Champagne Sunset Cruise Fort Lauderdale: Spirit of Lauderdale Catamaran Review
There are sunset cruises, and then there's watching the sun drop into the Atlantic from the net deck of a sailing catamaran with a glass of champagne in hand. The Spirit of Lauderdale champagne cruise is Fort Lauderdale's most romantic two-hour boat experience — small enough to feel personal, scenic enough to impress even locals, and the only sunset cruise here that actually raises sails on the open ocean. Here's the complete rundown of what to expect. (Comparing options? See all Fort Lauderdale sunset cruises we cover on our homepage.)
About This Activity
Up to 24h in advance — full refund
Book today, pay nothing until later
Intracoastal + Atlantic Ocean
Complimentary glass on the return
Sails go up on the Atlantic
Top-rated sunset cruise in Fort Lauderdale
What Makes This Cruise Different
Most Fort Lauderdale sunset cruises stay on the intracoastal the entire time — canals, mansions, the port, and back. The Spirit of Lauderdale champagne cruise does something almost no other tour offers: it heads out through Port Everglades, exits into the Atlantic Ocean, and raises the sails.
That detail changes the entire experience. Once the catamaran clears the port channel, the intracoastal traffic drops away and you're on open water with the horizon ahead and Fort Lauderdale Beach behind you. The hull pitches gently, the sails fill, and the sun is setting directly over the ocean. It's a noticeably different atmosphere from a sheltered canal cruise.
The Spirit of Lauderdale is a purpose-built sailing catamaran with a wide, stable platform, a shaded bar and lounge area amidships, restrooms on board, and a bow net deck — the flat mesh trampoline stretched between the two hulls where you can lie face-down and watch the water pass underneath you. It's the best seat on the boat for photos and the most popular spot once the sails go up.
The Route: What You'll See
The 2-hour cruise covers three distinct stretches of water, each with its own character:
- Millionaires Row intracoastal — narrated pass of some of Fort Lauderdale's most extravagant waterfront estates, mega-yachts, and private docks. The guide points out notable properties and gives context on the neighborhood.
- Port Everglades channel — one of the world's busiest cargo and cruise-ship ports. You motor through the main channel with container ships and Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships visible at close range — oddly photogenic.
- Atlantic Ocean — the catamaran exits the port and heads east. Sails go up, speed drops, and the boat settles into an easy reaching angle. This is where the golden-hour light is best for photos and where most guests gravitate to the bow net.
The return trip brings the complimentary champagne toast — distributed as the catamaran heads back west with the lit-up Fort Lauderdale skyline ahead.
What's Included and What to Know About the Bar
The ticket price includes one complimentary glass of champagne served on the return leg. Beyond that, there's a cash bar on board with beer and wine at $5 each — bring cash or a card. Light snacks are available for a nominal cost.
| Champagne | 1 complimentary glass per person (return leg) |
| Beer / Wine | $5 each at the cash bar |
| Light snacks | Available on board — nominal cost |
| Outside alcohol | Not permitted — no exceptions |
| Glass bottles | Not permitted on board |
| Coolers | Not permitted — leave at the hotel |
The no-outside-alcohol rule is enforced. Don't try to sneak wine aboard — it won't make it past the check-in kiosk and there's no storage for it dockside.
Meeting Point and Check-In
The meeting point is 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale — look for the Tropical Sailing kiosk inside the Market Deli. Arrive 45 to 60 minutes before your departure time. This isn't bureaucratic padding: the kiosk is tucked inside a deli, the dock is a short walk from check-in, and groups need time to board and get settled before departure.
Parking is available nearby. The area is straightforward to reach by rideshare — set your drop-off to "Bahia Mar Marina, 801 Seabreeze Blvd" for the most accurate result.
How the 2 Hours Unfold
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0:00
Check in at Tropical Sailing kiosk
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0:15
Depart from Spirit of Lauderdale dock
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0:30
Millionaires Row narration
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0:50
Port Everglades channel
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1:00
Out to the Atlantic — sails go up
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1:20
Sunset on open water
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1:45
Return and champagne toast
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2:00
Back at dock
Where to Find the Boat
Who This Trip Is (and Isn't) For
This cruise is the best fit for couples, small groups of friends, and anyone who specifically wants the sailing-on-the-ocean experience. The catamaran is stable and wide, which makes it less rolly than a monohull, but the Atlantic section does have open-ocean motion — different from the glassy intracoastal.
- Couples and anniversary trips — romantic atmosphere, smaller crowd than the party boats
- First-time visitors to Fort Lauderdale who want to see Millionaires Row, the port, and the ocean in one cruise
- Anyone who wants actual sailing (sails up, not just a motor boat with a mast)
- Guests who appreciate the champagne toast as a small but memorable moment
Not suited for
Be honest with yourself before booking:
- Anyone prone to seasickness — the Atlantic portion has real open-ocean wave motion; take medication (Dramamine, Bonine) before boarding
- Guests who want to bring their own drinks — outside alcohol and glass bottles are not permitted, full stop
- Travelers looking for a party/dancing atmosphere — this is a scenic, relaxed cruise with calypso music, not a floating nightclub
- Guests wanting to bring very young children (under 30 lbs) without their own USCG-certified life jacket
What to bring
- Motion sickness medication if you're sensitive — take it before you board, not after
- A light layer or wrap — it gets breezy once the sails go up on the Atlantic
- Camera or phone with a decent camera — the golden-hour light on the ocean is exceptional
- Cash or card for bar purchases ($5 beer/wine)
- Valid ID — required to purchase alcohol at the bar
- Casual, flat shoes — no high heels on the boat deck
Not allowed on board
- Outside alcohol of any kind
- Glass bottles
- Large coolers
Champagne Sunset Cruise Fort Lauderdale — FAQ
What champagne do you get on the cruise?
One complimentary glass of champagne is served per guest on the return leg of the cruise — typically a sparkling wine or prosecco-style pour. It's a single glass per person, included in the price, served as the catamaran heads back toward the marina with the city lights in view. If you want more drinks during the cruise, the cash bar offers beer and wine at $5 each. See all Fort Lauderdale sunset cruises we cover for comparison with other options.
Does the catamaran go out to the ocean?
Yes — this is one of the few Fort Lauderdale sunset cruises that exits through Port Everglades into the Atlantic Ocean. Once clear of the port channel, the crew raises the sails and you're sailing on open water for roughly 40 minutes of the 2-hour cruise. Most other sunset cruises on the intracoastal do not go to the ocean at all.
Will I get seasick on the sunset catamaran cruise?
Possibly, if you're prone to motion sickness. The intracoastal section is calm and flat. The Atlantic section has genuine ocean motion — swells and chop depending on conditions. A catamaran is more stable than a monohull, but it still moves. Take Dramamine or Bonine before you board (not after you're already queasy), stay on deck in fresh air, and pick a seat midships or toward the stern. One reviewer specifically noted she took motion sickness meds and was able to fully enjoy the ocean portion — it does help significantly.
Is the champagne the only drink included?
Yes — one glass of champagne per person is the only included drink. The cash bar on board serves beer and wine at $5 each throughout the cruise. No outside alcohol is permitted, so if you want more than one drink you'll buy it on board. Budget $10–$15 per person if you plan to have a couple of drinks.
How early do I need to arrive?
Arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure. Check in at the Tropical Sailing kiosk inside Market Deli at 801 Seabreeze Blvd. The kiosk is easy to miss if you don't know to look for it, and the dock walk takes a few minutes, so arriving an hour early is the safer choice. Compare timing with other departures on our Fort Lauderdale sunset cruises page.
Can I bring kids on the catamaran sunset cruise?
Children are welcome on board. Kids 12 and under must wear a life jacket during the sailing portion on the upper decks. Life jackets are available on board for most sizes, but children under 30 lbs need to bring their own USCG-approved personal flotation device. Contact the operator directly if you have a toddler to confirm sizing before you arrive.
What Guests Say About the Champagne Cruise
It was very romantic. We laid on the net and took some nice pics. Got a free glass of champagne on the way back. I was happy that I took my motion sickness meds so I could fully enjoy the waves experience — the ocean section is the best part.
Highly recommend this champagne sunset cruise! Justin was a great guide — very knowledgeable about the sites along Millionaires Row and genuinely friendly. Captain Joe was so nice too. The crew really made the trip.
Beautiful cruise — we had such a great time. The catamaran is spacious and the sunset on the open Atlantic was absolutely worth it. Would highly recommend this to anyone visiting Fort Lauderdale.
Very relaxing. Beautiful. Fun. Great crew — Captain John and First Mate Justin were competent, friendly, and clearly enjoy what they do. Met some wonderful people on board too.