Beats Driving: Princess Brightline Rail & Sail

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

Travelers embarking on a Princess cruise from Port Everglades can now enjoy a streamlined and stress-free journey from Orlando, thanks to an innovative partnership with Brightline, the high-speed passenger rail service. The “Rail & Sail” program offers a seamless travel experience, complete with direct transportation to the port and a convenient luggage delivery service, allowing you to start your vacation the moment you step on the train. New to us, Brightline opens up easy travel from our home in Orlando to all of south Florida including Port Everglades and Port Miami. It does indeed beat driving.

This guide will walk you through the process of utilizing the Brightline rail service from Orlando to Port Everglades under the Princess Cruises’ Rail & Sail program.

Booking Your “Rail & Sail” Journey

The key to accessing the benefits of this program is to book a specific “Rail & Sail” ticket through the Brightline website. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Visit the Brightline Website: Navigate to the official Brightline website.
  2. Select Your Route: Choose “Orlando” as your departure station and “Fort Lauderdale” as your arrival station.
  3. Look for the Princess Icon: When selecting your travel dates and times, it is crucial to look for trains designated with a special Princess Cruises icon. These are the specific “Rail & Sail” fares that include the program’s benefits. These fares may not be available on all sail dates, so it’s advisable to book in advance.
  4. Complete Your Booking: Proceed with the booking process as you normally would, entering your passenger and payment information.

The Journey from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale

On the day of your departure, you will travel from the state-of-the-art Brightline station in Orlando, located at Orlando International Airport (MCO), to the Brightline station in Fort Lauderdale. The journey offers a comfortable and scenic ride through the heart of Florida.

Seamless Transfer to Port Everglades

Upon arrival at the Fort Lauderdale Brightline station, the “Rail & Sail” program ensures a smooth transition to your cruise ship.

  • Complimentary Shuttle Service: Princess Cruises provides a complimentary shuttle service for “Rail & Sail” passengers. This shuttle will transport you directly from the Brightline station to the Princess cruise terminal at Port Everglades. You do not need to book this shuttle separately; it is automatically included with your “Rail & Sail” ticket.
  • Effortless Luggage Handling: For an even more convenient experience, you can opt for the luggage delivery service. Check your luggage at the Guest Services desk at the Orlando Brightline station. Your bags will then be transported directly to your stateroom on the ship, allowing you to board unencumbered. To utilize this service, simply visit the Guest Services desk upon your arrival at the Orlando station.

Key Benefits of the “Rail & Sail” Program:

  • Stress-Free Travel: Avoid the hassle of driving, parking, and navigating traffic to the port.
  • Comfort and Convenience: Enjoy the modern amenities and comfortable seating of Brightline’s high-speed trains.
  • Seamless Transfers: The complimentary shuttle service eliminates the need to arrange for separate transportation to the cruise terminal.
  • Effortless Luggage: The optional luggage delivery service allows for a hands-free arrival at the port.

By taking advantage of the Princess Cruises’ “Rail & Sail” program, you can begin your vacation with ease and style, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable start to your cruise adventure.