Best cruise parking

Where is the best parking for our cruise from Ft L ? SO MANY ?! We do not need a hotel. We are driving down from north FL. Renaissance ? So confused…..

Great question — there *are a lot* of parking options for cruising out of Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), so here’s a breakdown of the best ones + pros & things to watch out for, especially if you’re just driving in for the day (no hotel stay).

Top Parking Options for Port Everglades Cruises

  • On-Site Port Everglades Parking

    The most convenient option: Port Everglades runs its own parking garages and lots. The Heron Garage (serving Terminals 2 & 4) and the Palm Garage (serving Terminals 19, 21, 25, 26, 29) are covered. There are also surface lots (Lot 18, Lot 19) for overflow.

    Cost is around $20/day for standard vehicles, and $25/day for oversized vehicles.

    Pros: walk right from your car to the terminal (or very close), secure, no shuttle needed. According to other cruisers, this is often worth the extra cost.

  • Renaissance Port of Everglades Cruise Parking

    There’s a self-park lot on the 4th floor of the Renaissance Hotel (1617 SE 17th St), just a few minutes from the port.

    Rate: approx. $15/day for cruise parking.

    Pros: well-maintained, secure, and very convenient without having to park directly at the terminal.

  • Rightway Parking – Off-Site Lots

    If you want to save money, Rightway Parking offers long-term cruise parking near Port Everglades.

    Rates start around $9/day, depending on lot and availability.

    Pros: lower cost, guaranteed spot (if you reserve), and potentially a shuttle or short ride back to your car.

  • United Airport Parking

    This is a secure, fenced off-site lot with 24/7 shuttle service to the port.

    Rates: often $7–8/day, which is *much* cheaper than some port options.

    Pros: very budget-friendly, good for longer cruises, and peace of mind on security.

Other Considerations & Tips

  • Book Ahead When Possible: For offsite lots (Rightway, United), reserving your spot in advance ensures you get parking and locks in your rate.
  • Time It Right: Drop off your luggage at the terminal first, then head to your lot — especially if using on-site garage parking. Some cruisers recommend that.
  • Security Matters: On-site port parking is very secure. Several cruisers recommend paying a little extra for that peace of mind.
  • Getting Back to Your Car: If you use an off-site lot, check how shuttle service works (schedule, pick-up location) so you’re not left waiting when you disembark.

Bottom Line: If convenience is most important to you, on-site Port Everglades parking (Heron or Palm garage) is the way to go. If you're more budget-conscious, off-site lots like United Airport Parking or Rightway provide much better value. And the Renaissance lot is a nice middle ground — easy, secure, and close by. Choose based on how much you're willing to spend vs how much convenience you want.


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