Best Fort Lauderdale Cruise and Stay Holidays

Introduction

Home to Port Everglades - one of the busiest cruise ship ports on the planet - Fort Lauderdale is the United States’ sunshine-filled gateway to the world. Much more than just a place to embark or disembark, Fort Lauderdale is known throughout the country for its beautiful beaches and stylish boardwalk, where first-class restaurants, sleek bars and chic hotels line the city’s picturesque waterways.

OVERVIEW

FORT LAUDERDALE

Once the go-to destination for young spring-breakers, the port city now caters to an upmarket clientele. On Las Olas Boulevard – Fort Lauderdale’s most famous street – visitors will find themselves in a playground for the rich and famous, with real estate reaching into the multi-millions and luxury yachts around every corner.

The coastal city is also home to many historic and natural attractions, with options to keep families of all ages entertained. From historic houses to secret city-centre nature reserves and Florida’s most visited museum, Fort Lauderdale’s tourist attractions cater to the young and old, and the young at heart.

As the place which hosts the largest display of mega-yachts each year during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, it’s no surprise that eating out in Fort Lauderdale is a classy affair. From stylish cocktail joints to award-winning restaurants and trendy clubs that run until dawn, Fort Lauderdale’s nightlife aims to please both locals and visitors alike.

THINGS TO DO

FORT LAUDERDALE

Las Olas Boulevard

Known as the "Rodeo Drive" of Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Boulevard is where the city's best restaurants, museums, boutiques and bars can be found. The ideal place to stroll, shop and people-watch, eye up the multi-million-dollar houses and luxury yachts that line the waterways before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the street's many outdoor eateries.

Bonnet House

The National Register of Historic Places-listed Bonnet House is one of Fort Lauderdale's top historic tourist attractions. Designed by Frederic Clay Bartlett and built in 1920, the impressive estate covers some 36 acres and includes a museum and beautiful informal gardens. Once the winter house of the Birch/Bartlett family, visitors can view a large collection of art and personal treasures, giving a fascinating insight into Old South Florida.

Stranahan House Museum

The oldest surviving structure in Broward County, Fort Lauderdale's Stranahan House Museum dates back to 1901 and is one of the city's most visited attractions. Originally used as a trading post and a community hall before becoming a private residence, the building was purchased by the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society in 1975. More than 10,000 visitors tour the historic house museum every year, with Holiday River Tour available at Christmas.

NIGHTLIFE

FORT LAUDERDALE

The Elbo Room

An iconic hotel in Port Everglades, the Elbo Room shot to fame in the 1960's when it was used as a filming location for the hit film "Where the Boys Are" featuring Connie Francis and George Hamilton. Since then, it's been a firm favourite with spring-breakers, tourists and film buffs alike. With a great range of cocktails, an extended Happy Hour and second-floor views of the beach and ocean, this is the perfect place to start your night out in Fort Lauderdale.

Blue Martini

One of Fort Lauderdale's most stylish cocktail bars, Blue Martini attracts a sophisticated crowd. As well as an excellent cocktail menu - including their signature Blue Martini made with Cointreau, vodka, blue curacao, sweet & sour mix and orange juice - the sleek bar also provides hungry drinkers with a delicious global tapas menu. After the sun goes down, Blue Martini turns into one of Fort Lauderdale's best, late-night dance clubs.

Stache Drinking Den + Coffee Bar

The award-winning bar Stache is considered Fort Lauderdale’s premier cocktail lounge. With a hip vintage interior and combining a coffee bar, nightclub and concert space under one roof, this venue is the place to see and be seen in the city. Expert mixologists conjure up inspired cocktail creations, while live entertainment comes in all shapes and forms - from live bands and DJs to burlesque and cabaret.

America's Backyard

If you want to join Fort Lauderdale's biggest party, make your way to downtown to America's Backyard. This large club offers a complimentary drink with entry and 99-cent drink specials., alongside their regular Country Power Happy Hour.

EVENTS

FORT LAUDERDALE

Delray Affair

Held each April, and running for more than 50 years, the Delray Affair Arts and Crafts Street Festival is known locally as the “Greatest Show under the Sun”. The event is the largest arts and craft festival in the southeast, with more than 800 artists from all over the United States and the world attending. With jewellery, photography, sculpture, crafts and more, there is something for everyone at this Fort Lauderdale Festival.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

One of Fort Lauderdale's most popular events, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is held every year at the end of October. The largest in-water boat show in the world brings the world's largest display of mega-yachts to Fort Lauderdale, as well as sport-fishers, sailing yachts and canoes.

Fourth of July Spectacular

If your visit to Fort Lauderdale falls over the 4th of July, you're in for a treat. The coastal city celebrates this national holiday in style, with a host of family-friendly, free activities. From orchestra concerts to live bands and performers, beach games to competitions, there are lots of different ways to get involved. At the end of the day, head to Las Olas Boulevard to watch the spectacular fireworks display over Fort Lauderdale Beach.

RESTAURANTS

FORT LAUDERDALE

Steak 954

Located on the Fort Lauderdale waterfront, within the stylish W Hotel, Steak 954 is a tropically-themed, boutique steakhouse. Serving up some of the finest cuts of beef in the city, guests at Steak 954 can dine to the sound of the ocean, with sweeping beach views and gorgeous sunset vantage points.

Casa D'Angelo Ristorante

Widely recognised as one of the best Italian restaurants in South Florida, Casa D'Angelo Ristorante is known for its delicious Tuscan-style cuisine and romantic setting. Helmed by chef Angelo Elia, expect classic Italian dishes, served with exquisite presentation and complemented by an impressive wine list.

Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille

Located within the Riverside Hotel, the Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille is one of the city's best dining spots for seafood. Helmed by James Beard-acknowledged chef Toby Joseph, the menu focuses on the freshly caught seafood which arrives daily from the waters of Florida, New England, Hawaii and the West Coast.

Cafe Seville

This small, family-owned Spanish restaurant is the ideal place for casual, relaxed dining in Fort Lauderdale. Alongside an ample menu - which has everything you could want for a traditional Spanish eatery - daily specials are wheeled to your table on a large chalkboard. Try their delicious seafood paella or opt for some of their small tapas plates, washed down with a generous jug of sangria.

Popular Cruise Lines that visit Fort Lauderdale

With an array of different cruise liners including Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Princess Cruises – Cruise Nation is dedicated to offering the biggest range of savings on the top Fort Lauderdale holidays. Budget-savvy travellers will also love our Smart Packages, allowing you to both Cruise and Stay, or Cruise and Fly, at unbeatably low prices.

FORT LAUDERDALE

Introduction

OVERVIEW

FORT LAUDERDALE

THINGS TO DO

FORT LAUDERDALE

Las Olas Boulevard

Bonnet House

Stranahan House Museum

NIGHTLIFE

FORT LAUDERDALE

The Elbo Room

Blue Martini

Stache Drinking Den + Coffee Bar

America's Backyard

EVENTS

FORT LAUDERDALE

Delray Affair

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Fourth of July Spectacular

RESTAURANTS

FORT LAUDERDALE

Steak 954

Casa D'Angelo Ristorante

Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille

Cafe Seville

Annual Average Temperature

Popular Cruise Lines that visit Fort Lauderdale

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