Disney Cruise Line to sail from Port Everglades
Disney Cruise Line is coming to South Florida.
The family-focused cruise operator will begin sailing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale for the first time in the fall of 2023.
The Broward County Commission approved a plan for Port Everglades Terminal 4 to be redesigned and opened, as the second home port for Disney Cruise Line. The line’s original home port is at Port Canaveral.
“Disney is known for its remarkable creativity worldwide. I’m sure this new terminal will reflect the magical Disney experience for travelers. We are certainly very happy ... that Disney Cruise Line will be sailing from our Port Everglades,” Broward County Mayor Michael Udine said in a statement.
Disney is entering a 15-year partnership at Port Everglades. The cruise line will have one ship based in Fort Lauderdale year-round starting next fall. It will be joined by a second ship seasonally in 2025.
Broward County officials said the agreement with Disney will result in 1,111 local jobs, generating $31.6 million in wages and $12.3 million in state and local taxes, according to a study from Martin Associates, a maritime research group.
Architecture engineering firm Bermello, Ajamil & Partners Inc. will be in charge of design and consulting services for the interior and exterior improvements of the port’s Terminal 4 for Disney Cruise Line.
“Our seaport construction staff has been working closely with teams of ‘Imagineers’ and other creative groups to brainstorm designs and ideas to maximize guest flow and efficiency. I am excited to see the final product,” said Jonathan Daniels, Port Everglades chief executive, using Disney’s word for the people that design and build Disney theme parks and attractions.
Broward County officials also noted how the Disney terminal will contribute to the county’s growing tourism portfolio. With fast-growing Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport just a couple of miles from Port Everglades, it is an increasingly popular cruising destination.
This story was originally published April 7, 2022 at 5:15 PM.