US port to handle 3. 9 million cruise guest moves in 2014-2015
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Port Everglades expects to handle 3.9 million cruise passenger embarkations, disembarkations and in-transit moves onboard 42 different cruise ships during the 2014-2015 season.
The Florida-based port will open its 2014-2015 winter cruise season with the naming ceremony of Princess Cruises’ latest newbuild Regal Princess. Due to be christened on 5 November, Regal Princess will be the seventh Princess ship to be named at Port Everglades. Regal Princess will sail from Port Everglades on seven-day cruises to the Eastern Caribbean from 9 November to 25 April 2015.
In addition, Port Everglades will welcome inaugural calls from Princess Cruises’ Ocean Princess and Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Conquest, with the Carnival ship continuing to sail year-round throughout the summer. Meanwhile, a total of five ships will embark on world- and grand-cruises from the port this year.
Resorts World’s Bimini Superfast will also begin sailing year-round from Port Everglades to Bimini every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday beginning 14 October. The 1,500-passenger Bimini SuperFast features 180 cabins, six restaurants and bars, casino and onboard activities during its two- to three-hour journey.
In early December, Port Everglades will open its newly renovated US$24 million Cruise Terminal 4, which has been completely renovated with a revamped transportation area, 172 surface parking spaces, improved lighting, high efficiency air conditioning systems, 50 check-in counters and two new passenger loading bridges. The energy-efficient terminal improvements will enable the port to apply for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification.
“We look forward to a busy cruise season again this year, especially once our newly renovated Cruise Terminal 4 opens and our guests experience improved access and a much more efficient transportation flow,” said Steven Cernak, Port Everglades’ chief executive and port director.