FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Disney Cruise Lines will be docking in South Florida starting next year, after Mickey and Minnie received approval from Broward County.
Port Everglades’ Cruise Terminal 4 will be a second home for the cruise line. Construction is expected to be fully complete by fall 2023, when Disney Cruise Line sails for the first time from Port Everglades.
The Broward County Commission on Tuesday approved Bermello, Ajamil & Partners Inc., of Miami, for design and consulting services. The architecture and engineering firm has worked on more than 100 cruise ports, airport terminals, downtown redevelopment projects, hotels and other projects.
“I’m sure this new terminal will reflect the magical Disney experience for travelers,” Broward County Mayor Michael Udine said in a statement Tuesday.
The news comes as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week officially removed any level of travel warning for cruises. That means the federal agency no longer considers it a risky venture to catch COVID, even though cases are still a possibility during travel.
Disney’s original home port is Port Canaveral, east of Orlando. Officials said adding a new port in South Florida will make it easier for residents and visitors to be able to sail on the cruise line.
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