Port Everglades 2026 season: New ships, new hype—what to book first

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to lock in a cruise, here it is: Port Everglades is having a moment for 2026. Fort Lauderdale already wins on convenience (quick airport hops, easy hotel stays, short transfers), and now the season’s lineup is getting a serious adrenaline boost with new cruise ships and big “first-year” energy.

And yes, brand-new ships come online and prices can soar, along with legendary-mediated cabin disappearances and saturation sailing weeks. So instead of doom-scrolling deals, let’s make a plan:what to book first, what can wait and how to put together a cruise that actually suits your vibe.

What’s “new” about the Port Everglades 2026 season?

The headline is this: Port Everglades celebrated three new ships slated for the 2026 cruise season — Celebrity Xcel, Disney Destiny and Star Princess. It’s a mix that counts because it embraces three vastly diverse traveller types: modern premium cruising, family-heavy Disney demand and big-ship resort feel.

Also, Fort Lauderdale’s cruise ecosystem keeps getting more polished. The port has pointed to nearby infrastructure growth (like a soon-to-open Omni hotel and expanded convention/area access), which usually means smoother pre-cruise stays and better movement around the district.

So yes—new ships + strong homeport momentum = the hype is real.

New ships to watch from Port Everglades in 2026

Celebrity Xcel: sleek, modern, and “treat-yourself” energy

If you’re into fancy ships, good food and a quieter crowd (but still fun), Celebrity might be the line for you. And at Port Everglades, they’re touting it as a “brand-new arrival for the season.’’ Also, lifestyle outlets have noted its early sailings from Port Everglades and a season focused on Bahamas/Caribbean routes.

Book first if you want:

• a new-ship feel without the chaos
• a balcony cabin with sea-day comfort
• dining and design upgrades that actually feel upgraded

Disney Destiny: family demand will be intense (in a good way)

Disney ships don’t just sell out—they vanish, especially on school-holiday weeks. Disney Destiny is positioned for 4- and 5-night cruises from Fort Lauderdale, and Disney itself markets sailings from Fort Lauderdale to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean.

Book first if you want:

• Christmas/New Year, Spring Break, or summer peak dates
• connecting rooms or specific family stateroom categories
• the best rotational dining times (it really changes your week)

Star Princess: big-ship buzz + broad appeal

Port Everglades also highlighted Star Princess as a new ship for the season, and local reporting covered its inaugural season sailing from the port.
If your group likes options—more venues, more entertainment, more “let’s do something” variety—this one tends to hit the sweet spot.

Book first if you want:

• resort-style cruising with lots of choice
• a strong mix for couples and families
• longer Caribbean itineraries with sea-day fun

What to book first: the Bayport Holidays priority list

Here’s the truth: not everything sells out at the same speed. So, book the “scarce” stuff first, and leave the flexible bits for later.

Pick your itinerary like a pro (not like a panicked shopper)

Port Everglades shines because you can match the itinerary to your personality.

1) Bahamas short breaks (3–5 nights)

Perfect for first-timers, birthday trips, and “I need a reset” weekends. Disney Destiny’s 4- and 5-night pattern from Fort Lauderdale fits this vibe really well.

2) Western Caribbean

This is your “do stuff” route—bigger excursions, more adventure, more variety. If you get bored sitting still, you’ll probably like western itineraries.

3) Longer Caribbean loops (7+ nights)

These are for people who want to settle in, learn the ship, and stop counting days. It’s also where new ships can feel most worth it, because you’ll actually enjoy everything onboard.

Related Articles:

» 3–4 Night Bahamas Cruises Compared (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney)

» Fort Lauderdale vs. Miami: Which Homeport Is Better for Bahamas Cruises?

» Baltimore to Bermuda: what a 5-night sailing feels like (and who it suits)

» Port Canaveral’s 3–4 night Bahamas “weekend” cruises: the new short-cruise playbook

» Port Canaveral terminal expansions: what cruisers should expect in 2025–2026

Cabin strategy for 2026: what smart cruisers lock in early

Go for the cabin you’ll enjoy, not just the cheapest number

Yes, pricing matters. Still, if you hate your cabin location, the “deal” will annoy you all week.

Best all-around pick: mid-ship balcony

• steady ride
• easy access to everything
• great resale/upgrade flexibility if plans change

Best value for short cruises: oceanview or interior

• you’ll be out all day anyway
• spend the savings on speciality dining or excursions

Also, quick tip: if you’re noise-sensitive, stay away from elevator banks and avoid cabins directly under the pool deck. Chair-dragging at 7am is… a mood killer.

Fly-in and hotel timing: keep it simple

Even though Fort Lauderdale is easy, don’t cut it too close. Most seasoned cruisers still prefer to fly in the day before, because flight delays do not care what time you are supposed to board your cruise.

And for those new to the port, Port Everglades offers official arriving/departing instructions that will make it easier to navigate terminal details nearer your sailing day.

The “book first” cheat sheet (quick answers)

• Families: book Disney Destiny early, especially school-holiday weeks.
• Couples: look hard at Celebrity Xcel for a modern, premium feel.
• Groups: secure cabins near each other first, then plan excursions later.
• First-timers: start with a 3–5 night Bahamas sailing and focus on enjoying the ship.

Big-ship fans: consider Star Princess if you want “resort at sea” variety.