Broward County’s Port Everglades has officially closed the book on a remarkable 2026 cruise season, marked by historic milestones, strategic leadership changes, and comprehensive infrastructure investments designed to accommodate surging passenger volumes and expanding cruise line partnerships. As one of the world’s leading cruise gateways, the South Florida port continues to cement its reputation as a global maritime powerhouse, balancing unprecedented guest numbers with forward-looking operational enhancements.
For the third consecutive year, Port Everglades shattered previous attendance records, welcoming more than 5.38 million cruise guests through its terminals during the 2026 calendar year. This sustained growth underscores the enduring popularity of the port as a premier departure point for travelers exploring the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and beyond. The consistent influx of millions of vacationers highlights not only the resilience of the cruise industry following years of global disruption but also the operational efficiency and strategic appeal of Port Everglades to major cruise operators and independent travelers alike.
Against the backdrop of this historic passenger milestone and following the Broward County Board of County Commissioners’ approval of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, the port has officially kicked off its new cruise season with significant internal restructuring. Effective with the start of the season in October, Martin Jackson has been appointed as the director of the newly created Cruise Services Division. Jackson previously served as the assistant director of the port’s Cruise Services Section, a role he stepped into when he initially joined Port Everglades in January 2025. During his tenure, Jackson has earned widespread recognition for his dedication to enhancing the passenger journey and streamlining port operations.
Chief Executive Officer and Port Director Joseph Morris praised Jackson’s contributions and outlined the strategic rationale behind the creation of the dedicated division. Since joining the port, Morris noted, Jackson has been a consistent champion of the guest experience, proving himself uniquely qualified to lead the newly established organizational unit. According to port leadership, this internal restructuring is specifically intended to ensure that the vital cruise business line continues to receive the focused attention, dedicated resources, and high-level support necessary to excel in a fiercely competitive global market. The new division aims to provide the superior day-to-day services expected by discerning cruise line partners and millions of cruise guests, while simultaneously laying the groundwork for sustainable future growth with both existing cruise brands and emerging market entrants.
Reflecting on his new appointment and the broader vision for the port, Jackson emphasized the core principles that will guide the Cruise Services Division moving forward. Operational consistency earns trust, both internally among staff and externally with guests and valued customers, Jackson observed, adding that continuous improvement ensures the port is always making meaningful progress and successfully moving ideas, visions, and strategic initiatives forward. The Cruise Services Division remains steadfastly committed to delivering exceptional experiences for all guests and clients who pass through the port, he affirmed.
In tandem with these leadership updates and operational alignments, Port Everglades has officially released its highly anticipated "Port Everglades 2027-28 Cruise Guide." The comprehensive publication serves as the definitive roadmap for upcoming sailings and highlights the vibrant artistic culture of South Florida. The cover of the new guide features exclusive artwork titled "Florida Paradise," created by the world-renowned artist and South Florida resident Romero Britto. Known for his iconic, vibrant pop-art style, Britto’s contribution captures the bright, welcoming spirit of the region. To celebrate the collaboration and bring the artwork into the daily experience of travelers and visitors, a large-scale print of the "Florida Paradise" artwork has been permanently installed on the southeast side of the Palm Garage, offering a striking visual welcome to everyone arriving at the port property.
The newly released guide also outlines an exciting lineup of homeporting vessels and new cruise line partnerships for the upcoming seasons. Among the most notable additions is Royal Caribbean International’s Legend of the Seas, which is scheduled to arrive at the port in November to begin homeporting for the 2027 season. Additionally, the port is set to welcome Orient Express Sailing Yachts, marking an exciting diversification into luxury yacht-style cruising. They will be joined by Crystal’s Symphony, which will also make Port Everglades its official homeport, further expanding the diverse array of luxury, premium, and contemporary cruise options available to travelers in South Florida.
In total, the current season will see Port Everglades host an impressive roster of nine distinct cruise lines operating 40 different cruise ships. This robust fleet offers vacationers an unparalleled variety of itineraries, ship sizes, and onboard experiences, reinforcing the port’s status as a versatile hub capable of handling everything from intimate luxury vessels to the world’s largest mega-ships simultaneously.
To support this massive fleet and ensure smooth passenger processing, Port Everglades has invested heavily in critical port infrastructure updates, with a primary focus on enhancements to Cruise Terminal 18 and adjacent parking facilities. Cruise Terminal 18, one of the port’s flagship facilities, has undergone a comprehensive visual and functional refresh. The exterior of the terminal has been freshly painted in a striking ocean blue that pays homage to the surrounding marine environment, while the interior embarkation hall and VIP lounge area have been completely transformed to provide a more modern, comfortable, and efficient pre-cruise environment for travelers.
Recognizing that a seamless cruise experience begins long before passengers ever step foot on a ship, the port also prioritized parking infrastructure improvements. More than 850 new parking spaces were added directly adjacent to Terminal 18, expanding the facility’s capacity and ensuring that drivers have convenient, accessible options close to the terminal entrance. With these recent additions, the total number of available parking spaces supporting Terminal 18 has grown to 6,386, significantly easing traffic flow and reducing waiting times for passengers arriving by car.
As Port Everglades moves further into its active cruise season, the combination of record-breaking guest volume, targeted leadership restructuring under the newly formed Cruise Services Division, vibrant cultural partnerships, and state-of-the-art terminal and parking enhancements positions the port to maintain its competitive edge on the global stage. With robust planning, continuous operational improvements, and a steadfast commitment to both passenger satisfaction and partner success, the port is well-prepared to navigate the future of the cruise industry while continuing to serve as a vital economic engine for Broward County and the broader South Florida region.
