Is it better to cruise from Fort Lauderdale or Miami?

Choose Fort Lauderdale if you need something for the family. Fort Lauderdale offers plenty of affordable options for any cruiser looking to spend some time and vacation before or after their cruise. Find things to do if you have just one day in Fort Lauderdale pre- or post-cruise.



Choosing between Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) and Miami (PortMiami) depends on your priorities regarding variety, cost, and logistics. Miami is the "Cruise Capital of the World" and offers the widest variety of ships and brands, from Disney to Virgin Voyages. It is ideal if you want a vibrant, cosmopolitan "pre-cruise" city experience, though it is often more expensive for hotels and parking. Fort Lauderdale is generally perceived as more "user-friendly" and less hectic. The airport (FLL) is only about 10 minutes from the port, whereas Miami (MIA) can be 20–40 minutes away. Fort Lauderdale is the primary hub for Princess Cruises and Holland America, while Miami hosts the largest headquarters for Carnival and Royal Caribbean. If you are looking for cheaper parking and a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, Fort Lauderdale often wins; if you want the newest mega-ships and a high-energy South Beach weekend before you sail, Miami is the better choice.

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Fort Lauderdale wins the prize as the cheapest city to fly into in Florida. The busy Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is just a few miles from the city center, making it easy to get to your hotel.

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Off of I-95 by the Tri-Rail station, the Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port provides free transfers to the nearby cruise port located just a few minutes away.

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Take the Tri-Rail train from the Fort Lauderdale Station to the Miami Airport Station, then transfer to the Miami Metrorail. Take the Metrorail towards downtown Miami and get off at any of the Metromover stations. This option costs around $2.25 per person and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

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Fort Lauderdale is famous for its beaches, arts, culture, and events. From shopping on Las Olas Boulevard to gondola rides on the canals, to a historic riverfront, this is the Venice of America. Along Las Olas Boulevard, shopping, dining, and the historic districts.

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Taxis are typically two to three times more expensive than rideshares in Miami, even during surge periods. They are useful, however, if airport traffic is completely snarled, since taxis have exclusive use of the inside lane at MIA pick up and won't sit in traffic picking you up or leaving.

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The entire timeline can take 30 to 45 minutes after arrival. Just because your cruise ship is at the dock doesn't mean that people get off immediately. Once you are cleared to go ashore, you may experience a rush of people, but lines tend to decrease quickly.

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