No matter if you want to take a cruise to the Caribbean, Latin America or even around the world – Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is your gateway to exciting destinations near and far.
Port Everglades in a Nutshell
Port Everglades, formerly known as Lake Mabel, is located 4.3 miles from Downtown Fort Lauderdale. A deepwater port was constructed in 1927 to accommodate large ships. 5.000 ocean liners dock here every year. With an annual cargo tonnage of 23 million tons, Port Everglades is one of Florida’s most important economic hubs. More interesting for guests is the fact that many cruise ships dock at Port Everglades.
Cruise lines at Port Everglades
According to its website, Port Everglades is considered the “best cruise port in the world” – a daring statement that is not unfounded, though. The port has been decorated with countless awards by cruise magazines and undergone many modernizations. All in all, 40 ships start their journey here, making for long distances to the terminals. Thankfully, Port Everglades features 3 entrances, parking only costs 15 USD per day, and taxis, busses and shuttles are available. The waiting halls are equipped with aircon, vending machines, comfortable seats, toilets and free WiFi. In addition, the beautiful murals in the terminals will give you something to look at while you are waiting.
With all these amenities, one important question remains: Where do you want to go? Thanks to 18 cruise lines, you are spoilt for choice. In the following section, we will present some of the most popular companies and destinations:
Bahamas Shuttle Boat
Are you interested in a short trip to the Bahamas? Then you are lucky: The island of Grand Bahama lies just 3 hours away from Fort Lauderdale. Bahama Shuttle Boat offers one day cruises starting at 78 USD. This way, you can relax at the beach of a luxury resort, with food and drinks included, and be back in Florida the same day. You can also swim with pigs – a popular pastime in the Bahamas – or try the exciting zipline at Pirate’s Cove Oceanfront Water Park. Multi-day offers are available as well.
Princess Cruises
This company owns 9 ships that regularly dock at Port Everglades. From Fort Lauderdale, you can start to exotic Caribbean destinations like the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica or the Cayman Islands. Trips to Mexico’s beach paradise Cozumel, to the Panama Canal and to Costa Rica are available, too. Or would you like to travel up north? Then, the 10 day Caribbean Islander Tour with a stopover in New York is perfect for you.
Celebrity Cruises
Fort Lauderdale is a starting point for the Equinox, an ocean liner with room for 3.000 passengers. Like you would expect from the company’s name, you will enjoy all-inclusive service around the clock – just like a real celebrity. This way, you can travel in style through the Caribbean and head for tropical destinations like Antigua, Barbados, St. Marteen, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas and Costa Rica.
Carnival Cruise Line
This company offers a great variety of cruises in the Caribbean, with its flagship Carnival Magic starting from Port Everglades. What is more, you can strike amazing bargains on short trips: For instance, how about a 4 day cruise to the Princess Keys and the Bahamas island Nassau for just 213 USD?
Florida Everglades Tours
Why go for a long trip if scenic nature awaits you in the middle of Florida? Starting from the harbor, you can book the Everglades Tour through the Sunshine State’s famous wetlands. On the tours that take one hour you will learn more about Florida’s wildlife and sight herons, turtles, and even alligators. Back on land, a stunt show with these primeval reptiles makes the Everglades Tour complete.
Directions to Port Everglades
Port Everglades takes great pride in being America’s only harbor located directly next to an airport. And indeed, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is just 2 miles away. From here, there are multiple ways to get to the port, among them car rentals, regular taxis, Uber and a shuttle service. It only takes 10 minutes to reach Port Everglades from Downtown Fort Lauderdale by car. Vacationers based in Miami will need about 40 minutes.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of the Fort Myers Butterfly Estates?
The Butterfly Estates are open every day except Monday: from 10 am to 3 pm between November and May, and from 9 am to 2 pm between June and October. On Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Ester and 4th of July ,the Estates are closed. .
How much is admission to the Fort Myers Butterfly Estates?
Tickets cost 10 USD for guests aged 16 or older, 7 USD for children between 3 and 12, 8 USD for college/university students and 9 USD for senior citizens (65+). Children under 3 years, active Military personnel and Veterans visit the Fort Myers Butterfly Estates for free.
Which animals can I see at the Fort Myers Butterfly Estates?
The Estates focus on butterflies that are native to Florida – among them species like monarchs, peacocks and longwings. In addition, koi carps and turtles populate the ponds in the Butterfly House.
Can I book the Fort Myers Butterfly Estates for my wedding?
Thanks to their idyllic surroundings, the Butterfly Estates are a popular place for wedding photos. In addition, you can hold wedding receptions here. However, please note that the restaurant “The Gathering Place” with room for 40–50 guests is no longer located at the Estates.
