We are flying into Ft. Lauderdale Christmas night and can't decide if we want to stay there or drive a bit down to Key Largo. Kids are 11, 14 & 15. If the weather is too cool to swim, will the kids get bored in Key Largo? Should I split it up and spend 2 days in each? Also, has anyone taken the one day cruise to the Bahamas that leaves out of Ft. Lauderdale. Considering that for one day. Thanks, Mike

if your thinking about staying on Largo exclusivley (not traveling to other keys) then stick with Lauderdale. can't think of much to do in Largo except go to Penekamp st. park....but it might be to cold for that.

I have taken the cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to the Bahamas, on both Discovery and Sea Escape (don't know if that is still around) and would never do it again. Remember, this is just a 4 hour cruise that serves merely to take as many people as possible to Freeport. The ship is packed. If you don't stake out some piece of empty space by the pool as soon as you board, forget it. There were times that finding an empty space to sit anywhere was difficult. Of course, you can spend the money and purchase a cabin for the journey. The food is mediocre at best. This is just my opinion, but Freeport is the most boring place on earth. You certainly won't get a sense of what the Bahamas is really like. I say save your money.

Hi Mike:
I have not been to Key Largo yet, but I love Ft. Lauderdale! There is a really nice Space and Science Museum with an IMAZ theatre that the kids should enjoy. There is a Swimming Hall of Fame. And Don't forget the curise on the Jungle Queen. Forget about the cruise to the Bahamas. I lot of wasted time as far I was concerned. Not a nice place. I was very sorry I had taken it and could not wait to get back to Ft. Lauderdale. Miami is just a few mile south. Might be fun for the kids and you. Have a great time!
log onto www.fortlauderdale.com lots of neat stuff!

Mike:
Much as I like the Keys (and I disagree that there isn't much to do in Key Largo, just compared to the other Keys, well....) I think for that short a stay Ft. Lauderdale will interest the kids the most. Also, I worked on one of the Ft. Laud to Bahamas cruises and tend to agree with what Ilisa said. Unless you enjoy gambling, there isn't much you can do on the ship or in the Bahamas that you can't do in Fort Lauderdale.