Transforming Port Everglades’ Cruise Terminal 4 into a 2nd home for DCL-Disney Cruise Line received the green light on Tuesday, April 5, as the Broward County Commission (BCC) approved Bermello, Ajamil & Partners, Inc. for design/consulting services.
Improvements to Port Everglades Cruise Terminal 4 and the adjacent berth will commence once the interior/exterior designs are complete. The project must be completed by the fall of 2023 when Disney sets sail for the first time from Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale (Florida USA).
Adding Port Everglades as a 2nd homeport gives DCL a dedicated terminal in a market with direct highway access and one of the fastest-growing airports in the nation, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
DCL’s original homeport is Port Canaveral/Orlando, in Central Florida.
The family-favorite cruise company is bringing its magic to the cruise port of Broward County under a 15-year partnership including one vessel to be homeported in Port Everglades year-round beginning in fall 2023, joined by a 2nd, seasonal liner in 2025. The agreement supports 1,111 direct local jobs generating US$31.6 million in wages and US$12.3 million in state/local taxes, according to a study by maritime research company Martin Associates.
Port Everglades’ location in the heart of South Florida and the neighboring Caribbean, makes it one of the world's 3 busiest cruise ports, typically hosting ~4 million passengers annually.