Port Everglades, A Few Questions

[princesscinderella]

There’s also the Hard Rock Guitar hotel at the Seminole Indian Reservation. It’s got the gambling a Disney Cruise doesn’t.

 

[dorito]

We will be sailing out of Port Everglades for the first time this fall. A group of 10 adults over 45 with varying CC status. We are flying into FLL 2 days early. I'm thinking we will rent a car (or 2) to use for the 2 days before boarding. Any recommendations for a hotel near the port? If we do rent a car at the airport, would we have to return it to FLL or is there an agency that has an off airport site location? What is the best way to get to the port on embarkation day? I'm sure we will have various PATs due to our different CC status. We can either stagger our arrivals as per PAT or all arrive at the latest PAT, though the people with the earlier PAT may want to get the party started lol. For anyone that has sailed lately, how has embarkation been at PE? If I remember correctly, early reviews were not good. We will be flying home on disembarkation day late afternoon. Any suggestions for killing time before having to be at the airport at 1:00 (and how to navigate transportation with luggage since at that point we will not have a car.)

Appreciate any tips, suggestions, reviews etc. TIA

Hi, We sailed out of PE in May. It was a pretty smooth experience. We stayed at the Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port, they have free breakfast, and arranged an uber/lyft for the morning. For the 4 of us the Lyft was cheaper, about $15. The airport shuttle was much more expensive.

We arrived earlier than expected and they had section for the different arrival times. I wouldn't worry about who arrives when, just pick a time that is most convenient for everyone and there will be areas to stand depending on when your PAT is.

The airport is so close, I would drop off the rental car early to save money instead of keeping it an extra evening and take an uber/lyft to your hotel.

For debarkation honestly not a ton you can do with luggage. We just took our time getting off the ship, enjoyed a nice breakfast, came off late and then hung out at the airport.

 

[shoegal9]

We found Port Everglades to be an amazing experience. We arrived just prior to our PAT (11:30 am- BG 7). Went right through security/check in and literally walked on the ship. No sitting or waiting. Car to ship total time was less than 20 mins. We live in SW Florida so we love having this option for cruising now that is an 1.5 hours closer than Port Canaveral.

 

[SomePixiedust]

Hi, We sailed out of PE in May. It was a pretty smooth experience. We stayed at the Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port, they have free breakfast, and arranged an uber/lyft for the morning. For the 4 of us the Lyft was cheaper, about $15. The airport shuttle was much more expensive.

We arrived earlier than expected and they had section for the different arrival times. I wouldn't worry about who arrives when, just pick a time that is most convenient for everyone and there will be areas to stand depending on when your PAT is.

The airport is so close, I would drop off the rental car early to save money instead of keeping it an extra evening and take an uber/lyft to your hotel.

For debarkation honestly not a ton you can do with luggage. We just took our time getting off the ship, enjoyed a nice breakfast, came off late and then hung out at the airport.

This is very helpful, thanks so much!