Local News
Port Everglades returns to pre-pandemic days with 6 ships crusing

Miami, Florida — As thousands of passengers boarded cruise ships, Port Everglades looked like its best pre-pandemic days.
“We are ecstatic, finally, again, woohoo,” cheered a passenger celebrating. For many in the group, their trip couldn’t have come soon enough.
“It was scheduled for last year and it got postponed because of the pandemic, so we have been waiting now over a year for this,” said Barber Baker.
According to Port Everglades officials, 6 ships set sail Saturday, the largest number since the pandemic.
“We feel like it’s from Bally the start of the cruise season,” said Ellen Kennedy a spokesperson with Port Everglades. But she adds as the season gets underway, there have been some changes.
“The cruise lines are following CDD guidelines and they’re going out with limited capacity much lower than they normally would and they’re taking all kinds of precautions”, said Kennedy.
Among the changes is requiring passengers to show proof of vaccination and take a COVID-19 test prior to boarding.
“We just finished taking the COVID test. We just got freed on that and we’re gonna take two or three more so we feel pretty safe,” said passenger Bill Rogers.
“So grateful that they got the safety precautions to make us feel like we’re going to be fine and I’m super excited to be back with all our friends that we’ve been going on this cruise with for the past 13 years,” added Will Fisher.
Officials say there are about six thousand people who are employed locally by the cruise industry and ancillary supporting businesses.
These people have been on hold, like Kenny Neil Band, whose members say they are happy to be back to work.
“So excited to be going. It’s been a long time coming. The pandemic has put a toll on us, so it’s our first time back and we’re ready to rock ‘n’ roll,” added Leroy Toussaint.
“I’m very very happy. Just want to share my music like I’ve been sharing it before and I get to play the blues for a lot of people,” echoed band member, Frederick Neil.
-
Local News4 months ago
The attorney general of Florida wants to temporarily stop a lawsuit that challenges the state’s age verification law
-
Local News2 months ago
A huge financial relief is coming for Broward County schools teachers, principals, and educational support staff after unanimous vote results in salary hike
-
Local News6 months ago
Coral Springs athletes qualify for regional competitions in cross-country, swimming, and golf
-
Local News5 months ago
A former medical employee is accused of stealing the identities of elderly people in a $350,000 scam
-
Local News5 months ago
Coral Springs installs new entry signs to improve the city’s image and greet visitors – A $112,000 Project
-
Local News2 months ago
Coral Glades boys soccer advances to the regional championships
-
Local News2 months ago
Coral Springs’s two basketball teams win the District Championship
-
Local News3 months ago
Children with special needs can attend a free Super Bowl party hosted by the Coral Springs Foundation
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.