Starting Your Cruise the Right Way in Fort Lauderdale
"It isn't that life ashore is distasteful to me. But life at sea is better." Francis Drake
1/29/20268 min read
Fort Lauderdale has become one of our favorite cruise departure cities, not only because of how easy it is to sail from here, but because it offers so many opportunities to extend the vacation on either end of a cruise. Over time, we have learned that how a cruise begins or ends often sets the tone for the entire experience, and Fort Lauderdale makes it easy to enjoy the city whether you arrive before embarkation or stay after you return.
When we drive to Fort Lauderdale for a cruise, parking is always one of the first decisions we make. We consistently use Park By The Ports, (https://www.parkbytheports.com/) which is located about one mile from the cruise terminals. Parking directly at the port can be expensive and hectic, especially on busy embarkation days. With Park By The Ports, you can reserve and pay for your parking in advance, which immediately removes stress when you arrive. Their shuttle service to and from the port is efficient and well organized. When you return from your cruise, the invoice they provide includes a simple messaging option to notify them that you are ready for pickup. In all the times we have used them, we have never waited more than ten minutes. The vehicles are clean, the drivers are professional, and they help with your luggage without hesitation. Their website is parkbytheports.com, and based on our repeated experience, we confidently recommend them.
One of the biggest advantages of cruising from Fort Lauderdale is that it is worth spending extra time in the city, either before you board the ship or after you return. You do not have to limit these experiences to embarkation day. Fort Lauderdale works just as well as a soft landing after a cruise, giving you time to unwind before heading home.
One of our favorite ways to explore the city is by taking a water taxi ride. Fort Lauderdale is often called the Venice of America, and the best way to understand why is from the water. The Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi operates the bright yellow, two story boats that travel through the city’s waterways and canals. The ride is narrated and relaxed, offering views of waterfront homes, mega yachts, marinas, and the downtown skyline. We like boarding at water taxi stop number four, which is easy to access and convenient to many hotels and restaurants. You can stay on for the full loop to enjoy the entire tour or hop on and off at different stops if you want to explore on foot. This is an easy outing to enjoy either before a cruise begins or after you return, and it never feels rushed.
Another experience we highly recommend, whether pre-cruise or post-cruise, is taking an airboat ride into the Everglades. We used Everglades Airboat Adventure, and it was one of the most memorable things we have done in South Florida. Gliding across the water through the sawgrass gives you a true sense of how wild and untouched the Everglades still are. One of the highlights is seeing alligators in their natural habitat, not in a zoo or behind barriers, but exactly where they live. Along the way, you also spot birds, turtles, and other wildlife while learning about the ecosystem from experienced guides. It adds a completely different dimension to a Fort Lauderdale stay and works just as well after a cruise as it does before one.
When it comes to hotels, Fort Lauderdale offers strong options that can fit either end of a cruise itinerary. The biggest factors for most travelers are cost and how much time they actually plan to spend at the hotel. If you are arriving late or leaving early, convenience may matter more than amenities. If you have a full day or more, the hotel becomes part of the vacation itself.
We have stayed at the Embassy Suites in the past. While it is convenient, we found it to be somewhat dated and often very crowded, especially during peak cruise periods. Because of that, it is no longer our first choice.
Our preference is one of the Marriott properties in the area. The Westin on the water offers beautiful Intracoastal views, modern rooms, and a calm atmosphere that immediately feels like vacation. The other Westin property nearby is equally modern and comfortable, making either a great option depending on location and availability. We have also stayed at the Marriott Resort and Beach Club, which feels more like a true resort experience with beach access, pools, and on site dining. For Marriott Bonvoy members, the added benefits such as points, potential upgrades, and elite perks make these properties even more appealing. All of these hotels work well whether you are staying before your cruise or extending your trip afterward.
What we appreciate most about Fort Lauderdale is how flexible it is as a cruise city. You can arrive early to ease into vacation mode or stay after your cruise to avoid rushing straight home. With easy parking, comfortable hotels, and memorable experiences on the water and in the Everglades, Fort Lauderdale allows your cruise to feel like part of a larger, well paced journey.
If you are planning a cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale and want help deciding where to stay, how to park, or how to make the most of your time before or after your sailing, contact Tacks Travels. We are happy to help you plan the details so your cruise experience begins and ends smoothly.
Fort Lauderdale has become one of our favorite cruise departure cities, not only because of how easy it is to sail from here, but because it offers so many opportunities to extend the vacation on either end of a cruise. Over time, we have learned that how a cruise begins or ends often sets the tone for the entire experience, and Fort Lauderdale makes it easy to enjoy the city whether you arrive before embarkation or stay after you return.
When we drive to Fort Lauderdale for a cruise, parking is always one of the first decisions we make. We consistently use Park By The Ports, (https://www.parkbytheports.com/) which is located about one mile from the cruise terminals. Parking directly at the port can be expensive and hectic, especially on busy embarkation days. With Park By The Ports, you can reserve and pay for your parking in advance, which immediately removes stress when you arrive. Their shuttle service to and from the port is efficient and well organized. When you return from your cruise, the invoice they provide includes a simple messaging option to notify them that you are ready for pickup. In all the times we have used them, we have never waited more than ten minutes. The vehicles are clean, the drivers are professional, and they help with your luggage without hesitation. Their website is parkbytheports.com, and based on our repeated experience, we confidently recommend them.
One of the biggest advantages of cruising from Fort Lauderdale is that it is worth spending extra time in the city, either before you board the ship or after you return. You do not have to limit these experiences to embarkation day. Fort Lauderdale works just as well as a soft landing after a cruise, giving you time to unwind before heading home.
One of our favorite ways to explore the city is by taking a water taxi ride. Fort Lauderdale is often called the Venice of America, and the best way to understand why is from the water. The Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi operates the bright yellow, two story boats that travel through the city’s waterways and canals. The ride is narrated and relaxed, offering views of waterfront homes, mega yachts, marinas, and the downtown skyline. We like boarding at water taxi stop number four, which is easy to access and convenient to many hotels and restaurants. You can stay on for the full loop to enjoy the entire tour or hop on and off at different stops if you want to explore on foot. This is an easy outing to enjoy either before a cruise begins or after you return, and it never feels rushed.
Another experience we highly recommend, whether pre-cruise or post-cruise, is taking an airboat ride into the Everglades. We used Everglades Airboat Adventure, and it was one of the most memorable things we have done in South Florida. Gliding across the water through the sawgrass gives you a true sense of how wild and untouched the Everglades still are. One of the highlights is seeing alligators in their natural habitat, not in a zoo or behind barriers, but exactly where they live. Along the way, you also spot birds, turtles, and other wildlife while learning about the ecosystem from experienced guides. It adds a completely different dimension to a Fort Lauderdale stay and works just as well after a cruise as it does before one.
When it comes to hotels, Fort Lauderdale offers strong options that can fit either end of a cruise itinerary. The biggest factors for most travelers are cost and how much time they actually plan to spend at the hotel. If you are arriving late or leaving early, convenience may matter more than amenities. If you have a full day or more, the hotel becomes part of the vacation itself.
We have stayed at the Embassy Suites in the past. While it is convenient, we found it to be somewhat dated and often very crowded, especially during peak cruise periods. Because of that, it is no longer our first choice.
Our preference is one of the Marriott properties in the area. The Westin on the water offers beautiful Intracoastal views, modern rooms, and a calm atmosphere that immediately feels like vacation. The other Westin property nearby is equally modern and comfortable, making either a great option depending on location and availability. We have also stayed at the Marriott Resort and Beach Club, which feels more like a true resort experience with beach access, pools, and on site dining. For Marriott Bonvoy members, the added benefits such as points, potential upgrades, and elite perks make these properties even more appealing. All of these hotels work well whether you are staying before your cruise or extending your trip afterward.
What we appreciate most about Fort Lauderdale is how flexible it is as a cruise city. You can arrive early to ease into vacation mode or stay after your cruise to avoid rushing straight home. With easy parking, comfortable hotels, and memorable experiences on the water and in the Everglades, Fort Lauderdale allows your cruise to feel like part of a larger, well paced journey.
If you are planning a cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale and want help deciding where to stay, how to park, or how to make the most of your time before or after your sailing, contact Tacks Travels. We are happy to help you plan the details so your cruise experience begins and ends smoothly.
