Port Everglades has overhauled its terminals to meet the needs of cruise operators and guests
By
Rebecca Gibson |
This article was first published in the Spring/Summer 2016 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
Over the past seven years, Port Everglades in Broward County, Florida, has completely renovated six of its eight multi-day cruise terminals to expedite guest check-in procedures and maximise existing space for smooth, efficient operations.
For each individual project, the port kept the original shell of the terminal building and redesigned, or in some cases expanded, the interior to handle larger ships with higher passenger counts and more luggage. Each terminal now features spacious baggage halls, ample seating, bright lighting and improved traffic flows. The port has also invested almost US$200,000 to upgrade the wifi network throughout the terminals so that guests and shore excursion providers can access the internet and share photos via social media.
“We work closely with the cruise lines to determine what is on the horizon so we can tailor the terminals to meet their needs, while also building in flexibility so that the facility can be used for a variety of ships from different lines,” says Steven Cernak, Port Everglades’ chief executive and port director.
Port Everglades also redesigned the ground transportation areas to improve traffic flow and separate guests’ personal vehicles from taxis, shuttles and buses. The ability to move vehicles and passengers quickly is key on busy cruise days, such as on 3 January 2016, when Port Everglades broke its own world record with 53,485 guests moving through the port in a single day.
Safety and security are high priorities at Port Everglades, therefore each terminal has a dedicated passenger, crew and luggage screening area. Now, guests are screened when they enter the terminal, before they head to multiple check-in desks and then a comfortable waiting area prior to boarding.
“We take a multi-layered approach to security that requires partnerships and close communications with the cruise lines, port users, and a variety of law enforcement agencies and security professionals,” says Glenn Wiltshire, the port’s deputy director. “While the safety and security of every cruise passenger are our first priorities, there is no way to overlook the practical and economic necessity of processing passengers efficiently and facilitating pre- and post-cruise tourism.”
Sustainability is also a priority for Port Everglades and it received its first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for the energy efficiency upgrades it carried out at Cruise Terminal 4, which was expanded and renovated last year.
“We pride ourselves on efficiency and customer service,” says Jim Pyburn, the port’s director of business development. “In addition to state-of-the-art facilities, we have a Cruise Services team dedicated to working with our cruise line customers to ensure smooth sailing each turnaround.”
Port Everglades’ next project will be to lengthen the slip adjacent to Cruise Terminal 4 by 250ft to 1,150ft of berth, enabling it to accommodate larger cruise ships. The US$18 million slip extension is to be completed in spring 2017.