From David Volz
Port Everglades has completed a successful two-week stretch that saw three new cruise ships complete their namings, Plaques-and-Keys ceremonies and maiden voyages from one of the world’s busiest homeports.
The rapid succession of celebrations underscores Port Everglades’ growing role as a preferred stage for major cruise industry moments.
Each naming delivered a high-profile spectacle, featuring celebrity godparents, precision drone shows and curated onboard celebrations that captivated guests and industry-watchers alike.
Princess Cruises’ Star Princess began the series with her naming on November 6, followed by her Plaques-and-Keys ceremony on November 7. Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Destiny held her christening on November 10 and a Plaques-and-Keys presentation on November 19. Celebrity Cruises rounded out the lineup with the November 16 naming of Celebrity Xcel and a Plaques-and-Keys event on November 9.
The port saluted each ship’s maiden voyage with traditional tug sprays. “These milestones highlight the confidence that the world’s leading cruise brands continue to place in Port Everglades,” said Port Everglades CEO and Port Director Joseph Morris. “To welcome three next-generation ships within days of one another speaks to our operational agility, our collaborative partnerships and the strength of the cruise industry. We thank all of our partners for making these milestones successful.”
The three vessels bring notable advancements to the market, and all operate on alternative, environmentally sustainable fuels such as Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and green methanol, which reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Celebrity Xcel, carrying 3,250 guests, is Celebrity’s fifth Edge-class ship — all of which were named at Port Everglades. Disney’s 2,500-passenger Disney Destiny introduces a heroes-and-villains theme and will sail year-round from Disney’s second Florida homeport. Princess Cruises’ Star Princess, the second Sphere-class ship, carries 4,300 guests and echoes the sophisticated design of her sister ship, Sun Princess.
With a shared vision of sustainability, the port is partnering with the cruise lines to support future fuels and shore power. Shore power allows cruise ships to use electricity instead of burning fuel while docked. Broward County is currently in contract negotiations with AECOM to provide engineering design services for shore power electrification, which is expected to occur in phases for the port’s eight cruise terminals.
The 2026 cruise season, officially underway as of October, will see the port host nine cruise lines, 40 cruise ships and one fast ferry. Next summer, the port will homeport Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas, Celebrity’s Celebrity Reflection, Disney’s Disney Destiny, Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess and Baleària Caribbean’s fast ferry Jaume II, strengthening Port Everglades’ year-round operations.
Looking ahead, Royal Caribbean’s third Icon-class vessel, Legend of the Seas, will homeport at Port Everglades beginning in November 2026. With a capacity for more than 5,600 guests, it will be the largest cruise ship ever to sail from the port.
