Late flight after cruise in Fort Lauderdale

[FandMCruisers]

Our flight does not leave Fort Lauderdale airport until 7:00 p.m. after our cruise.  We were planning on renting a car, but the cruiseport rental agencies all close by 2:00.  The rental agencies are much cheaper at the airport, but what is the best way for my family of 4 and our luggage to get to the airport to rent a car?  Any suggestons on what to do with our day in Fort Lauderdale would be helpful too.  The ship excursions all return by 1:00 so that is not a good option.  Our children are ages 17 and 8.  

[FOPMan]

The Fort Lauderdale airport is 5 minutes from the Port Everglades' Eller Drive exit. It's literally one right turn, going through a loop turn, and bearing right into the airport a minute or so later.

 

You can likely set up a one way rental, picking up from a Port Everglades location and returning to the airport. Or use a ride share to get to the airport locations.

 

For the day, you could explore Fort Lauderdale on the Water Taxi ( If you have Jeremy as your captain, say "Hi!"). You can explore mangroves in canoes or kayaks at Anne Kolb Nature Center. If you end up with a rainy day, the Museum of Discovery and Science is a good option.

[9tee2Sea]

I once did an Everglades post cruise shore excursion with a drop off at the airport ( cant remember if drop off was at FLL but I think it was).  Fun tour on those air boats.  Saw alligators, birds. Nice relaxing way to spend the afternoon before going to the airport.

[gqboy1]

I am in the same boat and looking forward to additional suggestions.

[happy42cruise]

There are hotels that rent either a room or just a day pass to use their facilities thru a few different companies.  I used either Resort Pass or Dayuse.com (don't really remember) but check into those.  You could just taxi or ride share to a hotel & then to the airport.  I'm not sure if any have airport shuttles.  The other thought is having 1 of you Uber or Lyft or Taxi to the airport & rent from there then loop back to pick you & everyone else up with your luggage.  There really are some good options out there.  Good luck & have fun!

[nhraformula00]

Any hotel close to the port will hold your luggage for $5. Pick it back up when your ready to head to the airport. Done this plenty of times when having a late flight. So many people over think this.

[gqboy1]

11 hours ago, nhraformula00 said:

Any hotel close to the port will hold your luggage for $5. Pick it back up when your ready to head to the airport. Done this plenty of times when having a late flight. So many people over think this.

$5 per luggage?

[Midwest Sunseeker]

Many cruise lines offer a Luggage Direct program for a small fee.   You put your luggage outside your door the night before and don’t see it again till your home airport.  We always use this service when offered regardless of our flight time.  Please note the only drawback we have ever experienced is you must get off the ship early and can’t be the last ones off the ship.  You should also keep in mind when that many airlines do not let you check in luggage early and go through TSA.  Check your checked luggage times for your airline here on CC if you go early.  

[nhraformula00]

$ 5 total.