Your Cruise Vacation Starts in Port Everglades
Fort Lauderdale is used by Royal Caribbean International as an embarkation and disembarkation point for Caribbean cruises on Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. The actual port in Ft. Lauderdale is known as Port Everglades. It is the third-busiest cruise port in the world. Almost 3 million cruise passengers pass through its 11 cruise terminals every year. If you were to look at a topographical map of the United States, you will see that Port Everglades is the deepest harbor south of Norfolk.
Port Everglades is an artificial harbor that got off to a somewhat inauspicious start. A developer named Joseph Young purchased 1440 acres in the 1920s for the Hollywood Harbor Development Company. President Calvin Coolidge was brought to Ft. Lauderdale on February 28, 1927, and asked to press the explosion detonator to open the harbor. Thousands gathered to watch the show. Unfortunately, he pushed the detonator and nothing happened! The harbor was unceremoniously opened later that day, and the new seaport was named Port Everglades in 1930.
Royal Caribbean International built s special terminal that accommodate Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. You will be surprise to watch smooth embarkation and debarkation for the biggest ships in the world. There are plenty of counters for check-in. Pay attention on your deck number and proceed accordingly.
Suite guests for Oasis of the Seas or Allure of the Seas have separated check-in counters and waiting area. You will love to relax in comfortable chairs and enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks. You will be among the first passengers to step on the ship. This is part of your suite-only amenities.
I suggest arriving to Port Everglades between 1 and 2 PM. There is no way for you to step on the Oasis of the Seas or Allure of the Seas before 11 AM. Embarkation starts after ship is cleared by authorities between 11 AM and 12 PM. Keep in mind that staterooms are not ready up to around 1 PM. Suites are first to be open. Your luggage will be in your cabin between 2 and 4 PM.
Planning your cruise on Oasis of the Seas or Allure of the Seas? Contact Nadia Jastrjembskaia, #1 expert in Oasis class ships by calling 772 777-1337 or by filling out the form and get started.