Sponsored By

Royal Caribbean extends Port Everglades user agreement

Royal Caribbean Group's terminal and berth user agreement at Port Everglades was extended into 2030 at the same terms while discussions continue about any changes.

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

October 11, 2024

1 Min Read
The location of Cruise Terminal 29 is shown at the bottom of the map, center rightMAP: PORT EVERGLADES

This extension, through Sept. 30, 2030, also provides the cruise operator with a second option term for an additional five years. Port Everglades and Royal Caribbean Group are also exploring facility upgrades for Cruise Terminal 29.

Early extension

While the company is only required to provide six months' advance notice to extend the term, it's already been opening 2026/27 cruises for sale and wanted to ensure it has full-season berthing. Royal Caribbean also wished to hold off negotiating new minimum passenger guarantees since plans for Terminal 29's redevelopment will play into that.

Upgrades to serve more modern ships

The southernmost cruise berth at Port Everglades has challenges as the 'first in, last out' terminal. Facility upgrades would address its ability to serve more modern ships from Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises, and the port's channel deepening and widening project is key to that.

Royal Caribbean Group has been homeporting ships at Everglades for 25 years.

CEO/Port Director Joseph Morris thanked the Broward County Board of Commissioners for 'helping us move forward on our commitment to attract and retain customers like Royal Caribbean Group that provide a substantial lift to our local economy.'

Related:Port Everglades cruise perspectives: A chat with new director Joseph Morris

Economic impact

According to an analysis by national maritime economic consultancy Martin Associates, the extended agreement will boost the local economy to the tune of $581.9m in business revenue annually through increased cruise activity from 2027 to 2030. The port will welcome at least 1.3m passengers annually and 355 ship calls each year.

This would support 4,095 jobs in the region annually, including 1,829 direct local jobs, 1,221 indirect jobs and 1,046 induced jobs.

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.

The latest cruise news, analysis and more straight to your inbox
Get the free newsletter read by industry experts

You May Also Like