Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Guide: Hotels, Beaches, Transportation & Things To Do Before Your Cruise
For me, Fort Lauderdale isn’t a cruise destination I visit once every few years.
It’s home.
I’ve lived in the area for nearly two decades, and during that time I’ve watched lots of cruise passengers pass through Port Everglades on their way to ships sailing throughout the Caribbean, Panama Canal, and beyond.
Because of that, I often get asked the same question:
“What’s the best way to spend a day in Fort Lauderdale before my cruise?”
The good news is that Fort Lauderdale is one of the easiest cruise cities in the world to navigate. The airport is close to the port, transportation is simple, hotels are plentiful, and if you have extra time, there are plenty of beaches, restaurants, and attractions worth exploring.
Whether you’re arriving the night before your cruise or spending a few days in South Florida, here’s what you should know.
Quick Verdict
Best For
- Pre-cruise hotel stays
- Beach lovers
- Easy transportation
- First-time cruisers
- Families
- Independent travelers
Not Ideal For
- Travelers looking for a large urban experience like Miami
- Budget travelers during peak season
- Visitors expecting extensive public transportation
Why Cruise Passengers Love Fort Lauderdale
One of the biggest advantages Fort Lauderdale has over many other cruise cities is convenience.
Port Everglades sits only a few miles from the airport, making transfers quick and relatively inexpensive. In many cases, you can be from baggage claim to your hotel in less than 20 minutes.
Compared to larger cities where traffic can add significant stress to embarkation day, Fort Lauderdale generally feels much easier to navigate.
That’s one reason so many experienced cruisers prefer sailing from Port Everglades.
Flying Into Fort Lauderdale
If you’re sailing from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is usually the easiest option.
The airport is smaller and easier to navigate than Miami International Airport, and it’s located just minutes from the cruise port.
Security lines are typically manageable, baggage claim is straightforward, and transportation options are plentiful.
If you’re cruising from Miami, however, I generally recommend flying into Miami unless airfare savings are significant. While Fort Lauderdale and Miami aren’t far apart, crossing between the two can add time, transportation costs, and unnecessary stress on embarkation day.
The Best Area for Cruise Hotels: 17th Street Causeway
If you’re arriving the night before your cruise, my recommendation is simple:
Stay near 17th Street Causeway.
This area is packed with cruise-friendly hotels and sits between the airport and Port Everglades.
Many properties offer cruise packages, shuttle services, and easy access to restaurants, pharmacies, grocery stores, and last-minute shopping.
Popular options include:
- Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale
- Hilton Marina
- Holiday Inn Express Convention Center
- Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel
- Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
For most cruise passengers, this is the most practical area to stay.
Want a Beach Vacation Too? Stay on Fort Lauderdale Beach
If you have a little more time before your cruise, Fort Lauderdale Beach offers a completely different experience.
Instead of focusing purely on convenience, you’ll be staying directly along the ocean with easy access to restaurants, bars, and beach activities.
Popular beachfront hotels include:
- Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
- W Fort Lauderdale
- Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
- Bahia Mar
- Marriott Harbor Beach Resort
The beach area costs more than 17th Street Causeway, but many visitors find the extra expense worthwhile.
An Uber to Port Everglades is usually quick and reasonably priced.
Las Olas Boulevard
If there’s one area visitors should explore before their cruise, it’s Las Olas Boulevard.
This is one of Fort Lauderdale’s most popular districts and offers:
- Outdoor dining
- Boutique shopping
- Art galleries
- Cafés
- Bars
- Waterfront restaurants
The atmosphere is relaxed, walkable, and very different from the large-scale tourism found in nearby Miami Beach.
It’s also one of the best places to spend an evening before embarkation day.
Take the Water Taxi
One attraction I recommend to almost everyone is the Water Taxi.
Fort Lauderdale is often called the “Venice of America” because of its extensive canal system, and the Water Taxi is one of the best ways to experience it.
The route passes:
- Waterfront restaurants
- Luxury yachts
- Million-dollar homes
- Las Olas
- Downtown Fort Lauderdale
For visitors with a free afternoon, it’s one of the most enjoyable activities in the city.
Shopping Before Your Cruise
Many international visitors come to South Florida specifically for shopping.
The most famous destination is Sawgrass Mills, one of the largest outlet malls in the United States.
Visitors can find:
- Nike
- Adidas
- Coach
- Michael Kors
- Polo Ralph Lauren
- Saks OFF 5TH
- Hundreds of additional stores
If you don’t want to travel that far, Galleria Fort Lauderdale provides a smaller shopping option much closer to the cruise port.
Other Attractions Worth Visiting
If you have extra time before your cruise, Fort Lauderdale offers several worthwhile attractions.
Museum of Discovery and Science
One of the area’s most popular museums, featuring interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
A historic estate offering a unique look at old Florida and beautiful tropical gardens.
Butterfly World
One of the largest butterfly parks in the world and a great option for families.
Flamingo Gardens
Combining botanical gardens and wildlife exhibits, Flamingo Gardens offers a different side of South Florida.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Even if you don’t gamble, the iconic Guitar Hotel has become one of South Florida’s most recognizable landmarks.
Getting Around Fort Lauderdale
The easiest way for visitors to get around Fort Lauderdale is by using Uber or Lyft.
Most major cruise hotels, beaches, restaurants, and attractions are within a relatively short drive of one another.
Public transportation exists, but for most cruise passengers, rideshare services are faster, easier, and far more convenient.
Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting Before a Cruise?
Absolutely.
Many travelers treat Fort Lauderdale as simply a place to sleep before embarkation day, but the city has much more to offer than that.
Between the beaches, waterfront restaurants, Water Taxi, Las Olas Boulevard, shopping, and easy access to Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale is one of the most cruise-friendly cities in the world.
If you’re arriving the night before your cruise, stay near 17th Street Causeway for convenience.
If you’re turning your trip into a vacation, spend a few extra days on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Either way, you’re starting your cruise in one of the best embarkation cities anywhere in North America.
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