Fort Lauderdale Offers the Best in Pre-Cruise Shopping

One of the most popular pastimes on every cruise vacation (or any vacation, for that matter) is shopping, but passengers arriving early for cruises from Fort Lauderdale don't have to wait to embark on their ship to shop. While enjoying a day or two of pre-cruise fun, thry can also indulge in some retail therapy at Sawgrass Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in the U.S. No car? No problem. A recently launched shuttle service has an added convenience for visitors staying at Fort Lauderdale Beach hotels.

Shoppers can take advantage of the Sawgrass Mills Shuttle for $15 one-way or $25 roundtrip per person (payable by credit cards, cash, or travelers checks). The shuttle, which will operate between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday and between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Sunday, will transport guests to and from Sawgrass Mills three times daily. Shoppers can pick up the shuttle at participating area hotels, including The Atlantic Resort & Spa, B Ocean, Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach, Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale, Harbor Beach Marriott®, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale, and W Fort Lauderdale. Take note that you are not required to be a guest of one of the participating hotels in order to take advantage of the shuttle service.

Locals and visitors alike have long considered Sawgrass Mills to be the place to shop with savings on everything under the sun from fashion apparel and home accessories, to electronics, sporting goods and toys. A recent luxury retail expansion has brought several first-in-market designer brands to Sawgrass Mills, including Diane von Furstenberg, Gucci, Prada, and Robert Graham, with outlet locations from Versace, Roberto Cavalli, and more coming soon. Other popular retailers offering everyday savings of up to 70% include Banana Republic Factory Store, Bloomingdale's-The Outlet Store, Coach Factory Store, Coach Mens Factory, The Disney Character Warehouse, LACOSTE Outlet, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, The LEGO Store, Nike Factory Store, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, and electronic superstore BrandsMart USA, as well as outlet locations from St. John, Michael Kors and Tory Burch.

Sawgrass Mills' unique brand of shopping also offers a variety of family-friendly dining and entertainment. With eight full-service restaurants, such as a new prototype from California Pizza Kitchen, The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Grand Lux Café, Villagio and Rainforest Café, plus two food courts there is something to satisfy every palate. Family entertainment abounds with a 23-screen cinema and IMAX, GAMEROOM, billiards, a children's carousel, and more.

For additional convenience and to avoid lugging your purchases around, Sawgrass Mills also now provides SHOP N DROP, an in-mall bag storage and shipping program. Out-of-town shoppers have the option to check their bags to the airport, store their purchases in a secure location to shop hands-free, or ship all merchandise to their final destination from Sawgrass Mills. Shipping fees vary based on the weight and final destination.

For more information, visit TheOfficialSawgrassShuttle.com or call the Sawgrass Mills Transportation Desk at 954-838-1039.