Disney Cruise Line to add second Florida homeport

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In a move that might shock Disney Cruise Line fans, the line on Tuesday celebrated an agreement with Port Everglades, cementing a spot for a Disney ship to base itself at the Fort Lauderdale port year-round, beginning in fall 2023.

The 15-year Port Everglades agreement also makes room for a second DCL ship to homeport there seasonally, beginning in 2025, according to a statement from the cruise line.

"All we need is a little pixie dust to transform Terminal 4," said Jonathan Daniels, Port Everglades' chief executive and port director.

"Disney is a big name that will bring big business to Broward County," added Broward County Mayor Michael Udine. "We welcome everyone under the sun, and Disney Cruise Line is an excellent fit for our inclusive, family-friendly destination."

Disney Dream at Port Canaveral. (Photo by Red Huber/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service/Getty Images)

It's not immediately clear which ship will call Port Everglades home, but what makes this agreement interesting is that Disney is a brand stalwartly associated with all things Orlando. For years, the line based its ships in Port Canaveral, just an hour away from Disney World. (Disney is the only cruise line with its own dedicated terminal at Port Canaveral. Both the line and the port have invested significantly in renovating Terminal 8 in a project that has been ongoing since 2019.)

The diversification of Disney Cruise Line's homeport options comes as the line plans to expand its fleet with the debut of Disney Wish in summer 2022. It will be the brand's first new ship in 10 years, featuring a "Star Wars"-themed lounge, interactive "Frozen" and Marvel dining, and a waterslide that will serve as the first official Disney attraction at sea.

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Disney also has two more ships on order, set to be delivered in 2024 and 2025. Neither has been named yet, but both will be sister vessels to Disney Wish. With the addition of the three new ships, the fleet size will nearly double, increasing from four vessels to seven.

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Featured image by An exterior view of the Wish Tower Suite planned for Disney Cruise Line's Disney Wish. (Artist's drawing courtesy of Disney Cruise Line)

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.