Disney Cruise Line reaches deal with Port Everglades

Disney Cruise Line will base two ships in Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades, with one vessel sailing year-round starting in fall 2023 and a second seasonal ship joining in 2025.

Disney and the Broward County Commission agreed to a 15-year partnership that requires a minimum of 10.6 million passenger movements. Three 5-year options could add another 11.25 million. 

Travel Weekly reported in July that fast-growing Disney Cruise Line, which will welcome three new ships through 2025 (starting with the Disney Wish in June 2022) was in discussions with the port to base a ship year-round in Fort Lauderdale. 

“As we expand our fleet of ships and introduce innovative new cruise experiences, we couldn’t be more pleased to bring the magic of Disney to Port Everglades,” said Disney Cruise Line president Thomas Mazloum. “With a dedicated, specially designed cruise terminal for our guests, we look forward to creating magical memories starting the moment they arrive at this exciting new homeport.”

Disney said that adding Port Everglades as a second Florida homeport gives it a foothold in a market with one of the nation’s fastest-growing airports, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

“Disney is a big name that will bring big business to Broward County,” said Broward County mayor Michael Udine. “We welcome everyone under the sun, and Disney Cruise Line is an excellent fit for our inclusive, family-friendly destination.

Disney has a custom-designed terminal at Port Canaveral, a cruise port that is a gateway to Disney World in Orlando. The Disney Wish will sail from Port Canaveral when it enters service next summer.

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