Because Port Everglades is located just 3 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, you can make a seamless transfer from your plane to one of the dozens of cruise ships that dock there. You may want to stay a day or two, however, to explore Fort Lauderdale. The city once known as a party haven for spring breakers has definitely grown up: It now caters to a more sophisticated crowd that still loves to have fun.