End of cruise "excursion" in Fort Lauderdale

[vehill1976]

Hey, everyone! I'm looking ahead to our cruise in February on the Edge, particularly the "excursions" at the end of the cruise in Fort Lauderdale. There are two options: one is an airboat ride through the Everglades, and the other is a tour of Fort Lauderdale and a harbor cruise. Both options would get us to the airport for our flight home. Has anyone done either of these excursions? What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance!

[mfs2k]

We did the airboat ride in 2019

It wasn’t great but it kept us busy for a few hours. 
The “Everglades” was a swamp next to the Highway and we did see glimpses of a few croc or alligator heads above the water. 

[Ken the cruiser]

We’ve done both and either are entertaining. If you like animals, the air boat ride venue usually has a collection of animals of the Everglades you can see up close. At least the two different ones we have been to did. The air boat ride was also fun too.

[Homosassa]

35 minutes ago, mfs2k said:

The “Everglades” was a swamp next to the Highway and we did see glimpses of a few croc or alligator heads above the water. 

What did you think the Everglades were if not a swamp?

 

And, yes there are roads that are built through the swamp - Rte 1, IS 75 and the Tamiami Trial come to mind. 

[mfs2k]

15 minutes ago, Homosassa said:

What did you think the Everglades were if not a swamp?

 

And, yes there are roads that are built through the swamp - Rte 1, IS 75 and the Tamiami Trial come to mind. 

i expected a swamp. 

 

I envisioned being here, in the middle of the everglades 

 

 

 

 

but we were basically here, off a highway, not far from the city. 

 

 

It is what it is, but it wasn't what I imagined.  

 

 

Edited November 10, 2021 by mfs2k
clarification

[Ken the cruiser]

@mfs2kI agree. Doesn’t look very swampy to me either. But the description of the excursion on the way to the Ft Lauderdale airport offered on our current Apex cruise doesn’t even look like it could take place anywhere on the map you provided. Does the below description by chance even come close to describing the Celebrity excursion you experienced on the way to the airport?

 

Experience the flora and fauna of the Florida Everglades from the safety and comfort of an airboat. You’ll enjoy a 30-minute ride through sawgrass and extensive wetlands on this guided journey into the backcountry. The Everglades is home to diverse bird species and alligators, and birders come from across the globe to see the range of avian life present here. Following your ride, a professional alligator handler will offer you a close-up view of this incredible reptile. This tour is provided by an operator that has been third-party certified to meet the Global Sustainable Tourism Council's Criteria for Tour Operators.

See one of the most unique ecosystems in the United States from the seat of an airboat.

Look out for fascinating alligators, unique bird life, and the native sawgrass of the Florida Everglades.

Enjoy a 30-minute airboat ride through the Florida Everglades followed by an alligator demonstration and an extensive wildlife exhibition area.

Edited November 10, 2021 by Ken the cruiser

[mfs2k]

1 hour ago, Ken the cruiser said:

@mfs2kI agree. Doesn’t look very swampy to me either. But the description of the excursion on the way to the Ft Lauderdale airport offered on our current Apex cruise doesn’t even look like it could take place anywhere on the map you provided. Does the below description by chance even come close to describing the Celebrity excursion you experienced on the way to the airport?

 

Experience the flora and fauna of the Florida Everglades from the safety and comfort of an airboat. You’ll enjoy a 30-minute ride through sawgrass and extensive wetlands on this guided journey into the backcountry. The Everglades is home to diverse bird species and alligators, and birders come from across the globe to see the range of avian life present here. Following your ride, a professional alligator handler will offer you a close-up view of this incredible reptile. This tour is provided by an operator that has been third-party certified to meet the Global Sustainable Tourism Council's Criteria for Tour Operators.

See one of the most unique ecosystems in the United States from the seat of an airboat.

Look out for fascinating alligators, unique bird life, and the native sawgrass of the Florida Everglades.

Enjoy a 30-minute airboat ride through the Florida Everglades followed by an alligator demonstration and an extensive wildlife exhibition area.

Yep. 
That’s the tour I took too in 2019. 
You will be on Map #2

it will be nice. But not picture #1. 

[mfs2k]

Also the “extensive wildlife exhibition area” is a sad and depressing zoo-like area. 

[gfkcruiser]

We did the airboat ride.  Was enjoyable but did not see any gators on the boat. Held a baby gator at the animal refuge after. Also, happened to be a chilly but sunny morning on the boat.  

[BSinPNS]

We've doneboth.  Just remember it can be chilly in Florida, especially riding in an airboat.  They provide ear protection, but you provide jackets, etc. 

[GottaKnowWhen]

On one cruise, mostly due to availability of flights, we stayed overnight after the cruise and got an early morning flight the next day. From the ship we took the rental car bus to their office, picked up the car we had reserved, drove down through to the Southern end of the Everglades park road. Many leisurely stops along the way. A good day. We turned in the car the next morning at the airport.

[isdoo]

Anyone know how much the ships transfer to MIA is from Port Everglades?