Fort Lauderdale, one of the world’s busiest cruise ports, combines beaches, waterfront dining and easy access to Miami before your Caribbean cruise.
Cruises from Fort Lauderdale
Your Gateway to Caribbean Cruising
Fort Lauderdale is one of the world’s leading cruise departure ports, offering an easy and relaxed gateway to Caribbean cruising. Located on Florida’s Atlantic coast just north of Miami, the city combines beautiful beaches, waterfront living and a laid-back coastal atmosphere. Many guests spend a few days exploring South Florida before boarding their cruise, creating the perfect balance between a city break and a tropical sailing.
Cruise and Stay in Fort Lauderdale and Miami
Cruising from Fort Lauderdale works perfectly as part of a cruise and stay holiday, with most guests spending two or three nights in South Florida before boarding their ship. Many travellers choose to stay in Fort Lauderdale itself, enjoying the city’s beaches, canals and relaxed waterfront restaurants.
Others prefer to begin their holiday in nearby Miami, exploring neighbourhoods such as South Beach, Wynwood and Little Havana before transferring to Fort Lauderdale to start their cruise. With most international flights arriving into Miami, combining the two cities is a natural and convenient way to begin a Caribbean cruise holiday.
Find your next Cruise & Stay Holiday in Fort Lauderdale ➜
Why Start Your Cruise From Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale offers one of the most convenient cruise departures in Florida. The cruise port, known as Port Everglades, sits just minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s beaches, hotels and airport.
Starting your cruise here allows you to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of South Florida before sailing to the Caribbean. With modern terminals and ships from many of the world’s leading cruise lines departing year-round, Fort Lauderdale has become one of the busiest and most important cruise ports anywhere in the world.
Top 3 Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale blends coastal relaxation with lively waterfront neighbourhoods, making it an enjoyable place to explore before your cruise.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Relax on the city’s wide sandy beach, lined with palm trees, beachfront cafés and oceanfront promenades.
Las Olas Boulevard
Discover one of Fort Lauderdale’s most vibrant streets, filled with boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and lively bars.
The Intracoastal Waterway
Often called the Venice of America, Fort Lauderdale’s network of canals and waterways is perfect for scenic boat tours.
Where Can You Cruise to From Fort Lauderdale?
Cruises from Fort Lauderdale explore destinations across the Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean. Popular itineraries include stops in ports such as Nassau, Cozumel, St Thomas, St Maarten and Grand Cayman, along with cruise line private islands in the Bahamas.
Voyages range from short Caribbean escapes to longer island-hopping adventures, offering a wide variety of itineraries from one of Florida’s most established cruise departure ports.
Cruise Lines Sailing From Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is home to one of the world’s largest cruise ports, with ships from many leading cruise lines departing throughout the year.
Cruises From Fort Lauderdale - Frequently Asked Questions
If you are planning a cruise from Fort Lauderdale, these quick answers cover common questions about visiting the city before your sailing.
Yes. Many cruise guests spend two or three nights in Fort Lauderdale before boarding their ship, enjoying the beaches, waterfront restaurants and lively neighbourhoods.
Yes. Many travellers stay in Miami before their cruise, exploring the city’s culture and beaches before transferring to Fort Lauderdale to board their ship.
Cruise ships depart from Port Everglades, one of the busiest cruise ports in the world located close to Fort Lauderdale’s beaches and city centre.
Miami is around 40 minutes by road from Port Everglades, making it easy to combine the two cities as part of a cruise and stay itinerary.
Miami International Airport is around 40–45 minutes by road from Port Everglades, depending on traffic. Many cruise guests fly into Miami before transferring to Fort Lauderdale to begin their cruise.
Book Your Next Cruise From Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale offers the perfect blend of beaches, waterfront living and easy cruise access, making it an ideal place to begin a Caribbean holiday. Spend a few days exploring the relaxed coastal atmosphere of South Florida or combine your stay with vibrant nearby Miami before boarding your ship. With year-round sailings and a wide range of Caribbean itineraries, Fort Lauderdale is a superb gateway to your next cruise adventure.
