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Port Everglades inaugurates new Disney cruise terminal

Disney Cruise Line's new home at Port Everglades, with a 'Finding Nemo' theme, was inaugurated Monday by Disney, port and Broward County officials.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

November 13, 2023

3 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

'The grand opening of our new dedicated terminal is an incredible milestone as we embark on the largest expansion in our cruise line’s history,' said Sharon Siskie, SVP and general manager of Disney Cruise Line, adding that travelers will have more options to 'experience the magic of a Disney vacation at sea.'

104,000-square-foot terminal

Once families arrive to Cruise Terminal 4 to embark on their voyage, they will dive into the world of Disney and Pixar’s 'Finding Nemo,' with some of their favorite friends from the film displayed on colorful murals. The more than 104,000-square-foot facility was reimagined by Walt Disney Imagineering for Disney cruisers. 

Bermello Ajamil & Partners provided terminal design and consulting services.

CRUISE Port Everglades Disney terminal interior

Cruise Terminal 4 now has a 'Finding Nemo' theme

This becomes Disney's second year-round home, following Port Canaveral

Adding a new dimension

'Disney Cruise Line is adding a new dimension to the Port Everglades experience,' CEO and Port Director Jonathan Daniels said. 'Our staff is looking forward to this new journey with Disney Cruise Line and further diversifying our cruise portfolio to reach a broader audience.'

Broward County Mayor Lamar P. Fisher also attended the grand opening celebration, along with federal, state and local leaders, and said, 'Dream vacations start here in Broward County. The addition of Disney Cruise Line in our community provides travelers with more vacation options at Port Everglades, while boosting our local economy and creating more than 1,100 direct local jobs.'

CRUISE Port Everglades Disney terminal inaugural

From left, Broward County Mayor Lamar Fisher, Disney Cruise Line GM Sharon Siskie, Capt. Mickey and Capt. Minnie; Thomas Mazloum, president, New Experiences Portfolio and Disney Signature Experiences; Broward County Administrator Monica Cepero and Port Everglades CEO/Port Director Jonathan Daniels

Disney announced new community investments in Junior Achievement South Florida and Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. These donations will support a variety of initiatives, including programs that inspire career exploration, innovation and storytelling. 

'Being a good steward in the port communities where Disney Cruise Line operates is so important to us,' Siskie said. ' ... Collaboration with these organizations will also provide Disney Cruise Line cast and crew, both on land and at sea, with the opportunity to volunteer as mentors and engage with local students through various educational programs.'

Maritime industry education

The line's donation to Junior Achievement of South Florida will support the JA Career Bound and JA Pre-Apprenticeship programs, including a special marine service technician track that educates students about the maritime industry, marine basics and engine fundamentals.

Disney Dream arrives soon

Disney Dream is scheduled to begin sailing from Port Everglades Nov. 20, followed by Disney Magic on May 9, 2024, offering a mix of three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean.  

Disney and Broward County previously reached a 15-year agreement that includes a minimum 10.6m passenger movements, and three five-year extension options that could add another 11.25m passenger movements. The agreement provides for one ship to homeport at Everglades year-round beginning this fall, joined by a second, seasonal ship in 2025.  

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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