Port Everglades Received Awards at AAPA Conference
The Fort Lauderdale port was recognized for its digital cruise directory during the 115th annual industry meeting.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Cruises
Port Everglades earned a 2026 AAPA Lighthouse Award for its Find-a-Cruise directory at the 115th Annual Conference in New Orleans. The local port also saw staff members secure leadership positions and professional certifications.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the role of Port Everglades in setting standards for maritime infrastructure and digital tools. These awards underscore the facility's ongoing efforts to enhance passenger access and operational efficiency in the cruise industry.
The AAPA represents 130 seaport authorities and 200 industry solution providers across North America and the Caribbean. The award-winning Find-a-Cruise directory allows users to filter sailings by line, destination, date, and duration.
The players
Port Everglades
Located in Broward County, this facility serves as a major hub for cruise and cargo operations.
Joseph Morris
He is a representative who has been elected to the Board of Directors for the American Association of Port Authorities.
Harris Hamid
He is a port official who earned professional certification and presented on infrastructure maintenance.
Jorge Hernández
He is an industry professional who served as a featured panelist at the annual conference.
The details
During the conference, Joseph Morris was elected to the 2026-2028 AAPA Board of Directors, while Harris Hamid earned his Professional Port Management certification. Hamid also presented a guide on engineering maintenance, and Jorge Hernández contributed as a featured panelist.
Timeline
September 28-30, 2026: The AAPA 115th Annual Conference took place in New Orleans.
2026-2028: Joseph Morris will serve his term on the AAPA Board of Directors.
Roadmap
This achievement reflects the broader industry trend toward formalizing maritime management standards through the AAPA Professional Port Management certification program. By securing these credentials, port authorities are standardizing operational and engineering expertise across the sector.
Travelers using the port can continue to utilize the Find-a-Cruise directory to streamline their booking process for future sailings. The tool allows for easier navigation by date, duration, and cruise line when planning local departures.
The takeaway
Professional recognition at national conferences demonstrates the commitment of local ports to improving maritime infrastructure and user digital tools. These credentials and awards help ensure that travelers benefit from modernized search capabilities and well-managed port operations.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments and trends in the industry on the Cruises section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by American Journal of Transportation | AJOT | 1-800-599-6358.
