Where to stay in Fort Lauderdale before cruise? Resident’s Guide
Our choice for the best place to stay in Fort Lauderdale before a cruise is the Hilton Marina, just five minutes away from the cruise port.
Why we like this hotel:
- The property is just a few minutes away from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale.
- From many of the rooms, you can see the port and all the ships inside.
- Shuttle to the port.
- If you are driving, the Hilton will even keep your car for the duration of the cruise at a cost less than the port.
- The hotel has the standard amenities – pool, valets, meeting rooms and pool bar.
- Their Mediterranean restaurant, the Olive & Sea is highly rated (we have even a better recommendation below).
New Option on the Horizon
In late December 2025, the much-anticipated Omni Hotel opened across the street from the Hilton. This mammoth, 800-room hotel appears to be in a good position to take over Hilton’s spot as the go-to cruise hotel.
The new structure is a highlight on Fort Lauderdale’s skyline, standing well above other nearby structures.
As we departed the port on a recent cruise, the Omni was a standing out like a glistening reminder of its opening.
Amenities at the new Omni include:
- Large rooms
- Pool and rooftop social area.
- A half dozen eateries in the hotel.
- Next to the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center.
Top Things To Do in Fort Lauderdale Before Your Cruise
If you are visiting the city with the intent of taking a cruise out of Port Everglades, you may want to see some of the top sights in Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
This iconic spring break beach is the subject of legends in the minds of college kids from decades ago. Still a great beach and little town around it. You can get a shuttle to the beach from most hotels.
Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi Ride
The Intracoastal Waterway is a popular spot to enjoy lunch or dinner, view multi-million dollar luxury homes and yachts to match. Catch the water taxi at the Marina and major hotels along the waterway.
Stroll Las Olas Boulevard
Downtown Fort Lauderdale is known for this eclectic strip of shops, boutiques, restaurants and quaint coffee shops. Fun way to see the life in FLL – take a cab or hotel shuttle.
Visit Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
If history and beauty is an easy combination for you, head over to the Bonnet House Museum near the beach.
These are our ideas to spend your time in Fort Lauderdale wisely and engage the beauty of the area.
Must Visit Restaurant Near Fort Lauderdale Marina
When we find exceptional restaurants, we try to alert readers. Some are old fish shacks, some are quaint old places and others are just darn good food.
The Boatyard near the Marina falls into the last category.
Located just across a small canal from the Marina, The Boatyard takes seafood to another level, yet keeps it Florida laid back vibe at the same time. You won’t be judged in a suit or flip-flops and t-shirt.
Enjoy cocktails before dinner at the tiki bar along the yacht-laden canal or at one of two large indoor bars.
Dinner seating is available outside or in the spacious dining area. While the surroundings are great, the star of the show is the food.
The Bimini Bread before dinner is a must and the fresh local shrimp cocktail is a perfect match.
Dinner options include local fresh fish like mahi or snapper. Preparation has always been perfect.
Non-seafood lovers will find a selection of steaks and a smattering of pasta like the Wagyu Bucatini Bolognese. Find your new favorite on their menu.
Summary – Where To Stay in Fort Lauderdale Before Cruise
Florida has 5 major cruise ports. They include:
- Port Miami
- Port Canaveral (Cocoa Beach/Kennedy Space Center)
- Port Everglades – Fort Lauderdale
- Port of Tampa Bay – Tampa
- Port of Jacksonville
In addition, Key West, West Palm Beach and Port of Pensacola all consider themselves “ports.” However, only Key West has significant traffic.
Which is the Best Florida Cruise Port
Of course, as a resident, we have our subjective opinion. We believe the Best Cruise Port in Florida is –
- Port Canaveral – this fast growing port is catch Miami for popularity. It is easy to find, rich with things to do nearby and centrally located in the state.
- Port Everglades – very popular with its easy ingress and egress from the Atlantic and next to the airport for access.
- Port of Tampa Bay – the only negative with this port is that it can only handle the smaller ships. The “mega” ships built in the las couple of years cannot go under the Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay.
These are our three favorite cruise ports in Florida. You will find the largest port, Miami, is not on our list. Congestion, confusion and airport delays leave this port at the bottom for us.
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