Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to top traveler questions regarding passports, terminal parking, baggage rules, and schedules.
1. Do I need a passport to travel to the Bahamas?
For Fast Ferry Travel (Bimini & Freeport): Yes. Because the fast ferry operates under commercial passenger ferry regulations, all passengers (including infants) are required to have a valid passport booklet with at least six months of remaining validity.
For 2-Night Cruises (Margaritaville at Sea): U.S. citizens sailing on closed-loop cruises departing and returning to the Port of Palm Beach may travel with an official state-issued birth certificate paired with an unexpired government photo ID.
A valid passport is always strongly recommended.
2. Where do the passenger vessels depart from?
Baleària Fast Ferry: Departs from Port Everglades Terminal 21 (2021 Eller Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL).
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise: Departs from the Cruise Port of Palm Beach (1 East 11th Street, Riviera Beach, FL).
3. How much is vehicle parking at the cruise ports?
Port Everglades: The covered Palm Parking Garage adjacent to Terminal 21 charges $25.00 per day.
Port of Palm Beach: Secured on-site passenger parking is $20.00 per calendar day ($60.00 total for standard 2-night/3-day cruises), payable by credit or debit card at the entry gate.
4. What time must I arrive at the terminal?
Fast Ferry Departures: Check-in begins at 6:00 AM. Terminal doors close strictly at 8:00 AM for the 9:00 AM departure. Late arrivals will not be permitted to board.
2-Night Cruises: Boarding runs from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Terminal doors lock promptly at 4:00 PM for mandatory safety drills prior to 5:30 PM sailing.
5. How do I book shore excursions in Freeport and Bimini?
You can reserve excursion tickets—including the Sanctuary Bay dolphin swims, Crystal Beach swimming pigs, and Bimini Beach Club day passes—by calling our South Florida reservation desk directly at 954-969-0069.