Taking a vacation where we spent 10 nights out at sea was heavenly. Normally when I do vacations it’s like five or seven nights. And I always feel like just as I start relaxing the vacation is over and it’s time to go home. This time I wanted to go all out and do it right. In addition to the ten night cruise we also stayed a night in Fort Lauderdale before the cruise and another night back in Fort Lauderdale afterwards. My dad is a frequent cruiser and he recommended this so that we don’t have to worry about airline delays and so we can have some time transitioning from sea back to land before heading home.
It was the best advice ever. Fort Lauderdale is a vacation destination in its own right. We had so much fun, ate some of the best food of our vacation, and loved getting to start and end our cruise here.
Pre and Post Cruise: Fort Lauderdale
Where we stayed: The Westin
The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is right on the beach and a quick walk or Uber away from anywhere we wanted to go. The beds are heavenly and our view was unreal. Looking out our windows and seeing nothing but ocean had us feeling like we were on a cruise before we even stepped a foot off land. We stayed here before and after our cruise and I would 100% stay here again.
Where we ate: Casablanca Cafe
Steps from the hotel, Casablanca Cafe was very highly rated online and was offering a great deal for all Westin guests. It was something like if you spend $75 you get $25 off. So Josh and I ordered all the things and had a great time chowing down and enjoying the ocean view. The food was fabulous.
Where we ate: Fresh First
If you’re looking for a healthy breakfast spot in Fort Lauderdale you have to try Fresh First. We started our day off with kombucha and some of the best breakfast food ever. My eggs benedict was served on a fluffy waffle. I have no words.
Where we ate: Rocco’s Tacos
All of our food finds were thanks to Yelp and none of them led us astray. One of the best finds was Rocco’s Tacos. What I would give to have one of these open in Omaha! The guacamole was unreal and my enchiladas featured some of the best pulled chicken I’ve ever tasted. We got there right as they opened and by the time we left there was already a wait!
Where we ate: Green Bar and Kitchen
Josh and I love checking out vegetarian restaurants when we travel and Green Bar did not disappoint. We had homemade veggie burgers, avocado toast, and Josh got to try a local beer!
I’m so glad we gave ourselves the time before and after the cruise to unwind in Fort Lauderdale.
Any time where I have sand under my toes, the sun on my face, and good food in my belly is a good time indeed.
Questions of the Day: Have you visited Fort Lauderdale? If you cruise, do you add in an extra night before and after your trip at your original port? Which restaurant in Fort Lauderdale that we ate at do you most want to try?
Everything looks absolutely incredible and how amazing was that room?! Great post x
Looks amazing! For me the cruise is the main part of my holiday (vacation) so I don’t tend to do pre or post cruise add ons, but next year I want to go to Alaska, so I will stay in Seattle for a few days as well. I’ve never been to the West Coast! 🙂
We have been researching for our next trip and this sounds like it was amazing!!! So happy you got to relax and enjoy!
Beautiful hotel, delicious food and the beach! Sounds like the perfect layover before and after your cruise! Can’t wait to read about your cruise!
Take me there!!!!! This looks amazing!
I live in Naples and have used the Ft. Lauderdale airport a couple times when flights were cheaper there. Thanks so much for the restaurant recommendations – I’ll definitely be trying these if I have some downtime there in the future 🙂
We have cruised many times. The one time we flew down the day the cruise left we almost missed the ship due to delays. We always go down the day before. We love royal carrribean- cruising them in march!
Everything looks so beautiful. I wanted you to share more. I’ve never been on a cruise before because I’m afraid of feeling trapped.
Looks amazing!! All your photos are amazing as always !! Beautiful hotel, delicious food and the this view of the beach… omg is lovely!!
Its so Nice to know you had an atonishing vacation, thanks for sharing.
I have never gone on a cruise before. Well i might go someday but not now. That resort is amazing. Just the pics alone make one to yearn to go there.
Surprisingly we’ve never done Ft. Lauderdale, even though we’re so close! This makes me want to go like tomorrow! All those restaurants are calling my name!! That Casablanca view is beautiful! And we love Rocco’s Tacos! Such a smart idea too to add a day on each end of your cruise 🙂
Everything looks amazing! Great pictures. Thanks for sharing .
Ummmm.. I want to have your exact trip! The Westin looks just divine and all of that food!?! Yum. I’m down for a ten day vacay. You’re right.. at the end of a week it’s a bit like, uugh I just got here. Ten days is definitely the way to go if possible.
Amazing! I loved looking at all of your pictures- what a fantastic vacation!
Oh wow your camera takes STUNNING photos! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Wonderful photos. I love cruises, makes traveling quite enjoyable and fun.
I love the thought of a cruise, going to sleep in one place and waking up somewhere completely different. It’s not something that Ive ever had the chance to do though…yet. Thought the rooms would be more cramped but yours actually looks quite spacious. glad you had a great time!
After viewing your pictures and reading your post, I know officially wish I was at the beach more than I already did before, anndddd I’m starving and craving a cocktail. At 9:30 in the morning lol
WOW! The pictures are all so beautiful. <3
The Casablanca cafe looks awesome.
Looks like you had a great time.
Beautiful photos and i’m so envious of you. My parents just came back from a cruise and told me it was amazing!!
I’ve only been to Fort Lauderdale once and it was an FBLA conference when I was in high school. I’d love to go back as an adult. The food looks delicious!
Everything seems amazing lovely post x