What to Expect
Port Everglades has terminals numbered 1 through 29; your cruise confirmation specifies which. Terminals 1–4 handle the largest ships. Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is 3 miles from the port — the closest major US airport to any cruise terminal. Rideshare from FLL to the terminal is $12–18 (15 minutes); taxi is $25–30. The port has no walkable neighborhood adjacent to it; rideshare is the practical option for getting between the terminal and anywhere worth being. Fort Lauderdale Beach (Las Olas Beach) is 5 miles from the terminal; Las Olas Boulevard — the city's restaurant and gallery strip — is 4 miles. Both are 15–20 minutes by rideshare.
Getting to the Port
FLL to Port Everglades: rideshare $12–18, taxi $20–25, or the free Port Everglades shuttle that runs from FLL on embarkation days (check your cruise line's guidance). Miami International Airport (MIA) is 30 miles and adds 45–60 minutes of drive time. Parking at Port Everglades: $22–25/night in the port garages, booking required in advance for large sailings. Fort Lauderdale Beach hotels on A1A are the best pre-cruise option — convenient to the port and you're on the beach the night before.
Tipping and Currency
USD. Standard US tipping: 18–20% at restaurants, $2–5 for rideshare and taxi. Porters at the cruise terminal: $1–2 per bag is customary — they load your luggage directly onto the ship. No currency exchange needed.
Where to Eat
Las Olas Boulevard is Fort Lauderdale's best restaurant strip — 10–15 minutes from the port by rideshare. Coconuts on the Water (seafood, waterfront) and Shooters Waterfront (casual, reliable) are the go-to pre-cruise dinner spots. For the morning of embarkation, the Casablanca Café on A1A does breakfast until 11am. If you land at FLL the evening before, the area around the airport has reasonable chain options; commit to Las Olas if you want something memorable.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beach (A1A) is 3 miles from Port Everglades, free and public. The beach is wide, clean, and uncrowded compared to South Beach — a legitimate pre-cruise beach day if you arrive early. The Broadwalk (2.5 miles of paved waterfront) makes it easy to walk between hotels and beach access points without crossing the main road.