Port Everglades Live Cam

View of the Port Everglades container terminal in Fort Lauderdale

History

Port Everglades is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. The port has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s when it was originally used as a seaplane base. Here's a brief overview of the Port Everglades Cruiseport history:

1928: The port was officially opened as a deep-water harbor, primarily used for shipping.
1932: The first passenger ship, the Mona Lisa, arrived at the port, and it was transformed into a cruise port.
1950s-1960s: The port experienced significant growth, thanks to the increased popularity of cruising.
1970s: The Port Authority undertook a massive expansion project, including the addition of several new terminals, a new parking garage, and a new access road.
1990s: Port Everglades became a major homeport for Caribbean cruises, and more cruise lines began offering year-round service.
2000s: The port underwent several upgrades, including the addition of a new terminal, improved parking facilities, and expanded security measures.
2010s: The port continued to grow and welcomed several new cruise lines and ships, including the largest cruise ship in the world, Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas.

Today, Port Everglades is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, serving millions of passengers each year and offering a wide range of cruise itineraries to destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and beyond.

Historical Facts

In the early 1900s, the area that is now Port Everglades was known as Lake Mabel, and it was used as a seaplane base.
The port was originally built in 1928 as a deep-water harbor for shipping, with the first cargo ship arriving in 1929.
The first passenger ship to arrive at Port Everglades was the Mona Lisa in 1932, and it marked the beginning of the port's transformation into a cruise port.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the port experienced significant growth as cruising became more popular, and several new terminals were built to accommodate the increased traffic.
In 1970, the Port Authority undertook a massive expansion project that included the addition of several new terminals, a new parking garage, and a new access road.
In 1984, Port Everglades became the first port in the world to have a dedicated cruise terminal, Terminal 2.
In the 1990s, the port became a major homeport for Caribbean cruises, and more cruise lines began offering year-round service.
In 1995, the port welcomed its millionth cruise passenger.
In 2009, the port set a new record for cruise passenger traffic with over 3.6 million passengers passing through the port.
In 2019, the port celebrated its 90th anniversary, and it remains one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, serving millions of passengers each year.

Influence on Broward County

Port Everglades Cruiseport has had a significant influence on Broward County, Florida, USA. Here are some of the ways that the port has impacted the county:

Economic impact: Port Everglades is one of the top economic engines in Broward County, generating billions of dollars in economic activity and supporting thousands of jobs. The port is a major contributor to the county's tourism industry, and it also plays a vital role in the region's import and export trade.
Employment: The port directly and indirectly employs thousands of people in Broward County, including stevedores, longshoremen, truck drivers, customs brokers, and other support staff. The port is also a major source of jobs in the hospitality and tourism industries.
Infrastructure: The growth of the Port Everglades Cruiseport has spurred the development of other infrastructure in Broward County, including highways, bridges, and airports. The port has also invested heavily in upgrading its own facilities, which has created jobs and helped to stimulate economic growth in the area.
Community involvement: Port Everglades Cruiseport has a strong commitment to community involvement and sustainability. The port partners with local organizations to promote environmental stewardship and supports community events and initiatives throughout Broward County.

Overall, Port Everglades Cruiseport has played a vital role in the development and growth of Broward County, providing jobs, economic activity, and infrastructure while also promoting community involvement and sustainability.

Notable ships

Over the years, many notable ships have called at Port Everglades Cruiseport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Here are some of the most famous:

Oasis of the Seas: Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship at the time of its launch in 2009, was based at Port Everglades for several years. The ship can accommodate over 6,000 passengers and features a wide range of amenities, including a zip line, a rock-climbing wall, and a Central Park area with over 12,000 plants and trees.
Queen Elizabeth 2: Cunard's iconic ocean liner Queen Elizabeth 2 made several calls at Port Everglades during its long career, which spanned from 1969 to 2008. The ship was known for its elegant design, luxurious amenities, and historic voyages.
Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy: Disney Cruise Line's two newest and largest ships, the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, are both based at Port Everglades. These ships feature Disney-themed entertainment, dining, and activities, and are popular with families and Disney fans.
Norwegian Escape: Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Escape, which debuted in 2015, was the largest ship ever to be based at Port Everglades at the time. The ship can accommodate over 4,200 passengers and features a wide range of amenities, including a water park, a ropes course, and a variety of dining and entertainment options.
Allure of the Seas: Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, a sister ship to the Oasis of the Seas, was also based at Port Everglades for several years. The ship can accommodate over 6,000 passengers and features a wide range of amenities, including a zip line, a Central Park area with over 12,000 plants and trees, and an onboard ice-skating rink.

These are just a few of the many notable ships that have called at Port Everglades Cruiseport over the years.

Records and achievements

Port Everglades Cruiseport has set several records and achieved numerous milestones over the years. Here are a few notable ones:

Busiest cruise port in the world: Port Everglades Cruiseport is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, consistently ranking in the top three. In 2019, the port set a new record for cruise passenger traffic with over 3.8 million passengers passing through the port.
First dedicated cruise terminal: In 1984, Port Everglades became the first port in the world to have a dedicated cruise terminal, Terminal 2. The terminal was designed specifically for the needs of cruise passengers and has since been expanded and upgraded to accommodate larger ships and more passengers.
Largest cruise ship to call at the port: In 2016, Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas, which at the time was the largest cruise ship in the world, made its debut at Port Everglades. The ship can accommodate over 6,700 passengers and features a wide range of amenities, including a zip line, a Central Park area with over 12,000 plants and trees, and an onboard water park.
Sustainability achievements: Port Everglades Cruiseport has a strong commitment to sustainability and has achieved several notable milestones in this area. In 2015, the port became the first in Florida to receive Green Marine certification, which recognizes environmental excellence in the marine industry. The port has also implemented several green initiatives, including using electric cranes and retrofitting its buildings with energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems.
Economic impact: Port Everglades Cruiseport is a major contributor to the local economy, generating billions of dollars in economic activity and supporting thousands of jobs. The port has also played a key role in the development of the region's tourism industry and has helped to establish Fort Lauderdale as a popular cruise destination.

These are just a few of the many records and achievements that Port Everglades Cruiseport has accomplished over the years, demonstrating its importance as a major cruise port and economic engine for the region.

Impact and recognition

Port Everglades Cruiseport has had a significant impact on the local community and has received recognition for its contributions to the maritime industry. Here are a few examples:

Economic impact: Port Everglades Cruiseport is a major economic driver in the region, generating billions of dollars in economic activity and supporting thousands of jobs. The port's activities have a ripple effect throughout the local economy, benefiting a wide range of industries, from transportation to hospitality.
Tourism industry: The port's success has helped to establish Fort Lauderdale as a popular cruise destination, drawing millions of visitors to the area each year. The port has also partnered with local organizations to promote sustainable tourism practices and to support community events and initiatives.
Environmental stewardship: Port Everglades Cruiseport has a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and has implemented several green initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. The port has received recognition for its efforts, including Green Marine certification and the Green Port Award from the International Association of Ports and Harbors.
Innovation and technology: Port Everglades Cruiseport has been at the forefront of innovation and technology in the maritime industry. The port has implemented several cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency and safety, including automated gate systems, electronic cargo tracking, and remote-controlled cranes.

Overall, Port Everglades Cruiseport has had a significant impact on the local community and has received recognition for its contributions to the maritime industry. The port's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community involvement has helped to establish it as a leader in the cruise industry and a vital economic engine for the region.