Become a Home Based Travel Agent

Travel Agent Guide to Port Everglades
By Nancy Norris

Port Everglades Overview

With a reputation as the "world's premier cruise port", Port Everglades is situated on the southeastern coast of the Florida peninsula within the three cities of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Dania Beach. It is located less than 2 miles from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and linked with Florida's highway system via I-595.  Contrary to what its name implies, Port Everglades is not a part of the wetland ecosystem known as the Florida Everglades.

The View Looking North Sailing from Port Everglades

Situated in the center of South Florida's Gold Coast, it is 40 miles south of West Palm Beach and 23 miles north of Miami. While not as convenient, depending on your client’s departure city, the Miami International Airport, 30 minutes from Port Everglades via I-95 and Palm Beach International Airport, 45 minutes via I-95 are viable alternatives for flying to this port of embarkation.

Transportation/Transfers

From FLL:

Taxis and shuttles services are readily available just outside the baggage claim doors and provide transportation to both Port Everglades and the Port of Miami.

Taxis:

Taxi fare from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Port Everglades is typically about $13-$15. For a taxi from the Port to downtown Fort Lauderdale, expect to pay about $18-$20, depending on your destination.

Shuttle/Limo Service:

There are a number of shuttle and limousine services that are available in Fort Lauderdale, but these are ones that I or fellow agents have used and found to be reliable:

Go Airport Shuttle (formerly Tri-County Express) provides shared ride service from the airport to Port Everglades for $11 pp one-way and from FLL to Port of Miami for $21 pp. They provide private sedan service for 1-4 passengers for $40 to Port Everglades and $70 to Port of Miami + gratuities. They also have 11-passenger vans for larger groups which presently cost $80 to Port Everglades and $140 to the Port of Miami. They do not offer a travel agent commission.

Fort Lauderdale Airport Shuttle, Inc. provides express shuttle service to Port Everglades for $15 pp one-way and from FLL to Port of Miami for $32 pp. Prices include door to door service and gratuities. Reservations are required and a minimum 2 passengers per reservation is required. Group discounts for 4+ passengers and private rides are also available. They also have mini-buses (1-33 passengers) and coaches (34-59 pax) for hire. They offer a 10% commission to travel agents.

Ace Tours and Charters provides scheduled shared van service to and from both Port Everglades and Port of Miami from the Fort Lauderdale Airport. Fares to/from Port Everglades are $13 pp one-way and $35 to/from Port of Miami. Private tours and charters are also available through this company. They will work with travel agents on group charters and transfers.

Car Rental:

A number of car companies are licensed to do business at Port Everglades. Most of the car companies are now located under one roof at the Rental Car Center at the FLL Airport. These companies all share a shuttle bus to and from Port Everglades. Companies that are located at the Rental Car Center include: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, E-Z Rent a Car, Hertz, National, Payless, Royal and Thrifty.

From Miami:

Miami Airport Shuttle Inc provides express shuttle service from the Miami Airport to Port of Miami for $24 pp and to Port Everglades for $39 pp one-way. Prices include door to door service and gratuities. Reservations are required and a minimum 2 passengers per reservation is required. Group discounts for 4+ passengers and private rides are also available. They also have mini-buses (1-33 passengers) and coaches (34-59 pax) for hire. This company also provides service at the Fort Lauderdale Airport. They offer a 10% commission to travel agents.

Parking:

Parking for cruise passengers is available in the Northport and Midport Parking Garages. The Northport Parking Garage accommodates passengers leaving from Cruise Terminals #1, 2 and 4. The Midport Parking Garage services Cruise Terminals #18, 19, 21, 22/24, 25, 26, 27 and 29. Cost to park is presently $15 per day. Park ‘N Fly and Park ‘N Go offer off-site parking and provide convenient shuttle service to the cruise terminals.

Fort Lauderdale Pre and Post Cruise Hotels

Attractions and Activities

Obviously, the 23 miles of Greater Fort Lauderdale beaches that are within walking distance of many hotels, restaurants and activities is a primary draw. However, there is much more to do than just enjoying a day of fun in the sun and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean.

Riverwalk

Just minutes from the beach is the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District in downtown Fort Lauderdale, home to cultural attractions, shops, parks and restaurants.  Along Riverwalk, a brick-lined meandering promenade, your clients can discover the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Discovery and Science with its AutoNation 3D IMAX Theater, Old Fort Lauderdale, Stranahan House and the Museum of Art. At nearby Sawgrass Mills, shopaholics can spend hours (or days) shopping and families can be entertained at Wannado City, America’s first indoor role-playing theme park located in the Sawgrass Mills Mall.

One of the Everglade's Airboats

For the adventurous a trip through the Everglades can be arranged. Visiting Flamingo Gardens, a 60 acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary, spending the day at the International Swimming Hall of Fame and Aquatic Complex, taking one of the Duck Tours across from Beach Place or a sightseeing cruise are other options for clients.

A Ft. Lauderdale Water Taxi

If your clients are looking for a fun way to wile away a few hours, suggest they take the Water Taxi. It runs between Oakland Park Boulevard and Southeast 17^th Street along the Intercoastal waterway,

Los Olas Riverfront

and west along the New River into downtown Fort Lauderdale as far as Las Olas Riverfront. Making numerous stops along the route, they can enjoy various dining, shopping and sightseeing experiences wherever they disembark. For $13 they can purchase a pass for unlimited rides all day.

Additional Resources:

The Fort Lauderdale CVB is eager to assist the travel trade. They provide promotional resources and materials for free and have a dedicated tourism sales team to assist you in planning. Their Preferred Travel Planner is a free e-mail program for cruise and destination news and travel trade specials. As an educational opportunity and professional courtesy, they offer special travel agent rates and FAM tours. Visit their website and sign-up to receive a VIP all-access pass to Fort Lauderdale activities, attractions, hotels and restaurants at discounted rates. (www.sunny.org/travel-trade/)