Woohoo, welcome back to Cruising into the Weekend!
Before we wrap up this series, the much-anticipated date for the Disney Destiny’s maiden voyage has been published! This new ship will be departing on her maiden voyage on November 20, 2025, departing on a four-night cruise with stops at both of Disney Cruise Line’s private destinations, Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. With bookings opening to the general public in less than two weeks on September 12th, I think it would be reasonable to start placing bets on how quickly this voyage will sell out. What do you think? I’m glad to sit on the call lines for you if you’d like to secure your spot on board!
Next November, the Disney Destiny will sail out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I’m going to share a few quick facts and relevant details on the port, and then I’m highlighting a few properties I was able to tour in Fort Lauderdale this week! These hotels and resorts make for incredible pre- and post-cruise stays, easing the stress of boarding the ship on time and allowing you to readjust to life on land once you’ve debarked. Let’s get into it!
Port Everglades
One of my favorite aspects of Port Everglades as a cruise port is its proximity to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Only 1.8 miles apart, you really can’t get much closer. I’m based in Knoxville, Tennessee, and our regional airport is great, but it’s not the most convenient or reasonably priced spot to fly in and out of. Of our few direct flights, can you guess one that ranks highly for me? Yep, Fort Lauderdale. And I bet it’s pretty reasonable for you to get to Fort Lauderdale from your home as well.
Do be aware that, although quite close together, transportation time can vary significantly. Fort Lauderdale is a bustling city, after all! Between rush hour traffic, car accidents, and bridges going up to let boats pass through, you can experience several delays. Introducing…the liberating pre- and post-cruise stay! But more on that later.
Once you’ve arrived at Port Everglades, you’ll need to show your cruise documents and an ID for each member of your party. This is standard procedure and has gone fairly smoothly in my experience. If you are driving yourself in, there is parking in the Heron Parking Garage for $20/day. If you’re taking a transfer, they will be able to drop you off very close to the terminal entrance. Specifically, Terminal 4. This is Disney Cruise Line’s exclusive terminal, and you can see it clearly from a distance as ‘Disney Cruise Line’ is written in large red letters along the roof. Simply follow the signs for Terminal 4 as you navigate over there. If you parked, don’t lose your ticket! Keep it somewhere you can safely and reliably access when you return from your cruise.
I hope you’ll get to see Port Everglades for yourself here soon! In the meantime, let’s consider pre- and post-cruise stays. What do I mean by that? A pre- or post-cruise stay is a minimum of one night spent near the port in the period directly prior to or following a cruise you’re taking! Pre-cruise stays are wonderful for buffering flight delays and allowing you to ease into vacation mode. Post-cruise stays are similar in that you aren’t rushed as you’re debarking the ship to catch a plane or jump back into your day-to-day rhythms. They make for a well-rounded vacation!
This week, I had the opportunity to tour three properties near Port Everglades: Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port & Convention Center, Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club, and The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. Check them out below!
Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port & Convention Center
This lovely space is well-loved for its location. Offering shuttles to Port Everglades and Broward County Convention Center for a fee, guests enjoy nearby beach access and complimentary breakfast during their stay. A number of athletic groups and convention center visitors return year after year for their competitions, that loyalty is something special! And it extends to cruisers using Hyatt Place as their pre-/post-cruise destination spot. They get to leave their car at the property for the duration of their cruise for free. Now that is something you don’t see very often!
Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club
Family-run since 1960, this gorgeous property is the under-the-radar resort destination that is hard to leave when it’s time to cruise, and serves as the perfect salve for the post-cruise blues. I’m almost certain my jaw dropped when I stepped into the lobby. It was soothingly hushed, immaculately presented and ornamentally balanced. Mosaics, carved wood, and colorfully-patterned carpets blend to create an immersive space. The resort features two restaurants, a gift shop, a pool, a spa, an outdoor bar, plenty of outdoor games (shuffleboard, anyone?), and its own private beach. The rooms are spacious, charmingly decorated Old Florida-style, and nearly all of them include a balcony. I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed my short time there. And I’ll have a reel up soon so you can see it for yourself!
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
Designed to look like a cruise ship, The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale is separated from the beach only by the street you find it on. That won’t impede your access though. A covered walkway from the 7th floor pool deck crosses over the street to where an elevator carries you safely down to the sand. Only accessible with your Ritz-Carlton key card, you can enjoy an exciting path to the beach that no other luxury property in the area offers. Featuring ocean and Intracoastal views, an incredible spa, club level upgrades, spacious rooms, a restaurant and a poolside bar, you will be very comfortable here.
I am so grateful to everyone who graciously toured me through their properties. Everyone I met was kind and accommodating. They were proud of their spaces and confident that they can provide memorable services that will have you coming back again and again!
Now you can confidently navigate your next cruise from Port Everglades! As you consider pre- and post-cruise stays, these properties should definitely be on your list. If you do get to stay, let me know! I’d love to hear about your experience.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this final edition of Cruising into the Weekend! It has certainly been a special one for me. And don’t forget! Bookings for the Disney Destiny open as early as September 6th for Castaway Club members, and September 12th for the general public. As always, if you have any questions, you can contact me here! We’re almost there!
