Visiting Fort Lauderdale - 1 or 2 days?

[Z'Loth]

I have a 10-day cruise that embarks from Fort Lauderdale, FL on Monday, January 8th. Since it's my first time at this port, I'm wondering how many days I should set aside for sightseeing prior to my cruise. The time isn't a problem... this is being tacked on the end of a Christmas shutdown, and I need to whittle down the amount of accumulated PTO at work. I'm also traveling solo. Since I'm flying from DFW, a non-stop isn't a problem. 

 

Looking at possible arrival days...

• Monday, January 8th - While it's possible, the answer to flying this date is no, NO!, and What part of "NO!" did you have trouble understanding?
• Sunday, January 7th - Leaves me with no time to really sight see, just possible "last minute" items
• Saturday, January 6th - Leave me with just Sunday to sightsee and get last minute items. 2nd preferred
• Friday, January 5th - This is my preferred arrival date at the cost of an additional hotel day. 

 

I prefer not to rent a car, so it's either "walking" or "public transit" destinations. 

 

I'm also looking at staying at one of these Hilton properties:

 

• Homewood Suites by Hilton Ft.Lauderdale Airport-Cruise Port
• Hilton Garden Inn Ft. Lauderdale Airport-Cruise Port

 

Anything good or bad about these properties? 

[Elaine5715]

For January/Feb cruises, I always come down at least two days before.  Weather is a big if for me  and I like a cushion.  There is plenty to look/see in Fort Lauderdale.  I use mostly rideshares but occasionally the bus to get around.  Some hotels offer shuttles.  The water taxi is a great way to spend a day and to ride the full route with a stop for  lunch takes a good part of a day.  If you like casinos, there are several. The Hollywood Boardwalk area is nice and so is the Fort Lauderdale beach areas to walkabout and have a nice lunch/dinner.  I have spent some days at their very large malls, having a nice walk around and a nice lunch.  Getting closer to dinner so apparently food is on my mind.  

[TiogaCruiser]

We’re also cruising out of FLL in mid April and looking for suggestions for a hotel and things to do for a day.

[capriccio]

For information on hotels, transportation and restaurants, check out the official tourism website:  www.sunny.org.

 

 

[Jenner9]

I suggest a few days before! I also suggest you check out the Hollywood, FL area on the Broadwalk (yep, Broadwalk, not Boardwalk). Hotels right on the beach. Then the Intracostal Waterway is right near there as well and you can take a water taxi to different areas to explore. You will not need a car if staying on the Broadwalk as there are many restaurants within walking distance. Use Uber for transportation to port and to hotel. Hollywood is between Fort Lauderdale and Miami.