Disney Cruise Line may begin setting sail from Ft. Lauderdale’s Port Everglades in 2022. This port would be the year-round home to one of the fleet’s ships, being Disney Cruise Line’s first year-round ship stationed outside of Port Canaveral.
It would also be the first time Disney Cruise Line sailed out of Port Everglades. Disney has only ever docked there due to storms.
Magical Cruise Company Limited (Disney Cruise Line) has requested the deal with Port Everglades, but Broward County still needs to approve it. Though they did not specify which ship would be moving to Ft. Lauderdale, Disney Cruise Line stated in a letter to Port Everglades that the ship could carry about 3,500 passengers. This would point to the Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy, which have capacities of 4,000.
“Adding Disney Cruise Line to the Port Everglades fleet, along with the Royal Caribbean Group and Carnival Corporation, would diversify our portfolio and create a little more magic for our guests and the community,” Jonathan Daniels, chief executive and port director at Port Everglades, said in a statement.
The addition of Disney Cruise Line to Port Everglades would create new jobs and generate tourism for Broward County. The deal will be discussed at the county commission meeting on May 18.
Disney Cruise Line has been sailing seasonally from PortMiami since 2012 but that contract expires in April 2024, indicating Port Everglades may be a viable replacement. The fleet’s newest ship, Disney Wish, will be setting from Port Canaveral next year.
Source: Orlando Sentinel