By
Rebecca Gibson |
This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2016 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
Broward County’s Port Everglades will welcome two newly built cruise ships – Holland America Line’s Koningsdam and Royal Caribbean International’s Harmony of the Seas – this November, and add a fourth cruise ship to the summer 2017 roster with Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Splendor. Luxury line Crystal Cruises will begin sailing from Port Everglades in October 2017.
On 5 November, the 226,963gt Harmony of the Seas will replace Oasis of the Seas, which has been sailing year-round from Port Everglades since coming to the US in 2009. Harmony of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s third Oasis-class ship and is larger with a capacity for 6,780 guests. The ship features the same exclusive seven-neighbourhood concept as other Oasis-class ships, robot bartenders, virtual balconies with real-time views for interior rooms, and VOOM the fastest internet at sea, and The Ultimate Abyss – the tallest slide at sea. Entertainment highlights include high-diving, acrobatic and aquatic performances in the AquaTheater, an ice show extravaganza and Broadway’s hit musical Grease.
Koningsdam will begin her winter season from Port Everglades on 9 November, sailing to the eastern and western Caribbean until March 2017. The 99,500gt vessel accommodates 2,650 guests and debuts several innovative concepts, including the line’s first purpose-built staterooms for families and solo travellers. Other highlights include new fine-dining options at alternative restaurants French seafood brasserie Sel de Mer, and an immersive farm-to-table concept dinner experience in the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine. Onboard entertainment features a Music Walk area showcasing all music genres, such as chamber music at Lincoln Center Stage, live rock in Billboard Onboard and blues music at the B.B. King’s Blues Club in the Queen’s Lounge.
Carnival Splendor will join Carnival Conquest on 7 May 2017, expanding Carnival Cruise Line’s summer 2017 capacity. The vessel carries just over 3,000 passengers and boasts a range of dining and entertainment options, four swimming pools, seven whirlpools, a Serenity area and various dedicated facilities for children.
Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will sail a total of eight sailings to and from Port Everglades beginning 27 October 2017. Crystal Cruises last sailed from Port Everglades in 2006.
In total for 2016-2017, Port Everglades will welcome 42 multi-day cruise ships, one daily ferry and have five full-house days where it handles eight multi-day cruise ships, plus the ferry.
Located in the second largest county in Florida, Port Everglades is consistently ranked as one of the world’s three busiest cruise ports with more than 3.7 million passengers in 2015. The port’s wide-ranging fleet of cruise ships provides guests with an array of cruise vacation choices from the sunny Greater Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Dania Beach area.