Port Everglades is consistently ranked as one of the three busiest cruise ports in the world with more than 3.8 million passengers in 2016. Dubbed South Florida’s “powerhouse port,” as it continues to grow it attracts more upscale cruise ships and brings added economic development to the City of Hollywood.
The major $114 million complete makeover is currently taking place at Terminal 25, which will continue to be a preferential berth for Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCCL), as part of a long-term agreement approved unanimously by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.
Royal Caribbean, which owns Celebrity Cruises, is expected to introduce Celebrity Edge at Port Everglades on Dec. 16, 2018. The project is currently in the design phase.
“The idea is to modernize the terminal so that it meets the aesthetics of the Celebrity, a new ship for the cruise industry,” said Ellen Kennedy, a spokesperson for Port Everglades. “The project will mean an expanded luggage area, a VIP reception area and other upgrades.”
Port Everglades is considered a turnaround port, so it’s good at getting passengers in and out quickly and efficiently. “Celebrity is building a new class of ships and we are honored they are choosing Port Everglades for their rollout,” Kennedy said.
The port stays very busy. Following the Celebrity Edge’s arrival to Port Everglades, Holland America’s new ship Nieuw Statendam, will makes its debut at the port on Dec. 19, 2018.
This season, some interesting new developments at the Port include the introduction of ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises’ Silver Muse. It will arrive Oct. 12 and set sail on Oct. 13. Also, Crystal Cruises will introduce two new ships in October, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, and sail throughout the season.
Slated for summer docking, four ships will embark from Port Everglades. They include: Carnival Conquest, Caribbean Princess, Allure of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas. With more ships at the Port there will be more cruise passengers. Many of them will be looking for Hollywood restaurants and hotels for food and lodging as they make their way to, and from, the cruiseships.