Bahamas and the Caribbean with the maiden voyage departing on November 20, 2025.
Disney Destiny is the third Wish class ship from Disney Cruise Line.
Oceania Allura
Left to right: George Mendes, Katie Button, Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Lawrence “LT” Smith, Aisha Ibrahim, Calvin Eng
The third ship christened over the past two weeks in Florida was Oceania Allura during a dazzling ceremony in Miami on November 13, 2025.
Acclaimed chefs Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Katie Button, Calvin Eng, Aisha Ibrahim, George Mendes and Lawrence “LT” Smith had the honor of representing the prestigious Food & Wine Best New Chefs franchise as godparents during the christening ceremony.
Oceania Allura’s inaugural season will see the ship visit than 92 destinations on an array of 7- to 34-day cruises, from iconic cities to lesser-known gems.
Sister ship to Oceania Vista, Oceania Allura is the cruise line’s eighth ship. Boasting the most spacious standard staterooms at sea, which measure more than 290 square feet, she is 791 feet (241 meters) long and is more than 67,000 gross tons in size.
With a capacity for 1,200 guests at double occupancy, Oceania Allura has two crew members for every three guests, with half dedicated to culinary operations.
Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Cruises’ fifth Edge class ship, Celebrity Xcel, was officially named and christened yesterday by Brazilian chef Janaína Torres at Port Everglades.
The ship debuted on November 9, a four-night cruise to the Caribbean. After a series of media sailings, Celebrity Xcel will spend the 2025-2026 winter season offering seven-night cruises to the Caribbean.
In the summer of 2026, the cruise ship will sail her inaugural season in Europe and sail seven- to 11-night cruises around the Mediterranean.
Get the latest cruise news, tips, and deals sent straight to your inbox with our free newsletter: Sign Up Now
Cruise lines are once again offering Black Friday cruise deals including some of the biggest discounts of the year on cruises all around the world.
Related: Planning a cruise for 2027? Our 2027 cruise deals guide explains when to book, including Black Friday and wave season.
Cruise lines are offering Black Friday cruise deals for 2025. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
Here is an early look at what 15 cruise lines are offering for Black Friday. While many cruise lines have already announced their deals, a few are waiting closer to Thanksgiving before they say what they will be offering.
Norwegian Cruise Line is offering their biggest sale of the year that has all cruises marked down by 50%. The cruise line has also brought back their popular Free at Sea promotion that includes unlimited open bar, free WiFi, free specialty dining, shore excursion credits and more. (View Best Prices on NCL)
Princess Cruises is going blue for Black Friday with a “Blue Friday” sale. They are offering up to $250 in instant savings, up to 50% off cruise fares, and 3rd and 4th guests cruise for free. (View Best Prices on Princess)
The adults-only Virgin Voyages is offering 80% off the second guest in a stateroom and up to $400 in free drinks on all cruises through 2027. Select cruises are as low as $99 per night, per guest. (View Best Prices on Virgin)
Royal Caribbean is offering one of the best deals in travel for Black Friday that includes instant savings of up to $1,000 and the 3rd and 4th guests cruise free. Their “The All-In Package” includes unlimited deluxe beverages, unlimited specialty dining, and streaming WiFi at just $109 per person, per day. (View Best Prices on Royal Caribbean)
Celebrity Cruises is offering 75% off the second guest on non-refundable deposits and 50% off the second guest on refundable deposit rates. The 3rd, 4th and 5th guest in a stateroom can also cruise for free. The cruise line is also offering up to either onboard credit or instant savings of up to $1,000. (View Best Prices on Celebrity)
Holland America Line‘s Black Friday sale includes cruises sailing from December 2025 through October 2027. They have 30% off cruise fares, free prepaid crew appreciation (daily tips), 50% reduced deposits, and free or reduced 3rd and 4th guests. (View Best Prices on Holland America Line)
The world’s leading culinary and destination focused cruise line, Oceania Cruises, is offering up to 50% discounts on more than 170 cruises in 2026 and 2027. (View Best Prices on Oceania)
Azamara Cruises is offering up to $4,000 off select cruises plus up to $500 in onboard credit per cabin. This includes cruises to the Caribbean, Japan, Italy and Alaska. (View Best Prices on Azamara)
Costa Cruises is offering their lowest fares of the season with rates starting at just $52 per day on cruises to Northern Europe, the Caribbean and Mediterranean. The offer is good on eight of their cruise ships on inside, oceanview and balcony cabins. (View Best Prices on Costa)
HX Expeditions is offering up to 40% off select voyages for 2025-2027. These luxury all-inclusive expeditions start at $3,987.
Ultra-luxury cruise line, Silversea, is offering savings up to $6,000 per suite when booking an All-Inclusive Plus and All-Inclusive fare. Deposits start at 15% of the total cruise fare. (View Best Prices on Silversea)
Crystal is offering $500 ‘As You Wish’ shipboard credit per suite and complimentary laundry and pressing service.
Cunard has cruises as low as $899 per person, up to 40% off fares, up to $300 in onboard credit, and 50% reduced deposits.
Uniworld is bringing back their popular 12 Days of Christmas Event on Black Friday. It has savings up to 50% off, free trip extensions, and waived solo traveler supplements.
Cruise Croatia is offering up to $1,000 off Adriatic Coast cruises on select sailings in 2026.
Cruise Fever will continue to monitor all cruise deals that cruise lines are offering for Black Friday and will update this article as they are announced.
Get the latest cruise news, tips, and deals sent straight to your inbox with our free newsletter: Sign Up Now
The Fort Lauderdale cruise port is Port Everglades, a large cruise hub about two miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Cruise ships board from eight main terminals (2, 4, 18, 19, 21, 25, 26 and 29), with on-site parking in the Heron and Palm garages plus surface lots at a daily maximum of around $25. Most travelers reach the terminals in 10 to 15 minutes from the airport by taxi or rideshare.
This guide covers which cruise lines use which Port Everglades terminal, how parking works, how to get there from FLL and Miami, where to stay, and how to spend spare hours before or after your sailing. Terminal assignments and prices change, so always check your boarding documents and the official Port Everglades cruise page before you travel.
Port Everglades at a glance
Official name: Port Everglades, run by Broward County. Most people simply call it the Fort Lauderdale cruise port.
Main address for navigation: 1850 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 (individual terminals have their own Eller Drive or SE 17th Street addresses).
Cruise terminals in regular use: 2, 4, 18, 19, 21, 25, 26 and 29.
Distance from FLL airport: about 1.8 miles, according to the port.
Distance from Miami International Airport: about 27 miles, often 45 minutes or more by car.
Traffic: the port reported a record of more than 5.38 million cruise guests in 2026, so peak Saturdays and Sundays can be busy.
Which cruise lines sail from the Fort Lauderdale cruise port in 2026-27?
For the 2026-27 season, Port Everglades says it is hosting nine cruise lines and around 40 ships: Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Crystal, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Orient Express, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Viking. That list is useful to know, because some older guides still mention lines that are not on the port’s current season roster.
Highlights for this season include:
Royal Caribbean: Legend of the Seas, an Icon Class ship carrying more than 5,600 guests, arrived in November 2026 as the first Icon Class ship to homeport at Port Everglades. It sails short Bahamas trips plus six-night Western Caribbean and eight-night Southern Caribbean itineraries, all calling at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Celebrity Cruises: the line’s 2026-27 schedule lists Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Reflection on Caribbean voyages from Fort Lauderdale, from short weekend escapes to 10- and 11-night Southern Caribbean trips. If you are booked on Beyond, our guide to Celebrity Beyond cabins to avoid is worth a look before you choose a stateroom.
Disney Cruise Line: Disney Destiny began sailing from Fort Lauderdale in November 2025 on four- and five-night cruises, alongside the seasonal Disney Dream. Disney has announced that Destiny moves to Port Canaveral during the fall 2027 season, with Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy sailing from Fort Lauderdale in 2027-28.
Holland America Line and Princess: both have a long-standing presence at the port, with Caribbean, Panama Canal and longer voyages. Princess’s Sun-class ships (Sun Princess and Star Princess) were based here for the 2025-26 season.
Luxury and small-ship lines: Crystal Symphony, Cunard, Viking and the new Orient Express sailing yachts also use the port this season.
Deployments change every year, so check the current schedule on your line’s website.
Port Everglades cruise terminals: which line uses which
Port Everglades splits into two main cruise areas. Northport (Terminals 2 and 4) sits near the convention center off SE 17th Street. Midport (Terminals 18 to 29) lines Eller Drive further south. The table below shows typical assignments, based on the port, the cruise lines and recent cruise guides. Lines do move terminals on busy days, so your boarding pass or cruise app is the final word.
Terminal
Area
Typical cruise lines
Nearest parking
Terminal 2
Northport
Princess Cruises
Heron Garage (covered bridge from 5th floor)
Terminal 4
Northport
Disney Cruise Line
Heron Garage (elevator access)
Terminal 18
Midport
Royal Caribbean (large Oasis and Icon Class ships)
Surface lots beside the terminal
Terminal 19
Midport
Holland America Line, other lines as needed
Palm Garage, Lot A, Lot B
Terminal 21
Midport
Holland America Line, Princess Cruises
Palm Garage
Terminal 25
Midport
Celebrity Cruises (also used by Royal Caribbean)
Palm Garage
Terminal 26
Midport
Holland America Line
Palm Garage, Lot A
Terminal 29
Midport
Celebrity, Holland America, Royal Caribbean and smaller lines
Palm Garage, then free port shuttle
Terminal notes worth knowing
Terminal 18 is one of the busiest in the port and handles the biggest ships. It was renovated for the 2026-27 season with a refreshed embarkation hall and VIP lounge, and more than 850 parking spaces were added next to it.
Terminal 25 opened in 2018 as Celebrity’s first purpose-built terminal, with a separate lounge and rooftop terrace for suite guests.
Terminal 29 is a little remote and has no garage of its own. Park in the Palm Garage and take the shuttle.
Terminals 2 and 4 are linked to the Heron Garage, so you can walk from your car to check-in without crossing a road.
Port Everglades has two main garages and several surface lots for cruise parking. Photo: Erik Mclean on Pexels
Port Everglades parking: garages, lots and daily rates
Port Everglades parking is run by the port itself, and there are more than 6,000 spaces across garages and lots. Long-time cruisers may know the two garages by their old names, Northport and Midport. Today they are the Heron Garage (Northport) and the Palm Garage (Midport).
Heron Garage: about 1,800 spaces, serving Terminals 2 and 4.
Palm Garage: almost 2,000 spaces, serving Terminals 19, 21, 25, 26 and 29.
Lots A, B, C and D: surface parking near Terminals 18, 19 and 26.
How much does cruise parking cost?
At the time of writing, the port lists a daily maximum of $25 per day for stays over 12 hours, so a seven-night cruise typically costs around $200 for eight calendar days. Shorter visits are cheaper, from $5 for the first hour. Oversized vehicles such as RVs or cars with trailers go in limited special areas at around $35 per 24 hours. Rates can change, so check the port website before you go.
Practical parking tips
Height limit: both garages have a 7-foot clearance. Taller vans, campers and roof boxes need surface or oversized parking.
No reservations: port parking works on a first-come basis. On very busy days, arrive earlier rather than later.
Drop bags first: unload your luggage with the porters at the terminal curb, then park.
Pay before you leave the ship: take your parking ticket on the cruise. Pay machines on the garage ground floor accept cash, credit and debit, and paying before you reach your car makes your exit faster.
Leave on return day: all vehicles must leave after disembarkation, as the facilities are not staffed every day.
Off-site lots and hotel park-and-cruise packages can cost less than the port garages, usually with a shuttle included. Read recent reviews and check how often the shuttle runs before you book one.
Getting to Port Everglades
From Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
FLL is one of the closest airports to any major cruise port in the United States. The ride is short, usually 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic and which terminal you need. The port lists an average taxi fare of about $18 to $21, and rideshare apps operate at the airport. The port suggests allowing at least 45 minutes to an hour from landing to check-in, which covers baggage claim, the drive, the security gate and dropping off your bags.
Many cruise lines also sell transfers. They cost more than a taxi for two people, but they can be good value for solo travelers or if you want the line to handle delays.
From Miami
Miami International Airport is about 27 miles south of the port. By car via I-95, expect 30 to 45 minutes in light traffic and much longer at rush hour. The port recommends allowing two to three hours from a Miami landing to check-in. Taxis and rideshares cost considerably more than from FLL, and some private shuttle companies offer shared rides between the two cities.
Driving in
There are three entrances: SE 17th Street at Eisenhower Boulevard, State Road 84 at Spangler Boulevard, and Eller Drive from I-595 East. From I-95, take exit 24 (northbound) or exit 26 (southbound) to I-595 East and follow the port signs. A newer elevated road, the Convention Center Connector, gives a more direct route to Terminals 2 and 4 from US 1, State Road 84 and SE 17th Street.
Security: what to bring to the Fort Lauderdale cruise port
Port Everglades is a secure port, so you pass a security checkpoint before you even reach the terminal. Everyone aged 18 and over in the vehicle must show a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, and passengers should have their cruise documents ready. Vehicles may be searched. Taxi and rideshare drivers go through the same gate, so keep your ID handy in the car rather than packed in a suitcase.
Keep these in your carry-on, not your checked bags:
Passport or other accepted proof of citizenship, plus photo ID
Boarding pass and luggage tags (or your cruise app)
Medication, valuables, electronics and fragile items
Liquids such as wine you are allowed to bring on board
Swimwear and sun cream, as cabins may not be ready on arrival
Cruise terminal screening is similar to an airport. To avoid having anything taken away at the X-ray machine, check our list of the items most often confiscated at cruise ports before you pack.
Tag your bags before you reach the terminal so porters can send them straight to your cabin. Photo: Zeynep YILMAZ on Pexels
Embarkation tips for Port Everglades
Stick to your arrival time. Most lines give you a check-in window. Arriving early rarely gets you on board faster and adds to queues outside the terminal.
Tag your bags at home. Your line sends luggage tags with your cabin number. Attach them before you arrive so porters can take your bags straight away. Tipping porters a few dollars per bag is customary.
Watch for the drawbridge. The 17th Street Causeway bridge opens for boat traffic, which can hold up cars heading to Northport. Allow extra time if you are coming from the beach hotels.
Know there is no luggage storage. The port does not store bags, so plan around this on return day if your flight is late.
Book late flights home. Big ships can take a couple of hours to disembark. Many travelers book flights after noon, or 1 pm for domestic flights, to avoid a rush.
Check hurricane updates. From June to November, storm-related changes are usually announced by the cruise line a day or two before sailing.
Hotels near Port Everglades
Flying in the day before is the safest plan, especially in winter when flights fill up. The main hotel areas are:
17th Street and the harbor: the closest choice, a few minutes from Northport, with restaurants and the Harbor Shops nearby. The new Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel sits next to the convention center by Terminals 2 and 4.
Airport hotels: good for late arrivals and early flights home. Many sit near the State Road 84 entrance and offer cruise shuttles or park-and-cruise deals.
Fort Lauderdale Beach: a resort feel with ocean views, about 10 to 20 minutes from the terminals depending on traffic and the drawbridge.
Las Olas and downtown: best for dining and nightlife, slightly further from the port.
Check whether your hotel’s shuttle runs to the port on your sailing day and if there is a fee.
Things to do before or after your cruise
Fort Lauderdale is an easy place to spend a spare day. Popular options include:
Fort Lauderdale Beach: the wide beach and promenade along A1A, close to many hotels.
Las Olas Boulevard: shops, galleries and restaurants in a walkable stretch near downtown.
Water taxi: a hop-on, hop-off boat along the canals and Intracoastal Waterway, often described as the "Venice of America".
John U. Lloyd Beach State Park: a quieter beach just south of the port entrance, with views of ships sailing out in the late afternoon.
Harbor Shops and 17th Street: handy for a last-minute pharmacy, grocery or snack run before boarding.
On return day, most ships are cleared by mid-morning, which leaves time for a beach lunch before an afternoon flight. If your cruise calls at the Bahamas, our Nassau cruise port guide explains what to expect when you dock there.
FAQs
What is the cruise port in Fort Lauderdale called?
The Fort Lauderdale cruise port is called Port Everglades. It is run by Broward County and sits between Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Dania Beach, close to FLL airport.
Where can I park for my cruise in Fort Lauderdale?
Use the Heron Garage for Terminals 2 and 4, the Palm Garage for Terminals 19, 21, 25, 26 and 29, and the surface lots next to Terminal 18. At the time of writing the daily maximum is around $25. Off-site lots with shuttles are another option.
How far is Port Everglades from Fort Lauderdale airport?
About 1.8 miles. The taxi ride usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, with average fares of roughly $18 to $21, but allow 45 minutes to an hour from landing to check-in.
Is Port Everglades a busy cruise port?
Yes. It is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world and reported more than 5.38 million cruise guests in 2026. Weekends in winter are the busiest, so allow extra time for traffic and security.
Which terminal does Royal Caribbean use at Port Everglades?
Royal Caribbean’s largest ships usually sail from Terminal 18, while Terminals 25 and 29 are also used. Always check your boarding pass, as assignments can change on busy days.
