Cruise Port - Port Canaveral, Florida

Introduction

On one of the long offshore islands fronting the Atlantic coast of Florida, halfway between Jacksonville and Miami, sits Cape Canaveral. Enclosing the city to the east is the Banana River, on the north side is Port Canaveral, on the west side is the Atlantic Ocean and on the south side is Cocoa Beach.

The currents which whirl around the Cape make it perilous to ships, and countless seamen have met their fate in wrecks around the Cape. The promontory was named Cape Canaveral by seamen from Spain during the sixteenth century. The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse was erected in 1844 with the aim of making the coast safer for shipping.

In the 1910s a small community centered on fishing was founded just south of Cape Canaveral. The town was called Artesia. To the south of Artesia the community of Avon-by-the-Sea, with streets named after presidents, was started by a club of property speculators. WWII brought about the establishment of Banana River Naval Air Station at the Cape which had the role of supporting coastal seaplanes.

After World War 2 the US air-force, searching for a neck of land extending into the Atlantic ocean to make an ideal launch base, selected the Cape. Avon-by-the-Sea and Artesia were engulfed by the new facilities constructed to cater for the space employees of the base, and the city of Cape Canaveral was founded.

The Cape Canaveral base needed a facility for retrieving booster rockets from the ocean, and Port Canaveral was constructed and dedicated in 1953. The theme parks of central Florida are a huge attraction, and in the 1970s the port was first utilized by cruise ships as it was a port-of-call close to Orlando. During the next decade, Premier Cruises and Carnival Cruises based ships at Port Canaveral, offering cruises to Freeport from newly constructed cruise ship terminals. The 1990s were a period of fast expansion for the cruise port, with the construction of cruise terminals 5, 8, and 10. Disney cruises started operating from the port.

Today more than a million passengers depart on their cruise vacation from Port Canaveral every year. Royal Caribbean and NCL have been added to the list of cruise lines operating cruises from the port.

You Choose The Cruise

Cruises on offer include the Eastern Caribbean (St Maarten, San Juan and St Thomas), the Western Caribbean (Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize and Roatan), or the Bahamas (Freeport and Nassau). Longer trips are also to be had, such as transatlantic cruises to Europe. For a list of cruises from Cape Canaveral, see cruises from Port Canaveral.


Port Canaveral Cruise Terminals



Port Canaveral has several cruise terminals, though just 3 are used day-in/day-out for multi-day cruise ships. These are terminals 5, 8 and 10 which are on the north west shore of the port. Terminal 2 hosts a casino cruise ship. Terminals 3 and 4 are not utilized often.



A Side (North) Terminals

Cruise terminal buildings 5, 8 and 10 are sited on the A or north side, alongside Charles M Rowland Drive.

These more modern terminals are each capable of handling 3000 plus people, and have large docks to berth the newer super sized ships.

Cruise Terminal 5 is an attractive 2 story building, with a 30ft high central hall filled with tropical vegetation and gushing waterfalls. Embarking cruisers are handled on the top storey, disembarking passengers on the bottom. Cruise Terminal 8 was constructed for Disney Cruise Line, and is an eye-catching art-nouveau style terminal with an impressive 90ft circular glass foyer. Cruise Terminal 10 has a 3 layered passenger loading/unloading arrangement, and completely automated baggage processing. The cruise terminals respective dock lengths are: terminal 5 970ft, terminal 8 1000ft, terminal 10 1100ft.

Each terminal provides the necessary facilities including pay phones, ATMs, check-in desks, restrooms, vending machines and cab rank. A dedicated parking lot for the use of passengers is situated next to each terminal building.




B Side (South) Terminals

Cruise terminals 2, 3 and 4 are located on the south west or B side, along George King Boulevard. These terminal buildings were amongst Port Canaveral's first facilities dedicated to the cruise lines, and each can handle about 1800 passengers. The 3 terminals share 2,150 ft of continuous dock offering the capacity to accommodate two large or three medium-length cruise ships.

A large parking area for passengers’ use stands adjacent to each cruise terminal building.

For the port website see Port Canaveral Port Authority.


Sightseeing Around Port Canaveral

Jetty Park
Jetty Park is a attractive coastline park which encompasses a beach, picnic areas, pavilions, camping and a playground. A favorite with both walkers and fishermen is Jetty Park pier, which offers great views of marine traffic departing from/arriving at Port Canaveral, and super fishing for tarpon, common jacks and redfish. The long sandy Atlantic-facing beach offers many facilities like year-round lifeguards, convenient parking, showers and restrooms. The lively Cove Waterfront area positioned between the park and the port has shops, cafes and restaurants. The park is managed by the Port Authority, and is located on the south side of the port’s exit channel.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
The excitement of space travel is infectious to almost everybody. The Kennedy Space Center is the core of NASA’s activities and was the launch pad for the Apollo missions. At the Center you can go by bus to the LC39 Gantry and the Apollo Center, watch a movie at the IMAX center, learn about the future of space exploration at the Exploration Space exhibition and undergo the Shuttle Launch Experience. The Center is only 10 miles northwards of the port.

US Astronaut Hall of Fame
The Astronaut Hall of Fame celebrates American astronauts. See an absorbing collection including space suits, a realistic astronaut training simulator, the Sigma 7 Mercury rocket and the Science On A Sphere exhibition. The Hall of Fame is about 5 miles west from the Space Center.

Cocoa Beach Pier
Originally built in 1962 Cocoa Beach Pier is among the most popular landmarks on the Space coast. The 800 foot pier houses souvenir shops, four bars, frequent live street entertainment and 5 restaurants. The beach next to the pier has restrooms, beach-hire stalls, freshwater showers and year-round life guards. Cocoa Beach is only 5 miles south of the port.

Orlando Amusement Parks
Head west from the Port on Martin Andersen Beachline Expressway to reach fabulous attractions like Disney/MGM Studios, Universal Studios, Sea World of Florida and Walt Disney World all of which are no more than an hour’s drive away.


Getting To The Cruise Port

By Car
North Cruise Terminals
Drive towards Port Canaveral on Hwy 528, cross Merritt Island, and exit at the sign marked A Cruise Terminals onto SR 401 North. Drive 1 mile on SR 401 North next exit at the sign marked with the cruiselines.
South Cruise Terminals
Enter into Port Canaveral on Highway 528 and leave at the sign marked B Cruise Terminals. Next make a left under bridge to George King Boulevard. Carry on for a mile. Next follow directions to get to the required cruise terminal.

By Air
Orlando International Airport
Orlando International Airport, positioned in the southern outskirts of Orlando, is around 45 minutes drive west from Port Canaveral. Travel from the airport can be arranged by taxicab or shuttle.
Melbourne International Airport
Melbourne International Airport is roughly 30 miles south of Port Canaveral. Travel from the airport is possible by shuttle bus or cab.

Cruise Port - Bridgetown, Barbados

Introduction

The island of Barbados has a surfeit of nature's beauty, interesting places to visit, and seemingly endless ribbons of white sand beaches, surely amongst the finest in the Caribbean Sea. The countryside ranges from the hills and rough waves on the Atlantic east coast, to the flatter lands and beautiful picture-perfect beaches on the west Caribbean coast.

During the 18th and early 19th centuries Barbados was operated essentially as a large sugar farm under British management, and today there are still a few original sugar plantations reborn as museums chronicling the hardships of the slaves toiling in the fields.

Today the inhabitants of Barbados are termed Bajans, and the ancestors of the old plantation economy live in relative harmony in a democratic society.

Barbados is the easternmost Caribbean island and nomally avoids the terrible effects of the region's tropical hurricanes due to the fact that the island is situated outside the major storm path. Records show that a hurricane only hits the island around once every 35 years.

All these plus points make the island a very popular cruise ship port, and in recent years, mainly due to the very convenient Grantley Adams airport, it has also become a busy starting port for cruises.

You Choose The Cruise

Due to its ideal position at the center of the Southern Caribbean, Barbados makes a good choice as s departure port.

Itineraries include the Greater Antilles (Jamaica), the Windward Isles (Dominica, Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent), the Leeward Isles(St Barts, St Martin, St Kitts, Nevis, Guadeloupe, Trinidad, Tobago), the Netherland Antilles off the north coast of Venezuela (Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire) or even as far south as the Brazilian Amazon.

For a list of cruises from Barbados, see cruises from Barbados.

Bridgetown Cruise Port



Bridgetown Port is positioned in Carlisle Bay on the Western coast of the island of Barbados. The Port handles all of the country's cargo ships, together with a large number of cruise ships. Constructed in 1961, the Deep Water Harbour was formed by a manmade breakwater added to a natural bay. In 2002 the main channel and the inner harbor were deepened to facilitate large ships to call. Since the dredging project the port has experienced an increase both in goods and cruise ship volumes.

The port consists of four docks totaling 1531 meters in length, and can handle 5-6 large cruiseships.
The official port website is Port of Bridgetown.

Beside the quays sits the cruise terminal, opened in January 1994. It acts as the center for services for cruise passengers and crew members arriving at the island. The cruise terminal houses the normal departments to manage cruise passengers, like Immigration, Customs, Health Center, Animal Quarantine, Barbados Tourist Center and Post Office. There are other useful facilities, including restaurants and bars, a business center, a large shopping area, and an internet cafe.

Cab services and rental cars are available for passengers just outside the cruise terminal main entrance. As an alternative the adventurous can make their way to Bridgetown's main bus station, the Fairchild Street Terminal, around a twenty minute walk, to take advantage of the island's cheap bus system.

Sightseeing Around Bridgetown



Broad Street
The main street of Bridgetown. The street is lined with duty free shops, banks, larger department stores, and bars. A good detour is Swan Street which features many discount clothing stores.

Harrison's Cave
Barbabos's number one visitor attraction. Get on an electrically powered tram and ride through a beautiful subterranean world.

Welchman Hall Gully
The lush tropical gardens set among natural caves are filled with tropical specimens, here long before the British arrived in 1627. Chattering monkeys fill the treetops.

Sunbury Plantation House
A Plantation Great House whose rooms is open to the public. The 300 year house is rich in history, with old paintings, fascinating plantation inventory lists, characterful antique funiture and a small museum of of horse carriages.

Beaches
The island's beaches are open to the public. Easiest to get to are the beaches of the Gold Coast. Payne's bay is good for swimming. Nearby is Fresh Water Bay, which boasts a lovely trio of beaches, Brandon's Beach, Paradise Beach and Brighton Beach.

Mount Gay Rum Distillery and Banks Beer Tour
If you like your alcohol go on a guided tour and sampling at the island's main rum distillery, next head over to Banks Brewery to enjoy the island's favorite beer.

Getting To The Cruise Port

Grantley Adams International Airport is 13 miles from Bridgetown Port. The airport is served by aeroplanes from Europe, North America and other islands in the Caribbean. The journey from airport to the cruise terminal is easiest by taxi, and takes around thirty minutes. The charge is around 60 Barbadian dollars.

Cruise Port - Miami, USA

Introduction

Miami is situated on the Florida mainland. Offshore, due east in the Atlantic, there are a series of islands. The most southerly of the islands is Key Biscayne. Moving north the next is Virginia Key, then Fisher Island, and finally Miami Beach. The bay between the islands and the Florida mainland is named Biscayne Bay.

Miami started as a small orange farming settlement. Then when a railroad was constructed to the settlement, its hot temperatures and coastal location proved attractive to newcomers, and as a consequence the town grew quickly.

In the early part of the 20th century hotel companies looked to the Atlantic beaches of Miami Beach, and so began the construction of the fashionable Art Deco hotels at South Beach. The storms of 1929 caused huge damage to the island, but proved just a hitch as new properties sprung up as speedily as before.

The 1960s saw a large migration into Miami of refugees from Cuba, fleeing the government of Fidel Castro. As a result Miami assumed the feel of a Latin America city, with much liveliness mixing with a relaxed approach.

Today Miami is a major city for industry, entertainment, tourism and the arts. The city’s cruise port is a large center and Miami is often named the Cruise Capital of the World. The cruise port hosts several major cruiselines, with itineraries to the beautiful Caribbean or further.

You Choose the Cruise

Cruises on offer are the Eastern Caribbean (San Juan, Tortola, St Maarten and St Thomas), the Western Caribbean (Roatan, Cozumel, Belize and Grand Cayman), the Bahamas (Freeport and Nassau), or the Southern Caribbean (St Kitts, St Johns and Barbados). Longer voyages are offered, examples would be South America, the Amazon and trans Panama canal to Florida. For a full schedule of cruises see cruises from Miami.

Miami Cruise Terminals

The Port of Miami is situated on Dodge Island, an area of reclaimed land in Biscayne Bay created by the merging of 3 islands, Lummus, Dodge and Sam’s.

Dodge Island is a mere two miles from downtown Miami. Port Boulevard, a bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway, joins the city to the port.

Eight cruise terminals are in operation at the port.

Terminals B/C, D, E , F , G are on the north side of Dodge island, terminal J on the south coast, and terminal H on the west. The container ship facility is along the south coast of Dodge island. Cruise terminals D and E, which began operating in 2007, are the most newly built. These are capable of berthing large ships. The overall distance end-to-end of the cruise ship piers is about one and half miles, and eight cruiseliners can be berthed simultaneously. Each terminal has the basic services, including cab ranks, shopping, cafes, check in and bars. Additional services at terminals E and D include airline style check-in desks, conveyor-belt like luggage handling, and an all-in-one Federal Multi-Agency Facility, with US Department of Agriculture, United States Customs and Immigration and Naturalization Services.

For the port’s official website see Port of Miami.

Sightseeing In Miami

South Beach (or SoBe)

This fabulous Art Deco designed seafront neighborhood has everything, beautiful historic buildings, funky shops, laid-back cafes, a huge sandy beach, up-market boutiques, fine eateries and wonderful people-watching. The art deco district is about 25 minutes from the port by cab.

Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove, built in the 1870s, is Miami’s oldest area. It's an area of galleries, restaurants, lively bars and stylish shops. Venture into Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an early 20th century estate constructed by a Chicago businessman with the intention of reconstructing a European like 16th century estate.

Fairchild Tropical Garden

Garden enthusiasts should make for the Fairchild Tropical Garden, where a group of attractive ponds are overhung by beautiful plants and trees.

Little Havana

For a taste of current Cuban living, venture into Little Havana, the place where thousands of migrant Cubans came to after getting away from Cuba. Saunter the length of Calle Ocho, watch cigars being produced at the Credito Cigar factory, make a trip to the Cuban Museum and visit a bar for a cup of traditional Cuban coffee.

Coral Gables

The Coral Gables area was founded in the 1920’s, and has a mixture of fine eateries, fashionable boutiques, cool bars and modern galleries. Bring swimming gear and call in at Venetian Pool, the unique public pool hewn from a quarry.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Bill Baggs Cape Florida is situated on the southernmost point of Key Biscayne barrier island. Here you’ll find the very old lighthouse originally constructed in 1825 and reconstructed in 1846.

Visit the park to swim, hike, sunbathe, picnic and surf along over one mile of beautiful Atlantic beachfront.

Bayside Marketplace

It’s an easy walk from the port to Bayside Marketplace, a busy shopping mall. It's an open air mall, and can be oppressively hot in the summer months. It has a lot of fashion stores, souvenir shops, bars and eateries.

Getting To The Port

By Road

From the North

Take Interstate-95 southwards and exit at 3B Bayside. Head south and make a left at 5th Street. 5th Street crosses Port Boulevard bridge. Keep going over the bridge and follow signage to the correct terminal.

From the South

Follow Interstate-95 north and turn off at NW 2nd Street. Carry on to NW 5th Street and make a right. 5th Street will lead onto Port Boulevard bridge. Continue across the bridge and follow the signs to the correct cruise terminal.

It’s a good idea to reserve by internet long term parking required.

There is a free bus to ferry you from your car to your cruise terminal.

By Air

The cruise port of Miami is just a few miles eastwards from Miami International Airport. To travel from airport to cruise port, take a cab or jump on the supershuttle bus.

For transport options from airport to port see http://www.miami-airport.com

Cruise Port - Baltimore, Maryland

Introduction

Baltimore is sited in central Maryland, on the Patapsco river, an inlet of Chesapeake Bay. In the first part of the 18th century the region was a hub of tobacco growing, and a port was built on the bay to allow the trade of tobacco to Europe. Baltimore began as a small town by the port, providing for the requirements of the thriving docks. The town expanded as new products like corn from the adjoining region, and sugar from the Caribbean, went through the port.

During the American War of Independence Baltimore acted as the US’s capital in the short term, because congress was forced to abandon Philadelphia. The war increased shipbuilding in Baltimore, and the Fell’s Point yards produced both trade and privateer ships. In 1812 the British attempted to negate the threat by attacking the city, but were eventually repulsed in the heroic Battle of Baltimore.

Constructed in the years 1828 to 1853 the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad allowed the movement of grain from western states to the port and led to a large increase to business in the city. In 1904 a great fire swept through the center of Baltimore, leading to the destruction of more than 1500 buildings. The burnt-out buildings were replaced during a busy decade of reconstruction.

Another period of redevelopment happened in the 1980s, with an ambitious project to redesign the Inner Harbor area. This waterfront area is today a big draw for tourists, and attractions are the Maryland Science Center, the Historic Ships Museum, the National Aquarium, the Baltimore Museum of Industry, Harborplace shopping center and the American Visionary Art Museum.

Baltimore has become the United States’ eighth largest port, stretching over 22 miles of shoreline. As well as trade, the port has traditionally welcomed passengers. The city was the 2nd biggest landfall for immigrants in the early 20th century. Local steamship cruises were all the rage in the middle of the 19th century. Today there’s a sunnier pick of cruises available, though, as cruise ships travel to the fantastic Bahamas and Caribbean.

You Choose The Cruise

Favorite all year long cruises include the Caribbean and the Bahamas. These destinations offer warmer weather even in winter, with sunshine-filled days and balmy evenings.

During the summer, sailings to Bermuda generally include a one-night stopover, so passengers can experience the nightlife. Also available in the summer months are cruises along the eastern seaboard of New England and Canada, visiting charming and historic ports-of-call.

For a calendar of cruises departing from Baltimore, see cruises from Baltimore.



Baltimore Cruise Terminal

The Maryland Cruise Terminal, a former paper-shed building was inaugurated in 2006 on the South Locust Point shoreline. The terminal building provides the basic services like vending machines, pay phones, check-in desks, an ATM and restrooms. Beside the terminal stands a parking lot, with capacity of more than 1500 vehicles.

The cruise ship berth is 1139ft long and is dredged to 35ft, which limits the cruise port to just one ship.

For the port website see Maryland Department of Transportation Port Administration
.


Sightseeing in Baltimore

National Aquarium
Discover to the ocean world at the National Aquarium. The best exhibits include a massive shark tank, acrobatic dolphins, a stingray zone and animal planet Australia.

Harborplace shopping center
A shoppers’ heaven with more than 100 shops and 15 restaurants. The open square is nearly always host to street musicians.

Historic Ships in Baltimore Museum
The collection of ships at the Historic Ships Museum are the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, USCGC Taney, the USS Constellation, the USS Torsk and the Lightship Chesapeake.

Federal Hill
Federal Hill got its name after a day of partying instigated by Maryland’s inclusion into the US constitution. Revelers launched a mock ship, named the ‘Federalist’ from atop the hill into the harbor. It’s now a small park, offering spectacular views over the bay. To its south you’ll find the pretty neighborhood of Federal Hill, with elegant streets and townhouses. It makes a good spot for a stroll with a break at a welcoming snack bar.

Baltimore Museum of Industry
The museum presents the history of industry and commerce in the Baltimore area from the last two hundred years, with a set of exhibits featuring early era machines.

Fort McHenry
Just half-a-mile to the west of the cruise port lies historic Fort McHenry overlooking the bay. In the 1812 War, United States forces based at Fort McHenry succeeded in defending the city from attack by the British in a fierce fight. The Battle of Baltimore was witnessed by Francis Scott Key from a boat at anchor in the bay, and he was stirred into composing the words of the Star Spangled Banner.

Getting to the Port

From The Airport
Baltimore Washington International Airport airport offers frequent services from lots of places around the US, and internationally.

The cruise terminal is about 5 miles from the airport, a ten minute ride by the cruise shuttle express or taxi.

By Car
From both Annapolis and Washington it takes under an hour to the Maryland cruise terminal.

From the North
Follow I-95 southwards under the Ft McHenry tunnel. Keep in the right side lane as you exit the tunnel. Turn off at Exit 55, signed Key Highway and Ft McHenry. Pass under the interstate. Turn left at the lights to join East McComas street. Follow the signs to the Cruise Maryland Terminal.

From the South
Head along I-95 northwards to Exit 55, signed Key Highway. From the ramp, stay straight ahead on East McComas Street. The Maryland Terminal is to the right.

Favorite Port Of Call - Castries, St Lucia

Introduction

The shoreline of St. Lucia is nothing short of spectacular with its secret coves and uncrowded beaches. The 2 symetrical peaks, called the Pitons, form the island’s highest peaks and its most impressive icons.

The islands' capital, Castries, is appealingly situated in a sheltered bay beneath a backcurtain of mountains. The strategic importance of its superb natural harbour was recognized from the earliest days of European colonialism. For many decades Britain and France fought for possession of the island. At the end of the 19th century, Castries was an major hub for Caribbean shipping.

Numerous earthquakes, hurricanes and devestating fires have obliterated any remnants of Castries' colonial charm, leaving a modern town. There are only a few nineteenth and twentieth century Creole style traditional buildings that have been saved from destruction.

St Lucia also boasts the planet's only drive-in volcano, as well as stench-ridden sulphur springs, and famous Diamond Falls where the mineral-laden waters are renowned for their beneficial qualities and swimmers can enjoy in ponds of varying heat.

Without a doubt, the island’s gorgeous scenery, unspoiled beaches and luxuriant greenery make St. Lucia an unmissable destination.


Castries Port - Description

The cruise ship will be scheduled to dock at Pointe Seraphine in Castries. The center of town is about 15 minutes on foot. If the Point Seraphine berths are full, your cruise ship will dock at Port Carenage, which is even more convenient. Port Seraphine can host 1 to 3 cruise ships simultaneously. If you're taking a taxi into town, note that taxi fares are set, so make sure you use a registered taxi, marked by a TX on the number plate.

For more port details see the St Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority Website. For a list of cruises that call at Castries see St Lucia Cruise Schedules.

Don't Miss

Shops
There are two modern tax-free shopping cemters at either side of the docks. Pointe Seraphine, the closer, offers souvenirs and island-made handicrafts. Local products are hand-made batiks, impressive pottery and intricate straw baskets and jars. Across the port La Carenage is a large shopping center filled with outlets and restaurants. Water taxis offer a service between Pointe Seraphine and La Place Carenage. For an entirely different experience, try the local and lively market in central Castries. Here the first Market Hall, built completely of iron and finished in 1894, still stands. The market is home to over three hundred traders.

Dining
For food-lovers 2 restaurants can be recommended in the vicinity of the port. The Coal Pot, which features New World cooking - a combination of local seafood with traditional French cuisine. Or try Froggie Jacques Bistro for a different take on fusion cuisine. Both these two establishments are located in the Ganters Bay area, just a few minutes from the port.

Derek Walcott Square

The square is named after the Nobel Prize Winner for Literature, well known for his superb poetry. For a taste of his work -

Those five or six young guys
lunched on the stoop
that oven-hot summer night
whistled me over. Nice
and friendly. So, I stop.
MacDougal or Christopher
Street in chains of light.
(taken from Blues)

The grandest building on the square is the Cathedral. Its sombre exterior hides a stylish inside of note for the richly colored stained-glass windows. Whilst in the square also clock the 400 year old samaan tree. Close by you'll reach Morne Fortune, translated as 'lucky hill'. Its top gives a super panoramic vista of Castries.

Tour to Soufriere

This is St Lucia’s most historic town named by the French after the sulphorous whiff that wafts down from the nearby volcano. Situated in the southern half of the island and in a beautiful setting, it is around an hour’s trip from Castries, along a winding road through steep, green-clad countryside.
The town even now features some original Creole wooden buildings, but it is more famous for its incredible natural surroundings. Wonder at the famous twin Pitons, the world’s only drive-in volcano, take a dip in its sulphur springs. And include in your visit the booming Diamond Falls waterfall. At the moment Holland America Line offer a cruise that visits both Castries and Sourfriere. See

Cruises to Soufriere.

Trip to Pigeon Island

This beauty place isn’t actually an island, as it is linked to the mainland by a manmade causeway. Pigeon Island can boast of a greater amount of history than any other part St Lucia. It has been used both as a pirate hideout and a military station. Impressive are the partly restored remains of an eighteenth century fort constructed by the British. Also visit the Pigeon Island Museum, which chronicles the island's development. Windstar cruiseline visit Pigeon Island, click on

Cruises to Pigeon Island.

Trip to Rodney Bay

Rodney Bay is St Lucia's main resort, a lively center of shops, bars, restaurants, and hotels behind Reduit Beach, a gorgeous stretch of golden sand. (Rodney BayThe townThe resort} is about a 15 minutes by car from Castries.

Jungle Activities

St Lucia’s steep, hilly terrain lends itself to adventure. On offer are hiking, walking, quad-biking, biking and horse-riding. The daredevils amongst you will try out the zip-wire rides soaring through the jungle. An option is more chilled-out Aerial Tram, which gives wonderful views of the lovely surroundings.

Tour to Fond Doux Estate
This nineteenth century West Indies style working plantation gives tourists the chance to experience a real taste, feel and smell for St. Lucia through the tropical fruits and plants in the grounds. There are acres of cocoa bushes, bananas and coconuts along with coffee, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardomon, and lots of citrus fruits. The orchards, original sugar works and fascinating spices plot are always open for tourists to see. Fond Doux's restaurant serves a superb Creole cuisine.

Other Information

Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) U.S. dollars are widely accepted
Language Spoken: French and English
Time Zone: GMT minus four hours

Cruise Port - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Introduction
Suan Juan is a city steeped in history. As far back as 1508 the Spanish expedition leader Juan Ponce de Leon founded Caparra, a small town near to a natural harbor on the north coast of Puerto Rico. In 1521 the base was abandoned and moved to the current position of Old San Juan. During the 16th century, San Juan was the origin for Spanish expeditionary forces leaving to a several regions in the Caribbean.
Even now the old city of San Juan offers an original Old World feel with over 400 restored Spanish 17th century villas. The area also contains many restaurants, bars, shops and casinos for cruise passengers to experience.


You Choose The Cruise
Many seasoned cruise vacationers turn to San Juan as an alternative to a Florida departure port. Thanks to its central Caribbean situation, the island provides good access to interesting Southerrn Caribbean ports, like the Netherland Antilles and the Windward Isles. A short flight saves the long cruise to these areas from mainland US. The choice of cruises available from San Juan is wide, including the Leeward Isles (USVI, St Maarten, St Kitts, Guadeloupe), the Windward Isles (Dominica, St Lucia, Barbados, St Vincent, Grenada,Tobago), and the Netherland Antilles off the north coast of Venezuela (Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire). Several cruiselines operate cruises from San Juan, such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, PO Cruises, Princess Cruises, Silversea and Celebrity Cruises. For a complete selection see Cruises From San Juan Puerto Rico.




San Juan Cruise Terminals
San Juan port is split into 3 areas. Old San Juan quays 1 through 6, the Pan American pier, and Navy Frontier pier. Normally ships dayporting at San Juan berth at the Old San Juan Piers, so passengers can walk into Old San Juan. Cruise ships starting from San Juan will berth at Old San Juan pier 4, or the Pan American Pier (about 15 mins by cab from Old San Juan).





Sightseeing in Old San Juan
Charming Old San Juan stands atop a bluff facing the Atlantic to the north, and the bay to the south. This walled fortified area, today a major historic landmark, was founded in 1510. Old San Juan is a small area, quick to get around on foot. When your energy runs out catch the free bus that runs around the main attractions. Take time to stroll along the tight cobblestone streets and admire the pastel colored buildings, craft shops, and wander around the interesting museums.

Paseo de la Muralla and Paseo de la Princesa
Two enjoyable walks are the Paseo de la Princesa, a newly reworked path that meanders along the coast and the Paseo de la Muralla which contours along the ancient city walls. Following these paths will help you get your bearings of the city.

El Morro Fort
El Morro, an enormous fort dating back to 1539, protects San Juan from sea attack. Its full name is Castillo San Felipe del Morro, after the favored saint of King Philip . You can walk around six levels of gun platforms and thickstone walls that loom over San Juan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

San Cristobal Fort
San Cristobal Fort dates back to the eighteenth century and contains an intricate network of tunnels built for clandestine goings-on.

La Fortaleza
Another must-see is La Fortaleza, San Juan's most ancient fort, constructed in 1540. It later became the governor's official residence. Informative tours lead you through the opulent interior, with golden banquet hall, tall galleries, and rooms laid out in period fashion.

Cathedral de San Juan
This impressive cathedral was built in 1592, on the same site of the previous cathedral that was destroyed by a hurricane. Located on Calle Cristo, this neoclassical structure holds the bones of Ponce de Leon, a Spanish explorer, and the first governor of Puerto Rico.

Escambron Beach
, and Escambrion beach, on the northern coast is one of the prettiest in the city. It's quick to reach, and gives fabulous views along the coastline to El Morro. Condado beach, just further along the coastline, is also worth a visit.

Shopping
Most of the shopping in Old San Juan is centered on the multitude of shops along Cristo, Fortaleza and San Francisco streets. Alternatively visit the two craft markets to find a wide choice of fashions, art, souvenirs and jewelry. One is located at the Plaza de la Darsena, by pier 1, the second on the Paseo de la Princesa, a short distance along from pier 1.


Getting to San Juan Port
From the Airport
The airport is located approximately ten miles from the Pan American dock and eleven miles from the Old San Juan piers. It usually takes around three quarters of an hour in a taxi for the journey. The cost is around $20. There are extra charges for baggage.


Other Info
Official Language English and Spanish
Currency US Dollar
Weather Puerto Rico basks in near summer weather all year, with daytime high temperatures varying from 75 to 85F.
Timezone Atlantic Standard Time GMT-4

Tampa Cruise Port

 

Introduction

Tampa is situated at the center of the coastline of Florida at the head of a large bay sheltered by the Pinellas peninsula.

In the early 19th century the Federal Government made a decision to move the Seminole Indians to lands near Tampa bay. Fort Brooke was constructed on the east bank of Hillsborough River to maintain control over the area. It continued as an isolated and little populated outpost until 1884 when the Florida railroad businessman Henry B Plant determined to build a railroad which ran through Tampa, ending at Port Tampa. Following the completion of the railroad, Plant set up a steamship service carrying passengers, mail and cargo between Havana and Port Tampa. Following these projects Plant constructed a number of opulent hotels around the bay, including Port Tampa Inn and the St Elmo Inn in Port Tampa, and the Tampa Bay Hotel by Hillsbrough River in Tampa.

In 1885 the Tampa Board of Trade enticed the Cuban Don Ybor to construct a new cigar-making factory in the town. The cigar business grew rapidly, in part due to the fact it was ideally positioned between the supply of tobacco coming in through Port Tampa and the retail markets of the USA.

At a similar time rich phosphate deposits were discovered near the city, leading to a mining and shipping boom. By 1900 Tampa had grown from a tiny outpost to one of the biggest cities in the state.

Tampa's rise continued through the next century, and today the city has evolved into a modern urban center busy with enterprise and commerce.

The economic achievements of the city are in many ways thanks to its thriving ports. At the beginning Port Tampa operated as the city’s port, but it was first joined by, then beaten into second place by, the Port of Tampa. The city was a busy departure and arrival port for foot passengers in the 1880s and 1890s but passenger operations dwindled through the next century. But it was not till the 1980s when cruises became popular, with Regency Cruises and HAL arriving at the Port of Tampa to operate cruises to the Caribbean. From 1994 Carnival also homeported a ship at Tampa, the Tropicale.

You Choose The Cruise

Cruise vacations from Tampa call at intresting ports of call including places in Jamaica, Mexico, and Grand Cayman. Choose from cruises of 4, 5 or 7 day durations.

The ports-of-call make for a memorable trip - you can visit a wide range of exciting sights - in Belize experience lazy Cave Tubing in the Sibun Caves, in Costa Maya see the lush flora and fauna of the verdant tropical rain forest, in Grand Cayman stroll along the beautiful white sands of fabulous 7 Mile Beach and in Roatan swim in the blue waters of Half Moon Bay Beach.

Cruises from Tampa shows all the cruise ship departures from Tampa.

Cruise Terminals Map




Cruise Terminals


Cruise Terminal 2
Tampa Port Authority’s Garrison Seaport Center project of the late 1990s included the creation of Cruise Terminal 2. Available facilites include customs, baggage trolleys, a snack bar, taxi rank and restrooms. The terminal has access to a single mooring. Cruise Terminal 2 is home to Carnival. Car Parking is located directly across Channelside Drive at the Channelside multi-level car lot.



Cruise Terminal 3
Cruise Terminal 3 was finished in 2002 to service a growing demand for cruise vacations out of Tampa. Facilities include a snack bar, luggage carts, restrooms, VIP lounge and customs. The cruise terminal has a single cruise ship mooring. Terminal 3 is used by Royal Caribbean, HAL and NCL cruise ships. Parking is located straight across Channelside Drive at the Channelside multi-level car park. Valet services are available.



Cruise Terminal 6
Cruise Terminal 6 is positioned just to the north of Terminal 3. Cruise Terminal 6 provides facilities for HAL. The cruise terminal services just one cruise ship mooring. Parking is available next to the terminal.

For the port website see Tampa Port Authority.




Sightseeing In Tampa

Florida Aquarium
The whole family will marvel at the myriad of sea creatures on show at the Florida Aquarium. Favorite exhibits include Ocean Commotion, Coral Reefs, No Bone Zone, Wetlands and Aquariumania. Extra activities are available such as Swim with Fish and Penguins - Backstage Pass. The Aquarium is sited just beside cruise terminal 3.

SS American Victory
The cargo ship SS American Victory sailed all through World War 2, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Today it has been renovated into a working museum. Walk aboard and witness the entire ship including weapon systems, lifeboats, a hospital section, the bridge and steering center. The SS American Victory is moored by the Florida Aquarium.

Channelside Bay Plaza
The large Channelside development offers many bars, shops, eateries and entertainment venues.

Tampa’s Riverwalk
Enjoy the best-known sights of the city and sweeping views across the Hillsborough river by hiking the new Tampa Riverwalk. As the walk meanders along the waterside it passes a whole host of sites including The Florida Aquarium, American Victory Ship, Channelside Bay Plaza, Teco Line Streetcar, USF Park, Florida Museum Of Photographic Arts, Glazier's Children’s Museum and the Tampa Museum of Art.

Henry B Plant Museum
The railroad entrepreneur Henry B Plant commissioned the majestic Tampa Bay hotel as a destination resort for visitors to Tampa. It’s lavishly constructed in the style of a Arabian palace, with extra touches of Victorian design. Nowadays the hotel building is primarily taken up by the University of Tampa, but it is also home to the well worthwhile Henry B Plant Museum, which details the life and times of the famed entrepreneur.

Ybor City State Museum
With its Cuban roots Ybor City is one of two National Historic Landmark Districts in the state of Florida. Ybor City’s iron balconies, narrow streets and brick houses give a glimpse of 19th century history. Drop in at a bar with flamboyant flamenco dancers, or buy a hand-made cigar at a shop. Several stops of the old Teco streetcar are near the cruise port and can carry you to Ybor city.

Busch Gardens Theme Park
At Busch Gardens you’ll be able to go on a memorable trek crossing the magnificent Serengeti plains, take in a show with live perfomers, enjoy up-close meetings with rare wildlife and frighten yourself on pulse-pounding roller coasters. Busch Gardens is positioned 8 miles north of the cruise port.

Traveling To The Cruise Port

By Air
Tampa Airport is around 7 miles away from the cruise terminals. Catching a taxi is a simple way to travel between the two.

By Car
From Orlando
Follow I-4 westwards to exit 1. GoTravel south along 21st Street and turn right on Adamo Drive then head left onto Channelside Drive. For cruise terminal 6 make a left onto McKay Street to access the parking area next to the cruise terminal. For cruise terminals 2 and 3 continue for about three-quarters of a mile south along Channelside Drive. The Channelside parking lot is located on the right of the street across from the Florida Aquarium.

From St Petersburg
Take I-275 eastwards. Merge with I-4. Follow I-4 eastwards to exit 1 , signed Port Of Tampa/Ybor City. Continue southwards along 21st Street and turn right on Adamo Drive then turn left onto Channelside Drive. For cruise terminal 6 make a left onto McKay Street to access the open parking next to the terminal. For cruise terminals 2 and 3 continue for about three-quarters of a mile south on Channelside Drive. The Channelside parking garage is located on the right of the street just across from the Florida Aquarium.

Cruise Port - New Orleans

Introduction

New Orleans is located in southern Louisiana straddling the Mississippi river. Lake Pontchartrain lies to the north, and the river's sedimentary basin and the Gulf of Mexico lie to the south.

New Orleans was originally established by Jean Baptiste La Moyne, who in 1718 created New Orleans as a trading outpost to ship goods from the interior. In the Paris Treaty of 1763, which concluded the Seven Years' War, Spain lost control of Florida, but received a slice of Louisiana which included New Orleans from the French. Several fires destroyed the original French buildings of the French Quarter, so the Spanish rebuilt the city in the much-loved style we see today. In 1801 Napoleon Bonaparte added Spain to the French Empire and Louisiana went back to French ownership. Then in 1803 the colony was sold to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase.

In the 18th century the city’s population grew rapidly with the arrival of Africans, Americans, Germans and French. Major crops of sugar and cotton were produced by a slave labor force on huge plantations near the city, and shipped out from the city’s port.

In the early part of the 20th century, the emerging business and railroad hubs of the Midwest overtook New Orleans both in terms of size and commercial strength.

Severe weather has damaged the city from as early as 1722, but the most destructive ever occurred in 2005, when Hurricane Katrina made landfall just 20 miles from the city. The widespread flooding caused huge damage, and the extensive clean-up and reconstruction program necessary is still in progress.

Today the tourist in New Orleans will find a city with the hottest jazz, delicious Creole cooking, and a blossoming culture unique to the United States.

You Choose The Cruise

Choose between 4 day cruise vacations, to Cozumel, 5 day, visiting Progreso and Cozumel, or week long cruise vacations to a number of ports in the Eastern Carribean or Western Caribbean.

You’ll be able to visit a number of exciting attractions on a cruise departing from New Orleans - in Roatan swim in the blue waters off Half Moon Bay beach, in Costa Maya see the lush flora of the verdant tropical rain forest, in Progreso take an excursion to see the spectacular Mayan ruins at Dzibilchaltun and in Belize experience lazy Cave tubing in the Sibun Caves.

Cruises from New Orleans shows all the cruise departures from New Orleans.

Cruise Terminals Map

Cruise Terminals

Located just behind the Riverwalk shopping complex on the Mississippi river, the Erato St and Julia St cruise terminals are in the heart of downtown a short 10 block stroll to Canal Street, the beginning of the French Quarter. The cruise terminals’ two cruise ship quays add up to an overall total of 609 meters long.

Julia Street Cruise Terminal

Since its opening in 1991 the Julia Street cruise terminal has undergone four major renovations in order to be able to handle the changing size of cruise ships.

Facilities comprise elevated passenger loading ramp, an ATM, souvenir shop, a refreshment stand, check-in desks, a drive-in/drop-off area, A/C and customs screening. The Julia Street cruise terminal is used by Royal Caribbean and NCL. Carl parking is available in the nearby Whale parking area, off Convention Center Boulevard.

Erato Cruise Terminal

The first ever cruise ship to homeport from the Erato cruise terminal after its inauguration October 2006 was the Norwegian Sun.

Available facilities comprise souvenir kiosk, baggage handling, check-in desks, full air-conditioning, elevated passenger loading bridge, a refreshment stand and a drive-off and pick-up area. The top four floors of the building serve as a parking space for over 1,000 cars. The Erato Street cruise terminal is utilized by Carnival Cruises.

For the port website see Port Of New Orleans.

Sightseeing In New Orleans

Jackson Square
Jackson Square is at the center of the French Quarter, one of the finest historical neighborhoods in the United States. The area still displays a unique Spanish and French personality. A number of interesting buildings are found on the square, including the St Louis Cathedral, originally built in 1724, the 1795 Cabildo, the site of the concluding of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and the 1791 Presbytére, today the Mardi Gras museum. A bronze statue of General Andrew Jackson who defeated the British at the Battle of New Orleans in 1814 stands at the center of the square.

Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street, full of restaurants, boutiques, adult clubs, jazz club, bars and hotels, is the best known street in New Orleans. Enjoy listening to a jazz band at The Famous Door, the oldest jazz club on Bourbon street. Feast on lunch at Galatoire’s Restaurant, established by Jean Galatoire back in 1905, with its signature Creole dishes. Unwind at the Old Absinthe House, where in 1874 the infamous Absinthe House Frappe drink was served by the patron. Order a glass of Herbsaint, a legal alternative to banned Absinthe. Call at Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, now a bar in a 1722 creole cottage. Rumor has it that Jean Lafitte operated the blacksmiths as a front for his privateer operations.

Moonwalk
New Orlean’s enjoyable riverwalk, called the Moonwalk, begins at the small Artillery park next to Jackson square. The riverwalk continues upstream as far as Canal Street. You can take a time out on one of the many iron benches for some picnicking, people watching and boat spotting.

St Louis Cemetery No 1
The 18th century raided cemeteries of New Orleans are the only ones of their kind in the United States. The origin of the above ground vaulted tombs is in dispute, it may beX6 due to the soggy land, X6 that it was a Spanish Roman Catholic tradition. Be warned that St Louis #1 cemetery is well known for spooky apparitions, inexplicable happenings and strange sounds. The cemetery is a short walk from the French Quarter.

Traveling To New Orleans Cruise Port

By Car

Take I-10 south into New Orleans city center. Take exit 234A signed Business/Westbank onto US90. Continue along US90, then leave at exit 11C, the last exit before the Mississippi river, signed Tchoupitoulas St/South Peters St. Join Calliope St. Turn right onto Tchoupitoulas St. Then turn left onto Henderson St.

Then for Whale parking lot, turn left off Henderson St into Convention Center Blvd. Continue for almost a mile then turn right into the lot.

Then for Erato St terminal parking lot, at the bottom of Henderson St turn left into Port of New Orleans Pl. Carry on for half a mile to reach the terminal.

From The Airport

The Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) is about 18 miles from the cruise terminals. There are two choices for the transfer, either take the shuttle bus, or hail a cab.

Cruise Port - Galveston

Introduction

Galveston is a city of nearly 50000 inhabitants located on a long narrow island running parallel to the mainland of Texas south from Houston.

The source of the city’s name comes from 1785 when a Spanish ship’s navigator called the island Galveztown in honor of the Count of Galvez, a count from near Madrid in Spain. In 1836 ten businessmen led by Michel Menard from Canada purchased land on the island to construct a city. The city thrived and by the mid 1800s Galveston had become a prosperous city, the home of a large port and affluent business community.

But in 1900 an enormous hurricane struck the island bringing a tidal surge that covered the island, killing over 6000 people and destroying any buildings in the way. To negate the danger of any more storms the city constructed a seawall seven miles in length and up to 17 feet high. The ground level of nearly 500 city blocks was also raised.

Today the city has risen to become a major conurbation with a successful tourist industry and a profitable commercial port.

You Choose The Cruise

Cruise vacations from Galveston visit exciting ports of call including destinations in Mexico, Honduras, Belize and Jamaica. Choose from cruises of 4, 5 or 7 day lengths. You can cruise to a whole number of fascinating places- in Belize experience ever-popular Cave Tubing in the Sibun Caves, in Roatan snorkel in the blue waters of Half Moon Bay Beach, in Grand Cayman amble along the beautiful white sands of gorgeous 7 Mile Beach and in Costa Maya see the amazing rain forest.

Cruises from Galveston shows all the cruise departures from Galveston.

Cruise Terminals Map



Cruise Terminals

The first cruise ship to sail out Galveston was Norwegian Cruise Line’s Southward on a summer series of cruises in 1974. The ship operated from Pier 15. Though it was not until 1990 when the first cruise building, the $2 million Texas cruise ship terminal, was opened at the Mallory building next to Pier 25. The terminal was renamed cruise terminal 1 in 2001. In 1999 Carnival Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the world, unveiled a decision to offer cruises from the Port of Galveston. In Sept 2000 Carnival Celebration cruised for the first time out of the port. Then in 2001 Royal Caribbean International signed a contract with the Port of Galveston to homeport a vessel at the port. An unused warehouse was improved to form cruise terminal 2, and an RCI cruise ship was based at the new terminal in 2002.



Terminal 1 at piers 23,24,25 and 26

Carnival and Princess Cruises operate cruise terminal 1. The terminal boasts efficient baggage handling services, an expansive cruise passenger embark and debark floor and fast customs facilities. The terminal services a single cruise ship berth



Terminal 2 at piers 27 and 28

Terminal 2 is operated by RCI, Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises.The terminal offers streamlined security, baggage handling facilities and a streamlined cruise passenger embarkation and disembarkation area. The terminal has access to just one ship berth

Secure car parking is offered for both terminals at two large parking lots. There is a free shuttle bus service between the parking lots and the cruise terminals.

For the port website see Port Of Galveston.



Sightseeing In Galveston

Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum
The Ocean Star Drilling Rig and Museum is housed in a retired rig which served for nearly two decades in the Mexican Gulf. Check out displays and videos explaining seismic exploration, rig operation and oil production. The museum is open to the public daily, and about an hour is needed to tour the museum. The museum is moored at Galveston's Pier 19 at Harborside Drive.

Texas Seaport Museum
Texas Seaport Museum is the home of the famous tall ship Elissa which transported cargo for nearly 100 years, sailing first the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, then the Baltic sea and North sea, to finish her career in the Mediterranean. In the nearby museum and theater, hear the story of Elissa's last minute escape from the scrap heap and her painstaking renovation. The museum is sited next to the cruise port.

Bishop's Palace
To experience how the ‘other half’ lived towards the end of the nineteenth century drop by at the wonderful Bishops Palace. The house was constructed in 1892 for the railroad magnate Walter Gresham and his extended family. The house is flamboyantly furnished with scores of original items like eleven impressive fireplaces, rare wood paneling and bronze statues. The gift shop in the basement sells a wide range of jewelry, memorabilia and teas. The Bishop’s Palace is located on Broadway Avenue on the southern side of Galveston’s heritage East End district.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark
The Schlitterbahn Waterpark is a complete blast for all the family with its amazing variety of water rides lke the Bahnzai Pipeline twin water flume, the Blastenhoff heated pool with swim up bar, the Cliffhanger near vertical speed slides, the Whitewater beach, the Torrent tidal wave river and the Wasserfest heated pool. The outdoor section is open during the summer months, the Wasserfest indoor section opens year round. The waterpark is adjacent to Scholes airport, around 9 miles from the cruise ship port.

Moody Gardens
Moody Gardens is a huge tourist draw with three major buildings, the blue Aquarium pyramid, the glass Rainforest pyramid and the pink Discovery Pyramid. Enter the Aquarium pyramid and tour the Caribbean, the North Pacific and the South Atlantic. See Rainforest Pyramid with over 1000 species of luxurious plants from the rainforests of Africa, the Americas and Asia. Explore the interesting field of science at the Discovery Pyramid which presents a number of fascinating exhibitions. Moody Gardens is positioned next to Galveston’s airport, about 2 miles from the cruise port.

Traveling To Galveston Cruise Port

By Car

From Houston
Follow I-45 to Galveston Island. Take Exit 1C. Follow the Exit 1C feeder road then make a left onto Harborside Drive (Highway 275). Continue 4 1/2 miles to Kempner/22nd Street, turn left onto Kempner/22nd to arrive at the cruise terminals.

From the East
Follow State Highway 87 West towards Galveston Island. Catch the Port Bolivar car ferry. Exit the ferry on Highway 87/Ferry road. After 3/4 mile turn right onto Harborside Drive/H275 Continue 1 mile next make a right onto Kempner/22nd street to reach the cruise terminals.

From the Airports
There is a lack of public transport from either George Bush or Hobby airports to Galveston, so the only options are to catch a cruise line shuttle coach or hire a car.

Cruise Port - Fort Lauderdale

Introduction

Fort Lauderdale is located in the east-central part of Broward County, Florida, about 23 miles north of Miami, and 43 miles south of Palm Beach.

Fort Lauderdale is named after a Seminole War fort, built on the New River in 1838. The region was mostly farmland until the 1890s, when a road was made linking the area to Miami, a ferry service was established across the New River and the Florida East Coast Railway was extended further down the coast. The mild climate was attractive to new arrivals, and the settlement’s population increased dramatically in the early 20th century. But the two setbacks of a devastating hurricane in 1926 and the general depression of 1929 led to a complete reversal in the town’s fortunes. Like the vast majority of the US, Fort Lauderdale did not shake off the effects of the Great Depression until after World War II, at last returning to a period of strong growth.

Today more than 10 million tourists come to Fort Lauderdale every year to boat along its canal system, go to its large variety of family attractions and relax on its sparkling beaches.

Fort Lauderdale’s advancement owes a lot to its thriving port, Port Everglades. In 1928 a channel was cut from Lake Mabel to the Atlantic Ocean, creating the port. Having the deepest entrance channel of all port in Florida, the port was open to even the largest cargo ships, and trade through the port grew quickly. The first cruise ships arrived in the 1930s, with vessels from Chandris Line, Grace Line and Holland America Line calling at the port. Port Everglades has risen to be a major cruise hub, with ships from over 5 cruise lines homeporting from its modern cruise terminals.

You Choose The Cruise

Cruises available comprise the Eastern Caribbean (San Juan, St Maarten, Tortola and St Thomas), the Western Caribbean (Roatan, Belize, Cozumel and Grand Cayman), the Bahamas (Freeport and Nassau), or the Southern Caribbean (Bonaire, St Johns, Curacao and Aruba). Extended trips are also available, such as the Amazon, trans Panama canal to Florida and South America.

Cruises from Fort Lauderdale shows all the cruise departures from Port Everglades.

Cruise Terminals Map



Cruise Terminals

The northern end of Port Everglades is called Northport, and is the site of cruise terminals 2 and 4. The central part of Port Everglades is called Midport, and is home to cruise terminals 18, 19, 21, 25, 26 and 29.



Northport

The cruise terminals have the usual facilities such as full A/C, vending machines, seating areas, bathrooms, an automated passenger boarding bridge and check-in desks. In addition terminal 2 boasts faster embarkation/debarkation times by having an extra passenger boarding bridge. Terminal 2 and 4 share the car parking at the Northport garage. Terminal 2 is allocated to Princess Cruises, terminal 4 to MSC.



Midport

The terminals have the usual facilities like full A/C, check-in area, seating areas, luggage handling, vending machines and restrooms. In addition terminals 18 and 21 boast faster embarkation/debarkation times by having an extra passenger boarding bridge. Parking lot 18 provides parking for terminal 18, and the multi-deck Midport parking garage provides parking for terminals 19, 21, 25, 26 and 29. Terminal 18 is used by RCCI, 19 by Princess Cruises, 21 by Carnival Cruise Line, 25 by various cruise lines, 26 by Holland America Line, and 29 by several cruise lines.

For the port website see Port Everglades.



Sightseeing In Fort Lauderdale

Stranahan House
Stranahan House is Fort Lauderdale’s oldest house. It was built as a trading outpost for trade with the Seminole Indians, but also served as a school, post office and bank. The house can be found at 335 Southeast 6th Avenue, around 2 miles north west of the port.

Riverwalk
The Riverwalk offers a lovely one mile stroll in the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District in downtown Fort Lauderdale by the banks of the historic New River. The route passes fashionable shops, friendly restaurants and lush landscaping and impressive cultural venues including the Museum of Discovery and Science, the Museum of Art, Stranahan House and Fort Lauderdale History center.

Museum Of Art Fort Lauderdale
Possibly the most memorable exhibit at the Museum of Art is the Indigo Room, a backlit installation by the Voodoo influenced artist Edouard Duval-Carrié. After taking in the art on show, be sure to browse the museum’s bookstore.

Fort Lauderdale History Center
The Fort Lauderdale History Center presents the story of the community's history from the pioneers of Fort Lauderdale to the citizens of today. Walk around the 1905 Acetylene building, a little shed which housed an acetylene gas generator, an 1899 replica school house, a rebuilding of Broward county’s first ever school, the 1905 New River Inn, the county’s oldest standing hotel and the 1907 King-Cromartie House, a private residence.

South Beach Park
At the southern end of Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful beaches sits South Park Beach, a popular stretch of white sand. There’s lots of things to do at South Beach including fishing, swimming, wind surfing, rollerblading, snorkeling and jet skiing. Many shops, restaurants and bars can be found on popular Las Olas Boulevard, which joins with Hwy 1A behind the beach.

Traveling To The Cruise Port

By Car

SE 24th street off US-1, the 17th street causeway entrance at Eisenhower Bvld and Eller Drive all have gates which access Port Everglades. It is mandatory to have valid identification, such as a passport or driver’s license, to be allowed into the port.

From I95
Follow exit 26 to I-595 East, signed Port Everglades. Keep going for a little more than a mile then take exit 12B. Keep going on Eller Drive to the I-595 East entrance to the port.

Traveling from West on I-75
Head off at exit #19 to I-595 East. Continue for 12 miles then take exit 12B for Port Everglades. Keep going on Eller Drive to the I-595 East port gate.

From The Airport

The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport is sited little more than a mile from Port Everglades. Transfer is easy by taxi or shuttle bus.