Cruisers sailing from South Florida's Port Everglades can now more easily find their way within the port thanks to new, colorful wayfinding signs. They can also park their car in the new 1,818-space Heron Garage serving Terminal 2 and Terminal 4, and now can conveniently access Terminal 2 via an elevated bridge with moving walkways.
This week, Broward County community leaders and the port's cruise industry partners celebrated the grand opening of the new facilities just in time for Florida’s busy late fall/winter cruise season. Port Everglades is one of the world’s three busiest cruise ports in terms of passengers served annually.
"The Heron Garage is a testament to Broward County's commitment to improving our cruise facilities for our cruise line partners and their guests," said Michael Udine, vice mayor, Broward County.
A Smoother Journey
Guests headed for Terminal 2, Princess Cruises' prototype Ocean Medallion terminal, will travel from the Heron Garage along an air-conditioned elevated bridge with moving walkways and a large atrium; the latter provides a scenic port overview so those who desire can stop and snap a selfie.
Guests arriving for a cruise at Terminal 4 will park in the garage and walk directly into the terminal.
In addition, the state-of-the-art Heron Garage has nine elevators, touchless smart parking entry and payment, and a dedicated level for drop-off and pick-up.
The garage also has 360 photovoltaic (PV) panels that create a solar-powered generating system on the top floor -- offsetting electrical grid impact by converting sunlight into electricity.
"Using solar is both an environmental and economic investment because the Port acquires energy credits through Florida Power & Light's net metering* program,” said Jonathan Daniels, chief executive and port director, Port Everglades. “We are continually exploring these types of win-win environmental partnerships.”
To assist drivers in motoring to all its facilities, Port Everglades also has installed new, colorful, driver-friendly wayfinding signs in the parking garages, parking lots and throughout the Port's roadways.
The signs feature Florida wildlife and fauna with illustrations of a bright orange heron (bird) in the port's Northport section, a green palm (plant) in Midport and a blue snook (fish) directing customers to Southport. Those graphics and color coding are designed as visual cues to assist drivers quickly.
And for even more "local color,” Port Everglades has commissioned a 70-foot-tall, 3D-optical illusion mural of a Great White Heron that will be painted at the corner of the new Heron Garage. It will face the roadway.
The prime managing general contractor for the new Port Everglades' facilities was a joint venture between local firms Stiles Construction and Pirtle Construction Company. Leading the design team was Cartaya and Associates Architects, P.A.
For more information about Port Everglades,visit https://www.porteverglades.net/. For Visit Lauderdale, check out https://www.sunny.org/