Port Everglades is home to ships from Silverseas, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Celebrity Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruise Line, Azamara, Holland America, and more.
Greater Fort Lauderdale has 24 miles of beaches and my personal favorite – more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Odds are, the weather is going to be fantastic for some sightseeing, shopping, and relaxation prior to your cruise. Fort Lauderdale is unique as it has waterways and water taxis you can take (for free). The city itself is often referred to as the Venice of America and the Yachting Capital of the World. More on both of those in a minute. A total of 31 cities make up Greater Fort Lauderdale. And that includes 8 beach town.
Yachting Capital of the World” because we’re a magnet for mega-yachts
Transportation: Getting here
Reminder: Markwood Magic always recommend arriving to the cruise port at least one day in advanced. Two or more days is optimal and add another day if you are flying across the country.
Most guests arrive here via a flight. If you are flying into Fort Lauderdale, download the FLL Airport App. It will give you all the details on transportation, maps, shopping, restaurants and more all at the airport.
Note: If you are traveling from Miami or Orlando you can take the Brightline Train.
Transportation: Once here
Once here, you have a few different transportation options.
LauderGO! Community Shuttle and Water Trolley. It is worth mentioning that this is free. Bonus: The water trolley goes between New River between Riverwalk Laura Ward Park and Smoker Park. If time permits, try this option at least once during your stay. Because of the many waterways – this is one of the reasons Fort Lauderdale is considered the Venice of America.
Additionally you can take the Broward County Transit (BCT) bus, Tri-Rail, Uber or Lyft, or a taxi.
Things to do: Animals.
Turtles: Deerfield Beach has three species of sea turtles that nest here including the largest of all living turtles, the Leatherback. March – October is the prime time for nesting.
Manatees: If visiting manatees is high on your bucket list, then take a visit to West Lake.
Butterflies: Butterfly Capital of the World is located in Coconut Creek. This community is certified Community Wildlife Habitat. It is also home to the largest butterfly aviary on the planet – Butterfly World.
Mermaids: Yes, we know mermaids are not real, but you can watch them them at Wreck Bar which is located at B Ocean resort. Fun fact: this opened back in the 1950s!
Fish/Coral Reef: head to Lauderdale-By-The-Sea and Hollywood. There is a reef not too far from shore.
Things to do: Other
Shipwreck Park: there are 18 shipwrecks in pompano Beach. This includes the SS Copenhagen which is an underwater museum.
Bike Riding: Download BIKE Broward to help plan your bike route. One of the most popular paths is the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk.
Yachting: Visit the Lauderdale Marine Center and walk among some beautiful boats! If you are interested in chartering a yacht, schedule a consultation here and we can find the perfect one for you.
Things to do: Shopping
Las Olas Boulevard – Great mix of places to eat and boutique shops.
Sawgrass Mill – This is where to go for outlet shopping. Fun fact: It is alligator shaped!
Now that you have some ideas of how to get around and things to do in Fort Lauderdale, are you ready to plan your next vacation here or cruise/yacht sailing out of Fort Lauderdale? I would love to help. Schedule a consultation below.
