Travel Spotlight: Fort Lauderdale

Welcome to Fort Lauderdale, home to one of the busiest ports in the world! Whether you’re headed to the Bahamas or setting off on a transatlantic voyage, there’s a good chance your ship is waiting at Port Everglades. If that’s the case, we have a few tips from local expert (and Tommy Bahama Retail General Manager) Eboni Anderson to get your getaway off to a great start.

Arrive Earlier, Play Later

It might be tempting to fly in the morning of your cruise, but why take the chance of letting a delayed flight derail your entire trip? Cruise life experts agree, you can save yourself a world of trouble and stress by flying in a day early and getting a hotel in town. Don’t think of it as a layover on the way to paradise, think of it as the first stop on your whirlwind adventure! Fort Lauderdale deserves a day—or two—to take in the town.

Where to Stay: Las Olas or Dania Beach

Don’t let Fort Lauderdale’s spring break reputation fool you, Las Olas has plenty to offer beyond the beach! We recommend choosing a hotel on or near Las Olas Boulevard—this vibrant street is lined with art galleries, museums, boutique shopping, and entertainment opportunities galore. Drop your bags in your room and then get directions to the Fort Lauderdale Marlin Bar to enjoy a little island hospitality and pick up getaway looks before you leave the mainland. There’s nothing like the first sip of a frozen mai tai to signal the real start of a vacation! We’re port-city pros and can help you fill any holes in your packing list or find you the perfect outfit for embarkment day.

Eboni’s Hot Tip: She suggests visitors “take in the Florida sunshine with a water taxi tour or explore nearby Hugh Taylor Birch State Park—but don’t forget your Maui Jim® shades!” If the weather is less inviting, “Las Olas also is home to the Museum of Discovery and Science.”

Prefer to Hit the Ground Relaxing?

If you’re looking for a quieter spot to lay your head before your cruise, Dania Beach is a great location with its less crowded parks and beaches. It’s a quick taxi or shuttle ride from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and to Port Everglades.

Eboni’s Hot Tip: “The buffet on cruise ships is often jam-packed on embarkation day, so enjoying a relaxed lunch in town is a must-do before you head to port! Get into a getaway state of mind at our nearby Dania Beach Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar with our signature drinks and island flavors. Sip, snack and then shop to your heart’s content—no reservations and no worries—is there a better way to kick off a vacation?”

What to Wear:

For the flight in, choose a look for all-day comfort that’s wrinkle resistant and chic enough to wear around town. Our elevated loungewear fits the bill, but you’ll also find surprising versatility in our IslandZone® performance wear for him and for her. Cruise vacations are all about going far and packing small, so versatility is a must, and easy-care fabrics are your new best friend.

Eboni’s Hot Tip: “I recommend bringing at least two swimsuits so you always have a dry one ready—or, even better, pack reversible swimsuits for more looks in less space! Plus, a versatile coverup is a must-have for walking from your suite to the pool deck.”

Your Best Trip’s in the Bag:

You’re not going to want to break open your checked bag for one night on the town, so pack your carry-on with care! You’ll need a change of clothes for embarkment day, of course, but you’ll also want those day-one cruise ship necessities close at hand.

Eboni’s Hot Tip: “Make sure your carry-on bag includes your swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, and anything else you’ll need to relax poolside while you wait for the porters to deliver the rest of your luggage to your room. You’re not going to want to waste a single moment of your time on board!”

Take Us With You!

We love being a part of your adventures—share your pics with us on Instagram @tbahama with the hashtag #WelcomeToMyParadise and show us how you’re living the island life every day!