On Florida’s Atlantic coast, Port Everglades has quietly become one of the world’s busiest cruise gateways, rivaling its higher profile neighbors in Miami and Port Canaveral.
Tucked beside Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport and minutes from the beaches of Broward County, the port now moves well over 4 million cruisers a year and serves a roster of major lines that use it as a springboard to the Caribbean, Bahamas and beyond.
With new ships deploying, infrastructure projects coming online and long term agreements in place with leading brands, Port Everglades is entering a new era of importance for North American cruise travelers.
Understanding Port Everglades as a Cruise Hub
Port Everglades is consistently ranked among the top three cruise homeports in the world by passenger volume, and it also carries a second identity as one of Florida’s most significant container and energy ports.
That dual role has driven a long running master plan that balances cargo growth with a deliberate strategy to court the latest generation of cruise ships.
The port’s cruise terminals line a deep harbor that gives quick access to the open Atlantic, which in turn allows ships to reach the Bahamas in a matter of hours and the Eastern and Western Caribbean in a few days.
The port’s location is one of its biggest strengths. Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport is just outside the gate, close enough that many passengers can see their ship as they land.
The airport connection, combined with direct highway access and a growing network of elevated roadways feeding the convention center and cruise terminals, makes Port Everglades particularly convenient for fly in cruisers.
The port also borders some of Fort Lauderdale’s best known beach neighborhoods, so travelers arriving early or extending their stay can easily blend a resort style land vacation with their sailing.
Recent years have seen the port embrace its role as a cruise specialist. Broward County’s long term vision for Port Everglades calls for modernizing and, in some cases, rebuilding multiple terminals to handle larger ships and to meet new expectations around security, baggage handling and passenger processing.
Those plans now extend into the 2030s, and they are being funded in part by user agreements with major cruise brands, which commit those lines to keeping ships based in Fort Lauderdale for years to come.
The Cruise Lines You Will Find at Port Everglades
For travelers, the most important question is simple: which cruise lines actually sail from Port Everglades? The roster is broad and getting broader.
Royal Caribbean International and sister brand Celebrity Cruises have maintained a long standing presence and have recently extended their commitments, ensuring a steady lineup of large resort style ships and premium vessels.
Holland America Line and Princess Cruises use the port as a seasonal hub for Caribbean and longer itineraries, while Disney Cruise Line has adopted Port Everglades as its second Florida homeport with a reimagined family focused terminal.
Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and other contemporary brands continue to use Port Everglades as well, typically for Caribbean and Bahamas deployments that shift with seasonal demand.
Luxury and upper premium lines, including Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and boutique operators, also call regularly, taking advantage of the port’s air connectivity for guests joining long duration voyages.
The result is that most major cruise styles are represented, from mass market ships with waterparks and nightlife to smaller vessels targeting food, culture and longer sea days.
Partnerships between the port and cruise lines shape how these brands operate in Fort Lauderdale. Royal Caribbean Group, for example, has a passenger terminal and berth user agreement that now extends through at least 2030, with options to continue beyond that.
That kind of multi year deal locks in homeport status for several ships across Royal Caribbean and Celebrity’s fleets, and it justifies investments in terminal upgrades and technology tailored to those brands.
Similarly, Disney’s multi year commitment is reflected in the custom design work at Cruise Terminal 4, built to mirror the storytelling atmosphere guests experience once they board the ship.
For cruise travelers weighing their options, the effect is clear. If you prefer a specific brand, chances are good you will find at least one ship sailing regularly from Port Everglades throughout the year.
If your focus is on a particular style of cruising instead, such as family centric, adults oriented or luxury, the mix of lines based in Fort Lauderdale makes it relatively easy to match an itinerary and ship to your preferences without sacrificing convenience.
New Generation Ships and Terminal Investments
Port Everglades is entering a period where its cruise growth is being driven by the arrival of new, flagship level vessels.
In the 2025 to 2026 seasons, several brand new ships, each representing the latest in design and environmental technology for their respective fleets, are either debuting at or being named in Port Everglades.
Celebrity Cruises is introducing Celebrity Xcel, the fifth ship in its Edge series, with a naming ceremony scheduled in Fort Lauderdale and a deployment focused on Caribbean vacations.
The ship brings evolved onboard spaces, including expanded pool decks, new spa concepts and a flagship retail experience, underscoring how seriously the brand takes its Fort Lauderdale presence.
Disney Cruise Line is adding Disney Destiny to its Fort Lauderdale lineup, using the LNG powered vessel for a program of four and five night cruises to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean.
Disney Destiny joins Disney Dream at the port, giving families another short cruise option and leveraging the whimsical aesthetics and tailored check in process of the Finding Nemo themed Cruise Terminal 4.
The introduction of an LNG fueled ship, and Celebrity Xcel’s readiness for alternative fuels, reflects a broader move at Port Everglades toward accommodating cleaner technologies and preparing berths and bunkering systems for the new era of propulsion.
Princess Cruises is also deepening its footprint at Port Everglades. The LNG powered Star Princess, sister to Sun Princess, is embarking on its own inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale with voyages to the Caribbean and Bahamas.
These Sphere class ships carry thousands of guests and feature signature innovations such as a glass domed entertainment space and expansive central piazzas.
Their deployment at Port Everglades signals that Princess views the port as a long term staging ground for its most advanced ships, not merely a seasonal secondary base.
These ship arrivals are being matched by a wave of infrastructure projects. A recently opened elevated bypass road, often called the Convention Center Connector, now channels traffic directly from major surface roads to the expanded Broward County Convention Center and nearby cruise terminals.
The goal is to relieve congestion at port security checkpoints and to give passengers and convention visitors a more predictable, less stressful route to their ships and hotels.
Work is also underway or planned on multiple cruise terminals, from modernized interiors and baggage facilities to expanded berths and new boarding bridges that can handle the profiles of larger vessels.
Where You Can Sail: Caribbean, Bahamas and Beyond
Port Everglades is best known as a gateway to the Caribbean and Bahamas, and the majority of itineraries follow that model.
Short three to five night sailings typically focus on the Bahamas and nearby private island destinations, including day stops on cruise line owned beaches and marine parks.
These quicker trips are especially popular with families and younger travelers, who appreciate the easy flight connections into Fort Lauderdale and the relatively simple logistics of a long weekend or short holiday at sea.
Seven night Caribbean itineraries dominate the core of the cruise calendar. Eastern Caribbean routes might include calls in St. Thomas, St. Maarten, the Dominican Republic and popular private islands, while Western Caribbean sailings visit ports such as Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Roatan and Belize.
Southern Caribbean itineraries, which are often slightly longer, reach deeper into the region with stops in Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire and Barbados. Many of these voyages operate seasonally, with some lines shifting ships between Port Everglades and other homeports based on demand and hurricane season factors.
Port Everglades also serves as a starting point for longer journeys. Repositioning cruises, particularly in the spring and fall, may cross the Atlantic to Europe or head through the Panama Canal toward the West Coast.
Premium and luxury lines use Fort Lauderdale as a gateway for grand voyages and world cruise segments that string together Caribbean islands with Central and South American ports, or link Fort Lauderdale with destinations in the Amazon, the Arctic or the Mediterranean.
For travelers who prefer to board close to home and then head to more distant regions, Fort Lauderdale’s port provides that launching pad.
The combination of airlift into South Florida and the port’s high capacity makes it easier for cruise lines to experiment with new itineraries. As fuel efficient, longer range ships come into service, there is potential for more varied routings from Port Everglades, including extended Caribbean seasons, niche itineraries focused on less visited islands and more frequent Panama Canal and South American sailings.
Travelers planning a cruise out of Fort Lauderdale in the next few years can expect the core offerings to remain Caribbean focused, but they should also watch for occasional one off or seasonal routes that offer something different.
How Port Everglades Compares with Other Florida Cruise Ports
In Florida, Port Everglades occupies a distinct niche between neighboring PortMiami to the south and Port Canaveral to the north.
Miami is home to a larger number of cruise brands and has invested heavily in landmark terminals, while Port Canaveral has built its business partly around Orlando’s theme park market. Port Everglades, by contrast, leans into its proximity to the airport and the Fort Lauderdale and Broward County tourism ecosystem.
It often appeals to travelers who want the bustle of a major port but prefer a slightly less congested urban setting than downtown Miami.
From a numbers standpoint, Port Everglades sits just behind Miami and Port Canaveral by domestic market share, yet it punches well above its weight in terms of the variety of brands and ship types it hosts.
The port’s emphasis on agreements with particular cruise groups gives it a stable core of deployments, which is particularly attractive to repeat cruisers who favor certain lines.
At the same time, its role as both a cruise and cargo gateway means it must manage truck and container traffic alongside passenger flows, something the latest roadway and terminal projects are designed to address.
For travelers choosing between the three major South Florida ports, the decision often comes down to airline schedules, hotel preferences and the specific itinerary or ship.
Port Everglades tends to work especially well for those flying into Fort Lauderdale, those embarking on longer, more complex voyages that benefit from the port’s air connectivity, and guests who value quick transfers from plane to ship.
Parking and ground transport options are competitive with other Florida ports, and the recent expansion of convention facilities and nearby hotels continues to strengthen the case for combining a cruise with business travel or meetings.
Another point of comparison is how each port is preparing for the next generation of ships and tighter environmental expectations. While PortMiami has been an early mover on shore power and massive signature terminals, Port Everglades is increasingly positioning itself as a flexible, multi line partner capable of handling LNG fueled vessels, alternative fuels and expanded passenger capacities.
The arrival of future Icon class ships, Edge series vessels and LNG powered family ships suggests that cruise lines see Fort Lauderdale as fully capable of hosting their most advanced hardware.
Planning Your Cruise Through Port Everglades
For individual travelers, understanding how Port Everglades operates can make the pre cruise and post cruise experience smoother. The port encompasses multiple terminals spread along a secure harbor, and access is controlled by security checkpoints.
In practice, that means passengers should budget a bit of extra time when arriving by car, taxi or rideshare, particularly during peak weekend embarkation periods when several large ships may be turning around simultaneously.
The newly opened elevated bypass route is already helping reduce congestion for vehicles headed to the convention center area and certain cruise terminals, but allowing for a buffer remains wise.
Given the port’s proximity to Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport, same day flight and cruise connections are common, yet travelers should pay close attention to arrival and departure times.
Morning arrivals that leave several hours before boarding typically work well, while tight post cruise flight connections can be risky if immigration lines are long or disembarkation is delayed.
Many frequent cruisers choose to arrive at least a day early, using nearby beach hotels or downtown Fort Lauderdale properties as a comfortable staging point. This approach not only reduces stress but also offers a taste of the local dining and arts scene.
Within the port itself, each cruise line will direct guests to a designated terminal, and signage along the internal roads is generally clear. However, rideshare drivers and first time visitors can sometimes be confused by the scale of the complex.
Having your cruise documents handy, double checking the terminal number and following the port’s official wayfinding signs help avoid last minute missteps.
Once inside the terminal, recent renovations at key berths mean improved security screening layouts, more intuitive check in zones and holding areas designed to ease the transition from curb to gangway.
Accessibility and special needs services are widely available but must often be arranged through the cruise line rather than directly with the port. Travelers who require wheelchair assistance, priority boarding or medical support should communicate those needs early in the booking process and reconfirm them a week or two before sailing.
Since Port Everglades handles multiple large ships on peak days, advance coordination is the best way to ensure that appropriate staff, equipment and parking arrangements are in place when you arrive.
The Future of Port Everglades Cruise Operations
Looking ahead, Port Everglades is positioning itself for sustained growth in cruise tourism through at least the mid 2030s. Broward County recently updated the port’s long range master and vision plan, highlighting both ongoing and future projects that will allow the harbor to handle larger cruise vessels and greater passenger throughput.
Among the priorities are bulkhead replacements, berth expansions and terminal redevelopments geared toward the next generation of mega ships and evolving passenger expectations around space, technology and environmental performance.
One of the most closely watched developments is the planned deployment in November 2026 of a new Icon class ship from Royal Caribbean, projected to become the largest cruise vessel ever to sail from Fort Lauderdale.
The port and cruise line are working together to ensure that berths, gangways and terminal facilities can efficiently process the thousands of guests boarding and disembarking from such a large ship on a weekly cycle.
Success in doing so will further cement Port Everglades’ status as a global hub capable of accommodating virtually any cruise ship currently on the drawing board.
Environmental considerations are also moving to the forefront. With multiple cruise lines rolling out LNG powered tonnage, and others exploring alternative fuels such as methanol, Port Everglades is evaluating how to support these new propulsion systems safely and efficiently.
At the same time, it must balance the energy demands of both cargo and cruise operations while minimizing emissions in a densely populated coastal region.
The port’s future plans place a strong emphasis on smarter traffic flows, cleaner fuels and infrastructure that reduces unnecessary idling or bottlenecks.
For the traveler, these strategic decisions will translate into more ship choices, more itinerary options and a smoother overall journey through the port. A decade from now, Port Everglades is likely to host an even wider mix of cruise lines, including additional luxury and expedition operators as well as new classes of large resort ships.
The core promise, however, should remain the same as it is today: quick access to some of the world’s most popular warm weather destinations, anchored in a port designed around efficiency and ease of use.
The Takeaway
Port Everglades has grown from a regional gateway into a pivotal node in the global cruise network, marrying a busy cargo and energy operation with one of the world’s top three cruise homeports.
Travelers benefit from the port’s enviable location next to a major airport and close to the beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Lauderdale, as well as from a carefully managed expansion of terminals, roadways and support facilities.
The arrival of brand new ships from Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and other brands signals that cruise companies view Port Everglades as a flagship homeport, not just an optional deployment.
As the port’s master plan unfolds and more advanced ships join the fleet, Fort Lauderdale is poised to play an even larger role in how North Americans cruise the Caribbean, Bahamas and beyond.
For anyone considering a voyage from South Florida, Port Everglades offers a compelling blend of convenience, ship choice and destination diversity.
Understanding its cruise lines, routes and infrastructure helps travelers make the most of that opportunity, turning a simple embarkation harbor into the seamless start of a larger journey.
FAQ
Q1: Which major cruise lines currently sail from Port Everglades?
Port Everglades is a homeport or regular call for Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and several smaller or boutique operators, though specific deployments can change seasonally.
Q2: What are the most common destinations for cruises leaving Port Everglades?
The majority of cruises from Port Everglades sail to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, including Eastern, Western and Southern Caribbean routes. There are also seasonal repositioning voyages across the Atlantic, through the Panama Canal and on longer itineraries that reach South America and other regions.
Q3: How close is Port Everglades to Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport?
Port Everglades sits directly adjacent to Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport, typically a drive of about 10 to 15 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This proximity makes it one of the most convenient cruise ports in the United States for same day air and sea connections.
Q4: Are new ships being based in Port Everglades in 2025 and 2026?
Yes. Celebrity Xcel, Disney Destiny and Star Princess are among the new generation ships debuting or being named in Port Everglades for Caribbean and Bahamas programs, and an Icon class ship from Royal Caribbean is scheduled to begin sailing from the port in late 2026.
Q5: Does Port Everglades handle both cruise and cargo operations?
Port Everglades is a mixed use port that serves as a major hub for containerized cargo and energy products as well as cruise ships. Its master plan is designed to balance these roles through separate terminals, improved roadways and scheduling that minimize conflicts between passenger and freight traffic.
Q6: What types of cruises are available from Port Everglades besides short Caribbean trips?
In addition to three to five night Bahamas and Caribbean sailings, Port Everglades offers seven night and longer Caribbean itineraries, Panama Canal transits, transatlantic repositioning cruises, and extended voyages with premium and luxury lines that combine the Caribbean with Central and South American ports or form segments of world cruises.
Q7: How early should I arrive at Port Everglades before my cruise?
Most cruise lines recommend arriving at the port within the boarding window indicated on your embarkation documents, which is often a few hours before the published departure time. Given potential traffic and security queues, many travelers plan to be at the terminal at least two to three hours before sail away and often arrive in Fort Lauderdale the day before.
Q8: Is Port Everglades investing in infrastructure for larger and cleaner ships?
Yes. The port is upgrading bulkheads, berths and terminals to accommodate larger cruise ships and alternative fuel technologies such as LNG and, in some cases, methanol ready engines. New roadways and terminal enhancements are also intended to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion related emissions.
Q9: How does Port Everglades compare with PortMiami and Port Canaveral for cruisers?
Port Everglades is slightly smaller by passenger volume than Miami and Port Canaveral but offers a comparable range of cruise lines and itineraries. It is especially convenient for travelers flying into Fort Lauderdale and those who prefer the Fort Lauderdale area’s hotels and beaches over downtown Miami or the Orlando corridor.
Q10: Can I easily combine a stay in Fort Lauderdale with a cruise from Port Everglades?
Yes. The port’s close proximity to Fort Lauderdale’s beach resorts, downtown hotels and the expanded convention center makes it simple to add pre cruise or post cruise nights. Many travelers use the extra time to explore the city’s waterfront dining, arts district and beaches before or after their sailing.