For many cruisers in Central and South Florida, Brightline has become a go-to option for traveling to cruise ports in Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. As someone who has taken Brightline’s PREMIUM class multiple times to cruise ports as well as trips to Orlando from Boca Raton, I have come to love it not only for the convenience, but it allows me to avoid the traffic on I95.
Brightline’s PREMIUM service offers larger seats, an in-station PREMIUM lounge, complimentary alcoholic and non-alcholic beverages during the ride and in the lounge, free Wi-Fi, and other perks that make the journey to the port a breeze (you can find more details on Brightline’s PREMIUM offerings here). However, a recent survey sent to Brightline passengers hints at potential changes to the PREMIUM experience, and cruisers could feel the impact—especially with a new baggage policy that just went into effect on May 15, 2025.
Why Cruisers Love Brightline
Brightline’s appeal for cruisers lies in its convenience and comfort, particularly for those heading to Miami and Fort Lauderdale ports. The train eliminates the hassle of driving, parking, and navigating traffic, allowing you to relax before your cruise even begins. The PREMIUM class enhances this experience with spacious seating, complimentary drinks, and access to a private lounge before boarding—perfect for kicking off a vacation in style or chilling before your trip home after a stressful debarkation morning.
For those traveling to Port Canaveral from South Florida, Brightline’s Orlando station is a great option, though it requires a transfer to the port which is about an hour away. Many cruisers, including myself, have used this route, and the PREMIUM amenities make the longer journey more enjoyable. Overall, Brightline has become a popular choice for cruisers due to its seamless service and direct routes to key cruise hubs.
Brightline’s New Baggage Policy: What Cruisers Need to Know
Before diving into the survey, it’s worth noting a significant change that will affect all Brightline passengers, including cruisers. On May 15, 2025, Brightline implemented a new baggage policy. According to the details outlined on Brightline’s Before You Go page, passengers will be limited to two carry-on items and those traveling between Orlando and Miami must check in any bags that are larger than a carry-on. Guests traveling to Boca Raton or Aventura with bags larger than a carry-on will need to pay a fee and carry them onboard, as those stations do not accommodate checked baggage. Guests traveling to or from Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach may be asked to carry a checked bag onboard based on availability.
Additional fees may apply for oversized bags, bags that weigh over 50lbs, or extra luggage, which could impact cruisers who often travel with larger suitcases for extended voyages. If you’re someone who packs heavily for a cruise, this policy might require some pre-planning to avoid unexpected costs.
The Brightline PREMIUM Survey: Potential Changes Ahead
Brightline recently sent out a survey to gather feedback on its PREMIUM service, and the questions suggest they might be considering changes that could affect cruisers. Below, I’ve included the full content of the survey questions to give you a sense of what might be on the horizon.
- Did you experience Brightline PREMIUM within South Florida or to/from Orlando?
- Within South Florida (rode to/from Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach)
- To/from Orlando
- I have used PREMIUM both within South Florida and to/from Orlando
- Other (please specify)
- How important is private lounge access to you when riding PREMIUM class?
- Not important
- Slightly important
- Extremely important
- If this benefit were not included in your PREMIUM ticket, would you:
- Still purchase PREMIUM
- Purchase SMART instead
- Not purchase Brightline
- If this benefit were not included in your PREMIUM ticket, but you could add it on, would you pay extra to get this benefit?
- Yes
- No
- How important is complimentary food and beverage to you when riding PREMIUM class?
- Not important
- Slightly important
- Extremely important
- If this benefit were not included in your PREMIUM ticket, would you:
- Still purchase PREMIUM
- Purchase SMART instead
- Not purchase Brightline
- How important is a complimentary first checked bag to you when riding PREMIUM class?
- Not important
- Slightly important
- Extremely important
- If this benefit were not included in your PREMIUM ticket, would you:
- Still purchase PREMIUM
- Purchase SMART instead
- Not purchase Brightline
- If this benefit were not included in your PREMIUM ticket, but you could add it on, would you pay extra to get this benefit?
- Yes
- No
- How important is unlimited Wi-Fi to you when riding PREMIUM class?
- Not important
- Slightly important
- Extremely important
- If this benefit were not included in your PREMIUM ticket, would you:
- Still purchase PREMIUM
- Purchase SMART instead
- Not purchase Brightline
- If this benefit were not included in your PREMIUM ticket, but you could add it on, would you pay extra to get this benefit?
- Yes
- No
- How important is a $10 Uber voucher per booking to you when riding PREMIUM class?
- Not important
- Slightly important
- Extremely important
- If this benefit were not included in your PREMIUM ticket, would you:
- Still purchase PREMIUM
- Purchase SMART instead
- Not purchase Brightline
- Rank these PREMIUM amenities in order of importance with 1 being most important:
- PREMIUM Lounge access
- Complimentary food in station
- Complimentary food onboard
- Complimentary beverages in station
- Complimentary beverages onboard
- Larger seats onboard
- Complimentary checked bag
- $10 Uber voucher
- Free Wi-Fi in station
- Free Wi-Fi onboard
- If Brightline were to offer an even more elevated experience—PREMIUM+—what enhancements would you expect? (select all that apply)
- Hot meals
- Cold towel service
- Premium beverage brands
- Car service to/from the station
- Amenity Kit
- Valet/Reserved Parking
- Dedicated Train Attendant
- Dedicated Check-in Lane
- Additional Complimentary Checked Bag
- Other (please specify)
- Rank these PREMIUM+ amenities in order of importance with 1 being most important:
- Hot meals
- Cold towel service
- Premium beverage brands
- Car service to/from the station
- Amenity Kit
- Valet/Reserved Parking
- Dedicated Train Attendant
- Dedicated Check-in Lane
- Additional Complimentary Checked Bag
What This Means for Cruisers
The survey raises some concerns for cruisers who rely on Brightline’s PREMIUM amenities. For example, the in-station lounge and $10 Uber voucher are incredibly convenient for getting to the cruise port from the station. If these amenities are removed from the standard PREMIUM ticket or moved to a new PREMIUM+ tier with an additional fee, it could make the overall experience less appealing—and more expensive—for cruisers.
The survey also asks about the importance of complimentary checked bags, which ties into the new baggage policy. With the stricter limits that rolled out May 15, 2025, cruisers might face additional fees for their luggage, and the potential removal of a complimentary checked bag from PREMIUM could add to the cost.
Final Thoughts
Brightline’s PREMIUM service has been a game-changer for cruisers heading to Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, offering a stress-free and luxurious way to start a vacation. However, the potential changes hinted at in this survey—combined with the new baggage policy—could impact the value and convenience that cruisers have come to rely on.
As Brightline considers introducing a PREMIUM+ tier with enhancements like hot meals and dedicated attendants, it’s clear they’re aiming to elevate the experience for some passengers. But for cruisers who depend on amenities like the lounge and Uber voucher, these changes might come at a cost. I’ll be keeping a close eye on Brightline’s updates, and I recommend fellow cruisers do the same to plan accordingly for future trips.