Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is one of the world’s busiest ports and the homeport for many Caribbean cruises, including your Escape with Effy charter. With Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport just three miles away, and the high-speed Brightline train connecting to Miami and West Palm Beach, it’s one of the most convenient cruise ports for both arrival and departure.
If you’re flying in early or extending your stay, this South Florida beach town offers much to explore. Often called the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale is laced with canals, marinas, and waterfront restaurants that set a relaxed coastal tone. A quick ride from the port brings you to Las Olas Boulevard, a walkable strip of boutiques, galleries, rooftop lounges, and waterfront cafés. Hop on a water taxi, ride the Sun Trolley, or bike through the city with Broward B-cycle — Las Olas is easy to explore by wheels or water. Or head straight for the famous sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach to stroll the palm-lined promenade, relax in a lounger, and grab a bite at a beachfront restaurant.
Cultural highlights include the NSU Art Museum, the Historic Stranahan House, and Bonnet House Museum & Gardens — a 35-acre oceanfront estate that offers a glimpse of 1920s Florida. For outdoor adventure, take a guided airboat tour through the Everglades, or kayak the mangroves of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Shoppers will find high-end designers at The Galleria and outlet steals at Sawgrass Mills, a few miles inland but worth the drive.
Whether you’re sailing out or returning home, Port Everglades makes every step feel seamless. With the sun overhead and palm trees lining the streets and beaches, vacation vibes start the moment you arrive.
On the southern tip of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, Princess Cays is a private beach resort owned by Princess Cruises, offering a laid-back escape surrounded by a Caribbean paradise. While technically part of a larger island, this secluded 40-acre oasis feels more like a tiny beach town, with palm-lined pathways, open-air bars, and water activities just steps from the shoreline, spanning more than a mile and a half.
Reserve a clamshell cabana or private bungalow for the day, sip rum punch by the surf, or float on water mats and aqua chairs. Protected swimming areas line both the north and south beaches. Curious walkers can wander inland for views of salt ponds or browse the local market for straw goods and shell jewelry handmade by Bahamian artisans.
Prefer fins to flip-flops? Gear up on a snorkel boat out to the reef to swim with damselfish, sea fans, and maybe a stingray or two. Hop in a clear‑bottom kayak to tour the mangrove lagoon, or onto a paddleboard for a balancing challenge gliding over calm waters. Catch a ride on a banana boat and pedal around on an aqua bike to add a little splash to the day.
Lunch is served beach-barbecue-style, with jerk chicken, ribs, burgers, and plenty of tropical fruit — with reggae and calypso setting the mood. Don’t leave without ascending to the top of the observation tower for panoramic views of the coastline — just the right spot for pano shots and post-worthy selfies.
Whether you’re wading into the shallows or exploring the edges, Princess Cays is an easygoing port day that mixes Bahamian flavor with pure barefoot freedom.
It’s all yours on this Escape with Effy charter cruise.
Just six miles long, the island of Grand Turk is home to the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Cockburn Town, where your ship will dock. This compact Caribbean cruise port is packed with historic charm and ocean adventure. You’ll start just steps from the soft white sand, pastel shops, and lively Grand Turk Cruise Center — one of the easiest harbors to explore right off the pier.
Wander through Cockburn Town for a look at colonial-era architecture, including the 19th-century lighthouse and old salt warehouses that speak to the island’s former trade. Take a short stroll along Front and Duke Streets for local food stands and quiet oceanfront views, or visit the National Museum for exhibits on Lucayan artifacts and the 1962 splashdown of astronaut John Glenn’s Mercury space capsule just offshore.
Grand Turk is globally known for its incredible underwater wonder: The Grand Turk Wall. It begins about 300 yards offshore and plunges from roughly 40 feet to more than 7,000 feet, creating a coral-covered cliff teeming with marine life. Scuba, snorkel, or stay dry on a glass-bottom boat to glimpse angelfish, turtles, and spotted eagle rays. This Caribbean cruise port also gives access to the uninhabited Gibbs Cay, where stingrays glide past in clear shallows.
Looking for something breezier? Kick back with a local Turk's Head beer and ocean air. And definitely take time to savor the local conch.
From historical walks to reef-side thrills, Grand Turk offers a laid-back blend of past and present, all yours to explore on this Escape with Effy charter cruise.
Just a short jaunt from Florida’s east coast, the Bahamas’ dazzling chain of 700+ islands is celebrated for jewel-toned turquoise waters visible from space. Nestled in this tropical paradise, Freeport offers a unique gateway to the natural and cultural treasures of Grand Bahama, a popular port on Caribbean cruise vacations.
Discover Freeport by foot, bike, or a scenic drive through its vibrant neighborhoods and natural landscapes. A stroll through Port Lucaya Marketplace reveals colorful local shops, authentic Bahamian crafts, and live entertainment that captures the rhythm of island life. History buffs can visit the historic Cooper’s Castle, a hilltop estate offering sweeping views and fascinating stories of the island's past.
Nature lovers will find endless opportunities for adventure. Explore the underwater wonders of Deadman’s Reef, one of the Bahamas’ most famous snorkeling spots, or hike the lush Heritage Trail, encountering native bird species. Bike along the shoreline and stop at Garden of the Grove — a serene oasis filled with waterfalls and winding paths through tropical plants.
For a culinary treat, savor freshly prepared conch salad, grilled lobster, or snapper paired with a refreshing Bahamian cocktail.
From its peaceful beaches to its vibrant marketplaces and stunning underwater reefs, Freeport offers a distinct mix of experiences. With your Escape with Effy charter cruise, this Bahamian gem becomes more than a destination — it’s a highlight of the journey.
Princess Cruise Lines
