# Port Everglades sets third consecutive cruise passenger record

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/port-everglades-sets-third-consecutive-cruise-passenger-record/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Helena Pierce
- **Published:** 2026-10-27T21:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-27T09:09:20+00:00
- **Section:** Shipping / Passenger & Cruise
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** Cruise Passengers, Cruise Shipping, Cruise Terminals, Crystal Cruises, Florida, Legend of the Seas, Orient Express Corinthian, Passenger Shipping, Port Everglades, Royal Caribbean

Port Everglades has recorded its third consecutive annual cruise passenger record, welcoming more than 5.38 million guests during fiscal year 2026, according to an announcement from the Broward County port.

The latest result comes as Port Everglades begins its new cruise season, with nine cruise lines and 40 different cruise ships expected to operate from the South Florida gateway. The port is also introducing improvements to passenger facilities and expanding its cruise operations management structure.

The upcoming season will feature services from Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Line, Crystal, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Orient Express, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Viking Ocean Cruises. Baleària Caribbean’s fast ferry *Jaume II* will also operate from the port.

## New cruise ships and expanded operations

Among the vessels highlighted in the port’s upcoming schedule is Royal Caribbean’s *Legend of the Seas*, an Icon-class cruise ship with accommodation for up to 7,600 guests.

According to Port Everglades, the vessel is expected to arrive in November and homeport at the facility for the 2027 season.

Orient Express Sailing Yachts is also scheduled to join the port’s cruise operations with the newbuild *Orient Express Corinthian*, a sailing vessel designed to accommodate up to 110 guests and operate using wind propulsion.

Another addition is Crystal’s *Crystal Symphony*, which has capacity for 606 guests. The vessel underwent refurbishment during its 2025 drydocking, including improvements to public areas and onboard facilities.

These planned deployments form part of the port’s cruise schedule for the new season, which includes a combination of established operators and new vessel arrivals.

## Terminal upgrades and additional parking

Port Everglades has also completed improvements to Cruise Terminal 18, which originally opened in 2009 to accommodate Royal Caribbean’s *Oasis of the Seas*.

The terminal has received exterior painting, changes to its embarkation hall to provide a more open layout, and updated furniture and artwork in the VIP lounge.

Parking capacity has also increased, with more than 850 additional spaces provided adjacent to Terminal 18.

The port now offers a total of 6,386 parking spaces across its two multi-storey garages and several parking areas, supporting passenger access during the cruise season.

Alongside these infrastructure improvements, Port Everglades has established a dedicated Cruise Services Division as part of its organisational structure.

Martin Jackson has been appointed Director of the new division, having previously served as Assistant Director of the Cruise Services Section. Jackson joined Port Everglades in January 2025.

Joseph Morris, CEO and Port Director of Port Everglades, said the restructuring is intended to maintain the operational focus and support required by the port’s cruise business.

The division will oversee cruise service delivery while supporting future growth involving existing and prospective cruise operators.

Port Everglades has also published its 2027–28 Cruise Guide, outlining cruise line schedules and featuring artwork by South Florida artist Romero Britto.

With passenger volumes reaching another annual record, the port enters its new cruise season with expanded facilities, a revised management structure and additional vessel deployments planned.

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Cite as: "Port Everglades sets third consecutive cruise passenger record", pelavox., 27 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/port-everglades-sets-third-consecutive-cruise-passenger-record/