When planning a cruise from Greater Fort Lauderdale, don’t just think about your seven days at sea. Your vacation begins the moment you arrive, with a rich destination waiting to be explored before you set sail and after you disembark.
Booking a cruise from Port Everglades is one of the most convenient ways to discover the area if you’ve never visited. With the port close to many surrounding neighborhoods, it’s an easy place to begin and end your cruise vacation in Greater Fort Lauderdale.
No Stress Logistics
Port Everglades earned its reputation as one of the world’s top cruise ports for good reason — and the biggest reason might be convenience. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport sits just minutes from where your ship docks. It’s about a 10-minute drive on a good day.
That proximity means less time getting from point A to point B. You won’t have to deal with lengthy transfers through unfamiliar cities or connections through multiple airports. All you’ll have to worry about is landing, grabbing your bags, and you're practically at the port. The same goes for heading home: Step off your ship, and you're back at the airport before you know it.
Getting between the airport and port is simple, too, with shuttle services running regularly, ride-shares always available and most hotels offering their own transportation. This convenience makes it even more appealing to spend time in Greater Fort Lauderdale, where everything is within reach.
Dining for Every Taste
Greater Fort Lauderdale’s dining scene is reason enough to book extra time before or after your cruise. The region boasts an impressive mix of fresh flavors for every palate, along with a growing number of nationally recognized restaurants. Use your upcoming cruise as an excuse to savor the area’s diverse cuisine. Think freshly caught seafood served dockside, globally inspired menus and waterfront restaurants perfect for a pre-cruise dinner or a lively post-cruise celebration.
Not sure where to go? Make your pre-cruise evening unforgettable with a celebratory dinner of freshly caught seafood or a table along the Intracoastal where yachts drift by as the sun sets. Head to the rooftop restaurant Olive & Sea for those famous Intracoastal views and bold Mediterranean-style dishes. 15th Street Fisheries is a Fort Lauderdale icon, serving the freshest seafood while boats glide by and giant tarpon swirl below the dock. With its breezy waterfront setting and laid-back charm, it’s worth booking extra time to explore the area.
The day of the cruise, toast to the start of your journey with a round of mimosas and brunch at Boatyard, where views of the Intracoastal set the scene and a menu brimming with coastal flavors makes every bite feel like a celebration.
Or, walk along downtown’s Las Olas Boulevard and savor a quick bite at Java and Jam, where every meal feels homemade and options range from coffee and cocktails to all-day breakfast, plus grab-and-go pastries.
Even after your cruise ends, you can keep the vacation vibes going with lunch on the beach at Aruba Beach Cafe in the quaint neighboring town of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, or linger over globally inspired dishes at Evelyn’s inside the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale.
Endless Activities for All
From breezy boat rides along the Intracoastal to buzzing nights on Las Olas Boulevard, Greater Fort Lauderdale is brimming with ways to fill your days (and nights) before or after your cruise.
Take advantage of “The Venice of America” by exploring the 300 miles of inland waterways that run through Greater Fort Lauderdale, with about 165 miles in the city of Fort Lauderdale alone. Be sure to hop on the iconic Water Taxi for a stress-free way to explore the neighborhoods. The distinctive yellow boats cruise between popular hangouts, with routes connecting Fort Lauderdale to Pompano Beach and Hollywood.
The Jungle Queen Riverboat is another scenic experience many visitors enjoy. The 90-minute sightseeing tour takes you past waterfront mansions before docking at a private island for fire shows and barbecue. Floating tiki cruises with live music and BYOB have also become a popular option, with choices such as Cruisin' Tikis or Tiki Time Boat Party.
Step aboard Riverfront Gondola Tours for a one-of-a-kind ride along the New River. Departing from Casa Sensei on Las Olas Boulevard, this relaxed journey pairs sweeping views of the Intracoastal Waterway with the chance to enjoy Pan-Asian dishes and cocktails from Casa Sensei as you float through Fort Lauderdale’s scenic waterways.
The area’s growing cultural scene is also worthy of exploration, with options such as the Museum of Discovery & Science and NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale in downtown Fort Lauderdale, and Dania Beach’s MAD Arts.
You could even plan your cruise around a night on Broadway at downtown’s Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which ranks among the 10 most-visited theaters in the world. With more than 700 performances each year, you’re bound to find a show that fits your interests. The 2025-26 season features showcases such as “Les Misérables,” “Frozen” and “Hairspray.”
Whether you're hunting for a special keepsake or need a new outfit, Greater Fort Lauderdale offers shopping for every style and budget. The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale brings luxury shopping with stores like Neiman Marcus, while Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise is a shopper’s paradise with over 350 stores and outlets. Stroll Las Olas Boulevard and pop into boutiques like South Moon Under, Yeti, and Lilly Pulitzer between stops for coffee or cocktails.
Traveling with kids? Greater Fort Lauderdale makes it easy to turn your cruise trip into a family adventure. At the Museum of Discovery & Science in Fort Lauderdale, little ones can get hands-on with interactive exhibits and even catch a larger-than-life IMAX film. Head outdoors to the Yellow Green Farmers Market in Hollywood to discover endless vendors selling artisan goods and international cuisines. Families can also escape at Xtreme Action Park in Fort Lauderdale, where go-karts, ropes courses, and arcade games come aplenty.
Adults have an entire nightlife scene that keeps the good times rolling. Sip craft cocktails at hidden speakeasies like the new Swizzle Rum Bar near The Wharf Fort Lauderdale downtown and Room 901 located inside the Hyatt Centric Las Olas. Party like a local at the Palm Room on Las Olas Boulevard, or head beachside to Elbo Room, an iconic watering hole since 1938.
Rooftop bars have also become synonymous with Fort Lauderdale’s going-out crowd, with options including Rooftop @1WLO and Sparrow in downtown to Nubé on Fort Lauderdale beach.
Beyond your cruise, consider extending your stay to explore the vibrant Greater Fort Lauderdale area. With everything so close together and so much to see, those extra days on either end of your cruise aren't just smart planning—they're the start of your next favorite vacation spot.