Best Stores Near Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port (Last-Minute Supplies Made Easy)

By Brian Dohrn | Dohrn Travels | Stores Near Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port

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Forgot Something? Where to Shop Near Port Everglades Before Your Cruise

Ever have that moment when you’re already on the way to the airport—or halfway to the port—and suddenly realize you forgot something… but can’t quite figure out what?

Then it hits you—you forgot your toothbrush!

It happens almost every time before I go on a cruise. I remember most things, but a few essentials always slip through the cracks.

The good news is you don’t need to stress—there are stores close by.

The best place for last-minute cruise supplies in Fort Lauderdale is the SE 17th Street area, just minutes from Port Everglades. Everything is close together, making it easy to grab what you need either the night before or the morning of embarkation.

If you’re staying at one of the hotels on SE 17th Street, most of these stores are within walking distance or a quick ride from your hotel.

I’ve made this stop more than once before a cruise, and it’s one of those simple things that just makes embarkation day a lot smoother.

If you’re looking for stores near Fort Lauderdale cruise port, this is hands-down the most convenient area to get it done quickly and move on to enjoying your trip.

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Table of Contents

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Best Stores Near Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port on SE 17th Street

Publix Super Market at Harbor Shops (Best Grocery Store Near Port Everglades)

This is your go-to stop—and honestly, the one I’d prioritize if you’re short on time. It’s the closest full grocery store to the port and perfect for stocking up on bottled water, soda, snacks, and grab-and-go deli items.

If you only make one stop before your cruise, make it Publix.

Total Wine & More (Best Wine & Liquor Store Near Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port)

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If you’re planning to bring liquor onboard, this is the place to do it. The selection is huge, and prices are far better than anything you’ll find once you’re on the ship.

Most cruise lines allow a limited amount of liquor, so it’s an easy way to save a little money and enjoy something you actually like.

Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy (Best Convenience Store Near Port Everglades)

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Perfect spot to quickly grab travel essentials you forgot—sunscreen, toiletries, phone chargers, and motion sickness meds. It’s all here and easy to grab fast.

Perfect if you realize you forgot something right before heading to the port.

If you’ve got excursions planned, having snacks and drinks ready makes a big difference—especially on longer shore days. 👉 Don’t miss these easy pre-cruise excursions in Fort Lauderdale that can make embarkation day a lot smoother.

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What to Buy Before Your Cruise in Fort Lauderdale

This is where a quick stop can save you money—and make your first day onboard a lot smoother.

Before heading to the port, here are the most common things worth grabbing:

• Bottled water or soda
• Snacks for the cabin and excursions
• Liquor (if allowed by your cruise line)
• Sunscreen and aloe
• Basic meds (pain relief, motion sickness)
• Small cruise essentials (lanyards, magnetic hooks, chargers)

If you don’t have the drink package, check out my Have It All review to see if it’s worth it—otherwise, grabbing bottled water or soda at Publix is the way to go.

Cruise ships charge a premium, and having drinks ready in your cabin (and for port days) just makes life easier.

Snacks are another smart purchase, especially if you’ve got excursions planned. Granola bars, chips, or trail mix are perfect when hunger strikes. I always pack beef sticks when I go on excursions.

If your cruise line allows it, picking up liquor from Total Wine is one of the simplest ways to save money. You’ll get a better selection and better prices—just make sure you double-check your cruise line’s policy before you buy.

This is also the time to grab sunscreen, aloe, and basic meds. It’s one of those things you don’t think about until you need them.

I’ve gotten a cold before a cruise and had to make a run to CVS, so I try to remember to pack basic meds now just in case.

Also, don’t overlook the small stuff. Lanyards for your cruise card, magnetic hooks for your cabin walls, or a backup phone charger can all make your trip a little easier.

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Tips for Pre-Cruise Shopping Near Port Everglades

Stay close to the port:
Everything on SE 17th Street is within a few minutes of Port Everglades, which makes this area incredibly easy to work into your plans. Most nearby hotels offer shuttles, and if not, it’s a short walk to the stores.

If you’re still deciding where to stay, check out my Where to Stay Near Port Everglades guide—it breaks down the best hotel options right along SE 17th Street.

Shop the night before if you can:
This is the easiest way to avoid stress. You’ll have more time, fewer crowds, and won’t feel rushed on embarkation morning.

Know what you can bring onboard:
Keep your purchases cruise-compliant—especially liquor. Most cruise lines allow limited wine but restrict other beverages, so it’s worth double-checking before you buy.

Flying in the same day? Keep it simple:
If you’re arriving the day of your cruise, I’d skip shopping unless you have plenty of buffer time. Delays happen, and it’s not worth the risk.

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Quick Summary: Best Stores Near Port Everglades

If you’re looking for the best stores near Fort Lauderdale cruise port, SE 17th Street makes it easy and efficient:

• Best overall stop: Publix Super Market at Harbor Shops (water, snacks, essentials)
• Best for liquor: Total Wine & More (great selection, better prices than onboard)
• Best quick stops: Walgreens and CVS (toiletries, meds, last-minute items)
• All within minutes of Port Everglades

This is the simplest way to handle Fort Lauderdale pre-cruise shopping without adding stress to your trip.

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FAQs About Stores Near Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port

What stores are closest to Port Everglades?

The closest and most convenient options are all along SE 17th Street—Publix, Total Wine, Walgreens, and CVS. They’re all within a few minutes of the cruise terminals.

Where can I buy cruise essentials in Fort Lauderdale?

Publix is the best all-in-one stop for groceries, water, and snacks. Walgreens and CVS are ideal for toiletries, meds, and last-minute items.

Are there grocery stores near Port Everglades?

Yes—Publix at Harbor Shops is the closest full grocery store and the most popular option for cruise travelers.

Where can I buy water and snacks before a cruise in Fort Lauderdale?

Publix is your best bet for bulk water and snacks. It’s affordable, quick, and right near the port.

Is SE 17th Street walkable for shopping before a cruise?

If you’re staying nearby, yes. Otherwise, it’s a very short Uber or hotel shuttle ride to all major stores.

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Final Thoughts on Stores Near Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port

Shopping at one of the stores on SE 17th Street can make your cruise a lot smoother and save you money once you’re onboard. And it’s even more convenient if you are staying at a hotel on SE 17th Street.

It’s always best to pack what you need ahead of time, but if you forgot something, whether it’s water, snacks, or a few forgotten essentials, knowing where to find stores near the Fort Lauderdale cruise port will keep your trip smooth from the start.

If you’re planning your full trip, I break everything down in my Fort Lauderdale cruise port guide—from where to stay to how to get to the cruise terminal—so you can put the whole plan together in one place.

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