Florida’s seven cruise ports offer you convenient departure points across the state:

PortMiami stands as the world’s busiest cruise hub. You can access Port Everglades near Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral close to Orlando, Port Tampa Bay on the Gulf Coast, JAXPORT in Jacksonville, Port of Palm Beach, and Key West Port.

You’ll find these features at each port:

  • Modern check-in terminals
  • Secure parking facilities
  • Quick connections to major airports
  • Easy access to local attractions

Your departure experience will vary by location. Miami gives you a vibrant city atmosphere, whilst Port Canaveral puts you near Orlando’s theme parks.

Each port connects you to local transport networks and offers clear signage to help you find your ship.

PortMiami, Florida Cruise Ship Port Guide

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PortMiami stands as North America’s busiest cruise port, earning its nickname “Cruise Capital of the World”. You’ll find multiple modern terminals with straightforward check-in and baggage systems.

The port gives you direct links to:

  • Downtown Miami
  • Miami International Airport
  • Major motorways

You have several transport options:

  • On-site parking facilities
  • Regular shuttle services
  • Taxi ranks
  • Public transport connections

Each terminal offers:

  • Air-conditioned waiting areas
  • Food outlets
  • Shopping facilities
  • Clear signage to boarding areas

You can easily navigate between terminals using the port’s free shuttle service. The port layout allows smooth passenger flow from drop-off points to ship boarding areas. Your cruise line will send you specific terminal details before your journey.

Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), Florida Cruise Ship Port Guide

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Port Everglades sits 30 miles north of PortMiami in Fort Lauderdale. You can join over 3.5 million passengers who travel through this major cruise hub each year. The port connects easily to local hotels, beaches and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

You can sail with these cruise lines from Port Everglades:

  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Princess Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Carnival Cruise Line

You’ll find modern facilities across multiple terminals to make your boarding straightforward. Each terminal offers:

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Comfortable seating
  • Multiple check-in desks
  • Quick processing systems

The port’s efficient layout helps you start your cruise smoothly and on time.

Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida Cruise Ship Port Guide

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Port Canaveral sits 45 miles east of Orlando and ranks as Florida’s third-busiest cruise port. You’ll find six terminals (A-F) that welcome 4.5 million passengers each year through Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian.

You can visit the Kennedy Space Center or relax at Jetty Park Beach before your sailing. Each terminal offers its own parking garage, and you’ll discover restaurants at The Cove district nearby.

You can reach the port easily from Orlando International Airport (MCO) by taking a direct shuttle to your terminal.

Port Tampa Bay, Florida Cruise Ship Port Guide

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Port Tampa Bay connects you to Caribbean and Mexican cruises, with Royal Caribbean and Carnival ships sailing from Florida’s west coast. You’ll find it easily from Tampa’s city centre and airport.

You get these benefits when using Port Tampa Bay:

  • Quick check-in at three modern terminals
  • On-site parking at good rates
  • Short walks to Tampa’s dining spots and sights
  • Fast access for west Florida residents
  • Views of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge as you sail away

The location puts you closer to your cruise if you live on Florida’s Gulf Coast, saving you travel time compared to other ports. You can drop your car at the terminal and walk straight to check-in. Before your cruise, you might want to explore Tampa’s nearby restaurants and attractions, all within easy reach of the port.

JAXPORT (Jacksonville), Florida Cruise Ship Port Guide

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You’ll find JAXPORT’s Dames Point Cruise Terminal in Jacksonville, northeastern Florida. The terminal serves Carnival cruises to the Bahamas and offers direct connections from motorways I-95 and I-295.

The terminal building provides:

  • Easy on-site parking
  • Quick check-in counters
  • Standard security screening
  • Comfortable waiting areas
  • Essential passenger facilities

You can reach Jacksonville’s city centre in 15 minutes by car. Several hotels near the port offer pre-cruise accommodation options.

The terminal’s straightforward layout helps you move smoothly from arrival to boarding. You’ll need to follow clear signage that guides you through each step of the embarkation process.

Your travel time to the terminal from downtown Jacksonville varies between 12-20 minutes, depending on traffic. You should arrive at least three hours before your scheduled departure time.

Port of Palm Beach, Florida Cruise Ship Port Guide

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The Port of Palm Beach sits in Riviera Beach, near West Palm Beach, Florida. You can take regular Bahamas cruises from this port through Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line.

You’ll benefit from:

  • Clear signs to help you navigate the terminal
  • On-site parking at reasonable rates
  • Quick security and check-in
  • Several restaurants within walking distance
  • Direct routes from I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike

The port’s compact size means you’ll spend less time queuing and receive more personal attention than at bigger cruise terminals.

Getting to your ship is straightforward:

  1. Follow the terminal signs from the main entrance
  2. Park your car in the secure facility
  3. Check in at the passenger terminal
  4. Board your ship

You can reach the port easily by car, taxi or ride-share service from West Palm Beach and surrounding areas.

Key West, Florida Cruise Ship Port Guide

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Key West welcomes cruise ships at three main docks: Mallory Square, the Outer Mole Pier, and Pier B.

You can step straight into Old Town from Mallory Square. The dock sits just minutes from Duval Street’s boutiques and eateries.

The Outer Mole Pier lies further from the centre, but you’ll find regular shuttle buses to take you into town and to key attractions.

At Pier B, you’ll dock beside the Margaritaville Resort. You can grab a meal at the waterfront restaurants before heading out to explore.

From any dock, you’re perfectly placed to discover the island’s best bits – from colourful historic buildings to stunning coral reefs. The relaxed, island atmosphere starts right at the port.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens if I Miss My Cruise Ship Departure Time?

Missing your ship’s departure means you’ll need to meet your cruise at the next scheduled port. Call the cruise line straight away – they’ll give you step-by-step help to get back on board. You’ll have to cover all travel costs to reach the next destination. This might include flights, accommodation and transport to the port.

Can I Bring My Prescription Medications on a Florida Cruise?

You can bring prescription medications on your Florida cruise. Pack all medicines in their original pharmacy containers with your name clearly visible on the labels. Keep your written prescriptions with you during the journey. Carry your medications in your hand luggage rather than checked bags for easy access and security. Store any temperature-sensitive medicines properly during your travel and cruise.

What Special Documents Do I Need for Cruising With Children?

Required documents for children on cruises:

Your children need:

  • Valid passports
  • Birth certificates
  • Vaccination records
  • Medical authorisation forms

If you’re travelling alone with your children:

  • Get written permission from the other parent
  • Have the permission document notarised
  • Keep all documents in a waterproof folder

Keep these documents easily accessible during your journey, as you’ll need them at various checkpoints. Make copies of everything and store them separately from the originals.

How Early Should I Arrive at the Cruise Port?

Arrive at your cruise port 2-3 hours before departure time. You need this window to complete several essential steps:

  1. Find suitable parking
  2. Complete check-in procedures
  3. Pass through security checks
  4. Board your ship without rushing

This timing ensures you start your cruise feeling relaxed rather than rushed. Earlier arrival times may be needed during peak seasons or at busier ports. Check your cruise line’s specific guidance, as their recommended arrival times might vary.

Are There Shuttle Services Between Florida Airports and Cruise Ports?

You can choose from several shuttle options to travel between Florida airports and cruise ports:

  1. Cruise line transfers: Your ship’s official transport service – convenient but often pricier
  2. Independent shuttle companies: Local transport services specialising in port transfers
  3. Rideshare services: Uber and Lyft operate throughout Florida’s main port cities

Most cruise passengers prefer their ship’s transfer service because:

  • You won’t miss the ship’s departure
  • Your luggage travels directly to your cabin
  • The drivers know exactly where to drop you
  • The timing matches your cruise schedule

You’ll find these services at all major Florida cruise ports:

  • Port Canaveral
  • Port Miami
  • Port Everglades
  • Port Tampa

Remember to book your shuttle in advance, especially during peak cruise season.