Port Everglades Welcomes Three New Cruise Ships From Princess, Disney And Celebrity Cruises For The 2025-2026 Season

Port Everglades, the lively cruise terminal in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is going to make a big impact on the winter cruise season with the new arrivals of three amazing ships. In just two and a half weeks, Port Everglades will greet the cruise liners of Princess, Disney and Celebrity, each introducing its special experience in the area. These vessels will be based in Fort Lauderdale for the winter 2025-2026 season, thus this period will be a very exciting one for not only the cruise lovers but also the people who are thinking of the Florida vacation.

Star Princess from Princess Cruises: A Royal Arrival

The Star Princess is the latest addition to the Princess Cruises fleet, and it’s making waves as it sails across the Atlantic from Barcelona, Spain. The ship, a proud member of Princess Cruises’ Sphere Class, is scheduled to arrive in Port Everglades on November 5. Guests and fans alike will gather in anticipation as the ship is officially christened the following day, with the glamorous godparents Camila and Matthew McConaughey hosting the ceremony.

As Star Princess docks in Florida, it will mark the start of an exciting season for the vessel. On November 7, the ship will embark on its maiden voyage, a three-day cruise to the Bahamas. This will be the first of several such voyages before the ship settles into its winter schedule, offering weekly cruises to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

The Star Princess promises to offer guests a remarkable cruise experience, with amenities that reflect the modern elegance of Princess Cruises’ Sphere Class ships. From luxurious staterooms to gourmet dining and exclusive entertainment, passengers can expect an unforgettable journey through the warm waters of the Caribbean.

Disney Destiny: The Magic Returns to Port Everglades

Next up, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Destiny will arrive at Port Everglades after a transatlantic voyage. Currently crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the ship will make a brief stop at Port Canaveral before heading south to its new homeport in Fort Lauderdale. On November 10, Disney Destiny will be christened in a highly anticipated ceremony, though the names of the godparents remain under wraps for now.

This ship, the third vessel in Disney Cruise Line’s Wish Class, brings even more magic to the already popular Disney cruising experience. It will offer three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas, including stops at Disney’s exclusive private islands, Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point. Disney Destiny will commence its first revenue sailing on November 20, beginning with a four-night adventure through the sparkling waters of the Bahamas. With Disney’s signature charm and entertainment onboard, this ship promises to be a hit for families and Disney fans of all ages.

Celebrity Xcel: A Bold New Edge for Celebrity Cruises

Lastly, Celebrity Xcel, the newest addition to Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Class, will set sail from Port Everglades on November 9. This stunning vessel, known for its futuristic design and luxurious amenities, will debut with a short four-night preview cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. Following this, Celebrity Xcel will host two exclusive preview sailings for the media and travel agents.

The grand christening of Celebrity Xcel will take place on November 16, with renowned chef Janaína Torres, named the Best Female Chef in the World by World’s 50 Best in 2024, performing the honours. For the winter 2025-2026 season, Celebrity Xcel will offer seven-night cruises to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean before heading across the Atlantic to Europe in the spring of 2026. With world-class dining, innovative design, and the brand’s signature service, Celebrity Xcel is bound to be a showstopper on the high seas.

Florida’s Cruise Capital Grows Even Stronger

As these three stunning ships arrive at Port Everglades, the port’s reputation as a leading cruise hub continues to grow. Fort Lauderdale, with its proximity to some of the most beautiful destinations in the Caribbean and beyond, offers a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to set sail on a dream vacation.

Cruising has long been a staple of Florida’s tourism scene, but the addition of Star Princess, Disney Destiny, and Celebrity Xcel further enhances the region’s appeal. Each of these ships brings something fresh and exciting to the table, from the luxury and innovation of Star Princess to the magic of Disney Destiny and the culinary excellence aboard Celebrity Xcel. It’s clear that these vessels are primed to make a lasting impression on both seasoned cruisers and first-time passengers alike.

A Thrilling Winter Season Awaits

For those dreaming of a tropical escape, now is the perfect time to start planning. Port Everglades is set to be the gateway to some of the most exciting cruises of the season, offering a range of options to suit every type of traveller. Whether you’re seeking a short getaway to the Bahamas, a week-long adventure in the Caribbean, or an elegant cruise with world-class dining and service, there’s no shortage of opportunities to make memories on the open water.

The cruise industry in the region is going to have an exciting winter season with the arrival of these three new ships at Port Everglades. If vacation planning has crossed your mind, this might be the perfect moment to start your journey from one of the most lively and friendly cruise terminals in the world.

The post Port Everglades Welcomes Three New Cruise Ships From Princess, Disney And Celebrity Cruises For The 2025-2026 Season appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

The director of Disney’s Bahamas private island, Castaway Cay, has been charged with sexual assault offenses. Gursel Sahibas, 65, is allegedly facing charges of rape and indecent assault. 

A 29-year-old female reported the attack when she returned to Florida, and the Royal Bahamas Police Force later arrested Sahibas.

According to his attorney, Sahibas has been dismissed by Disney due to the allegations.

Gursel Sahibas granted bail

He is “no longer employed at Disney Cruise Line,” attorney Tamika Roberts said at a bail hearing this week. British national Sahibas was charged in early October and granted $ 15,000 cash bail this week.

His work permit has been canceled, so he plans to return to the UK. He is required to fly back to the Bahamas for the next scheduled court hearing in January 2026.

According to the Daily Mail, the victim met Sahibas on the island and persuaded her to go swimming. She says she was groped and then assaulted despite repeated pleas for Sahibas to stop. The incident took place on September 22. 

The company has so far declined to comment. 

Sahibas was recently profiled in local media for coaching students on local farming techniques as part of Disney’s VoluntEARS community program. This was cited by his attorney in his bail application. 

“We were amazed to see the students’ enthusiasm and knowledge about their crops. It was inspiring to see their eagerness to learn and make an impact in the world around them,” Sahinbas said in the story published by The Nassau Guardian earlier this year. 

Disney acquired Castaway Cay in the 1990s on a 99-year land lease from the Bahamian government.

Previously known as Gorda Cay, the private island offers beaches, lagoons, water slides, an adults-only zone, water sports, and walking trails.

The mother of a five-year-old girl who went overboard from a Disney Cruise Line ship won’t face criminal charges.

Assistant State Attorney Melissa Kelly said the state has decided not to press charges.

Kelly acknowledged the woman’s actions were “arguably negligent and irresponsible” but didn’t deem it a serious offense worthy of criminal child negligence.

Child Went Overboard While Posing for a Photo

The young girl fell overboard from the fourth deck after her mother ushered her over to a port hole railing to take a photo.

The girl sat there but lost her balance and went overboard, falling about 50 feet into the water. Her father jumped in after her. He was able to grab her and they tread water for about 20 minutes while a small boat was deployed.

The cruise line praised its crew at the time for their “exceptional skills and prompt actions, which ensured the safe return of both guests to the ship within minutes.”

“The father noted difficulty locating his daughter in the water and admitted losing visual contact temporarily. He was eventually able to reach her and tread water with her until they were rescued,” the Broward County Sheriff’s Office police report stated.

The June incident aboard the Disney Dream was captured on video and went viral. It garnered some intense online commentary with divided opinions over the actions of the parents. It happened as the ship was between Florida and the Bahamas.

The father and daughter were initially treated at the ship’s medical center and then transported to Broward Health Medical Center. Both were treated for hypothermia, and the dad also suffered two spinal fractures.

Assistant State Attorney Kelly said the mother mistakenly believed there was a barrier on the deck railing and didn’t knowingly put her daughter in danger.