Ashley Boykin

Extending your cruise vacation in Fort Lauderdale? 🌴🚢 Don’t just check into your hotel and wait for embarkation! This list is packed with things to do, places to eat, beaches to explore, and experiences to enjoy before or after your Legend of the Seas cruise. Whether you have a few hours or an extra day or two, find ideas for beach days, sightseeing, shopping, family fun, water activities, and exploring Fort Lauderdale. ☀️🏖️🌊 Perfect for: pre-cruise stays, post-cruise stays, families, couples, and anyone wanting to make the most of their time in Fort Lauderdale! 💙🚢🌴

🚢🌴 Staying near Port Everglades the night before your cruise can make embarkation day so much easier! This list features Fort Lauderdale hotels near the cruise port, including options close to the beach, airport, restaurants, and other convenient locations. I’m including options for different budgets and travel styles so you can find the right place to relax before your cruise. ☀️🏨⚓️ Tip: I highly recommend arriving at least one day before your cruise whenever possible. It gives you a little breathing room if your flight is delayed and lets you start your vacation relaxed instead of rushing straight to the ship! 💙🚢 This list contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.

White Night is one of my favorite cruise themes to shop for! 🤍 I created this list with everything you need to put together your perfect all-white cruise look—from dresses, jumpsuits, and rompers to white jeans, linen pants, tops, and accessories. Whether you want to keep it casual and comfortable or go all out with a dressy look, I’ve rounded up options for every style. ✨ Theme nights can vary by cruise line and sailing, so be sure to check your itinerary before you shop! This list contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.

If you’re sailing out of Port Canaveral, I highly recommend arriving at least the night before your cruise. ✈️🚢 I’d much rather wake up close to the port than risk a delayed flight, traffic, or another travel hiccup making me late for embarkation. I’ve rounded up hotels near Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach, including options that are convenient for the cruise terminals, family-friendly stays, suite-style hotels, and properties that may offer cruise parking or transportation. Pro tip: Always check the hotel’s current shuttle, parking, and “park & cruise” policies before booking—these can change and may have additional fees. This list contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.

One of my favorite parts of cruising is dressing up for the theme nights! 🎉 Cruise lines have so many fun themed nights, and I love planning outfits ahead of time so I’m not scrambling to find something once I’m onboard. I’ve rounded up some fun options for popular cruise themes—from Y2K and 80s nights to White Night, tropical nights, formal nights, and more. Whether you want to go all out or just add a few themed accessories, there’s something for everyone! This list contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.

Getting ready for your next cruise? From cabin organization and travel essentials to pool-day favorites and handy cruise accessories, these cruise must-haves can make your trip easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. Whether you're cruising with Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Carnival, MSC, Norwegian, or another cruise line, this list includes practical cruise essentials and must-have items to pack for your cruise vacation. Save this list before you start packing so you don't forget the things you’ll wish you had once you’re onboard! This list contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.

Cruising with kids? These are some of the things I’ve found can make family cruise life a whole lot easier! 👧👦🚢 I’m sharing practical items for keeping kids organized, entertained, comfortable, and happy while you’re traveling—from cabin organization and packing helpers to pool and beach essentials. These aren't just random things to buy—I’m focusing on items that can actually make a difference when you're trying to manage kids and luggage in a cruise cabin with limited space. I’ll keep adding the family travel finds I personally love and the things I think are worth packing, so you can spend less time worrying about what to bring and more time enjoying the cruise! ❤️ This list contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.