Disney Cruise Line has opened a new dedicated cruise terminal in Port Everglades, Fla., marking the company’s second year-round homeport in the state and the start of the cruise line’s “largest expansion in history.” The Disney Dream will begin sailing from the Greater Fort Lauderdale-area facility on Nov. 20, to be followed by the Disney Magic on May 9, 2024.

The ships will sail a mix of three-, four- and five-night cruises to tropical destinations in The Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Port Everglades’ ideal location in South Florida offers guests the opportunity to experience beautiful beaches, world-class entertainment, shopping, and dining, as well as family and cultural activities, before or after their cruise. It is also conveniently located near major airports and highways, allowing guests to easily travel to and from the port.

Once guests arrive to the terminal to embark on their voyage, they will “dive” into the world of Disney and Pixar’s film, “Finding Nemo,” with some of their favourite friends from the film displayed on colourful murals. The more than 9,700-sq.-m. terminal was reimagined by Walt Disney Imagineering exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests to provide a seamless embarkation experience.

As part of Disney Cruise Line’s expansion, Disney Cruise Line and Broward County previously announced a 15-year agreement that includes a minimum 10.6 million passenger movements, and three five-year extension options that could add another 11.25 million passenger movements. The agreement provides for one ship to homeport in Port Everglades year-round beginning this fall 2023, joined by a second, seasonal ship in 2025.