Port Everglades Sets Third Straight Cruise Traffic Record
Martin Jackson leads Port Everglades' newly created Cruise Services Division following approval of Broward County's fiscal 2027 budget, with the season underway since October.
Port Everglades handled more than 5.38 million passenger movements in fiscal 2026, setting an annual cruise traffic record for the third consecutive year. The total rose from 4.77 million in fiscal 2025, an increase of approximately 13%.
The Fort Lauderdale port’s latest result follows 4.13 million passenger movements in fiscal 2024, when traffic increased about 39% from the previous year. Its new cruise season will involve nine cruise lines and 40 ships, alongside changes to cruise management, terminal facilities and parking.
The season’s operators are Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Line, Crystal, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Orient Express Sailing Yachts, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Viking. Balearia Caribbean’s fast ferry Jaume II will also operate from the port.
New division takes responsibility for cruise services
Martin Jackson has been appointed director of the newly created Cruise Services Division after serving as assistant director of the Cruise Services Section. The appointment follows Broward County commissioners’ approval of the fiscal 2027 budget, with the cruise season underway as of October.
CEO and Port Director Joseph Morris said the restructuring is intended to maintain service for cruise partners and passengers while “supporting future growth with both existing and new cruise brands.” Jackson joined the port in January 2025.
“Operational consistency earns trust, both internally and with our guests and customers,” Jackson said. He said continuous improvement would also be central to the division’s work.
Terminal 18 gets more parking and refreshed interiors
At Cruise Terminal 18, the port has renovated the embarkation hall to provide more open space and updated its design. The building’s exterior has been painted ocean blue, while the VIP lounge has received new furniture and artwork. The terminal originally opened in 2009 for the debut of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas.
More than 850 parking spaces have been added beside the terminal, bringing the port-wide total to 6,386 across two multistory garages and several surface lots. The port is adjacent to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and has direct highway access via I-595.
The port has also released its 2027-28 Cruise Guide, featuring Florida Paradise, an artwork by South Florida resident Romero Britto, on the cover. A large reproduction has been installed on the southeast side of the Palm Garage.
New arrivals expand the ship roster
Orient Express Sailing Yachts will debut at the port this season with Orient Express Corinthian, described by the port as the world’s largest sailing ship. Crystal Symphony will also homeport there following a 2025 dry dock that refreshed its interiors and public areas.
Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon-class vessel, Legend of the Seas, is scheduled to arrive in November and will homeport at Port Everglades for the 2027 season.
See cruises departing Port Everglades on Cruise Lookup.
