If you’re thinking of staying in a hotel in Fort Lauderdale before your cruise, you’re already being a smart traveler. Getting a hotel (with free shuttle service) close to Port Everglades the night before your cruise will make sure you don’t have to worry about travel delays the day of embarkation.
Whether you fly into Hollywood International Airport (FLL) or drive into Ft. Lauderdale, we have found a list of the best hotels near the cruise port that have the best perks for parking, shuttle service, and park & cruise packages.
Whatever your reason for going on a cruise, you don’t want to spend more than you have to. The cost of the cruise is enough without having to add on parking, lodging, and transportation. Especially considering parking at the Port Everglades is $15 a night, for a 7 day cruise that’s easily $100 added on to your trip costs.
Below we’ve put together a list of hotels that offer inexpensive (or free parking) for your cruise. Many also have a package that may include transportation to the cruise port.
RELATED: Cruise Hotels Near PortMiami
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Hotels with “Park & Go” Service
Holiday Inn Express Ft. Lauderdale Cruise-Airport
Designed with the corporate traveler in mind, the Holiday Inn Express Ft. Lauderdale offers free high-speed WiFi and a business center with copy and print services. They are located just minutes from the Fort Lauderdale airport and are within walking distance of the Everglades cruise port.
Their Park Stay Cruise package offers guests parking for 5 nights. Additional nights are just $10 each. Just let the front desk know how many nights you’ll be parked for when you check in.
This hotel also offers free shuttle service to and from the airport, and shuttle service to and from the cruise port for a minimal fee.
- Average cost: $349
- Distance from cruise port: 0.7 miles
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale International Airport: 2 miles
- Guest rating: 4 out of 5
Renaissance Cruise Port Hotel Fort Lauderdale
Located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s 17th Street cruise district, the Renaissance Cruise Port Hotel sits right at the entrance to Port Everglades. Five minutes down the road is Fort Lauderdale Beach, downtown Fort Lauderdale, and Las Olas Blvd.
This hotel offers two separate cruise packages. The first, called the Snooze Then Cruise, offers guests a standard room, daily American breakfast for two, and transfer to the cruise port for up to two guests. This package does not include transportation from the airport or cruise port, nor does it include parking.
The second package is the Park Here, Cruise There package. This offers everything the Snooze Then Cruise offers but adds self parking for up to 14 nights. Any additional breakfast, transfer, or parking options are available at an additional charge.
- Average cost: $262
- Distance from cruise port: 0.7 miles
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale International Airport: 2 miles
- Guest rating: 4 out of 5
Crowne Plaza Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port
As Fort Lauderdale’s newest urban full service hotel, the Crowne Plaza is centrally located to all of Fort Lauderdale’s South Florida events and attractions. This hotel is great for either leisure or corporate travel and is located just a few miles from both the Fort Lauderdale Airport and the Port Everglades Cruise Port.
Book this hotel with their Cruise And Port package and enjoy a complimentary shuttle for two to the cruise port. Package does not include parking, but you are able to park your car for $15 a night, which is the same price as parking at the port.
- Average cost: $169
- Distance from cruise port: 0.9 miles
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale International Airport: 2 miles
- Guest rating: 4 out of 5
Four Points by Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port
Enjoy in-room coffee makers, refrigerators, and 42-inch TVs at this renovated hotel, located just a mile or two from both the Fort Lauderdale International Airport and Port Everglades Cruise Port.
Four Points offers a Park and Cruise package which provides cruise travelers with complimentary parking for 7 nights. Transportation to the port from the hotel is available for a nominal fee.
- Average cost: $225
- Distance from cruise port: 1 mile
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale International Airport: 2 miles
- Guest rating: 4 out of 5
Hampton Inn Airport Fort Lauderdale Airport North Cruise Port
Conveniently located near the Fort Lauderdale International Airport and just 2 miles from Port Everglades, the Hampton Inn offers free 24-hour shuttle service to and from the airport. During your stay enjoy visiting the Riverwalk, Las Olas, or attend an event at the Convention Center nearby.
Book with their Park & Go package and get free parking for up to 7 days for the duration of your cruise. You can also book a shuttle to the cruise port for $10 per person.
- Average cost: $172
- Distance from cruise port: 2 miles
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale International Airport: 1 mile
- Guest rating: 4.5 out of 5
Courtyard by Marriott Ft. Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port
The Courtyard by Marriott is the perfect hotel for business or leisure travelers, offering amenities to satisfy both. Family sized rooms, free WiFi, conference facilities, and meeting rooms, to name a few.
This hotel offers an extensive Cruise Transportation Package, providing guests transportation to and from the airport and cruise port for up to 4 guests, and free self parking for up to 7 days.
- Average cost: $179
- Distance from cruise port: 3.3 miles
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale International Airport: 1 mile
- Guest rating: 4 out of 5
Hampton Inn & Suites Ft. Lauderdale Airport/South Cruise Port
Located south of Fort Lauderdale Airport and Port Everglades, this hotel offers a Park & Go package which provides guests with free parking for up to 7 days, and complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport and/or the cruise port.
- Average cost: $139
- Distance from cruise port: 3.5 miles
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale International Airport: 2 miles
- Guest rating: 4 out of 5
SpringHill Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port
Offering spacious work spaces and sleeping areas, SpringHill Suites by Marriott is the perfect hotel for pre-cruise stays, layovers, or quick getaways. It’s convenient to all major highways, making it easy to get to any attraction you would like.
This hotel also offers two cruise travel packages. “Park Here, Fly or Cruise There” offers guests parking for 14 nights and complimentary round-trip shuttle to and from the airport. Additional nights of parking are available for $5 per night.
For just a few dollars extra, get the “Escape! Cruise Transportation” package, and get complimentary transportation to Port Everglades. This offer is for 2 guests who book a King Suite, and up to 5 guests who book a Queen Suite.
- Average cost: $139
- Distance from cruise port: 3.6 miles
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale International Airport: 2 miles
- Guest rating: 4 out of 5
Quality Inn & Suites Airport/Cruise Port South
Located near the Ft. Lauderdale International Airport, enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and airport transportation. Found nearby for your enjoyment is the Fort Lauderdale Beach, Sun Life Stadium, and Historical Museum.
Call the hotel to book their Park Cruise and Fly Package. Free shuttle service to and from either the airport or the cruise port.
- Average cost: $199
- Distance from cruise port: 3.7 miles
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale International Airport: 2 miles
- Guest rating: 3 out of 5
Rodeway Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport Port Everglades Cruise Port
A beautiful hotel located in the heart of Ft. Lauderdale, Rodeway Inn & Suites offers guests all they could ever want in accommodations. You can also book tours to the Sawgrass Mills Mall, nearby beaches, tours of the Everglades, the Sun Life Stadium, and Las Olas Blvd.
Book their Stay Park and Cruise package for up to 10 days of complimentary parking, as well as shuttle transportation to and from the cruise port.
- Average cost: $229
- Distance from cruise port: 3.1 miles
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale International Airport: 2 miles
- Guest rating: 3.5 out of 5
Other Hotels with Shuttle Service
Extended Stay America Hotel Cruise Port Fort Lauderdale
This hotel is located within walking distance of the Convention Center, Port Everglades, and the Art Institute. It’s designed specifically for longer stays, with some rooms equipped with full kitchens and lots of work space.
The Extended Stay offers travelers a free shuttle to the Fort Lauderdale Airport, and a $4 per person shuttle to the cruise port. The shuttle hours run Monday through Thursday from 9am to 4:30pm, and Friday through Saturday from 7am to 10:30pm. Parking is also available for $10 per day.
- Average cost: $199
- Distance from cruise port: 0.7
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale International Airport: 2 miles
- Guest rating: 3.5 out of 5
Check out Extended Stay America in Fort Lauderdale here
Hyatt Place Ft. Lauderdale 17th Street Convention Center
Close to both the Fort Lauderdale Airport and Port Everglades, this hotel is also just a mile from the Convention Center, and only 2 miles from the beach. They are also within walking distance to the Harbor shops, Mezzaluna, and Outback.
While the Hyatt Place doesn’t offer a cruise package, they do provide shuttle service to the cruise port for just $7 per person. The shuttle departs at 10am, 11am, 12pm, and 1pm. Self parking is also available for $10 per day.
If you’re flying in to stay at the hotel, they do offer a shuttle from the airport for $2 per room. Just call the hotel when you land and they’ll direct you to the shuttle pick up spot.
- Average cost: $222
- Distance from cruise port: 0.8 miles
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale International Airport: 2 miles
- Guest rating: 4 out of 5
Hotel Morrison Dania Beach
Considered a boutique hotel, the Hotel Morrison at Dania Beach features 143 rooms. Located just 1.5 miles south of the Fort Lauderdale International Airport and minutes from the Port Everglades, you can also enjoy renowned beaches nearby.
Complimentary shuttle services are available to and from the airport, and 10$ per person to the cruise port. You can also park your car at this hotel for free while on your cruise.
- Average cost: $234
- Distance from cruise port: 2.9 miles
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale International Airport: 2 miles
- Guest rating: 4.5 out of 5
Hyatt House Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port
Discover breathtaking beaches, golf courses, and a large variety of shops and restaurants when you stay at the Hyatt House Fort Lauderdale. Located just a few miles from both the airport and cruise port, they offer a free shuttle to and from the airport.
The cruise port shuttle is provided by a partnership with a local company, and costs $12 per person (paid to the driver, not the hotel). Cruise shuttle leaves at 10am, 11am, and 12pm. Self parking is free for all guests.
- Average cost: $171
- Distance from cruise port: 3.6 miles
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale International Airport: 2 miles
- Guest rating: 4.5 out of 5
Cambria Hotel Ft Lauderdale, Airport South & Cruise Port
Located in beautiful South Florida, this sun-kissed hotel is the perfect place to stay the night before your cruise. Close by are several beaches, the Hard Rock Stadium, Convention Center, and Historical Society. They also provide guests with free WiFi, free airport transportation (between 5am and midnight), and a fitness center with an outdoor pool.
Shuttle service to the Port Everglades Cruise Port is available from 9am to 2pm daily for $10 per person.
- Average cost: $265
- Distance from cruise port: 3.7 miles
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale International Airport: 2 miles
- Guest rating: 4.5 out of 5
See Cambria Hotel Ft Lauderdale here
Comfort Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport South & Cruise Port
For being the most affordable hotel on this list, the Comfort Suites still has a lot to offer, including Free WiFi, hot breakfast, parking, and airport transportation. It’s also located near the Hard Rock Hotel, Casino Hollywood, Port Everglades, and Hard Rock Stadium.
Transportation to the cruise port is $10 per person, but you must make those reservations at check-in.
- Average cost: $96
- Distance from cruise port: 3.74 miles
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale International Airport: 2 miles
- Guest rating: 4 out of 5
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
I just had to add this Hilton to the list as it is probably about as close as you can get to the cruise port. Offering great views of Port Everglades and the Marina, this hotel is perfect for a pre-cruise stay. It’s only a mile and a half from the port and very close to the beach, so a win-win.
There is an on-site restaurant, swimming pool and fitness center. The Hilton has a nice upscale feel to it, and with over 500 rooms to choose from, it’s easy to find great shoreline views from your balcony.
No airport shuttle is offered, but the location was too good not to put in the list. And being so close makes a taxi a fairly reasonable fare.
- Average cost: $230
- Distance from cruise port: 1.5 miles
- Distance from Fort Lauderdale International Airport: 5 miles
- Guest Rating: 4 out of 5
Check out Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina here
How to Pack for your Cruise
Now that we’ve provided you with a list of the best hotels to stay in before or after your cruise, let’s talk about what to pack. Obviously, you know to bring your swimsuit, socks, underwear, as well as t-shirts (or tank tops), shorts, and sandals or flip-flops. Boat shoes might even come in handy for when the deck gets a little slippery.
But what else should you bring? Here’s a short list of a few items we suggest adding to your luggage to help make your trip more enjoyable.
A Small Fan
Sometimes shipboard cabins can get a little stuffy, even if you have a window to let in the ocean breeze. A small, portable fan in your cabin can help circulate the air, as well as provide you with some white noise.
Outlet Adapter
Your small cruise cabin is not going to offer a lot in plug space. If you have a lot of electronics with you (phone, tablet, laptop, hair dryer, curling iron, etc.), you’re going to want to have a few outlet adapters with you. Keep in mind that cruise ships don’t allow the kind with surge protectors, so shop carefully.
Cabin Nightlight
Booked an interior cabin with no windows and want to protect your shins against unfamiliar furniture in the middle of the night? You’ll want to get a couple of nightlights to help you out. The best kind are the ones that automatically turn on as soon as the room goes dark.
Sightseeing Recommendations
Even if you’re only in the area for your cruise trip, there are so many things in Ft. Lauderdale to do the night before your ship leaves, or even after you return. Once you see what attractions Ft. Lauderdale has to offer, you might even consider extending your trip to take advantage of a few of them.
Las Olas Boulevard
While visiting Ft. Lauderdale, be sure to visit Las Olas Boulevard. You can either book one of three tours (segway, bike, or air), or just go for a walk and visit the various shops, restaurants, art galleries, and museums. There’s so much to do here you certainly won’t be bored.
Escape Rooms
Enjoy a little bit of mystery and problem solving? You should definitely check out the escape rooms by Miami Quest in Ft. Lauderdale: Pirate Cave, Cambridge Killer, and Fort Knox Escape Rooms. Try just one or all three! Each room gives you only an hour to solve the room and escape.
Sun Trolley
Looking for a more relaxed sight-seeing experience? Just use the Sun Trolley to get around to whatever store, restaurant, or attraction you want. Every route the Sun Trolley offers, except for Beach Link and Las Olas Link, is free to ride.
Conclusion
Your cruise trip to Fort Lauderdale shouldn’t cost anymore than it has to. Many of the nearby hotels offer guests packages that provide parking and transportation to the cruise port, either for free or a minimal cost. And while you’re here (if you have the time) try to take advantage of some of the attractions and tours available.
Above all else, have fun and enjoy your cruise!
