We always recommend travelers arrive at their cruise port destination at least a day early to ensure a smooth embarkation day. If you are cruising from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, consider extending your vacation at Dania Pointe. In fact, we just returned from a weekend of fun and sun before our latest cruise. Find out why we are ready to head back with our top 5 reasons why your next pre- or post-cruise stay should be at Dania Pointe.

Disclaimer: We were sponsored by Dania Pointe for the weekend. However, as always, all opinions in this post are our own.

Why You Should Stay at Dania Pointe When Cruising From Fort Lauderdale

Great Location

One reason we highly recommend checking out Dania Pointe is its great location. This family-friendly lifestyle destination for dining, entertainment, and shopping is only a short distance from both the Fort Lauderdale airport and the Port Everglades cruise terminals.

In fact, it is less than 15 minutes away from the airport, beaches, and the cruise port. So, it is perfectly situated for a pre- or a post-cruise stay. Further, Dania Pointe is a great alternative to spending endless hours at the airport if you have a late afternoon or evening flight.

Along with all of its own activities and dining, Dania Pointe is only a few miles away from Dania Beach. This secluded beach offers plenty of shoreline, with a more relaxed and chill vibe. Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale beach are only a short drive away if you’re looking for a more action-packed beach day.

Once you arrive at Dania Pointe, everything is within walking distance. This is great for travelers like us who must fly to their cruise embarkation ports and don’t want to have to rent a car. This means you can save money on transportation and spend more time outdoors in the beautiful Florida weather.

Accommodations

Dania Pointe offers two hotels right on the property giving travelers flexibility. For our 3-night pre-cruise hotel stay, we had a king room at the AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Airport.

This chic, urban hotel offers modern and sophisticated rooms with all of the comforts of home. We appreciated the thoughtful design and layout of the hotel room. The oversized bathroom features plenty of space for getting ready in the morning as well.

With several USB outlets and power outlets throughout the hotel room, and a good-sized desk, it was easy to get some last minute work done. Other conveniences include a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and a safe in the room.

With inspired European design and subtle nods to the beachside communities of Florida, this hotel is perfect for all types of travelers. Not to mention, you can enjoy amenities like included Wi-Fi, a fitness center, a large central lounge and bar, an outdoor terrace, and a shared rooftop pool.  

Located adjacent to this hotel, there is the Marriot Fort Lauderdale Airport. This equally comfortable and well-appointed hotel is also within walking distance of all the fun Dania Pointe has to offer. Featuring a fitness center, shared rooftop pool, and open lobby perfect for socializing, the hotel boasts elegant finishes built for the modern-day traveler.

Dining Options

At Dania Pointe, there are several restaurants and eateries, along with a number of bars and lounges, all within walking distance.

At Cooper’s Hawk Winery, diners can sip various award-winning wines while slicing into favorites like the parmesan crusted chicken, crispy Brussel sprouts, or Thai lettuce wraps. The dishes were large portions, quite tasty, and paired great with the wine and cocktail list.

With indoor and patio seating, you can enjoy the restaurant’s diverse menu and extensive wine list wherever you choose.

During our stay, we also carved our way through several different selections at Rodizio Grill. This Brazilian steakhouse features a variety of rotisserie-grilled meats for one all-you-care-to enjoy price. Not to mention, there’s a gourmet salad bar, authentic Brazilian sides, and a dessert tray.

More fire-grilled favorites are also available at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. Featuring an open kitchen, you can feel the heat and revel in the aromas of this American-style menu. We sampled some of the savory starters, grilled chicken, and steak; each was more delicious than the next.

As cruisers, we felt right at home with the island vibes of the Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar. It was the perfect spot for a few midday snacks, as well as some hand-crafted umbrella drinks. Don’t pass up the sliders and signature libations like the coconut pineapple mojito and blood orange blossom margarita.

Not to mention, you will want to start your vacation with one of the 14 frozen daiquiris or other cocktails at 14 North Daiquiri Bar!

Further, breakfast fans will want to stop by First Watch. Located a short walk from the hotels and shopping, this award-winning restaurant serves fantastic brunch selections, like breakfast sandwiches, skillets, and even seasonal specials like the caramel crunch cinnamon roll.

With order ahead and join the waitlist options, the restaurant makes it easy for you to enjoy all its gourmet menu items.

Of course, Dania Pointe is home to plenty of other casual options and to-go eateries. Yes, there is even a Starbucks within walking distance! If you know us, we never stay at a hotel that isn’t nearby for my wife’s morning caramel latte!

Retail Therapy

While there are several restaurants located within Dania Pointe, one of the main attractions is shopping. Whether you need to pick up a last minute item for your trip or are looking for a new wardrobe, there are plenty of options.

From cruise classics at Tommy Bahama to other popular retailers like Kendra Scott, Anthropologie, and Sugarboo & Co., plenty of clothing, jewelry, and home décor selections are worth browsing.

This sprawling outdoor mall means you don’t have to sacrifice the fresh air and beautiful Florida weather while shopping. This open air design lets you stroll the sidewalks while soaking up the sun and admiring the vibrant murals along the way.

Even if you don’t have any room in your luggage for shopping, Dania Pointe is a lively and pedestrian-friendly area to enjoy a walk and relax.

Not to mention, Dania Pointe offers free parking. So, even if you are not staying nearby, you can still enjoy all of the destination’s attractions without paying a premium.

Entertainment

Typically, we fly into the port the day before a cruise. But, with the diverse options at Dania Pointe, it is easy to extend your vacation by a few extra days.

Here, your family can enjoy a movie at the Regal Cinema. The cinema boasts 4DX movies, which is like an amusement ride for first-run movies. There is also the brand’s RPX experience which boasts the best sound and visual quality to date.

For a more immersive experience, select movies are shown on ScreenX. This movie theater literally surrounds the audience with a 270-degree view.

For a more hands-on activity, you can test your bowling skills at Bowlero. It is a fun time for all ages with digital scoring, black lights, upbeat music, and tons of digital screens.

There is also an arcade with several new and retro video games as well as arcade classics like basketball, skee-ball, and more.

There is the Improv at Dania Pointe if you’re looking for a date-night activity. This comedy club regularly hosts headliner comedians. So, if you time it right, you could begin your cruise with a night full of laughs.

Further, ensure you save some time to enjoy the free events on the Lawn at Dania Pointe. From free fitness classes every Wednesday, to Night Market Fridays with local artisans selling goods to Cultural Saturdays and Family Sundays with live entertainment, the Lawn is a festive beginning to any vacation.

Comments

Have you had a pre-cruise stay at Dania Pointe? What are your favorite places to stay near the Port Everglades cruise port? Drop us an anchor below with your recommendations for top pre-cruise locations in Southeastern Florida.