Summary
Fort Lauderdale (Ft. Lauderdale) serves as a major embarkation and disembarkation point for Caribbean cruises. The port in Ft. Lauderdale, known as Port Everglades, ranks as the third-busiest cruise port globally, hosting nearly 3 million cruise passengers annually across its 11 cruise terminals. When viewing a topographical map of the eastern U.S. seaboard, it is evident that Port Everglades boasts the deepest harbor south of Norfolk.
History of Fort Lauderdale and Port Everglades
Ft. Lauderdale is often referred to as the “Venice of America” due to its extensive network of 270 miles of natural and artificial waterways. The city was established by Major William Lauderdale during the Seminole War from 1837 to 1838. It experienced rapid growth during the Florida land boom of the 1920s, and today, its metro area is home to over 4.5 million residents.
Port Everglades began as an artificial harbor with a somewhat rocky kickoff. Developer Joseph Young acquired 1440 acres in the 1920s for the Hollywood Harbor Development Company. President Calvin Coolidge was invited to Ft. Lauderdale on February 28, 1927, to activate the harbor’s opening. Despite thousands of onlookers, when he pushed the detonator, nothing happened. The harbor eventually opened later that day and was named Port Everglades in 1930.
Getting to Ft. Lauderdale and Port Everglades
**By Air** — Accessing the large cruise terminal from the Fort Lauderdale airport is straightforward, as it is located about 2 miles (approximately 5 minutes) away. For convenience, cruise line buses are available to transport passengers from inbound flights to the port if prior arrangements are made. Alternatively, a taxi ride from the airport to the pier will typically cost less than $20. Additionally, the port is roughly 30 minutes north of Miami International Airport, providing another option for travelers.
**By Car** — For those arriving by car, Port Everglades offers three passenger entrances: Spangler Boulevard, Eisenhower Boulevard, and Eller Drive. Parking is available at two large garages, charging $15 per 24-hour period as of October 2008. The 2,500-space Northport Parking Garage, located near the Ft. Lauderdale Convention Center, accommodates terminals 1, 2, and 4, while the 2,000-space Midport Parking Garage serves terminals 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, and 26. Both garages have controlled security, ample lighting, and the capacity to accommodate recreational vehicles (RVs) and buses.
Things to Do Before (or After) Your Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale
Visit a Beach
Fort Lauderdale has long been known as a spring vacation hotspot, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s. Although no longer the favored destination of college students, Ft. Lauderdale still offers over 20 miles of stunning beaches and remarkable weather. The city features hundreds of miles of navigable canals and waterways. Recent renovations, amounting to over $20 million, have revitalized the beach area, which now looks fantastic. Florida A1A shares the beachfront road with Atlantic Boulevard.
If time is limited before your cruise, consider visiting the John U. Lloyd Beach State Recreation area across from the port. This park is perfect for fishing or watching cruise ships navigate the harbor. The beach is broad and flat, making it popular for swimming and sunbathing. Additionally, it serves as a vital sea turtle nesting site and is home to many endangered Florida manatees.
Go Shopping
If you’re eager to do some last-minute shopping, Las Olas Boulevard features an array of upscale boutiques and is often likened to “Rodeo Drive” in Ft. Lauderdale. This street is ideal for casual strolls and window shopping, accompanied by excellent dining options. For bargain hunters, Sawgrass Mills Mall on Sunrise Boulevard boasts a mile-long selection of shops. Another favorite destination is the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop, a massive flea market also located on Sunrise Boulevard.
See the Sights of Ft. Lauderdale
The Museum of Discovery and Science provides a fun, interactive experience with an IMAX Theater. The Museum of Art on Las Olas Boulevard, though smaller in scale, houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. History enthusiasts may find the Bonnet House intriguing, as it reflects the lives of the pioneers in Ft. Lauderdale. Additionally, Butterfly World features over 150 butterfly species, allowing visitors to witness all stages of a butterfly’s life in a screened-in aviary.
Take a Riverfront Cruise in Ft. Lauderdale
For those who can’t wait to get on the water, exploring Ft. Lauderdale via a riverfront cruise is an excellent option. Riverfront Cruises offer a 1.5-hour journey showcasing a variety of fascinating sights along the New River, the Intracoastal Waterway, and Port Everglades.
