Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is on course for a buoyant fiscal year in 2025, according to a press release.

The port celebrated double-digit growth during the first quarter of its fiscal year, which extends between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2024.

Multi-day cruise ship calls increased by 25 percent, with 235 calls compared to 188 calls in the same timeframe of the previous year.

Calling the results a “wave of growth,” Port Everglades said that guest numbers are up by 27 percent to 1,349,313 guests versus 1,064,998 in the same period in FY24.

The uptick in ship calls and guests resulted in part from Disney Cruise Line establishing homeport operations at Port Everglades.

The brand joins other cruise lines that sail from Fort Lauderdale, including Celebrity Cruises, Crystal, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Royal Caribbean International, Silversea Cruises and Viking Cruises.

“While we continue to navigate the year ahead, this strong first quarter is a promising indication of smooth sailing for our customers and the broader economy,” said Port Everglades CEO and Port Director Joseph Morris.

“These numbers not only highlight our steady course of growth but also position us to achieve new heights this fiscal year,” he added.

Building on the growth of the first quarter, the port anticipates setting a new cruise passenger record in FY25 with a forecasted 4.4 million guests.

After opening a new cruise terminal in Port Everglades, Disney Cruise Line launched year-round operations from Fort Lauderdale in late 2023.

The Disney Dream is currently sailing from the homeport for a series of four- and five-night cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

In 2025, the port’s lineup will be highlighted by new ships, including the Celebrity Xcel and the new Star Princess.

Fort Lauderdale is also set to host various ships from Royal Caribbean International, Holland America Line, Viking and other brands.