Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA cruises

Your gateway to the warming charm of South Florida’s Gold Coast, this stretch of fort-laden land is home to a wonderfully eclectic mix of metropolitan neighbourhoods, lavish mansions, and the expansive and untamed Everglades. 

Fort Lauderdale is world famous for its magnificent beaches, watersports, retail, and its canals and marina. Relaxing on the golden sands is a popular pastime, but there’s no shortage of alternatives.

Fort Lauderdale port guide

Popularly referred to as the “Venice of America”, thanks to its intricate network of man-made canals and inlets, Fort Lauderdale has shrugged away from its spring break background and emerged as a luxurious cruise destination.

In Port Everglades, discover long stretches of soft, sandy beaches – perfect to spend a relaxing afternoon lounging, as you listen to the warm waves of the Atlantic Ocean lap at the shore.

Find vibrant and cosmopolitan districts, ideal for a bite to eat and a little shopping, and perhaps encounter the breathtaking landscapes of the Everglades, and all the fascinating wildlife living there amongst the waterways.

Top landmarks and sights in Fort Lauderdale

Take in all the charm of Fort Lauderdale with a stroll along the picturesque Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk. Feel the warmth of the Floridian sun on your skin and enjoy as the cooling breeze of the New River sweeps by while you wander. Should you feel like some refreshment, find several delightful cafes and restaurants to stop at for a nibble and a beverage, offering respite from the sun as well as an opportunity to watch boats bobbing in the nearby waters.

Perhaps dip your feet into the turquoise waters of Fort Lauderdale beach, as the towering palm trees sway alongside you. You could take up residence for the day on a sun lounger, or even try your hand at one of the exciting water sports available along the golden sandy shore.

Many would say that no trip to Port Everglades would be complete without visiting the dramatic and untamed Everglades themselves. Skim across the waterways on an airboat, and experience the aptly named ‘sea of grass.’ This unique environment is home to all manner of fascinating species, including over 350 types of birds and the elusive Florida panther, while under the surface the American crocodile and West Indian manatee effortlessly glide amongst the reeds.

Things to do in Fort Lauderdale

Port Everglades houses a buzzing cultural hub, including several fascinating museums such as The Museum of Discovery & Science and the NSU Art Museum. Take a trip back in time at The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, an ornate plantation-style mansion with 35 acres of stunning estate ground, and an impressive art collection housed within.

You could take a trip to the bustling metropolitan city of Miami, which is around a 45-minute drive away. Here you can sample a rich Cuban coffee as you stroll around Little Havana, maybe paying a visit to the Maximo Gomez Park and Calle Ocho Walk of Fame. Admire the iconic Art Deco flair of the buildings around Miami’s famous South Beach or perhaps come face-to-face with wild animals at one of Miami’s numerous animal parks.

Eating and drinking near Fort Lauderdale

Around Port Everglades and in the Miami area, you’ll find no shortage of Latin American and Caribbean influences in the flavoursome food on offer.

Indulge in a delightfully crunchy plate of Columbian-style fried pork belly, known as Chicharrón, or sample one of the many fresh seafood dishes on offer. These could include the savoury yet zesty and refreshing Ceviche, or a tender, juicy fillet of grouper fish, served in a soft brioche bun.

Stop in one of the charming bars and restaurants along the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk and sample a locally produced craft beer. Or maybe relax in the warm sun with a crisp glass of wine on the decking of one of the stunning hotel bars along Miami’s South Beach.

Shopping in Fort Lauderdale

If you’re looking for a touch of luxurious shopping, head to Las Olas Boulevard – a cosmopolitan hub lined with designer stores and boutiques. Alternatively, you could take a trip a little further afield to the Sawgrass Mills Mall, a huge shopping complex with a distinctly North American feel, complete with over 350 outlets, designer stores, and places to eat and drink.

Antique lovers will find a treasure trove of unique items in the Dania Beach Historic Antique District, with a large assortment of antique shops and the Antique Center Mall close by. Specialised packing and shipping services can also be found in Fort Lauderdale to help you transport fragile and valuable antiques home safely.

Getting around, Fort Lauderdale transport

Port Everglades is a large cruise terminal, and taxis are readily available to transport guests to the downtown area, which is roughly 10 minutes away.

If you’re planning on venturing to Miami or West Palm Beach, you can use the Brightline. This is a high-speed rail system that offers services transporting you to both cities in around 30 minutes. 

A convenient and fun way to discover Fort Lauderdale is on the Sun Trolley. This is a quaint, vintage-style bus service that has stops across the city, with tickets costing as little as around $3 for a day pass.

Fort Lauderdale port facilities

Each air-conditioned terminal within the port provides our guests with free Wi-Fi as well as toilets and vending machines.

Fort Lauderdale Quick Tips

Currency

The currency used within Fort Lauderdale and Miami, and throughout the Florida area is the U.S. Dollar (USD). ATMs are plentiful and easily accessible, and there are many banks from which guests can exchange currency.

Tipping is a big part of North American culture, and it’s expected that you tip between 15% and 20% for good service. Don’t forget to leave a tip for your taxi drivers and porters or bellhops too.

Weather

Fort Lauderdale has a tropical rainforest climate with long, hot, wet summers and short humid winters. On the coast of the Sunshine State, it is estimated that Fort Lauderdale experiences over 3000 hours of annual sunshine.

On average, temperatures reach highs of 32°C during the summer in Fort Lauderdale while winter months reach lows of 15°C.

Spring, March to May, is considered the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale for sunny skies and warm temperatures.

Visit between December and April for an ideal getaway to escape bitter winter temperatures elsewhere.

Please be aware that the state of Florida has a 6% sales tax, which is added to the cost of many purchases and restaurant bills.