Port of Palm Beach: Your Insider’s Guide to Parking, Terminals & Transport

Map of Port of Palm Beach, Florida

The terminal sits at the northeastern tip of Riviera Beach, accessible via 11th Street off Broadway (US-1).

Key Landmarks Nearby:

• Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) – 8 miles west
• Peanut Island – 1.5 miles northeast
• Phil Foster Park & Blue Heron Bridge – 2 miles south
• West Palm Beach downtown – 4 miles southwest
• CityPlace shopping complex – 5 miles southwest

Location and Directions

From Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)

Eight miles, approximately 15 minutes—the shortest airport-to-port connection of any major Florida cruise embarkation point.

Driving Directions:

1. Exit airport heading east on Belvedere Road
2. Turn left (north) onto US-1/Federal Highway
3. Continue north to Blue Heron Boulevard
4. Turn right (east) on Blue Heron Boulevard
5. Follow to Broadway, turn left
6. Cross the bridge, turn right on 11th Street
7. Follow signs to cruise terminal entrance

From Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

Approximately 70 miles, 75-90 minutes depending on I-95 corridor traffic.

Driving Directions:

1. Take I-95 North toward West Palm Beach
2. Exit 74 (45th Street/Blue Heron Boulevard)
3. Turn right (east) on Blue Heron Boulevard
4. Continue to Broadway (US-1), turn left
5. Cross bridge, turn right on 11th Street to terminal

From Miami International Airport (MIA)

Approximately 80 miles, 90-120 minutes with Miami traffic unpredictability factored in.

Driving Directions:

1. Take FL-112 East to I-95 North
2. Continue north on I-95 through Fort Lauderdale
3. Exit 74 (45th Street/Blue Heron Boulevard)
4. Turn right (east) on Blue Heron Boulevard
5. Follow to Broadway (US-1), turn left
6. Cross bridge, turn right on 11th Street

Shuttle, Taxi, Rideshare, and Bus Options

• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): $20-30 from PBI, $80-110 from FLL, $100-140 from MIA.
• Taxi: Meter rates plus surcharges. From PBI: $25-35. From FLL: $90-120. From MIA: $110-150.
• Shuttle Services: Private companies serve the port with advance booking required.
• Public Transport: Palm Tran operates bus service requiring transfers—approximately 54 minutes. Not recommended with luggage.

Smart travelers fly into PBI. The other airports make sense only if flight savings exceed the additional transport costs and hassle.

Parking at Port of Palm Beach

Secure self-parking at $19 per day covering arrival and departure days. No prepayment option exists—bring cash or cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover).

Parking Details:

• Oversized vehicles (vans, RVs, buses, trailers) charged daily rate per parking spot used
• 24-hour patrolled secured lot
• Free disabled parking for vehicles displaying Florida Disabled Veteran plates, Toll Exemption Permits, or proper equipment
• Valet parking suspended until further notice due to construction

After parking, use the pedestrian walkway to reach the terminal. Parking attendants direct traffic and assist with queries.

Off-Site Parking Providers

Limited off-site options exist compared to larger Florida ports. The on-site rate remains competitive enough that most passengers park directly at the terminal.

Park & Cruise Hotel Packages

Several nearby hotels offer these packages, though availability varies. Contact hotels directly—typically includes one night’s accommodation with extended parking for cruise duration.

Hotels Near Port of Palm Beach

Closest Hotels with Shuttle Service

Most hotels in immediate Riviera Beach don’t operate dedicated cruise shuttles—the short distance makes rideshare more economical.

Budget-Friendly:

• Days Inn by Wyndham Airport North – Under 7 miles, airport shuttle available
• Holiday Inn Express West Palm Beach Metrocentre – Approximately 3 miles
• Comfort Inn Palm Beach Lakes – Convenient I-95 access, 10 minutes away

Mid-Range:

• Hilton Garden Inn West Palm Beach I95 Outlets – Good location for shopping and port access
• Hampton Inn & Suites – Clean, reliable, standard amenities

Luxury Options:

• The Breakers Palm Beach – Historic oceanfront resort, approximately 6 miles
• Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa – Upscale beachfront property

Hotels Offering Park & Cruise Deals

Verify current packages directly with hotels—availability fluctuates seasonally. Smart strategy: Book accommodation near PBI airport if flying in the day before sailing.

Transportation Options

Airport Shuttles

Private shuttle services operate between all three airports and the port, though PBI’s proximity makes it most economical. Book shuttles in advance—same-day arrangements prove unreliable, especially during peak cruise season.

Car Rentals Near the Port

Major rental agencies operate from Palm Beach International Airport. Verify whether your rental agreement permits leaving vehicles at the cruise terminal parking area—some companies restrict this practice.

One-way rentals from FLL or MIA to Palm Beach exist but typically carry surcharges. Calculate total costs including rental, fuel, insurance, and parking before committing.

Public Transport Availability

Palm Tran bus service connects PBI airport and the port with approximately 54 minutes of travel requiring transfers through the West Palm Beach Intermodal Transit Center.

Realistic assessment: Public transport works for locals or solo travelers without significant luggage. Families or groups with multiple bags should use rideshare.

For exploring the area, rental cars provide flexibility for visiting nearby Florida attractions or other ports along the Florida coast.

Cruise Lines and Destinations

Current Cruise Lines

Margaritaville at Sea operates the Paradise from Port of Palm Beach, offering 2-, 3-, and 4-night roundtrip cruises to the Bahamas.

The brand launched cruise operations in 2022, rebranding from Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. Approximately 60% of passengers on typical sailings are first-time cruisers—short itineraries and drive-to-port convenience attract cruise newcomers.

Bahamas Cruise Options

Starting January 2025, Margaritaville Paradise began sailing itineraries visiting Nassau as a key destination, complementing existing routes to Grand Bahama Island.

Typical Itineraries:

• 2-Night: Palm Beach → Freeport → Palm Beach
• 3-Night: Palm Beach → Nassau → at sea → Palm Beach
• 4-Night: Palm Beach → Freeport → Nassau → at sea → Palm Beach

The cruise line offers unique resort packages allowing passengers to disembark in the Bahamas and extend stays at all-inclusive properties on Grand Bahama Island—options for two or four additional days at partner resorts.

For those considering other Bahamas cruise ports or alternative Florida departure points, compare itineraries and sailing schedules carefully.

Truth about short cruises: Excellent for testing whether you enjoy cruising without committing significant time or money. Less ideal if seeking extensive onboard amenities or multiple exotic destinations—these sailings focus on value and accessibility rather than luxury experiences.

Terminal Facilities and Services

Check-In and Security Process

Arrive between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM for optimal boarding conditions. Earlier than 10:30 AM means waiting outside; later than 2:00 PM risks delays if any issues arise.

Check-In Process:

1. Drop luggage at terminal entrance (porters handle bags)
2. Park vehicle or depart rideshare
3. Enter terminal with carry-on items and documentation
4. Present confirmation, ID, and required travel documents
5. Security screening (similar to airport procedures)
6. Receive boarding card
7. Proceed to ship

The check-in process can become chaotic at this smaller terminal, particularly when a sailing reaches capacity. The Faster Chill program ($99) allows passengers to skip check-in lines, includes Wi-Fi package for two, and provides reserved seating at various venues.

Accessibility Services

Fully ADA compliant, with wheelchair access throughout. Request wheelchair assistance when booking if needed—the cruise line provides this service from terminal entry through ship boarding.

Restaurants and Shops Nearby

The immediate port area offers limited dining and shopping. Smart move: Eat before arriving.

Dining & Entertainment:

• Clematis Street (4 miles) – Restaurants, bars, nightlife
  • Roxy’s Pub
  • City Cellar
  • Blue Martini
• CityPlace (5 miles southwest) – Shopping and dining complex

Better explored when you’re not racing against boarding deadlines—save for pre- or post-cruise.

Last-Minute Provisions:

• Publix Supermarket – 2 miles from terminal
• Shopping centers – Along US-1 (Broadway) between West Palm Beach and port

ATMs, Currency Exchange, and Port Services

The terminal includes basic passenger services, though specific ATM locations within the facility vary. Banks and ATMs populate US-1 corridor approaching the port.

Currency exchange isn’t typically available at the terminal—handle this before arrival. Major credit cards work throughout the Bahamas, and US dollars are widely accepted.

A VIP Lounge exists within the terminal, though access terms depend on booking category or package purchases.

Embarkation Day Tips

Arrival Times

Recommended Timeline:

• If Driving from PBI: Arrive 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
• If Driving from FLL/MIA: Arrive 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (accounting for potential delays)
• Absolute Latest Arrival: 2:00 PM (allows one hour buffer)

Traffic on I-95 remains unpredictable, particularly Friday afternoons when Margaritaville typically sails.

Baggage Handling

Drop luggage at terminal entrance where porters collect bags (tipping $2-3 per bag is customary). Tag luggage with provided cruise line tags before arrival—complete this step at home or hotel to streamline drop-off.

Pack essential medications, valuables, travel documents, and first-evening necessities in carry-ons—checked bags may not reach staterooms immediately.

Smooth Boarding Checklist

Documents Required:

• Printed boarding pass/confirmation
• Valid passport (recommended) or birth certificate with government-issued photo ID
• Cruise payment confirmation
• Travel insurance documentation (if purchased)

Pre-Boarding Preparations:

• Complete online check-in 3-5 days before sailing
• Print all documentation (don’t rely solely on mobile devices)
• Attach cruise line luggage tags before arriving
• Have credit card ready for onboard account setup
• Prepare cash for porter tips

What NOT to Bring:

• Prohibited items per cruise line policy
• Surge protectors with outlets (fire hazard—bring USB-only versions)
• Irons or steamers (use ship services instead)
• Excessive liquids (follow cruise line beverage policies)

The smaller terminal size means less confusion navigating to the ship, but also limited seating if you arrive during peak boarding hours. Bring a book or download entertainment—boarding queues move steadily but not instantly.

Consider exploring other Florida cruise ports if comparing embarkation experiences, or read about what to expect in Nassau if it’s on your itinerary.

Common Questions

What makes Port of Palm Beach different from larger Florida cruise ports?

The scale. Significantly fewer passengers than PortMiami or Port Everglades means less crowding, faster processing, and easier navigation. Trade-off: only Margaritaville currently operates here, so fewer onboard options. The $19 parking rate versus $25-30 elsewhere makes the economics appealing.

Is Palm Beach International Airport actually convenient for this port?

Absurdly so. Eight miles, 15 minutes—the shortest connection of any major Florida cruise port. You can fly in the morning, grab lunch, and still board comfortably. The only scenario where PBI doesn’t win is if significantly cheaper flights from FLL or MIA offset the additional transport costs and stress.

Can I really not board after 3:00 PM?

Correct—terminal doors close promptly, and latecomers won’t be permitted to enter or embark. This isn’t negotiable. If you miss the sailing, you’re responsible for your own arrangements.

Do I need a passport to take a cruise to the Bahamas from Florida?

Technically no—you can use a birth certificate plus government-issued photo ID for closed-loop cruises (roundtrip from the same US port). Realistically, get the passport. If you miss the ship in the Bahamas and need to fly back to the US, that birth certificate won’t help. Medical emergencies requiring flights home, itinerary changes, or any deviation from the original plan becomes exponentially more complicated without a passport. The cruise line strongly recommends passports, and anyone with cruising experience will tell you the same.

What is included in the Margaritaville at Sea cruise fare?

Your stateroom, meals in the main dining room (Fins) and buffet (Port of Indecision), plus pizza slices. That’s the baseline. Everything else costs extra: specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks (yes, soda requires purchasing a package or using drink credits), Wi-Fi, specialty coffees, shore excursions, spa services, and photos. The License to Chill package ($399 for two people) bundles some extras—10 drink credits, $150 spa credit, specialty dining, wine tasting, premium coffees, and a bathrobe. Calculate whether packages save money based on your actual consumption rather than theoretical usage.

Are drinks included on Margaritaville cruises?

No. Water, basic coffee, and tea at meals are complimentary. Everything else—alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, specialty coffees, fresh juices—requires purchasing either individual drinks or beverage packages. The unlimited drink package includes up to 15 drinks daily (alcoholic beverages, sodas, specialty coffees). Here’s the catch they mention at boarding: you need to buy the unlimited soda package separately if you want soda or iced tea access without using drink credits from the alcohol package. Budget accordingly.

How long is the cruise from Palm Beach to the Bahamas?

Depends on the itinerary. The 2-night option departs afternoon on Day 1, gives you a full day in Freeport on Day 2, and returns morning of Day 3. The 3-night adds Nassau with a sea day. The 4-night visits both Freeport and Nassau with a sea day. Total sailing time to Freeport runs approximately 8-10 hours overnight. To Nassau, similar timeframe depending on weather and routing. These aren’t transatlantic voyages—you’re talking short hops across relatively calm waters.

What is the easiest port to cruise out of in Florida?

Biased answer incoming: Port of Palm Beach wins for certain travelers. The eight-mile airport connection, compact terminal, and streamlined parking make logistics simpler than navigating PortMiami or Port Everglades. However, “easiest” depends on your definition. If you live in South Florida, Port Everglades might involve less driving. If you want maximum cruise line options, PortMiami or Port Canaveral offer more choices. If you prioritize stress-free embarkation with minimal airport-to-ship hassle, Palm Beach delivers. The trade-off is limited sailing options and older ships.

What’s the realistic onboard experience for Margaritaville cruises?

Set expectations appropriately. Smaller, older refurbished vessels rather than purpose-built luxury liners. The focus is accessibility and value, not competing with Royal Caribbean amenities. Food quality receives mixed reviews, entertainment tends toward casual, and staterooms reflect the vessel’s age despite renovations. These sailings excel at introducing cruising to newcomers or providing quick getaways for experienced cruisers with appropriately calibrated expectations.

Are there actually hotels worth staying at near the port?

The immediate Riviera Beach area isn’t Palm Beach proper—important distinction. Budget properties near the port provide functional accommodation. For resort experiences, venture to actual Palm Beach (The Breakers) or West Palm Beach proper (Eau Palm Beach). Given PBI’s proximity, many passengers fly in sailing day rather than staying overnight locally.

What happens if I need wheelchair assistance?

Request when booking. The cruise line provides assistance from terminal entrance through ship boarding. The smaller terminal size actually benefits passengers with mobility concerns—shorter distances from parking to ship than at larger facilities.