Port Canaveral vs. Fort Lauderdale Cruises: Disney, Royal Caribbean, and More

When planning a magical cruise vacation in Florida, two ports stand out: Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades. Both of these ports offer a wide range of cruise options, with major cruise lines like Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean sailing from these bustling ports. In this comprehensive guide, we will compare these two popular departure points, focusing on their amenities, nearby airports and hotels, as well as the cruise lines that operate from them. Let’s take a close look at Port Canaveral vs. Fort Lauderdale to determine which cruise port is best for you!

Port Overview

Port Canaveral

Disney Cruise Line’s home port terminal at Port Canaveral (© Disney)

Port Canaveral, located on Florida’s Space Coast, is the second busiest cruise port in the world. It’s known for its proximity to Orlando and the Kennedy Space Center, making it a popular choice for families combining a cruise with a visit to Walt Disney World or other Orlando attractions.

Address: 9005 Charles M. Rowland Dr, Port Canaveral, FL 32920

Distance from key points:

• Walt Disney World: 65 miles (about 1 hour drive)
• Kennedy Space Center: 15 miles (about 25 minutes drive)
• Downtown Orlando: 45 miles (about 45 minutes drive)

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)

Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, FL | Image Courtesy Broward County’s Port Everglades

Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and easy access to the Miami area.

Address: 1850 Eller Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Distance from key points:

• Miami: 30 miles (about 40 minutes drive)
• Palm Beach: 50 miles (about 1 hour drive)
• Everglades National Park: 60 miles (about 1 hour 15 minutes drive)
• Walt Disney World: 210 miles (about 3 hours 15 minutes drive)

Cruise Lines Operating from Each Port

Port Canaveral

• Disney Cruise Line: Known for family-friendly cruises primarily to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Castaway Cay. See our Port Canaveral Disney Cruises & Castaway Cay Tips articles.
• Royal Caribbean International: Provides various cruises to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and their private island Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Offers a range of itineraries including trips to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
• Carnival Cruise Line: Offers cruises to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal.
• MSC Cruises: Features cruises to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and their private island Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
• Princess Cruises: Offers cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean and the Panama Canal.

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)

• Disney Cruise Line: Offers family-oriented cruises to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Lookout Cay. See our Fort Lauderdale Disney Cruises article.
• Royal Caribbean International: Offers numerous cruises to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and beyond, including their private island Perfect Day at CocoCay.
• Carnival Cruise Line: Provides various itineraries to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
• Celebrity Cruises: Known for upscale cruises to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and other destinations.
• Holland America Line: Features cruises to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, South America, and other destinations.
• Princess Cruises: Provides cruises to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, South America, and other regions.
• Viking Ocean Cruises: Features cruises to the Caribbean, Central America, and other regions.
• Cunard Line: Offers luxury cruises, including transatlantic voyages, Caribbean, and world cruises.
• Crystal Cruises: Known for luxury cruises to various destinations, including the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
• Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Provides luxury yacht cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
• Silversea Cruises: Offers luxury cruises to various global destinations, including the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Related Articles: Florida Disney Cruises, Disney Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line vs. Norwegian, Disney Cruise Line vs. Princess, and Disney Cruise Line vs. Carnival.

Who Is Each Port Better For?

Port Canaveral is better for:

1. Disney World visitors: Its proximity to Disney World makes it ideal for those combining a theme park visit with a cruise.
2. Space enthusiasts: The nearby Kennedy Space Center is a major attraction.
3. Those seeking a more relaxed, less urban pre-cruise experience.
4. Families looking for the widest range of Disney Cruise Line options.
5. Travelers preferring a shorter drive from Orlando.

Fort Lauderdale is better for:

1. Those wanting a vibrant city experience before or after their cruise.
2. Beach lovers: Fort Lauderdale’s beaches are world-renowned.
3. Travelers flying in from out of state, due to the proximity of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
4. Cruisers looking for a wider variety of luxury cruise options.
5. Those wanting easy access to Miami and its attractions.

Nearby Airports

Port Canaveral

1. Orlando International Airport (MCO): About 45 miles west of the port
   • Transfer time: Approximately 45-60 minutes
   • Transportation options: Shuttle services, rental cars, taxis, rideshares
2. Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB): About 61 miles northwest
   • Transfer time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
   • Transportation options: Rental cars, taxis, rideshares
3. Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB): About 27 miles south
   • Transfer time: Approximately 35-45 minutes
   • Transportation options: Rental cars, taxis, rideshares

Fort Lauderdale

1. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): Just 2 miles from the port
   • Transfer time: Approximately 10-15 minutes
   • Transportation options: Shuttle services, rental cars, taxis, rideshares
2. Miami International Airport (MIA): About 30 miles south
   • Transfer time: Approximately 40-50 minutes
   • Transportation options: Shuttle services, rental cars, taxis, rideshares

Hotels Near the Ports

Port Canaveral Area Hotels

1. Residence Inn by Marriott Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach
   • Distance from port: 2.5 miles
   • Amenities: Free breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness center
2. Radisson Resort at the Port
   • Distance from port: 2.9 miles
   • Amenities: Outdoor pool, restaurant, shuttle service to the port
3. Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront (Disney Cruise Line partner hotel)
   • Distance from port: 5.5 miles
   • Amenities: Beachfront location, outdoor pool, multiple dining options

Fort Lauderdale Area Hotels

1. Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street
   • Distance from port: 1.5 miles
   • Amenities: Free breakfast, evening reception, outdoor pool
2. Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel
   • Distance from port: 1.2 miles
   • Amenities: Outdoor pool, fitness center, restaurant
3. Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
   • Distance from port: 1.7 miles
   • Amenities: Free breakfast, outdoor pool, 24/7 dining

Disney Cruise Line: A Closer Look

Disney Cruise Line operates from Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale and offers a variety of excellent itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Port Canaveral Disney Cruises

Disney Wish at Port Canaveral | Image © Disney

Port Canaveral is Disney Cruise Line’s primary home port and offers the widest variety of Disney itineraries. It’s also the closest port to Walt Disney World, making it ideal for land and sea vacations.

Ships sailing from Port Canaveral:

• Disney Wish
• Disney Fantasy
• Disney Magic (seasonally)
• Disney Treasure (starting December 2024)

Popular itineraries:

• Three and 4-night Bahamas cruises (visiting Nassau and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay)
• 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises (visiting Tortola, St. Thomas, and Castaway Cay)
• 7-night Western Caribbean cruises (visiting Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Falmouth)

Unique features:

• Dedicated Disney Cruise Line terminal (Terminal 8)
• Easy access to Walt Disney World (about 1-hour drive)
• Variety of itinerary lengths (3, 4, 5, and 7 nights)

Fort Lauderdale Disney Cruises

Image © Disney

Disney began sailing year-round from Fort Lauderdale in late 2023, offering an alternative embarkation point for South Florida guests.

Ships sailing from Fort Lauderdale:

• Disney Dream
• Disney Magic (seasonally)
• Disney Destiny (starting November 2025)

Popular itineraries:

• Three and 4-night Bahamas cruises (visiting Nassau and Castaway Cay)
• 5-night Western Caribbean cruises (visiting Cozumel and Castaway Cay)

Unique features:

• Access to Disney’s newest private destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
• Convenient for guests in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area
• Generally lower prices compared to Port Canaveral sailings

Disney Cruise Line Highlights

• Rotational Dining and Character Dining
• Broadway-style shows and first-run Disney movies
• Extensive kids’ clubs and activities
• Adults-only areas and dining options
• Character meet-and-greets
• Fireworks at sea on most cruises

Royal Caribbean: The Runner-Up

Royal Caribbean is another major player at both ports, offering a wide range of itineraries and ships.

Port Canaveral Royal Caribbean Cruises

Ships sailing from Port Canaveral:

• Wonder of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas

Popular itineraries:

• Three and 4-night Bahamas cruises (visiting Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay)
• 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises (visiting St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay)
• 7-night Western Caribbean cruises (visiting Cozumel, Roatan, and Costa Maya)

Fort Lauderdale Royal Caribbean Cruises

Ships sailing from Fort Lauderdale:

• Odyssey of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas

Popular itineraries:

• 6 and 8-night Caribbean cruises (visiting various combinations of Jamaica, Mexico, Honduras, and Perfect Day at CocoCay)
• 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises (visiting St. Kitts, St. Thomas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay)
• 7-night Western Caribbean cruises (visiting Cozumel, Roatan, and Costa Maya)

Royal Caribbean Highlights

• Innovative ship designs with unique features like FlowRider surf simulators and rock climbing walls
• Perfect Day at CocoCay private island experience
• Wide range of dining options, including specialty restaurants
• Broadway-style shows and high-tech entertainment
• Extensive kids and teens programs
• Adult-focused areas and activities

Other Cruise Lines

Both ports host a variety of other cruise lines, offering diverse options for travelers.

Port Canaveral

1. Carnival Cruise Line
   • Ships: Mardi Gras, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Liberty
   • Itineraries: 3 to 8-night Bahamas and Caribbean cruises
2. Norwegian Cruise Line
   • Ships: Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Prima
   • Itineraries: 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises
3. MSC Cruises
   • Ships: MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia
   • Itineraries: 3 to 7-night Caribbean and Bahamas cruises

Fort Lauderdale

1. Celebrity Cruises
   • Ships: Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Silhouette
   • Itineraries: 6 to 11-night Caribbean cruises
2. Princess Cruises
   • Ships: Caribbean Princess, Regal Princess, Sky Princess
   • Itineraries: 7 to 14-night Caribbean cruises
3. Holland America Line
   • Ships: Nieuw Amsterdam, Eurodam, Zuiderdam
   • Itineraries: 7 to 14-night Caribbean cruises
4. Carnival Cruise Line
   • Ships: Carnival Celebration, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Sunrise
   • Itineraries: 6 to 8-night Caribbean cruises

Personal Insights

As someone who has cruised with my wife and two kids multiple times from both ports, I can offer a few personal observations:

1. Port Canaveral is fantastic if you’re combining your cruise with a Disney World vacation. The proximity can’t be beaten, and the dedicated Disney terminal makes embarkation a breeze.
2. Fort Lauderdale offers a more urban pre-cruise experience, with great beaches and restaurants nearby. It’s also more convenient if you’re flying in from out of state, given the airport’s proximity to the port.
3. For Disney cruises specifically, Port Canaveral offers more options and the ability to visit both Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point on some itineraries. However, Fort Lauderdale sailings can be slightly less expensive.
4. If you’re considering Royal Caribbean, both ports offer excellent options. The choice really comes down to your preferred itinerary and ship.
5. We’ve found that spending a day or two pre-cruise at the port city can help you relax and start your vacation early. This is especially true if you’re flying in from a different time zone.

Tips for Cruising from Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale

1. Arrive a day early: This allows for any travel delays and gives you time to explore the port area.
2. Consider a hotel with a cruise package: Many hotels offer packages that include transportation to the port.
3. Pack a day bag: Put your swimsuit and essential items in a carry-on bag, as your luggage may not arrive at your stateroom until later in the day.
4. Book parking in advance: If driving to the port, pre-booking parking can save you money and hassle.
5. Check your ship’s boarding time: Arriving too early can result in long waits, while arriving late might mean missing the boat.
6. Explore port excursions: Both Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale offer interesting attractions if you have extra time before or after your cruise.

FAQ

Q: Which port is better for Disney cruises?

A: Port Canaveral offers more Disney options and is closer to Walt Disney World, but Fort Lauderdale can be more convenient for South Florida residents and sometimes offers lower prices.

Q: Can I visit Disney World before or after a cruise from either port? 

A: Yes, but it’s more convenient from Port Canaveral. From Fort Lauderdale, you’d need to allow about 3-4 hours for travel each way.

Q: Are there any adult-only cruise options from these ports? 

A: While most cruises cater to all ages, Virgin Voyages offers adult-only cruises from Port Miami, which is near Fort Lauderdale.

Q: How early should I arrive at the port on embarkation day? 

A: It’s recommended to arrive at least 2-3 hours before your ship’s scheduled departure time. You may receive a specific arrival time during your pre-cruise online check-in process.

Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks onboard? 

A: Policies vary by cruise line, but generally, you can bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages and factory-sealed snacks. You may be allowed to bring a limited amount of alcohol onboard. Always check your specific cruise line’s policy.

Conclusion: Port Canaveral vs. Fort Lauderdale

Both Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale offer excellent cruise experiences, with a variety of options to suit different preferences and budgets. Port Canaveral excels for Disney-focused vacations and easy access to Orlando attractions, while Fort Lauderdale offers a more urban pre-cruise experience and potentially lower prices.

In the end, the best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and desired itinerary. Consider factors like travel time to the port, pre-cruise activities, and the specific ships and itineraries available when making your decision.

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