Port Everglades has broken its annual cruise passenger record for the third consecutive year after welcoming more than 5.38 million cruise guests during fiscal 2026.
The Broward County port announced the result on 22 October 2026. Its fiscal year ended on 30 September, meaning the figure covers cruise passenger movements during the 12 months to that date.
Passenger traffic rises by about 13%
The latest total is up from 4,773,873 passenger movements in fiscal 2025. Using the port's published figures, that represents growth of approximately 13%, although the final percentage may be slightly higher because the new total was reported as more than 5.38 million.
Port Everglades had already set records in the previous two years. It handled more than four million embarking and disembarking cruise guests in fiscal 2024 before rising to nearly 4.78 million in fiscal 2025.
The figures count passenger movements rather than unique individuals. A guest beginning and ending a round-trip cruise at the port can therefore be counted once when embarking and again when disembarking.
Nine cruise lines and 40 ships
The new cruise season began in October with nine cruise lines and 40 different cruise ships expected to use Port Everglades. The line-up includes Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Crystal, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Orient Express, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Viking Ocean Cruises.
Baleària Caribbean's fast ferry Jaume II is also included in the wider passenger programme.
New and notable arrivals include Orient Express Corinthian and the refurbished Crystal Symphony. Royal Caribbean's Icon-class Legend of the Seas is due to homeport at Port Everglades for its 2027 season.
New Cruise Services Division director
Alongside the passenger record, Port Everglades announced that Martin Jackson has been appointed director of its newly created Cruise Services Division. Jackson joined the port in January 2025 and previously served as assistant director of the Cruise Services Section.
Port chief executive and port director Joseph Morris said the restructuring was intended to maintain attention on day-to-day services while supporting growth from existing and new cruise brands.
Terminal and parking improvements
Cruise Terminal 18 has received a refresh that includes a newly painted exterior, a more open embarkation hall and updated furniture and artwork in its VIP lounge.
The port has also added more than 850 parking spaces next to Terminal 18. Port Everglades now lists 6,386 spaces across its two multi-storey garages and several surface car parks.
Frequently asked questions
How many cruise passengers used Port Everglades in fiscal 2026?
The port reported more than 5.38 million cruise passenger movements.
How does the 2026 result compare with 2025?
Fiscal 2025 recorded 4,773,873 cruise passenger movements. The latest figure is approximately 13% higher.
Why are these described as passenger movements?
Port statistics count embarking and disembarking activity. A round-trip passenger may therefore generate two movements through the port.
Where is Port Everglades?
Port Everglades is in Broward County at Fort Lauderdale in South Florida.
Which cruise lines will use the port during the new season?
The port names Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Crystal, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Orient Express, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Viking Ocean Cruises.