How To Choose Between Florida Cruise Ports

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 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 a 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 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. 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 before your boarding time.

Orlando Cruise Port (Port Canaveral Cruise Port)

While the Port Canaveral cruise port isn’t 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 such as:

● Walt Disney World Resort.

● Universal Studios Florida.

● SeaWorld Orlando.

● 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.

Planning Your Perfect Vacation

No matter which port you choose, Royal Caribbean offers unforgettable sailings from all of Florida’s top ports, taking you to The Bahamas, the Caribbean and beyond in style. Explore Royal Caribbean cruises from Florida today and find your perfect voyage.