Broward County welcomed Resorts World Bimini SuperFast Shuttle to Port Everglades. The daily cruise ship launched this morning and is now sailing year-round from Port Everglades to Bimini every Tuesday and Wednesday.

Broward Mayor Barbara Sharief presented Resorts World Bimini President Ed Farrell with an official Key to the County and received a plaque recognizing Port Everglades and the Broward Commission.

"This is big business for Broward County as the cruise industry is critical to the quality of life we enjoy and our economic stability. At Port Everglades, the cruise industry generates nearly $1.7 billion in economic activity and $51 million in state and local taxes," said Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief. "Not only do cruise ships, both daily and multi-day, bring jobs and revenue to our Port, but they also bring guests who visit our hotels and resorts, and support the small businesses and attractions that are the lifeblood of our economy."

The 1,500-passenger Bimini SuperFast cruise ship departs at 9AM from Cruise Terminal 21 and returns at 9PM. The ship features 180 cabins, six restaurants and bars, casino and onboard activities during its 2-3 hour journey.

"Resorts World is bringing a new product to Port Everglades that further diversifies the types of cruises and vacations available to Broward County residents and visitors. For Port Everglades, this new day cruise aboard the Bimini SuperFast translates to an estimated $1.4 million in additional revenue annually and effectively uses a cruise terminal during the middle of the week, which is typically only busy on weekends" said Port Everglades Deputy Director Glenn Wiltshire.

Port Everglades, an enterprise fund of Broward County, FL, is one of the three busiest cruise ports in the world with approximately 4 million passengers expected in 2014. Eight cruise lines, one ferry and more than 40 cruise ships sail from the South Florida seaport including: Balearia's Bahamas Express, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Resorts World Bimini, Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises. The Port's wide-ranging fleet of cruise ships provides guests with an array of cruise vacation choices from the sunny Greater Fort Lauderdale area. Port Everglades, where the best cruise ships launch and the greatest getaways begin. View details on the latest cruise offerings at porteverglades.net or email PortEverglades@broward.org.