Port Everglades is marking a record-breaking cruise season with more than 4.7 million passengers in Fiscal Year 2025, while simultaneously welcoming three brand-new ships and unveiling key infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving travel access and efficiency.
Located in Broward County, Florida, Port Everglades announced that the 2025 cruise year — which began October 1, 2024 — will feature the arrival of three new ships: Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Xcel, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Destiny, and Princess Cruises’ Star Princess. These additions, alongside new transportation and convention facilities, underscore the port’s role as one of the leading cruise hubs in the United States.
New ships redefine cruising from Fort Lauderdale
The three incoming ships highlight the industry’s continued growth in Fort Lauderdale and the wider Caribbean market. Each vessel introduces new technology, design, and sustainability features, reflecting broader trends across the cruise industry toward innovation and environmental responsibility.
Princess Cruises’ Star Princess, the company’s second Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)–powered Sphere-class ship, will begin her inaugural season from Port Everglades on November 7, 2025. The 4,300-passenger vessel and her sister ship, Sun Princess, will both homeport at Port Everglades this year. Star Princess will feature The Dome, the first geodesic dome at sea, and The Sphere, a glass-enclosed piazza designed to serve as the centerpiece of the ship.
Disney Cruise Line will debut the Disney Destiny on November 20, 2025, for her inaugural year of four- and five-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean. The LNG-powered ship will carry up to 4,000 passengers and become the third vessel in Disney’s Wish class. Port Everglades is Disney’s second Florida homeport, operating out of its Finding Nemo–themed 104,000-square-foot Cruise Terminal 4, redesigned in 2023 by Walt Disney Imagineering for a dedicated Disney Cruise Line experience.
Meanwhile, Celebrity Cruises will name its newest Edge-class ship, the Celebrity Xcel, at Port Everglades on November 16, 2025. The 3,250-passenger vessel will include upgraded pool and spa facilities, a neon-lit arcade lounge, and the line’s first-ever Celebrity Flagship Store. All five of Celebrity’s Edge-class ships have been named at Port Everglades, further establishing the port’s ongoing relationship with the brand.
“Cruising is more popular than ever, and the cruise lines are exceeding guest expectations every time a new ship comes into the marketplace,” said Joseph Morris, Port Everglades CEO and Port Director. “The new ships that are coming to Port Everglades have more entertainment and dining options, and offer some of the latest technology with greener fuels and impressive connectivity.”
Infrastructure expansion supports tourism growth
Beyond cruise traffic, Broward County officials highlighted a series of infrastructure improvements at Port Everglades and its surrounding area, including the expansion of the Broward County Convention Center and the addition of the soon-to-open Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel. A major transportation project — the new elevated Convention Center Connector (Bypass Road) — was also completed this year to reduce congestion and improve accessibility.
The bypass road connects U.S. 1 (Federal Highway), State Road 84, and SE 17th Street directly to the Convention Center and Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, eliminating the need for vehicles to pass through port security checkpoints. The project also provides a more efficient route to beaches, cruise terminals, and nearby businesses along the 17th Street Causeway, one of Fort Lauderdale’s busiest corridors.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Broward County Commissioner Tim Ryan Furr said the new roadway will help sustain long-term regional growth. “When you look at the big picture, this connector is a crucial piece of infrastructure that will ease congestion, improve access and support the continued growth of our Convention Center district. Today is a moment to celebrate — but it’s also a moment to look ahead,” said Furr.
The improved access is expected to enhance the overall travel experience for cruise passengers, convention visitors, and local residents. Drivers can now reach shops, restaurants, and hotels more easily, while deliveries and logistics are expected to operate more smoothly in the surrounding business district.
The expansion of the convention center adds over 1.2 million square feet of event space, strengthening Fort Lauderdale’s position as a destination for both leisure and business tourism. The integration of cruise, hotel, and convention facilities aligns with Broward County’s broader strategy to create a seamless visitor experience and stimulate year-round economic activity.
Looking ahead, Port Everglades will continue expanding its fleet portfolio. Royal Caribbean announced that its third Icon-class vessel, the Legend of the Seas, will homeport at Port Everglades starting in November 2026. With a passenger capacity exceeding 5,600, it will become the largest cruise ship ever to sail from the port.
As Port Everglades breaks its previous passenger record and welcomes new ships, infrastructure, and partnerships, the developments underscore its position as a cornerstone of Florida’s cruise economy and one of the busiest maritime gateways in the world.
