Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The 67th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) concluded last weekend, reinforcing its position as the world's largest in-water boat show and a major economic driver for South Florida's marine industry. The event spanned six waterfront venues and featured more than 1,300 boats from approximately 1,000 brands. The show showcased over 200 superyachts and approximately 119 vessel debuts, making it one of the strongest launch years on record. Major attention centered on the Oceanco Draak (305 ft), explorer yacht Scout, and several new hybrid-powered luxury yachts reflecting the industry's sustainability push. New models from Princess Yachts, Viking, Pearl, Galeon, Oyster, Aquila, and Ocean Alexander attracted strong broker and buyer interest. Hybrid propulsion, low-emission technologies, and long-range explorer yachts were dominant themes. Continuing demand was evident for expedition-style vessels, sportfishing boats, and owner-operated luxury yachts. Connectivity technologies, including Starlink-enabled cruising, featured prominently in new yacht designs. Industry analysts tracked approximately 174 yachts listed for sale, representing roughly $1.7 billion in asking value.  The show demonstrated that South Florida remains a premier hub for marine trade, international logistics, luxury tourism, and maritime investment heading into 2027.
See you at our Business Luncheon this Friday at the Lauderdale Yacht Club.  See you there, details below.

Friday, November 6, 2026. Presenting  “Oceans and Rails of Opportunity” at our Business Luncheon, Lauderdale Yacht Club, 11.30am – 1.30pm
Michael Britton, Head of North America Market Ocean Products at A.P. Moller-Maersk, returns to talk about how one of the world’s largest container shipping companies – and a key provider of weekly Port Everglades sailings – is advancing fleet expansion while navigating the global logistics landscape, even amidst Middle East security concerns. Britton has three decades of ocean container shipping expertise.
Leo Vishnyak, Director of Sales for International Intermodal and Automotive Services for Florida East Coast Railway, discuss initiatives for growing the role of the FEC and its 351-mile mainline in the ’s transportation network – from expanding Port Everglades freight rail use to major capacity upgrades. The FEC also is solidifying Class I rail partnerships and looking to ferry deployment with an eye toward future trade.
Joseph Morris, CEO & Port Director of Port Everglades, leads us off and offers his thoughts for the program. We are SOLD OUT!   954.463.2801
 

Two Notable New Luxury Cruise Arrivals at Port Everglades.  Port Everglades is expanding its luxury cruise portfolio with two high-profile additions for the 2026-2027 cruise season: Orient Express Sailing Yachts' Orient Express Corinthian and Crystal Cruises' Crystal Symphony. Both vessels are positioned to elevate Fort Lauderdale's status as a leading luxury cruise gateway. Orient Express Corinthian. Marketed as the world's largest sailing yacht. Accommodates 110 guests, creating an ultra-luxury, highly exclusive travel experience. Represents the maritime expansion of the iconic Orient Express luxury hospitality brand. Crystal Symphony (Crystal Cruises).  Luxury vessel carrying approximately 606 guests. Will homeport at Port Everglades, making Fort Lauderdale a key operational base for Crystal's Caribbean programs. Recently refurbished following a major drydock program. For the Port Everglades community, these two additions represent more than new ships. They demonstrate a strategic shift toward attracting high-end experiential travel brands alongside mass-market operators.

While Orient Express Corinthian delivers exclusivity, sustainability, and prestige, Crystal Symphony brings a loyal luxury customer base and established global brand recognition. Together, they enhance the port's reputation as one of North America's premier cruise homeports. This season, Port Everglades is hosting 40 ships from nine cruise lines, with Orient Express and Crystal among the newest luxury brands entering the market. www.porteverglsdes.net

Wednesday 4 – Friday 6, November, 2026.  18th Annual Southeast Florida Climate Leadership Summit, at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale.proudy hosted by Broward County.  The theme of this year’s Summit is “Capitalizing on Climate: Action Through Innovation”​. The Summit is the Compact’s flagship annual event that convenes innovative thinkers and leaders from the business, government, academic, and nonprofit communities to exchange ideas and discuss opportunities and resilience goals. The County especially celebrates the leadership of our signature sponsors: back-to-back Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, and Florida Atlantic University's School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability. The County gratefully recognizes their enormous contributions as institutions and partners in service, generating positive impact across the community.​​ ​ www.broward.org/Climate/Summit2026/

Thursday, November 5, 2026. The American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) Annual Gala at the Diplomat Hotel. Director Glenn Wiltshire will lead Port Everglades contingency together with Lori Baer, Executive Director and Alexandra Anagnostis-Irons, President of Port Everglades Association. Members Russell Benford, Roland Malens-Smith, Kim Highsmith and will all be in attendance. This year's Gala will welcome Jamaica's Prime Minister, The Most Honorable Andrew Holness as the key-note speaker. ACMF is widely supported by all major cruise lines and many regional shipping lines for their work in education and training of students throughout the Caribbean for careers in maritime.  www.gala.acmfdn.org

Tuesday, November 17, 2026, CBP / Port Everglades Perishable Cargo Meeting.  Hosted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Port Everglades.  1.30pm – 2.30pm.  Port Everglades Administration Building.  Third Floor, Conference Room (Room 301) Auditorium.  Register Robert Barcelo   954.468.0177. Mobile.954.253.4407

Wednesday, 18 – Thursday, 19 November, 2026.  Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo (FITCE.) Meet buyers and sellers from over 70 countries at South Florida's premier international trade event. Join us for FITCE 2026!  The 11th Annual Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo, a Service of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners showcases, the benefits of and opportunities for international trade while highlighting diverse arts and cultures from around the world. Get ready for an exciting two-day conference experience filled with business insights, networking opportunities, and cultural exchanges.www.broward.org/EconDev

Tuesday, 1 - Friday 4, December, 2026. AAPA LATAM 2026 Congress, the premier annual gathering for Latin American maritime, port, and logistics industry leaders. The Westin Camino Real, Guatemala City, Guatemala. Co-Organizer: Hosted in collaboration with the National Port Commission of Guatemala (CPN) www.aapalatam.org

Port Everglades Association 2026 Calendar