Port Everglades has once again made waves in the cruise industry by surpassing its own record, with a preliminary count of 4,010,919 passengers embarking and disembarking during Fiscal Year 2024, which ended on September 30, 2024.
This significant milestone reflects a 39% increase in cruise passenger numbers and a 23% rise in cruise ship calls compared to the previous fiscal year, as the industry continues to bounce back strongly from the pandemic.
Adding Disney Cruise Line to its roster played a crucial role in this record-breaking achievement. According to Joseph Morris, CEO and Port Director, “We expected to do well with the addition of Disney Cruise Line to our fleet and a mix of short and week-long cruises throughout the summer. As the year progressed, it became evident that a near-record 4 million guests was within reach.” The increase in cruise demand was bolstered by diverse itineraries and a variety of sailing options that attracted a broad spectrum of travelers to Port Everglades.
Although the port’s previous record was set in Fiscal Year 2014 with 3,880,033 guests, it took 887 cruise ship calls to achieve this. In contrast, the new record was reached with just 648 ship calls, thanks to the deployment of larger vessels by cruise lines. This shift highlights the industry trend toward accommodating more passengers per voyage, a strategy that has allowed Port Everglades to break its passenger record with fewer ships.
Port Everglades anticipates that this record won’t last long, with expectations to welcome an estimated 4.4 million passengers during Fiscal Year 2025. As cruise lines introduce new itineraries and sailing dates, the port is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years.
Port Everglades remains a key player in the global cruise market, catering to the growing demand for cruise vacations with a versatile mix of short and long voyages. The recent surge in passenger numbers underscores the port’s role in facilitating the recovery of the cruise industry and meeting the high demand from travelers eager to explore new destinations by sea.
