Pre-Cruise Hotel Review- Port Everglades
Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina Hotel
Unless you live very close to the cruise port, I can’t stress enough the importance of arriving at least one day early. This precaution is crucial to avoid any potential travel disruptions. During our recent trip, we faced a stressful travel day due to the IT global shutdown, which affected our flight. Although we eventually managed to get on our flight, others weren't as fortunate and missed their cruise entirely.
For our cruise aboard the Enchanted Princess, which departed from Fort Lauderdale, FL, we opted to stay at the Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina Hotel. Its close proximity to the port, Port Everglades, and its fantastic views made it a perfect choice. We were thrilled to wake up early on embarkation day and watch our ship arrive in port—a truly exciting start to our adventure.
We had booked the Ultimate Cruise Package, which included breakfast and transportation to the cruise port for two guests. The resort provided contact information for a third-party shuttle service to and from Fort Lauderdale Airport, ensuring a seamless transfer.
Located on the Intracoastal Waterway and less than 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale Beach via the resort shuttle, the Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina offers spectacular views of the marina and cruise port. The resort features two sections: the original building and a newer tower that provides the best views of the marina or cruise port. All rooms come with balconies, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery.
Although we didn’t have time to fully explore the resort’s amenities, it boasts a large pool and a pool bar. We dined at Olive & Sea, the rooftop restaurant with stunning Intracoastal views and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, which was a delightful experience. For a quicker bite, we visited Dockside Provisions in the lobby. This grab-and-go spot offers coffee, cocktails, and a limited lunch menu. While the service was friendly, we found the pricing high compared to the quality of the food.
Pro Tip: There’s no coffee maker in the rooms, but you can enjoy coffee with the breakfast buffet. We also requested to-go coffee for convenience. On the morning of our sailing, both Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruise Line had representatives at the hotel. They were there to ensure a seamless embarkation process for travelers who bundled transportation and accommodations with their cruise vacation.
Our room featured a king bed, a cozy sitting area, and a lovely balcony. I absolutely loved the modern, beachy decor that perfectly complemented the resort’s coastal vibe. One thing to note is that the bathroom only had a shower, with no tub available. Additionally, the bathroom doors are designed as two barn doors, which can make privacy a bit challenging.
Overall, our stay at the Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina Hotel enhanced our pre-cruise experience, setting the stage for a fantastic voyage.
