Fort Lauderdale is a thriving city on the Atlantic coast of South Florida. Nicknamed the "Venice of America" due to its intricate canal system, Fort Lauderdale has developed an enormous yachting subculture with more than 42,000 resident yachts and 100 marinas. Port Everglades, named after Everglades National Park which is just a few miles west of the port, is Ft. Lauderdale's main port and one the busiest container ports in the U.S. It has the largest cruise terminal in the world and is the home port for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas, the world's two largest passenger cruise ships.

Ft. Lauderdale enjoys the same beautiful beaches that tourist love in South Florida without the pricey chaos of Miami. Downtown Ft. Lauderdale's booming nightlife, amongst the bars and nightclubs on Las Olas Boulevard, won't disappoint tourists looking for pulsing beats and cold drinks. Once a spring break mecca, Fort Lauderdale is visited by more than ten million tourists annually who are witnesses to the beauty of this thriving city.

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Facts

Where is the cruise port?

Port Everglades is only 3.5 miles from downtown Fort Lauderdale and adjacent to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). (see map.)

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What language is spoken at this cruise port? Do they speak English?

English is the official language, but because of the high population of Latin American immigrants, Spanish is widely spoken. Creole is also heard frequently, as a result of the large Haitian community.

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What is the time zone in Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale is on Eastern Standard Time (-5 GMT).

Current Time - Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

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Money & Currency

What is the national currency?

The US Dollar (USD).

Where can I get or exchange money?

If you are exchanging international currency, such as Euros or Canadian Dollars, airports and hotels are your best bet.

• Banks closest to Cruise Port: 

  There are many banks within a couple of miles of Port Everglades, below are a few:

  • HSBC Bank, located at 1600 SE 17Th St. Causeway (see map)
  • BankAtlantic, located at 1300 SE 17th St. Causeway (see map).
  • Bank of America, located at 901 SE 17Th St. Causeway (see map.)
• ATMs closest to Cruise Port: 

  There are many ATMs located throughout the city and in the cruise terminal.

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Stay in Touch

How can I stay in touch with home? (Ex. Email, phone, etc.)

Most cell phone plans in the US now offer free nationwide roaming. Contact your cell phone provider for information regarding roaming rates. Also, public phones are available throughout the city. If US is not home, you can purchase calling cards at most any gas station or convenience store to make international calls affordably.

Where are the Internet cafes?

Free WiFi is available at all Starbucks and most McDonald's locations in the area. There are also several Internet Cafes located in Downtown and Fort Lauderdale Beach in case you did not bring your own computer. Below are a few locations in the area:

• Paisa, LLC has Internet, WiFi (for those with laptops), Moneygram, phones, shipping services to the Caribbean and much more.
• The Megabite CyberCafe is only 6 miles from the port and it offers Internet service with style. The cafe often has jazz music in addition to its delicious bubble tea and exquisite appetizers. This is a nice place to surf and relax.

What are the cell phone rates?

Most cell phone plans in the US now offer free nationwide roaming. Contact your cell phone provider for information regarding roaming rates.

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Typical Weather in Ft. Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale has a tropical climate with long, hot and humid summers and short, warm and dry winters. Summer days (months between late May and early November) will often include an afternoon shower in the middle of a steamy day and night. Winter days warm in between cold fronts that can bring lows in the 40's and 50's.

Current Temperature

Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall in Ft. Lauderdale

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Getting Around from Port Everglades

Walking

The port is surrounded by an industrial area and by busy highways that are not pedestrian friendly despite the multiple hotels, restaurants, and banks relatively nearby. Areas such as Las Olas, can be walked safely, but you will need transportation to get there and back, unless you are staying in the area.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available at the port and are metered. Fares to Downtown Ft. Lauderdale from the port are approximately $18, depending on the destination, and $10-15 to and from Ft. Lauderdale International Airport (FLL).

Public Transportation

Public local buses provide service from the Northport section of Port Everglades, which is a bit of a hike from the cruise terminal, so this may not be the best solution for coming and going from the port. However, if you are trying to get around the city or make the short trek down to Fort Lauderdale, public transportation is available (including TriRail, which services the tri-county area of Fort Lauderdale-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County.) For more information and schedules, call (954)357-8400 or visit the Broward County Transit website.

Car Rentals

Most major rental car companies either have offices at Port Everglades or offer shutter services to their off-site locations. The Fort Lauderdale International Airport - Rental Car Center has an enormous facility with most rental car companies represented and shuttle service to and from the Port.

Scooter Rental

Scooter and motorcycle rentals are very popular in the Ft. Lauderdale beach area. It is a fun way to get around town and enjoy the sun while getting from place to place. There are several scooter rental companies in the Ft. Lauderdale area, listed below are a few:

• American Eagle Rentals has both motorcycles and scooters for rent.
• Fun Rentals has scooter, bicycle, ScootCoupes (similar to a go-cart), electric bike and even boogie board rentals (won't work great on the road, but sure is fun on the waves.)
• Hot Scooter Rentals has scooters, motorcycles (including the 3-wheeled Cam-Am Spider), bicycles and electric cars.

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Port Everglades to/from Airport

What is the best way to travel between the cruise port and the airport

Port Everglades is the only port in the U.S located adjacent to a major airport (Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport) making it easy to fly and cruise on the same day. The Taxi fare from Port Everglades to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is about $10.

If you and your party are arriving via Miami International Airport (MIA), located 33 miles south of the port, and are going straight to Port Everglades, a taxi or shuttle is going to be your best option. Taxis to Port Everglades from Fort Lauderdale International Airport will cost about $77. Shuttle service from MIA to Port Everglades will cost about $30 per person.

Hotels

Which hotels are convenient to get to/from the port?

There are several hotels in the Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Fort Lauderdale Beach areas that are more than adequate for one, two or several nights stay before and after your cruise. Below are a few different options depending on your needs:

• If you are flying to Ft. Lauderdale for your cruise:

The Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Airport and Cruise Port Hotel is newly-renonvaded with an impressive lobby and spacious rooms. The hotel is only minutes away from Port Everglades, as well as, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The hotel offers complimentary high-speed Internet in all rooms, shuttle services to and from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and shuttle service to Port Everglades. Contact them at (954)342-8333 for more information and reservations.

If you are driving from out of town to Ft. Lauderdale for your cruise:

The Hilton Garden Inn Ft. Lauderdale Airport-Cruise Port is located 5 miles southwest of the cruise port at 180 SW 18th Ave., Dania, FL 33004 (see map.) This hotel offers, as part of their cruise package, complimentary breakfast, shuttle service to and from Port Everglades, and parking for the duration of your cruise. Contact the hotel at (954)924-9204 for more information and reservations for the cruise package, which can also be made online.

For a hotel close to major Ft. Lauderdale attractions:

The Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, located 2 miles northeast of Port Everglades and 6 miles northeast of Ft. Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport at 3030 Holiday Dr., Fort Lauderdale, FL (see map), is not only close to area attractions such as Los Olas Blvd., Las Olas Riverfront and Ft. Lauderdale Beach, but it is also a wonderful hotel at which to extend your cruise vacation. Cruise packages are available for pre and/or post cruise stays. Contact them at (954)525-4000 or online (use promotional code QZR when booking online for the Cruise Package) for more information and reservations.

Food & Drink

What are the best eats in Ft. Lauderdale?

Garlic crab has been a stable in Fort Lauderdale for more than 60 years. A secret family recipe created a craze that attracts locals, and tourists alike, to this day.

Where are the best places to get them?

The Rustic Inn Ft. Lauderdale Crabhouse started out as a hole-in-the-whole in 1955, but now will even ships its world renowned garlic crabs by FedEx right to your door. Be ready to wield your wooden mallet as you crack some crab legs on the newspaper covered tables.

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What are the must-drinks in Ft. Lauderdale?

Sex on the Beach (yes, the drink) is a fruity concoction made with vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry and orange juice. Some say this cocktail has its origin, although dubious, a little north of Ft. Lauderdale in West Palm Beach, but regardless it is a tasty drink.

Where is the best place to get one?

The World Famous Elbo Room, a pop icon in Fort Lauderdale after the 1960s film classic Where the Boys Are was filmed there.

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Souvenirs

Which are the best souvenirs to buy in Ft. Lauderdale? Where can I get them?

Under $25:

Painted sea shells make a nice, inexpensive gift without the tackiness of conventional souvenirs. There are also plenty of souvenir shops selling t-shirts and Florida novelties along the A1A on the beach, if you are so inclined.

$25 -75$

Blown glass with marine themes from Seldom Seen Gallery make a lovely gift or souvenir. Located on 817 E. Las Olas Blvd. is this eccentric art gallery where you can also find beautiful sculptures, jewelry, ceramics and furniture.

Over $75

Camp shirt, a loose, straight cut, short sleeved shirt is the perfect cruise shirt; It dresses up for dinner, but also casual enough for deck-wear. Tommy Bahama, which has two locations walking distance from each other on Las Olas Boulevard at 1002 and 607 East Las Olas Blvd., has a wide variety of camp shirts made from quality fabrics.

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Attractions

What are the top attractions and must-sees in Ft. Lauderdale? How long will it take me to get there and to explore?

Attractions

• The Bonnet House Museum and Garden truly captures a piece of Florida history as well as the life of acclaimed artist Frederic Clay Bartlett. The beautiful architecture of this 1920's, plantation-style home is complemented by the tropical gardens that surround this waterfront property.
• South Beach, located just 30 miles south of Port Everglades (see map), has a little something for everybody. Of course there is the beach, but there are also restaurants lining Ocean Drive, shopping up and down Lincoln Road, nightclubs all the way down Washington Ave. and bars... everywhere. From Art Deco boutique style hotels like the Colony Hotel to opulent hotels like the Setai, South Beach marries the new with the old, the luxurious with the historic.
• Las Olas Boulevard is a must. This trendy strip has boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and art galleries that are perfect for family time during the day and for bar hopping at night.
• Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Designated as a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance, the Florida Everglades is significant to all people of the world. It boasts rare and endangered species such as the Florida Panther, Manatee, American Alligator and American Crocodile, as well as many plant species.
• 

  Video: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino - Water & Light Show
  Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is much more than just a hotel and casino, it is an entertainment destination. With over 15 shops, a variety of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, not to mention the table games, slots and poker room, the Hard Rock does just that – rock hard. Located just 15 minutes southwest of Port Everglades, you can stay and play or just play.

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Beaches

Below are some of the best and most famous beaches near Fort Lauderdale:

• Hollywood Beach might not be in California, but it won't disappoint tourists looking for the lovely beach. This family oriented beach has beautiful, rock-free sands with a lifeguard on duty. Rent a bike and stroll down the boardwalk where you'll find restaurants, bars, and all kinds of interesting shops well worth the visit.
• Las Olas Beach is the South Beach of Fort Lauderdale. This fashionable and trendy strip is perfect for people watching during the day and bar hopping at night. The shopping is very unique and don't be surprised if you see a gigantic yacht or a celebrity walking by. In addition to its nightlife and prestige, the beach is clean and beautiful, perfect for any hot, summer day.
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Shopping

• Las Olas Boulevard is the perfect destination for upscale shopping in independently owned boutiques and specialty brands, such as Tommy Bahama.
• Sawgrass Mills is the 2nd largest mall in Florida and 6th largest in the U.S. With almost two and a half million square feet of restaurants, shops and outlet stores make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes.

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Golf

Ft. Lauderdale has several excellent golf courses in the area, below are a few of them:

• The Club at Emerald Hills is the host course for the Doral and the Honda Open qualifying tournaments, as well has been selected as one of the host sites for the US Open. This 7,368 yard, par 72 course is a challenge with its undulating hills and greens, contoured bunkers and many water hazards. Contact the pro shop for tee times and more information at (954) 962-4000.
• Fairmont Turnberry Isle - Fort Lauderdale Golf Resort, located 11 miles south of Port Everglades (see map), has two championship courses to choose from the 6,472 yard, par 70 Miller Course and the 7,047 yard, par 71 Soffer Course. Contact the club at (305) 933-6929 for more information and tee times.
• Doral Golf Resort, located 34 miles southwest of Port Everglades, offers five courses, one of which is the famed Blue Monster. The TPC Blue Monster at Doral is home to the WGC Championship, a regular stop on the PGA Tour and one of the best golf courses in Florida. Its 18th hole is roundly regarded as one of the best holes in golf. This is a 7,125 yard, par 72 course. Contact the pro shop for more information and tee times at 800-71-DORAL or for tee times online click here.

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Scuba

Florida has the only extensive shallow coral reef formations on its coasts in the continental United States. These reefs extend from just north of West Palm Beach to the Dry Tortugas, just to the west of Key West. The Florida Keys, among the 6,000 coral reefs in the system found between Key Biscayne and the Dry Tortugas, has the most abundant section of this coral reef system.

Below are a few Scuba diving companies that operate out of Ft. Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale and the Florida Keys:

• Sea Experince is a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Dive Resort with daily scuba diving (ask about their nocturnal expeditions!). Make your reservations online.
• South Beach Divers operates out of South Beach and is located at 850 Washington Av., Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL 33139. Contact them by phone at (305)531-6110 or email for more information.
• Captain Slate's Atlantis Dive Center operates out of Key Largo and is located 51 Garden Cove Drive, Key Largo, FL 33037. Contact them by phone at (305)451-3020 or email for more information.

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Tours

• The Airboat Tours at Sawgrass Recreation Park is an exciting way of experiencing Florida's most symbolic and beautiful ecosystem. Enjoy a 30 minute airboat ride filled with prehistoric reptiles and stories about the Seminole tribe that populated the everglades for thousands of years! Make reservations online here.
• Las Olas Gondola Tours are perfect for a romantic evening amongst the canals of the "Venice of the Americas." Explore what the city has to offer in an authentic Italian gondola and then pick one of the exquisite restaurants to top off the night. Click here for more information and reservations.
• Duck Tours are one of the best ways to concisely see Ft. Lauderdale with the whole family. This 90 minute experience will show you the best landmarks on land and sea with the charismatic captains that have made Duck Tours so popular. Make your reservations here.

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