port everglades/cruising

Port Everglades is one of the top three cruise ports in the world. In 2017, the port saw  more than 3.8 million passengers pass through its gateways to 39 ships run by 11 cruise lines.

Get Rid of Those Pre- or Post-Cruise Blues. 

Only 53% of working Americans return from vacations feeling rested and rejuvenated, says travel site Expedia, and while away, stress nags almost one-third (30%) of vacationers. Cruise travelers suffering "Post Vacation Stress Disorder" are discovering Greater Fort Lauderdale as a pre- or post-cruise layover shouldering their holiday at sea. Discover how hoteliers, planners and others are creating packages and programs to make this shoulder a memorable getaway.

among your options...

Hotels: Many hotels offer guest shuttle service to and from Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport. Check with your cruise line about packages to extend your stay in Greater Fort Lauderdale, or visit Sunny.org/CruiseAndPlay for deals on hotels, attractions and special discounts available just by showing your cruise card or documents.

Ways to Play: With two dozen museums, the 3D iMax Theater, the Funderdome indoor playground, the Arts & Entertainment District, and the Riverwalk Linear Park, Greater Fort Lauderdale is central to a $100 million, countywide arts and culture construction program.

Sports: Outdoor enthusiasts will thrill at the options. Experience snorkeling and Scuba diving, deep sea fishing, sailing, surfing, skim boarding and paddle boarding. If you're a newbie, most sports offer free lessons. In season, Broward's own Florida Panthers NHL franchise play host to teams from across the U.S. and Canada.

Nature, South Florida Style: See flora and fauna at Butterfly World and Flamingo Gardens - and explore the 'glades from Sawgrass Recreation Park. Any can be enjoyed in a half-day or less.

Shopping: From Las Olas Boulevard to The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale to Sawgrass Mills, shopping abounds. Some hotels run shuttles to area malls; A Day More Tours offers excursions to Sawgrass Mills. Sawgrass Mills' Bags To Go program will fetch and forward shoppers' luggage to Fort Lauderdale / Hollywood or Miami International airports.

Golf Resorts & Spas: Need to hit the links, pamper yourself or just enjoy a little wellness and fitness? Visit an area four-star resort or world-class spa for that special treatment.

Gambling: Gambling in Greater Fort Lauderdale includes The Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, Gulfstream Park, Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park and The Big Easy Casino. Each offers either casinos, thoroughbreds, dog racing and race simulcasting. Jai-Alai (pronounced "Hi-Li") in Dania Beach features the "world's fastest sport" - and a poker for the card player.