Fort Lauderdale, Florida

United States

Dive into world-class shopping and dining along Las Olas Boulevard, then explore pristine beaches and mangrove waterways by boat.

Currency US Dollar (USD)

Language English

Time Zone EST (UTC-5)

Best Time to Visit Dec–Apr

Typical Duration 3-14 nights

Price Range From $50 pp

Port Type embarkation

Tender Port No

Fort Lauderdale is one of the world's busiest cruise ports and the primary departure point for Caribbean cruises, offering convenient access to the Bahamas, Mexico, and beyond.

Cruises that visit Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Build Your Day in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 4:00 PM

Usually about 8 hours ashore

Embarkation port — worth arriving early

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Café Bastille Fort Lauderdale Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery Brunch · ★ 4.9 · 20k

Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Tours and Rides Airboat tours & gator shows Boat tour agency · ★ 4.4 · 18k

Shooters Waterfront Anytime I am in FL I always go there for dinner and they never disappoint. American · ★ 4.5 · 16k

Rustic Inn Crabhouse It’s mariner vibes with casual, fresh seafood and the best cocktails! Seafood · ★ 4.5 · 13k

Hollywood Beach Broadwalk Waterside promenade with restaurants Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 12k

Las Olas Beach Popular shoreline with hotels & shops Beach · ★ 4.7 · 11k

Coconuts Casual eats outdoors on the Intracoastal Seafood · ★ 4.5 · 10k

The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale Chic 2-story mall with fashionable shops Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 10k

Louie Bossi's Ristorante Bar Pizzeria Huge spot for Neapolitan pizzas & bocce Italian · ★ 4.4 · 9k

Flamingo Gardens I found this place on a website of free things to do in southern Florida. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 9k

Sawgrass Recreation Park Airboat excursions & a reptile zoo Tour agency · ★ 4.4 · 8k

Museum of Discovery and Science This place is astounding in its diversity of things to see and do! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 8k

Lona Cocina Tequileria Stylish, modern Mexican cantina Mexican · ★ 4.5 · 8k

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park Tropical area with diverse wildlife State park · ★ 4.7 · 7k

El Camino Fort Lauderdale Really great food, Everything was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly made. Mexican · ★ 4.5 · 7k

15th Street Fisheries Another good casual waterfront dining in Ft Lauderdale to come back to! Seafood · ★ 4.5 · 7k

Butterfly World Vivid, butterfly-filled botanical garden Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 7k

Jungle Queen Riverboat Sightseeing river cruises & dinner Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 6k

Hollywood North Beach Park A lot of wild life, it was clean and they have lifeguards there. Park · ★ 4.7 · 6k

Casablanca Cafe Incredible gourmet food and flavor pairings at reasonable prices. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 6k

Dania Beach It's very clean, with crystal-clear water and beautiful sand. Public beach · ★ 4.6 · 6k

YOLO Restaurant The truffle fries and chimichurri steak were a big hit. New American · ★ 4.5 · 5k

Dania Beach Pier Almost no waves, lifeguard watching, we felt safe. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 5k

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park The beach is clean, spacious, and perfect for relaxing or enjoying a swim. State park · ★ 4.6 · 4k

Fort Lauderdale Beach Ocean access with water sports & cafes Beach · ★ 4.7 · 4k

Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar - Fort Lauderdale Great afternoon spot for casual lunch, sports pub fare & vibe. Gastropub · ★ 4.4 · 4k

S3 (Sun Surf Sand) Local, seasonal sushi and coastal eats Fusion restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 4k

Doc B's Restaurant The dishes were delicious, fresh, and beautifully presented. American · ★ 4.7 · 4k

Voodoo Bayou Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 3k

American Social - Bar & Kitchen - Fort Lauderdale Lively sports bar with comfort food American · ★ 4.4 · 3k

411 South Bar & Grill The food is delicious, the service was welcoming, warm and well documented. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 3k

Batch Local Kitchen: Fort Lauderdale The food was delicious..the drinks on point..the service excellent. American · ★ 4.5 · 3k

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach Public restroom·Good for kids·Public shower Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 3k

Beach House Las Olas Glam Italian restaurant & lounge American · ★ 4.3 · 3k

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens Lush, historic & arty plantation home Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k

Boathouse At The Riverside High-style, waterfront eatery & bar Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 2k

Tinta The food was fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. Breakfast · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu

Esplanade Park Very well kept and tons of things to do nearby Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k

Moxies Fort Lauderdale Restaurant Best restaurant in downtown Ft Lauderdale with outdoor seating and bars Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 2k

Sandbar Grill Very casual, with good food & beverages, friendly staff. Grill · ★ 4.4 · 2k

Secret Woods Nature Center When open fully, there are shows, children's museum and activities. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k

Naked Farmer Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery New American · ★ 4.9 · 2k

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale Riverside park with museums & events Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k

Fort Lauderdale Beaches ... beach, with easy access and plenty of paid parking along the beach Beach · ★ 4.7 · 1k

NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale Modern art from around the world Cafe · ★ 4.5 · 1k

Sebastian Street Beach The beach is clean and well maintained. Beach · ★ 4.7 · 1k

The Wilder Food portions were small but excellent taste and presented very well. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM

The House on the River The location, food, drinks, ambiance, & service were outstanding. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 4 PM

Loggerhead Park Nice beach, very calm, clean and the water was sooooo nice Park · ★ 4.7 · 1k

Fort Lauderdale Jetties Walk straight to public beach then hang a right to jettie. Public beach · ★ 4.6 · 1k

Earl Lifshey Ocean Park Nice quiet beach with a shower, and close by paid parking lot. Park · ★ 4.6 · 1k

Historic Stranahan House Museum Tour of a 1901 trading post & residence Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k

History Fort Lauderdale Historic hotel maintained as a museum Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Fort Lauderdale Beach Park's Playground Calm and really clean beach with lots of life guards ! Playground · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Fort Lauderdale, Florida

About Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale stands as one of Florida's premier cruise hubs, hosting seven major cruise lines that collectively operate over 1,100 sailings annually. As a primary embarkation port, it's where countless Caribbean adventures begin, with Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Silversea, and Swan Hellenic all calling this vibrant destination home. The port's popularity peaks during winter months from December through April, when travelers flock here to escape colder climates and embark on getaways ranging from quick three-night escapes to extended voyages.

Cruisers departing from Fort Lauderdale enjoy convenient access to some of the Caribbean's most beloved destinations, including Nassau, Coco Cay, Half Moon Cay, Key West, and Cozumel. Before or after your cruise, you'll find the port well-positioned for exploring the Fort Lauderdale area, with its famous beach culture and waterfront attractions just minutes away. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or setting sail for the first time, Fort Lauderdale's modern facilities and excellent cruise line selection make it an ideal launching point for your next Caribbean adventure.

Stroll the Historic Las Olas Boulevard

Walk this iconic tree-lined street just minutes from the cruise terminal, where Victorian buildings house galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Browse local art at the Museum of Discovery or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere with street performers and outdoor dining. It's the cultural heart of Fort Lauderdale and perfectly walkable in a few hours.

Fresh Seafood at the Waterfront

Indulge in Florida's finest catch at waterfront restaurants along the New River and Intracoastal Waterway. Try local favorites like grouper sandwiches, stone crab claws, and fresh mahi-mahi while watching sailboats drift by. The seafood here is caught daily and prepared with Caribbean-inspired flavors you won't forget.

Explore the Scenic Intracoastal Waterway

Take a scenic boat tour or water taxi through Fort Lauderdale's famous Intracoastal, nicknamed the 'Venice of America' for its stunning waterfront mansions and lush tropical landscapes. Spot dolphins, manatees, and exotic birds while gliding past multi-million dollar estates and pristine beaches. It's a uniquely Florida experience that showcases the region's natural beauty.

Shop at Sunrise Marketplace & Outlets

Browse designer brands and local artisan goods at nearby shopping destinations featuring everything from high-end fashion to unique souvenirs. The Galleria and local boutiques offer authentic Florida crafts, jewelry, and beachwear. You'll find better prices and more character than typical cruise port shops.

Relax on Fort Lauderdale Beach

Head to the pristine, wide sandy beaches just a short drive from port, where calm, turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The beachfront promenade features beach bars, water sports, and stunning Atlantic Ocean views. It's the quintessential Florida beach experience without venturing far from your ship.