Today, the Broward County Commission was joined today by Disney Cruise Line President Thomas Mazloum and Captain Minnie Mouse to celebrate a new agreement naming Port Everglades as Disney’s second year-round homeport.

Disney Cruise Line is bringing its magic to Broward County’s cruise port under a 15-year partnership that includes a minimum 10.6 million passenger movements, and three 5-year extension options that could add another 11.25 million passenger movements. The agreement provides for one ship to be homeported in Port Everglades year-round beginning fall 2023, joined by a second, seasonal ship in 2025.

“As we expand our fleet of ships and introduce innovative new cruise experiences, we couldn’t be more pleased to bring the magic of Disney to Port Everglades,” said Mazloum. “With a dedicated, specially designed cruise terminal for our guests, we look forward to creating magical memories starting the moment they arrive at this exciting new homeport.”

Adding Port Everglades as a second homeport gives Disney a dedicated terminal in a market with direct highway access and one of the nation’s fastest growing airports, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Disney’s original homeport is Port Canaveral, located in Central Florida.

“We are diversifying our cruise portfolio and will have three major cruise companies sailing from Port Everglades, which will strengthen visitor numbers in support of our hospitality and tourism industry in Broward County,” said Port Everglades Chief Executive and Port Director Jonathan Daniels. “I extend a special thanks to our County Administrator Bertha Henry and our County Commissioners for their faith and trust. All we need is a little pixie dust to transform Terminal 4 and Disney is ready to sail.”

“Disney is a big name that will bring big business to Broward County,” said Broward County Mayor Michael Udine. “We welcome everyone under the sun, and Disney Cruise Line is an excellent fit for our inclusive, family friendly destination.

The process for a second year-round home port started, at least publicly, in May 2021 when Broward County Commissioners unanimously approved Port Everglades request to begin formal discussions with Disney Cruise Line for a terminal and berthing agreement at the county’s cruise port. This was based on a formal request from Disney Cruise Line in April to enter into negotiations with Port Everglades about a long-term berthing agreement with the intention of sailing year-round.

On June 15, 2021, the Broward County Commissioners unanimously approved a motion to authorize the Broward County Administrator to execute a Marine Terminal and Berth User Agreement between Broward County and Disney Cruise Line.

At the end of October 2021, a 15-year Marine Terminal and Berth User Agreement agreement between Disney Cruise Line and Broward County was finalized which paved the way for Disney to conduct multi-day passenger cruise from Port Everglades’ Cruise Terminal 4 as soon as October 2023, but no later than May 1, 2024. At the end of the 15-year term in 2038, Disney Cruise Line may extend the agreement up to 3 additional 5-year terms.