How To Choose Between Florida Cruise Ports
Have you been wondering "Where are the cruise ship ports in Florida?" and "How do I pick one?" If so, we've got answers.
By Robert Schrader | Published on April 10, 2024
From the neon lights and Art Deco architecture of Miami to the nonstop family fun of Orlando's theme parks, Florida cruise ports have a lot to offer travelers of all ages. And, today, nearly 60% of all cruises in the United States sail from the Sunshine State — most of them headed to The Bahamas or the Caribbean for plenty of sunshine, palm trees and fun in the sand. Read on for everything you need to know to make the right selection among the Florida cruise ports for your next sailing, whether that's a short weekend escape with a friend or a week-long vacation with the extended family.
Miami Cruise Port
Miami is easily worth extending your vacation for. If you've never been before, it would be a shame to head straight to the ship from the airport on arrival and then go right back on departure day without enjoying the Magic City. Whether you chow down on Cuban sandwiches in Little Havana before an evening of dancing or follow a lunch of ceviche with a dip in the tranquil waters of North Beach, Miami tends to exceed expectations. If you're coming for relaxation, you'll find spas and outdoor spots designed for sipping memorably good cocktails, as well as great people-watching. If you're looking for South Beach's famous nightlife, plan your stay so that you have weekend nights in the city. Depending on which day of the week you set sail, you might choose to explore the city of Miami before or after your sailing. For those traveling with children, look beyond the beaches to the zoo, botanical gardens or one of the city's kid-friendly museums.
There are also plenty of great places to stay at just about any price point: Whether you choose one of the famous Art Deco hotels that line Collins Avenue, an Airbnb condo in Brickell or a charming boutique hotel near Coral Gables or Coconut Grove, Miami is full of comfortable and affordable digs.
Renting a car? If you won't get back to this part of the country anytime soon, consider capping off your cruise with a drive to the Florida Keys for quiet beaches, fishing, boating or snorkeling — as well as that famously laid-back atmosphere and creamy key lime pie.
What You Need to Know: The Miami cruise port is busy almost every day of the year, so when you depart from here, you should build in plenty of extra time. The port is around a 15-minute drive from Miami International Airport and between 15 and 30 minutes from the beaches, depending on where you're staying. As a general rule, plan to arrive at least an hour before your cruise's boarding time. Arriving back in Miami, you'll have to clear customs. This can take minutes or hours, depending on the number of ships arriving simultaneously.
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Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port (Port Everglades)
The good news: In spite of what you might think when you hear about departing from Port Everglades, the terminal is not in the middle of Florida's famous swamp. While you can make an excursion to the Everglades before or after your sailing, the advantages of choosing Fort Lauderdale as your departure point have nothing to do with gators. Instead, it's a gateway to Fort Lauderdale, which is a fantastic family destination. Small kids will love the sugar-white sand and gentle waves of Las Olas Beach; older ones may want to jet ski, kayak or paddleboard.
Plus, retail therapy is never far away — The Galleria shopping mall near the beach is a great spot for last-minute cruise-packing necessities for kids and grown-ups, from sundresses to sunscreen. Restaurant highlights nearby include seafood spots and Latin-influenced eateries, and while the area is known for the spring break party scene, there is plenty of nightlife in Fort Lauderdale year-round.
What You Need to Know: The Fort Lauderdale cruise port is extremely busy, which is why you should leave plenty of time — at least 90 minutes — on your day of departure. In addition to reaching the port, which is less than 10 minutes by car from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, you'll need to find your terminal — each cruise line departs from its own unique terminal here. Popular Fort Lauderdale beaches such as Las Olas can be as far as 30 minutes away with traffic, so if you stay in town before your cruise, be mindful of the fact that you might need some extra travel time.
Tampa Cruise Port
Port Tampa Bay sits on the east side of downtown Tampa, close to the retail- and restaurant-filled Channelside Drive and the Florida Aquarium, which wows visitors of all ages. However, these are only two of a large number of attractions you can enjoy before or after your cruise. Party-minded cruisers can head to the nightclubs of Ybor City, while the foodie crowd will find the South Tampa restaurant scene as eclectic as it is convenient to access. (Award-winning steakhouses? Check! Cuisine from around the world? Check!)
If you plan to rent a car in Tampa, there are even more options for exploration. Drive across the Courtney Campbell Causeway to Clearwater, where the white shores of Sand Key Beach invite sun lovers of all ages to stretch out and enjoy the views. Or head south to St. Petersburg, where you can check out the Salvador Dalí Museum or collect seashells on Treasure Island.
What You Need to Know: Among all the Florida cruise ports, the Tampa cruise port is one of the most convenient. It's within walking distance of many downtown Tampa hotels and a short drive from South Tampa and Davis Islands. Like Port Everglades, Port Tampa Bay has multiple departure terminals, so make sure to verify yours before you get there. It's advisable to arrive at the Tampa cruise port at least 90 minutes prior to your boarding time; be prepared to wait an hour or longer when you return.
Orlando (Port Canaveral Cruise Port)
While the Port Canaveral cruise port is obviously not in landlocked Orlando, it's close enough to Florida's theme park capital that you can spend a few days here before you depart or after you return. If you're traveling with children, this is an opportunity to explore the theme parks of the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios Florida, SeaWorld Orlando or Legoland Florida.
And there's more to the region than just roller coasters, thrilling rides and character encounters. The beaches of the "Space Coast" offer a less-crowded alternative to ones further south in Florida. Cocoa Beach is not far from where cruises set sail, and options further down the barrier island include beautiful Indian Harbour Beach. Nature-loving families and couples should also consider visiting wildlife refuges like Sebastian Inlet and Pelican Island, which offer opportunities to spot indigenous bird species and simply find a place in the sun that you don't have to share.
Port Canaveral is also famous as the home of the Kennedy Space Center, a favorite among those interested in learning more about space exploration and a great vantage point for watching a rocket launch, if you happen to be in the area when one takes place. Our advice? It may not be worth timing your cruise around a launch, as delays do happen.
What You Need to Know: Whether you're arriving or departing from the Port Canaveral cruise port, keep in mind that the drive is around 45 minutes from Orlando International Airport and over an hour from Disney World's theme parks. While it's a much shorter ride from Cocoa Beach and other spots on the Space Coast, you should still leave 60 to 90 minutes to board, as the drop-off and pick-up areas at the cruise ship terminal can be crowded. Arrival customs procedures here might be quicker than at busier Florida cruise ports in the south and west of the state, but it's still a good idea to build some slack into your schedule.
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