Your embarkation port and the gateway to the Southern Caribbean! Fort Lauderdale is one of the busiest cruise homeports in the world, and it's easy to see why. With beautiful beaches, world-class dining, and a vibrant waterway system, it's worth arriving a day early to soak it all in before you set sail.

A Little History
Fort Lauderdale gets its name from a series of forts built during the Second Seminole War in the 1830s. By the mid-20th century it became famous as a spring break destination, immortalized in the 1960 film Where the Boys Are. The city has since reinvented itself into a sophisticated, upscale destination, though it never lost its love of the water. With over 300 miles of navigable waterways, it's earned the nickname "the Venice of America."

Fun Facts

• Fort Lauderdale is the yachting capital of the world, with more registered yachts per capita than almost anywhere on Earth.
• The Beatles stayed here during their first U.S. tour in 1964 and performed just steps from the beach.
• The wild and extraordinary Everglades begin just 20 minutes west of downtown.

Getting Around

• Currency: US Dollar (USD)
• Language: English
• Transportation: Taxis, Uber/Lyft, and the free Sun Trolley along Las Olas Blvd make it easy to explore.
• Port Everglades is only 10-15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

Top Things to Do

• Las Olas Boulevard: Two miles of galleries, boutiques, and al fresco restaurants. A perfect morning stroll before boarding.
• Bonnet House Museum and Gardens: A stunning 35-acre historic estate with flamingos roaming the grounds freely. One of South Florida's most charming hidden gems.
• Water Taxi: Hop on for a scenic cruise through the canal system. A beloved local experience.
• Everglades Airboat Tour: Head west for an unforgettable ride through the River of Grass, past alligators, osprey, and cypress trees.
• Riverwalk Arts District: Connects museums, waterfront parks, and outdoor stages along the New River.

Beach Time

• Fort Lauderdale Beach is broad, beautiful, and calm, with a wide promenade lined with cafes and watersports rentals.
• Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a hidden gem of nature trails and kayak launches just steps from the sand.

Where to Eat

• Louie Bossi's Ristorante: Bustling Italian with a wood-fired oven and a gorgeous outdoor courtyard on Las Olas.
• Casablanca Cafe: Oceanfront dining in a historic 1920s building with a terrace made for lingering.
• The Grille on Congress: Fresh seafood and Florida cuisine in a warm, polished setting.

Tips for Cruise Passengers

• Arrive a day early if you're flying in. April weather is warm and wonderful, and an extra night lets the vacation begin properly.
• Check in online with Celebrity before you arrive to speed up embarkation considerably.
• Port parking books up fast. Reserve a spot in advance or compare rates at nearby off-site lots with shuttle service.