Princess Cruises
Mid-premium cruising with destination-strong itineraries — Alaska, Caribbean, Mediterranean.
Departure ports
Cruises from Fort Lauderdale
Florida's other great cruise port, with sailings to the Bahamas, the Caribbean and the Panama Canal.
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Cruises from Fort Lauderdale with Travelisto
Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, just up the coast from Miami. It is often quicker and calmer to sail from, and it is the home port for some of the biggest ships afloat. For UK travellers it pairs naturally with a few days in Florida, from the beaches of Fort Lauderdale itself to Miami, the Keys or Orlando.
Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises all sail from here in strength. Royal Caribbean suits families who want water parks, ice rinks and a private island day. Celebrity and Princess offer a more premium feel, and Holland America Line is popular with travellers who prefer a calmer ship and longer itineraries.
Short three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas are ideal as a taster or as part of a Florida holiday. Seven nights takes you to the eastern or western Caribbean, and longer sailings of 10 to 14 nights reach the southern Caribbean, the ABC islands or through the Panama Canal. Two back-to-back weeks make a popular 14-night holiday.
The main season runs from roughly November to April, when the weather is warm and dry. The hurricane season runs from June to November, and lines adjust routes when storms are forecast. We recommend arriving at least a day early, and we can arrange flights, hotels and transfers around your cruise.
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Lines we recommend
The cruise lines our Travel Designers suggest most often for this kind of trip. Tap a line for the full guide.
Princess Cruises
Holland America Line
Refined mid-size cruising with strong Alaska and global itineraries, mid-premium pricing.
Royal Caribbean
Large family-friendly ships packed with entertainment, water parks and waterslides.
Celebrity Cruises
Modern premium cruising with stylish ships, world-class dining and global itineraries.
Which line suits you?
| Cruise line | Best for |
|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Families who want the biggest ships, water parks and a private island day. |
| Celebrity Cruises | Couples who want a stylish, premium ship. |
| Princess Cruises | Travellers who want classic Caribbean and Panama Canal itineraries. |
| Holland America Line | Those who prefer a calmer ship and longer voyages. |
Where you can go from Fort Lauderdale
- The Bahamas
- Short three- and four-night cruises, often with a private island day.
- Eastern and western Caribbean
- Seven-night sailings to the Virgin Islands and St Maarten, or Mexico, Belize and the Cayman Islands.
- Southern Caribbean
- Longer sailings to the ABC islands and the southern islands.
- Panama Canal
- Partial transits and longer full-canal voyages.
Fort Lauderdale or Miami?
The two ports are less than an hour apart, and both are excellent. Fort Lauderdale is the main base for Princess, Holland America Line and Celebrity, and has some of Royal Caribbean’s largest ships. Miami has more Carnival, NCL Norwegian and MSC sailings. Pick the ship and itinerary first, and the port follows.
Check the FCDO travel advice for the USA well before you go, as entry requirements apply before you travel.
FAQ
Cruises from Fort Lauderdale: your questions answered
Is Fort Lauderdale or Miami better for a cruise?
Both are excellent. Fort Lauderdale's port is often quicker to get through and is the base for many Princess, Holland America Line, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean ships. Miami has more Carnival, NCL Norwegian and MSC sailings. The best choice depends on the ship and itinerary you want.
Where do cruises from Fort Lauderdale go?
Short cruises go to the Bahamas, often with a private island day. Seven-night sailings visit the eastern or western Caribbean, and longer voyages reach the southern Caribbean, the ABC islands or the Panama Canal.
When is the best time to cruise from Fort Lauderdale?
From about November to April, when it is warm and dry. The hurricane season runs from June to November.
Can I combine a cruise with a Florida holiday?
Yes, it is one of the best reasons to sail from here. Add a few days on the beach, in Miami, the Florida Keys or Orlando's theme parks before or after your cruise.
Too many options? We'll narrow it down
Tell a Travel Designer where you want to go, when, and what kind of ship suits you. Three honest recommendations, same business day.