By
Rebecca Gibson |
Four newly refurbished and expanded cruise terminals opened at Port Everglades in a large ceremony attended by public officials, executives from Carnival Corporation and representatives from the six cruise lines that sail from the port.
The terminals, designed by Bermello Ajamil & Partners, were renovated as part of a US$54 million project to modernise existing facilities and increase the port’s ability to process embarking and disembarking passengers at the same time.
The construction work was overseen by the Seaport Engineering and Construction division of Broward County’s Public Works department and created an estimated 1,000 construction jobs.
“Cruise ports today are challenged with the task of providing state-of-the-art facilities that can keep pace with and support their customers' needs, and the cruise lines, as we know, are always on the cutting edge of the hospitality industry,” said Steven Cernak, Port Everglades chief executive and port director.
He added: “We need state-of-the-art security facilities for US Customs and Border Protection, enough room to lay down 2.5 pieces of luggage per person during debarkation, wifi for waiting cruise guests, clear directional signs and aesthetics that warmly welcome the more than 3.6 million people who start and finish their cruise vacations at Port Everglades annually.”
The modernisation project formed part of an agreement between Carnival Corporation and the governing body of Port Everglades, the Broward County Board of Commissioners. The contract, which is one of the largest in Carnival’s history, was established with the aim of producing around US$500 million in port revenue by welcoming a minimum of 25.5 million cruise guests from the company’s brands over the initial 15-year term.
“The cruise industry is a major contributor to the economic health of our tourism-based community in Broward County,” said Barbara Sharief, vice mayor of Broward County. “Not only do cruise companies such as Carnival Corporation bring jobs and revenue to our port, but they also bring guests who visit our hotels and resorts, and support the small businesses and attractions that are the lifeblood of our economy.”