First Time at Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port: 5 Things We Learned!

[@gregowens2537]

Wonderful report... thank you for providing accurate pictures to help in decision making... we usually go out of Port Canaveral... in few weeks we go out of FLL...

[@ThePortLowdown]

Great! Glad the video helped and hope you have wonderful trip!

[@jeffreylevin9616]

I watch many Cruise videos. Just came across yours. I'm seeing all the spots that I see almost every day. You see, I'm a chauffeur down here in South Florida who services the cruise industry. And I live in Plantation..I bet you stayed at The Renaissance Plantation. You showed The Tropical Smoothie Cafe where I often eat when I'm down that way. You made one mistake. You displayed 595 which you spoke correctly but showed it as 395. That's down by Port of Miami not there. Many of my customers stay at B Ocean. Over a month ago, I cruised out of Miami. I took the 22 bus right by my condo for free as they didn't charge me since I'm 65 straight to TriRail which is only $2.50 each way as a senior. Good job.

[@ThePortLowdown]

Hyatt Place actually. Twice. Not bad, had some good Cuban food nearby. Really enjoy the area. Will be back there for some more cruises next year. Always a pleasure! Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it. And thanks for the corrections. Noted! Best to you!!

[@DBMIAMI.]

We live here and Dania Pointe is also a great location for hotels, shopping and restaurants. It’s a quick 5 minute Uber ride from the port and the hotel rates are reasonable.

[@ThePortLowdown]

I believe that's where the tri rail stops for the airport, correct? That was another spot to consider for our overnight stay.

[@DBMIAMI.]

@@ThePortLowdown Yes it is. But an Uber will still be needed from the train station or local bus. There is also a plan to add a Brightline high speed rail stop on the other train corridor next to the airport.

[@jeffreylevin9616]

​@@ThePortLowdownyes. They have a free shuttle from FLL.

[@ericericson3535]

Port Everglades is our go to port as we live in Florida. We always use Park 'N Go parking. Great, friendly staff, and they seem to get through the security, (which IS tight) easier. Also, they come around quite frequently. I highly recommend them!

[@ThePortLowdown]

I'll put that in my notes. Thanks! How are the monkeys? Do they come up to people?

[@NYGRLINTN]

The security tip was fantastic! We're on a Celebrity cruise out of there on 1/4 and had no idea we'd encounter security on the way to the terminal. We'll be sure to arrive a little earlier. So, thankful that I stumbled upon your video.

[@ThePortLowdown]

You're welcome! This port is particular in that way because of the heavy industry. Have a wonderful trip!

[@NYGRLINTN]

@ThePortLowdown thank you!

[@billmiller1445]

Another great informative video.

[@ThePortLowdown]

Thank you! Always good to know the videos are helpful!

[@rickm8456]

Great video. I’m renting a car through budget. I’m picking up at the airport and returning it to their cruise ship location. Apparently there’s a shuttle from there to terminal four, Disney.

[@ThePortLowdown]

Very cool! We should give that a shot next time we're in Florida!

[@InspirateConLynn]

This video help me so much . Thank you ❤

[@ThePortLowdown]

You're quite welcome. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

[@l.a.rivasesq.8841]

I appreciate your informative video! I’m glad to learn that it’s worthwhile to stay in the area because we had decided to stay one night after we disembark.

[@ThePortLowdown]

Terrific! I assume you rented a car? What do you plan to do?

[@l.a.rivasesq.8841]

We're taking a cab from the port to the hotel which is located to places we can walk to. Then we're taking a cab to the airport. ​@@ThePortLowdown

[@ThePortLowdown]

Have a great time!

[@mrs.thomas-usmcwife5686]

Thank you so much for this video! I will definitely look into parking somewhere else besides the port. It will save us lots of $$!

[@ThePortLowdown]

You won't starve for choice, that's for sure. It pays to shop around. You figure a hotel package deal or one of the independent parking lots?

[@mrs.thomas-usmcwife5686]

@@ThePortLowdownWe won't be staying in a hotel and we aren't flying. It sounds crazy, but the 6 of us are driving 11 hours (ish) in one vehicle or that's the plan at least. So the independent lot will be what we look for. Park at the Ports has alot of good reviews so I'm looking at that.

[@ThePortLowdown]

Wow! So you're driving overnight, then arrive in the morning to board the ship?

[@mrs.thomas-usmcwife5686]

@@ThePortLowdownYes. My dad won't fly and my husband can't due to medical issues. It would also be very expensive for 6 people to fly. We don't mind either. We drove 18hrs (in 2 days) to Texas in 2022.

[@ThePortLowdown]

So where are you driving from? I assume you have at least another driver to switch with?

[@diannebrideson2368]

Will be driving to the Port in November and plan to park at the port. Your video was helpful but I know I will be stressed!

[@ThePortLowdown]

I'm glad to help. But I wonder why it will be stressful. A long drive? For sure, plan to arrive as early as possible to get a spot.

[@CruisingWithChooChoo]

Awesome video with great tips! So comprehensive!! Thank you so much!!!

[@ThePortLowdown]

You're welcome!

[@tremainekennedy9417]

Headed out on my very first cruising in November. So nervous about missing something important. This was so incredibly helpful!!!!

[@ThePortLowdown]

Thanks! And have a great trip!

[@madisonrose1576]

Thank you very much. We will be flying into MIA (was over 500$ cheaper than FLL) so this was very helpful.

[@ThePortLowdown]

Cool! It's great to hear our videos are helping. Means alot to us! Have an awesome trip!

[@dougkeirnes4540]

Nice job. We always like to ride the water taxis.

[@ThePortLowdown]

That's definitely something we want to try next time. The local water taxi, the one that stops at the park, looks cool!

[@nickpendlebury6003]

I did not know about the Tri Rail... Thanks 🙂

[@ThePortLowdown]

You're welcome!

[@nebbarnes3404]

I try and find hotels near shopping. That would be nice to mention and show. This way I have something to do within walking distance instead of just sitting in the hotel lounge or room.

[@ThePortLowdown]

The nearest hotels within walking distance is 17th street, but no real shopping center there, but a series of strip malls. Everything is fairly spread out and distant. Most people pick a particular area to stay that has the things they're looking for. Plus, there are LOTS of hotels.

[@StarGazeVacations]

Great video. Keep it up.

[@ThePortLowdown]

Thanks so much! I am and I will. 😀

[@marianacary425]

Parking opens at 10 am .Plus Holland American have their cabins ready by noon .

[@ThePortLowdown]

Good to know! We sail with Holland America too, but fly in. Uber all the way.

[@carolynjohnsondike5953]

Excellent job

[@ThePortLowdown]

Thanks!

[@paulbjorlin2807]

Thanks a very well done video.

[@ThePortLowdown]

Thanks so much! We're going back later this year. Anything you think we missed?

[@paulbjorlin2807]

It has been a few years since I cruised out of here so I do not think I could add anything at this time however we are looking at a future cruise out of here so your video is very helpful to us.@@ThePortLowdown

[@hienchau8093]

Nice video !! Very informative

[@ThePortLowdown]

Cool! Glad you liked it.

[@rdgreeley]

Very helpful!

[@ThePortLowdown]

You're quite welcome!

[@michaelgoedeker9697]

Great video! I really liked the map in the beginning with the different ports. Would you recommend coming in the day before just to see the sites, or is it more to ensure making it onto the cruise ship. We are trying to fly in the day of. We have a 7am nonstop arriving at 11AM in Fort Lauderdale.

[@ThePortLowdown]

A little of both. It's generally recommended to come in the day before as a buffer against flight delays and peace of mind. That said, the airport is so close to the port, it may not matter much. We stayed a full day before because we knew we would be tired on a travel day and wanted a full day to explore. That way, we're fresh for embarkation day. On port day, the docks were very busy with lots of ships, so there's traffic to consider going in.

[@patpatpatting]

Sad! I did not get to meet you both on the ship

[@ThePortLowdown]

Maybe it's because we were sleeping in our cabin, LOL. If we wind up on the same ship again, you may see me in my Port Lowdown shirt shooting my next ship tour video or stomping around the port shooting a port video. Come by and say hi!

[@dianephelon6981]

When did you sail

[@ThePortLowdown]

Dec 22nd. @@dianephelon6981

[@dunder2006]

Do you recommend any Ft Lauderdale hotels with a NICE HOT breakfast and less than 10 mins from port?? Preferably ones with no high resort fees but curious what you think?

[@ThePortLowdown]

Let's unpack this a bit. By 10 min from port, I assume you mean drive and not walk. Even the closest hotel will take longer than 10. We typically stay with Hyatt or Marriot because we had points, and they had pretty decent breakfast offerings (eggs, sausage and whatnot). We stayed at Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port and Convention Center. Only a 5 minute drive to the port. Not sure if there's any hotels in the area that don't have resort fees. An unfortunate fact of travel these days, especially with high demand, high turnaround markets like South Florida (alot like Vegas, I'd expect). Hope that helps!

[@lovermonkey]

Thank you for the video. We are flying in from Chicago to FLL this April. We plan to rent a car and then drive to the Keys before cruise. When we return the car to FLL airport, is there a way to go back thru the airport without going thru Secuity to get an Uber or taxi to head to the port? I know in the video you said the rental car place took you to the port, but I am guessing we won't be as lucky. That is why I ask. Thanks in Advance.

[@ThePortLowdown]

OK, you have a few options. 1) Ask at the return counter if they provide a driver service (can't hurt to ask). 2) Ask about a taxi pick up at the car return building, as they've been known to stop there. Can't speak to rideshare, tho. 3) Or walk across the pedestrian bridge to terminal one. Sorry, I forgot which floor that was, but signage is good. When you exit the bridge into the terminal, turn left and go down the escalator or elevator one level down. You should see a Starbucks between the escalators. Follow the signs for ground transportation. Beyond that, we didn't use this but will make a note to cover this in another video. Anyway, I hope that's enough to get you started. Have an awesome cruise!

[@lovermonkey]

@ThePortLowdown thank you!!! If you do any port videos for NYC please post. Thanks again.

[@ThePortLowdown]

I do. We sailed out of Brooklyn for an East coast cruise a few months back, but I'm still trying to get through my other videos LOL. Coming soon!

[@lovermonkey]

@@ThePortLowdown I'll be waiting. If you have any hotel or restaurant recommendations in NY, please add those too.

[@ThePortLowdown]

Well, I only passed through Brooklyn, but i did get a slice of pizza! I'll share what I can.

[@billyrayband]

I would not have much interest in renting a car, unless I was going to be there a few days before a cruise. Most nearby hotels I think there have shuttle service with airport and cruise terminal, and Uber for whatever else. If I fly into Miami, it will be for a cruise out of that port.

[@ThePortLowdown]

True that many hotels may offer shuttles. For us, renting a car was a way to explore the town for a day since we stayed slightly away from the port. Or for people with a longer layover, say, 12 hours and wanted to have some options. Probably cheaper than a hotel day pass or ship excursion. Point is, there are lots of options here and most people's particular situation can be met.

[@stuartlee6622]

Your video is GOOD!

[@ThePortLowdown]

Thanks much!

[@kellylee514]

Great info. Wondering if I should prebook an uber weeks in advance to go from our Fort Lauderdale hotel to the cruise port? Will it be better and or cheaper to prebook? And will the Uber driver be able to take us right to our ship? Thanks

[@ThePortLowdown]

Not really. In fact, pre-booking is sometimes more expensive since there is often a pre booking fee. We do just fine by calling up the app when we need it and price comparing the different available rides (of which there will be many). And the driver took us directly to port. So, no worries! Have a great trip!

[@kellylee514]

@ Thank you 😊

[@ErikaEmody]

hi! We are experienced cruisers with RC and Celebrity. Our first HAL cruise is in March out of Port Everglades. So what I gather is there is no pre-assigned boarding groups in online check-in. We just show up? At what time can we start arriving at the port? We aren't Club Orange and have no status with HAL so I'm guessing we are "last priority"? Is that how it works?

[@ThePortLowdown]

Yes, you just show up. The whole system is designed to hustle people through in the most efficient manner, so they don't people waiting around too long. We got through security, given a boarding group card, and waited. So you can come at whatever time inside your window, if not a little before. Club Orange has its own check in line, but then they wait at the boarding area on a first come basis, like everyone else. Enjoy your first HAL cruise, it's a more mellow vibe than other lines.

[@lastofthefinest]

Do they have taxis to the cruise line from the airport?

[@ThePortLowdown]

@lastofthefinest Sure. Just follow the signs when you exit the baggage claim.