The entire process from arriving at the port to getting on your ship is an extremely easy one at Fort Lauderdale and is definitely one of my more favorite ports in terms of efficiency, lack of stress and friendliness.
How far is Port Everglades port from Florida Land Marks?
Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport is only 2 miles from Port Everglades port in Fort Lauderdale.
Miami International Airport is 27 miles from Port Everglades port in Fort Lauderdale.
Palm Beach International Airport is only 50 miles from Port Everglades port in Fort Lauderdale.
Transportation Costs to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale
A taxi from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport to Port Everglades port in Fort Lauderdale will be approximately $11.00 to $15.00.
A taxi from Miami International Airport to Port Everglades port in Fort Lauderdale will be approximately $70-$85.00
A taxi from Palm Beach International Airport to from Port Everglades port in Fort Lauderdale will be approximately $125 – $150.
Taxi costs will depends on the time of day you leave, if you are in slow traffic you will likely pay more than if you leave during quieter times with less vehicles on the roads.
Rides are often cheaper with ride share companies such as Lyft and Uber, and it’s definitely worth checking out the cost for your trip via these companies first.
The only downside to these ride share companies is the lack of ability to input how many suitcases you may have. If you’re traveling with luggage, I always recommend texting or calling the driver and soon as they are assigned to you to let them know how much luggage you have and to ensure their vehicle has enough space for all of your luggage.
Arriving by Taxi at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale
On arrival at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, you will enter a security check point. You must show photo identification at this point to the security officer on duty. Your taxi driver will also need to show their ID.
It is at this point you are reminder that absolutely no firearms are allowed into the port/terminal area, even those carrying a license.
From the security check point you and/or your taxi driver will continue to follow signs to your terminal.
Your ship will be on a large info board as you drive into the port, telling you exactly which terminal you or your driver should be heading to.
Baggage Porters at the Terminal at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale
You will first of all notice lots of Sheriff’s guiding you through cones to the correct area in order to keep the terminal safe and the traffic flowing.
As you pull into the terminal area, a porter will assist you with any luggage you wish to have taken to your room. Remember, to take any items you need or wish to keep with you at all times such as medication, phone, charger, etc.
The porter will ensure you’ve placed luggage labels onto all of the bags, and will have spare should you not have any or be missing a few.
Your porter does you a wonderful service and it is always recommended to tip your porter, I recommend somewhere from $15 to $20 but it is entirely up to you.
Going Through Security at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale
Now that your bags have been taken, you should only have a few smaller items on you, or perhaps a cabin roller bag.
You’ll head inside the terminal to a security check, much like TSA has at airports.
If you are staying in a suite or are a pinnacle Crown & Anchor member, you’ll be guided in through a separate door from the outside which meets the same security area but has a much shorter line.
First you’ll be asked to show your sea pass card and ID.
Secondly you’ll need to pass your bags and any other items you may have through the scanner. You’ll also need to walk through a scanner… unlike TSA at airports however, you do not need to take your shoes off, or take any liquids, electronics etc out of your bags.. they can stay where they are making this security process pretty quick.
I have never waited in line longer than 10 minutes at security, even when it appears to be extremely busy and this is during the Holiday season.
Getting Your Sea Pass Card at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale
Once you are through security, you’ll notice signs posted at different line or queue roped off areas. These are labeled by cabin type and or Crown & Anchor membership level. Those with higher membership levels will find priority lanes to help expedite their embarkation.
I might say at this point that I have never seen a line longer than 2 people, even on our very first cruise when we had no Crown & Anchor status.
A member of the embarkation staff will call you over and run you through a very quick process.
It can depend but sometimes you’ll be handed a short form to fill out the desk, or the member of staff will ask you verbally.
Questions they ask, but are always subject to change are:
- Within the last 7 days, have you had any of the following symptoms fever AND Chills, Cough, Runny Nose, or Sore Throat?
- Within the last 2 days, have you developed any symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea?
- Within the last 14 days, have you experienced fever or chills, or sore throat, or cough, or shortness of breath, AND visited any Arabian Peninsula country where Middle East Respiratory Syndrome cases have been reported?
- Within the last 14 days, have you visited a health care facility in any Arabian Peninsula countries known or suspected to have Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.
After this very brief health questionnaire you will be asked for your photo identification, this is usually your passport and any other documentation such as your visa or Greencard. If you are traveling on an ESTA this will show up on their screen 99% of the time, however, it is always recommended to bring a printed copy of everything just in case you need it or computers fail to show your status.
Your identification will be scanned and you’ll be handed your sea pass card!
It’s an extremely easy and quick process.
Photo Ops at
You can start your memories from the port by having your photo taken by a ship photographer next to a fun background.
The photographer will scan your sea pass card and your photos will be ready for you to purchase on board your ship the next day.
Facilities at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale
Lanyard store, if you want something easy to carry your sea pass card in, you’ll find a little store behind the photo op area with a variety of lanyard holders with various patterns from plain colors to sparkly gems and sports teams.
Upstairs, where you’ll join the ship you’ll find a huge area of seating.
If you arrive before boarding has began you’ll be asked to sit in this waiting area. The area is laid out again by cabin and Crown & Anchor status, and the boarding process will be by highest to lowest status.
If you arrive once boarding has began you can almost always simply go through the boarding gate immediately.
Before you board, should you need it there is a restroom and vending machines for drinks and snacks.
Boarding is easy, a member of staff will scan your sea pass card and you’ll head on through a walk tunnel up to the ship.
As you enter the ship you’ll be greeted by friendly staff and offered a glass of champagne or a mimosa.
Welcome on board!
Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale I believe is one of the most efficient and friendly ports to embark from.