Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) Cruise Holiday Guide

GMT -5 (GMT -4 Apr-Oct).

US Dollar ($)= 100 cents.

Language

English.

This smart east coast resort and international yachting centre is often described as the 'Venice of America' because of its many canals and waterways. It boasts magnificent sandy beaches, as well as excellent shopping and nightlife. Attractions include the contemporary collections of the Museum of Art, the Museum of Discovery and Science, and the spectacular Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and Recreation Area. The vast subtropical wilderness of the nearby Everglades National Park is home to an abundance of rare plants, birds and animals, including wild orchids, Florida panthers, ospreys, manatees, giant loggerhead turtles, the Everglades mink, the Florida black bear and the only saltwater crocodiles in America. There are several entry points each with visitor centres that organise ranger-led walks and talks, boat and tram tours, and canoe trails.

Sawgrass Mills Mall, the world's largest designer outlet mall, features over 275 speciality shops and is located on Flamingo Road, just outside the city. Within the city centre, the Galleria shopping mall on East Sunrise Boulevard has over 150 shops selling everything from books to clothes and household goods. The Swap Shop flea market on West Sunrise Boulevard is the largest of its kind in the USA. The Festival Flea Market Mall, located off the Florida Turnpike north of Fort Lauderdale, has 800 shops, as well as a Farmer's Market and an International Food Court offering visitors a variety of international cuisines.

Seafood is particularly good – specialities include smoked mullet and fresh stone crabs. Other popular dishes originate from Florida's Caribbean neighbours, including Cuba and Jamaica. There are hundreds of restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, offering a variety of international foods; many are located along the waterways and have balconies where diners can sit and enjoy the warm evenings and spectacular sunsets.

Fort Lauderdale Amtrak Station.

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport.

North AmericaUSA

Hotels in Fort Lauderdale include Comfort Suites, Fort Lauderdale Marriott, Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Springhill Suites by Marriott, Howard Johnson Plaza Resort and AmeriSuites – Fort Lauderdale/17th Street. Hotels at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport include Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Ramada Inn and Holiday Inn.