Home » Cruise News of United States » Three New Cruise Ships Set to Sail from Fort Lauderdale, USA This November: A New Era of Caribbean and Bahamas Voyages Begins
Published on
October 11, 2025
Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is preparing for a remarkable milestone as three new cruise ships make their debut this November 2025. These vessels, launched by Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line, mark a significant enhancement to the port’s growing reputation as a leading gateway for premium Caribbean and Bahamas voyages.
While PortMiami has long been known as the Cruise Capital of the World, its northern neighbor, Port Everglades, is fast emerging as a powerful contender in the world of luxury cruising. The port anticipates welcoming a record 4.4 million passengers in 2025, reflecting substantial growth from the previous year’s four million. This surge is being fueled by the arrival of three innovative ships designed to redefine the cruising experience through advanced design, distinctive entertainment, and world-class hospitality.
Travelers seeking sun-soaked escapes, family adventures, or modern relaxation at sea will find a wealth of new experiences as these ships launch their inaugural Caribbean seasons from the United States. Each vessel promises a distinctive journey that blends the allure of tropical destinations with elevated onboard amenities, ensuring that Fort Lauderdale becomes a top embarkation point for travelers across the globe.
Star Princess Embarks on Caribbean Adventures from November 7
The first of the trio, the Star Princess, is scheduled to begin her Caribbean voyages from Port Everglades on November 7, 2025, following her successful debut season in the Mediterranean. This state-of-the-art vessel, operated by Princess Cruises, is designed to accommodate approximately 4,300 guests, offering a luxurious blend of modern technology, sophisticated décor, and panoramic ocean views.
From November 2025 through April 2026, Star Princess will operate a mix of seven- and fourteen-day itineraries that explore both the Eastern and Western Caribbean. These sailings will showcase some of the region’s most sought-after destinations, where passengers can indulge in tropical beaches, cultural excursions, and vibrant island life.
Onboard, the Star Princess delivers an atmosphere of refinement and innovation. Its dining experiences have been curated in collaboration with celebrity partners, allowing guests to savor culinary creations that fuse international flavors with coastal inspiration. More than 1,500 balcony staterooms provide stunning ocean views, making it one of the most balcony-rich ships in the Princess fleet.
Entertainment is another highlight, with new original productions and immersive shows captivating audiences nightly. The ship’s exclusive Spellbound by Magic Castle experience combines live illusion performances with a hidden speakeasy-style venue, bringing a touch of mystery and charm to the voyage. Additionally, candlelight concerts, themed parties, and elegant lounges contribute to an ambiance of relaxation and wonder, making Star Princess a floating retreat across the Caribbean Sea.
Celebrity Xcel Brings Modern Glamour to the Seas from November 16
Just over a week later, on November 16, 2025, Celebrity Cruises will introduce its latest marvel, the Celebrity Xcel, from Port Everglades. As the fifth and newest ship in the acclaimed Edge Series, Celebrity Xcel aims to redefine what a modern luxury cruise can be.
With a capacity of 3,200 passengers, the ship has been crafted to ensure that the journey itself rivals the beauty of its destinations. The design process incorporated feedback from a community of travelers known as “Dream Makers,” whose insights helped shape its culinary concepts, entertainment programs, and overall ambiance.
Among the ship’s standout innovations is The Bazaar, a first-of-its-kind multi-sensory cultural space where art, flavor, and global inspiration come together. This addition underscores the ship’s philosophy of immersive exploration, both on land and at sea. The vibrant neon-lit arcade lounge, an expanded entertainment lineup, and a beach club-style pool deck create a refreshing and lively environment perfect for tropical cruising.
Throughout its inaugural Caribbean season from November 2025 to April 2026, Celebrity Xcel will sail seven-night itineraries, alternating between destinations such as The Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. Passengers can expect a combination of high-end amenities, artistic elegance, and experiential travel, ensuring each voyage feels as unique as the destinations visited.
With contemporary design elements, cutting-edge culinary innovation, and luxurious suites, Celebrity Xcel embodies the evolution of upscale cruising in the USA and the Caribbean. Its approach seamlessly blends relaxation with cultural exploration, positioning it as one of the most anticipated cruise debuts of the year.
Disney Destiny Sets Sail on Family Adventures from November 20
Rounding out Fort Lauderdale’s trio of November debuts, the Disney Destiny will embark on her maiden voyage on November 20, 2025. As the newest addition to Disney Cruise Line’s expanding operations in South Florida, this ship brings a bold and imaginative theme to the seas, celebrating the worlds of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel.
Designed to host 4,000 passengers, the Disney Destiny introduces a heroes and villains concept, inspired by beloved characters who embody courage, adventure, and transformation. Each space on board is themed to reflect iconic tales, allowing families to step into the stories that have defined generations of Disney fans.
The ship’s entertainment lineup will feature original stage productions, including an all-new Lion King-inspired dinner show and a theatrical adaptation of Disney’s Hercules, both offering immersive musical storytelling experiences. Beyond the stage, adults will discover themed lounges and bars such as the Cask & Cannon Pub, inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Sanctum Lounge, drawing influence from Marvel’s Doctor Strange.
From Port Everglades, the Disney Destiny will sail four- and five-night cruises to The Bahamas and the Western Caribbean, with itineraries that include stops at Disney’s two exclusive island destinations — Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Each voyage blends magical storytelling with island serenity, ensuring memorable family getaways from start to finish.
A Bright Future for Cruise Tourism in Fort Lauderdale
With the arrival of the Star Princess, Celebrity Xcel, and Disney Destiny, Port Everglades is poised to become one of North America’s most dynamic cruise hubs. These new ships symbolize the ongoing evolution of cruise travel, where innovation meets luxury and adventure.
As travelers look ahead to 2026, Fort Lauderdale, USA, stands ready to offer some of the most sought-after Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries in the world. Whether guests seek elegant adult escapes, culturally immersive voyages, or magical family journeys, the port’s expanding fleet ensures that every traveler can discover a cruise that perfectly suits their style.
The debut of these vessels marks not only a milestone for Florida’s cruise industry but also a testament to the continued global appeal of the Caribbean and The Bahamas as premier travel destinations. With world-class amenities, imaginative experiences, and unparalleled oceanfront luxury, Port Everglades sails confidently into a new era of tourism excellence.
