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Your cruise is booked, and adventure on the sea awaits, but before you set sail, consider this: the real magic can begin before you leave on your Disney cruise . . . or any of the many other cruises leaving from Port Everglades, one of the three busiest cruise ports in the world. Greater Fort Lauderdale, home to Port Everglades, is not merely a point on your itinerary and the place you sail from. As the gateway to the Caribbean, to get to all of those exotic cruises, this is the place you leave from. It’s an accessible, joy-filled destination perfect for a pre-or post-cruise getaway.
From accessible hotels and beaches to wheelchair-friendly attractions and equipment rental services that meet you where you are,Greater Fort Lauderdale rolls out the welcome mat for every traveler. Here, no mobility need, sensory requirement, or support concern is overlooked. Added to that is the promise of warm breezes and blue skies . . . a stress-free start to your vacation!
Cruise-friendly hotels that know accessibility
Greater Fort Lauderdale is dotted with cruise-ready hotels near Port Everglades that make accessibility a top priority. Many feature ADA-compliant rooms with roll-in showers, widened doorways, visual alarms, and accessible pool lifts, including the brand new Omni Hotel Fort Lauderdale which is steps away from the cruise terminals.
Other hotels like the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel, and Hyatt Place 17th Street Convention Center are also within minutes of the port and offer shuttle service for both wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Many also partner with local equipment providers who can deliver scooters, manual wheelchairs, shower chairs, or oxygen units directly to your hotel or cruise terminal.
Ask for a “pre- or post-cruise package” and you’ll often get perks like extended parking, breakfast, or shuttle service bundled into one smooth experience. After all, when everything is easy, everything feels like vacation.
Port Everglades is built for smooth journeys
Port Everglades is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world and one of the most accessible. Its terminals are modern, spacious, and thoughtfully designed with disabled travelers in mind. Expect level-access throughout, accessible restrooms, plenty of seating, and helpful porters and staff who understand the needs of guests using mobility aids.
There are accessible drop-off zones at every terminal and plenty of signage to guide you through check-in. If you need assistance getting from curb to cabin, most cruise lines offer pier-side wheelchair service. Just request it in advance during booking or through your hotel. Best of all, Port Everglades is only a few miles from both the airport and downtown Fort Lauderdale. That means less time commuting and more time relaxing.
Shore excursions and attractions
What can you do before or after your cruise? Plenty! And accessible options are around every corner.
Accessible beaches
Fort Lauderdale Beach features beach wheelchairs available at no cost from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Beach Patrol Headquarters at the corner of Las Olas and A1A. These large-wheeled chairs are perfect for enjoying the sand and surf. Beach entrances are flat and paved, and the promenade itself is ideal for wheelchair users, lined with restaurants, shops, and scenic views.
Within the entire destination, eight beach towns await:
with Pompano, Hollywood, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Dania and Deerfield Beach being the most accessible.
Water Taxi adventures
Want to explore Greater Fort Lauderdale’s famous canals? The Water Taxi has limited but expanding accessibility options. Some stops are wheelchair accessible, and staff are trained to assist passengers with boarding. For a more traditional tour, the Jungle Queen Riverboat offers narration and stunning views, with accessible seating on the main deck.
Riverwalk and Las Olas Boulevard
The Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District offers a plethora of accessible venues. Enjoy the Museum of Discovery & Science, with exhibits designed to engage a variety of learning styles and mobility needs. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts offers wheelchair seating, audio description, and ASL interpretation at select performances.
Nearby Las Olas Boulevard features smooth sidewalks, curb ramps, open-air and waterfront dining spots with accessible seating. Spend an afternoon browsing boutiques, sipping iced coffee, and watching the world go by.
Parks, gardens, and nature escapes
Looking for a peaceful place to recharge? Flamingo Gardens features paved pathways and tram tours for those with limited mobility. Or visit the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, where accessibility improvements continue to grow, including garden paths and exhibit areas. Always call ahead for the latest updates. They’ll be happy to guide you on your visit.
Shopping that is easy to navigate
Shopaholics, rejoice! Sawgrass Mills, one of the largest outlet malls in the U.S., offers wide walkways, ADA-compliant restrooms, plenty of accessible parking, and wheelchair rentals. It’s only 15 miles from the port and worth the ride. And there are many more shopping options . . .
Equipment and Support Services
Greater Fort Lauderdale is well-prepared to welcome travelers who may need extra support. While the Convention and Visitors Bureau may not directly provide all accessibility resources, it partners with trusted local companies that can assist with every need. Services from providers like Special Needs at Sea, Scootaround, and Cloud of Goods include equipment rentals, such as:
- Mobility scooters
- Manual wheelchairs
- Power chairs
- Rollators and walkers
- Oxygen concentrators
- Baby strollers and car seats
Delivery and pickup can be arranged at your hotel or the cruise terminal. These businesses are incredibly responsive and often coordinate directly with your cruise line or accommodations. You don’t have to pack the kitchen sink, let Greater Fort Lauderdale bring what you need to you.
Tips for a seamless accessible stay
- Book early: ADA-compliant rooms can go quickly during cruise season. Call the hotel directly to confirm the features you need.
- Use hotel shuttles: Many offer accessible transportation to and from Port Everglades and FLL. Ask about availability when you book.
- Pack smart: Bring a list of medications and any special equipment you’ll need, but leave the heavy gear behind. Local services are here and ready to support you.
- Ask about accessible excursions: Some tour companies offer accessible airboat rides, Everglades visits, or city tours. The Visit Lauderdale team can help you find the right fit.
Greater Fort Lauderdale is built for you
This region is beautiful, welcoming, and designed with you in mind. Every ramp, smooth pathway, accessible hotel room, and beach mat tells the same story: you belong here.
Why don’t you come early or stay late? Let Greater Fort Lauderdale be the gentle beginning or triumphant finale of your cruise adventure. From warm welcomes to thoughtful services, there’s no better place to stretch out your vacation, and no better region that makes sure you can enjoy every minute of it, your way.