Cruise and Stay

Cruise and Stay for the Best South Florida Music and Art Festivals

South Florida has long been a hotspot for the world’s most talented artists of the stage and canvas. If you’re thinking about taking a cruise from one of the area’s ports, then you might consider coming early or staying a few days after to really explore everything South Florida has to offer. A cruise and stay is the perfect vacation for those looking to spend a few nights in the area at top-rated hotels in Miami and Fort Lauderdale while checking out all the awesome music and art. With so much to do, even just one day in town probably isn’t enough.

Planning a Cruise and Stay? Here are the Best Events!

Art Basel

Art Basel in Miami | Photo: Art Basel

Since 2002, Miami has been home to one of the world’s most recognized modern art festivals; Art Basel. What began decades ago in Switzerland now has international clout and the event on Miami Beach draws thousands of artists and visitors from all over the world. An explosion of color and imagination, Art Basel Miami guests often stay at world renowned hotels like the Hilton Bentley Miami Beach, a luxury hotel in the SoFi neighborhood. 

Those cruising from Fort Lauderdale should consider The Diplomat Beach Resort, a newly imagined legend of South Florida comfort and relaxation.The Diplomat affords convenience as well as comfort. The Brightline express train service can have you in downtown Miami in about 30 minutes.

The Penthouse Pool at Hilton Bentley Miami Beach

Riptide Music Festival

Great music just steps from the ocean | Photo: Riptide Music Festival

If jamming out is your thing, there’s no better place to listen to the hottest artists of today and more than at Riptide Music Festival on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Lasting for three days, the festival brings in some of music’s top names and features the Underground Village, an area with pop up concerts, art installations, wine tastings and more. Cruisers should plan ahead to experience this fun and family friendly even before or after their cruise vacation from Fort Lauderdale. The event is pretty much in the front yard of the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach, a top hotel in the area. Staying there offers the best convenience and it’s a great way to start or end your cruise vacation. In the mornings before the music starts, enjoy the fitness center or tennis courts before lunch by the pool.

Aerial view of the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach

South Beach Food & Wine Festival

South Beach Food & Wine Festival | Photo: Food Network

If eating well is on your agenda, book your cruise before or after the South Beach Food & Wine Festival. The five day event takes Miami Beach by storm as the world’s top chefs and sommeliers gather to celebrate the best in food and wine culture. There’s something for everyone as you can wine and dine your way across the entirety of Miami Beach thanks to tastings, demonstrations, brunches, lunches, kid-friendly events and much more. Stay close to all the action when you room at The Gates Hotel South Beach. The hotel is just a short walk from the incredible restaurants of Española Way, Miami’s historic Spanish Village. From arepas to ceviche, the latin flavors of Miami are here in droves. The festival has expanded to include CRAVE Greater Fort Lauderdale, so there are even more opportunities to taste South Florida like never before. 

If you’re looking for a great place to relax and unwind in between meals, staying at an exclusive beachside hotel like the Hilton Cabana Miami Beach is your best bet. Located just north of Mid-Beach, the hotel features stunning views of the ocean and fabulous modern amenities. You don’t have to go far for unique flavors, the Executive Chef at Hilton Cabana Miami Beach makes his own finishing salt to season impossibly fresh, local seafood dishes at Salinity Restaurant.  

Cruise and Stay

Relax by the pool at Hilton Cabana Miami Beach

Tortuga Music Festival

Cruise and Stay

A view of the crowd | Photo: Tortuga Music Festival

For country music lovers heading out on a cruise vacation from Miami or Fort Lauderdale, you have to plan your trip around Tortuga Music Festival. Located on picturesque Fort Lauderdale Beach, Tortuga is a three day festival with multiple stages hosting some of the biggest country music stars of today. If you’re heading out on a cruise and want to catch the show, there’s no better place to stay than the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina. Located only 2 miles from the beach and literally across the street from Port Everglades, it makes embarkation or disembarkation day as hassle free as possible.

Known as the Venice of America, Fort Lauderdale’s intracoastal waterway allows for water taxi travel all over town, including to Tortuga, meaning you cruise right by all the traffic! Enjoy a dip in the hotel’s heated swimming pool or a stop at the lounge bar before heading to the venue or your ship!

Cruise and Stay

Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina | Photo: Hilton Hotels & Resorts