|
|
Port Everglades is one of my favorite ports for a number of reasons.
First, you just can't beat the location. Almost right across the street from the airport, those flying in (and that was us for a long long time) find transfer to the pier both easy and inexpensive. In addition, hotels are plentiful and reasonably priced for those traveling far, needing to come in the day before.
I think that is always a good idea anyway. The logical reason is so that if there are any delays in air schedules you don't miss the boat. The real reason, though, is to get that vacation going as soon as possible since only idiots who booked the wrong flights miss the boat. For the most part anyway.
When flying in and deciding where to stay the main variable to consider is when your flight gets in town. If you get in late the night before your cruise, choose an airport hotel location. If you can get in by Noon or so, choose a beach location. In either case, stop by Primanti Brothers Pizza on A1A by the old Holiday Inn. Best Pizza in town and open 24 hours. Often, when we are driving home to Orlando from Miami, we'll stop to pick up a pizza to take home to the kids. Great stuff there.
If you're staying at the Embassy Suites its a short walk to try out the Water Taxi system in Fort Lauderdale
From Embassy Suites walk east on SE 17th Street to the Intracoastal. The Water Taxi stop is under the bridge right in front of the Marina Marriott... http://www.watertaxi.com/FortLauderdale/FLLStop10.Asp
You pay the fare when you get on, it's $5 one way, or $7 for an all day pass. They also have multi-day passes that are even better deals if you're here for more than a day.
The route map and schedules are on their website. It's a great way to get around and get a very cheap tour at the same time... http://www.watertaxi.com/FortLauderdale/FLLHome.Asp
|
| Some Fun Lauderdale Websites |
 | Harbor Master's Report
If you are sailing out of or into Ft Lauderdale, this is a great precruise time killing site. You can see where all the ships are scheculed to dock a week ahead of time. Eh, its something to do. |
 | Official City Site
This site is a great resource for planning your visit to Ft Lauderdale. Likened to Venice, the city boasts miles and miles of canals. No many that from May 15-September 30, 2003, stay at least two nights in 28 participating hotels and receive a $50 voucher redeemable at a choice of six water attractions in Greater Fort Lauderdale. With the validated voucher guests ride free on one of the following: Fort Lauderdale's famous Water Taxi; Florida Everglades swamp buggy tour at Billie Swamp Safari or the airboat tours of Sawgrass Recreation Park; Intracoastal and river cruise on the Jungle Queen Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise; Glass Bottom boat excursion to the coastal reefs or "Try Scuba" with South Florida Diving Headquarters. |
To or from Port Everglades there are a number of ground transportation options. For many, a cab is an easy and cost effective method of getting to and from the airport which is just a few minutes away. One word of caution is to check the Harbor Master's Report (above) and try to determine how many passenger ships will be in port on the day you will be there. If there are more than 4 ships in port it may be difficult to get a cab and alternate transportation methods may be needed.
Getting TO the port is not a problem, getting away from it might be.
|
| Gettin Around Port Everglades |
| How Do I Get to Port Everglades? |
 |
|
ADDRESS: Port Everglades
S.E. 10th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Travel Time:
- 2 miles from the Fort Lauderdale International Airport; travel time is approximately 5 minutes.
- 30 miles from Miami International Airport; travel time is approximately 45 minutes.
DIRECTIONS TO THE PORT:
I-595 is an East/West Interstate with connections to I-95, the Florida Turnpike, U.S. 1, State Road 7 (441), I-75 and the Sawgrass Expressway.
- Take I-595 East straight into Port Everglades.
- Once in Port Everglades, I-595 becomes Eller Drive/10th Avenue.
- At the traffic light, proceed straight on 10th Avenue. You will approach a sign with instructions that will direct you to the ship's assigned terminal.
- The entrance to the Midport Parking Garage will be located on the left side of 10th Avenue
PARKING: $12 per day (rates subject to change by the Port Authority)
- Midport Parking Garage: 6-floors, 2000 spaces.
- Security-patrolled and illuminated.
- Full payment due upon exiting the parking garage.
- Accepted forms of payment: U.S. Dollars; Visa; Master Card; American Express.
- No advance reservations required.
- Oversized vehicles up to 40 feet in length will pay $15 per day.
For more information: USA Parking, 1-954-462-7287. |
|
| |
