Need Cruise Parking Advice

[catugirl]

We have only needed to park at Port Everglades once, and we used Park N Go. We were able to keep our car keys and had no issues; however, when I Google that company now, I notice that during high volume times, they will keep your keys and valet your car. A few reviews mention that when they returned from their cruises, someone had gone through their belongings in their cars. There were also bad reviews for most of the other parking companies. We're considering parking at the port, but how do we know at which pier our ship (Crown Princess) will be docked at embarkation? Also, can you reserve a space before embarkation day? If the ship docks at a different pier for disembarkation, does Port Everglades have a free shuttle to transport you to the parking deck at the original pier? I really hate having to spend $15 per day for parking, but our options seem to be very limited. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[las313]

We have used the park n fly many times with no problems.

If you have AAA, you can get a good discount.

Louise

[katisdale]

We have parked at the port. There are signs at the port that indicate where different ships are located and good signage so we end up at the right terminal. Once we went out of terminal 2 and parked there of course but returned to a different pier. We were shuttled to the correct parking garage at no cost.

[skynight]

There are two parking garages at Port Everglades, Mid Port and North Port. One week prior to your sailing Port Everglades will post the pier assignment for your ship. Also, as you enter the pier the ship and pier no. is posted above the gate. Have your passport and boarding pass ready as pier security checks it on entry. Just drive to the proper parking deck, find a space, park and lock your car. Bring your parking ticket with you onto the ship and don't lose it. You need to turn this in to exit the port. There is no luggage help within the parking garage. You must take care of your own luggage. Take early walk off and you will be on the road early. Although the charge is higher, it is very easy to use. If you ship departs from one pier and arrives at another far away from your garage, there is a shuttle, or you can take a taxi. Believe in port taxi rides are $10. You can not walk between the two parking decks, there is no walking path. Some hotels offer free parking or low cost parking if you stay the night before.

[mafig]

Except for one time we have always parked at the port ... for ease and security.:)

[homeinboca]

There are two parking garages at Port Everglades, Mid Port and North Port. One week prior to your sailing Port Everglades will post the pier assignment for your ship. Also, as you enter the pier the ship and pier no. is posted above the gate. Have your passport and boarding pass ready as pier security checks it on entry. Just drive to the proper parking deck, find a space, park and lock your car. Bring your parking ticket with you onto the ship and don't lose it. You need to turn this in to exit the port. There is no luggage help within the parking garage. You must take care of your own luggage. Take early walk off and you will be on the road early. Although the charge is higher, it is very easy to use. If you ship departs from one pier and arrives at another far away from your garage, there is a shuttle, or you can take a taxi. Believe in port taxi rides are $10. You can not walk between the two parking decks, there is no walking path. Some hotels offer free parking or low cost parking if you stay the night before.

 

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Edited October 28, 2013 by homeinboca

[OCruisers]

We always park at the cruise ship terminal.

Safe, Secure, and Easy! :)

 

LuLu

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[canadarocks]

How does the price compare with Park N Fly?

[Sanibel*Gal]

We use to park at the cruise terminal but it is expensive. We also had the experience of using the shuttle from one of the port terminals to another since we did not disembark at the same terminal we boarded. That was not such a pleasant experience since they jam pack as many people they can along with luggage on one bus.

 

We have since opted for the Park-n-go for a number of years and have not experienced any issues with our car being gone through. The drivers have always been very courteous & if you join the Park-n-go club you get a free day of parking after 7. Their rates are inexpensive & we will be using them again in FLL for our 10 day cruise in 2 weeks.:D

[OCruisers]

We've driven and parked in the port terminal LOT & LOTS on times.

Only once did we come back into a different terminal.

DH grabbed a taxi, got our car, and came back to pick up me and our luggage.

They did have shuttles but, as mentioned, they were a zoo.

 

Normally, our car is ready when we are and the porter will take us all the way to our car. :)

 

Last time in January it was $15 per day. Worth it to us.

 

LuLu

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[bigguy6]

We have taken Princess out of Ft Lauderdale a number of times. The last time almost 2 years ago. If it is the same, and I believe it is, Princess ships generally leave from the North terminal and generally return to the same dock. There is a large parking structure right at the dock which has never been near full anytime we have been there. When you get in the gate go around to the right of the parking structure (DO NOT go through the structure gates) and pull up next to your ship. The porters will take your bags from the car (don't forget to tip them, they are not Princess employees and if you want yours bags handled right you better tip) Then leave your cabin mate with your carry ons and drive your car to the far end of the parking structure turn left and go around a circle that is in front of an administration building at the far end of the structure. This will get you back to the entrance to the parking structure. Go in and get your parking ticket. Put it in a secure spot in your car. Then find a parking spot, park and lock, and find an elevator to the ground floor. Reconnect with your cabin mate and check in. When you return, find your luggage, and grab a porter he will see you through customs and will take you to you car (again tip). Drive out paying what you owe at the gate.

[Mom33]

OP.....Do you arrive the day of the cruise or a day before? We stay at a hotel the day before the cruise and park there for $50 for the length of the cruise.:)

[donh1]

Great place to book a hotel and they throw in the parking and a shuttle. We are staying at the Cambria Suites near the airport this Feb. 14 days parking is included with the deal. ..nice hotel and the package is less than $150. If an extra day does not pose too much problem I highly recommend extending your vacation by the extra day. Almost like buying insurance. This will be the forth time we have used this web site.....

[catugirl]

Thanks for all the great advice. We will be driving from our relatives' house in central FL on Jan. 11th, so we won't need a hotel, but I am printing out your advice regarding hotels that include cruise parking in the price of the room for future reference.

 

Based on all your advice, I think we will park at the port. Park Safe FLL looks like a good option if we weren't so nervous about relinquishing our car keys to strangers for a week! At our home airport, the offsite airport parking includes covered parking and is inexpensive and you take your keys with you. That's what we were hoping for in FLL. :( The port parking is expensive, but it looks like it's the best option for us, at least the one that's within our comfort zone. Thanks again.

 

Beth