Karl WP Beyer November 12, 2024 – PortMiami, the “Cruise Capital of the World,” recorded the highest number of cruise passengers ever in the 2023/24 fiscal year with 8,2 million travelers. Compared to the same period last year, the number of passengers increased by 12,8 percent.
Exactly 8.233.056 travelers were recorded Miamis cruise port in the period between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024. In the previous period, Florida's leading port operation handled 7.299.294 passengers. Among the world's leading cruise ports, Miami's port operation takes the leading role. It is followed by Port Canaveral and Port Everglades, the port of Fort Lauderdale.
PortMiami - lined up cruise ships
The number of travelers expected to reach 8,2 million is probably far from over. At least that is what the upcoming terminal expansions suggest. MSC Cruises' new cruise terminal AA will open in the current cruise season. Once completed, it will be the largest cruise terminal in the world. In addition, construction work on the new cruise terminal G for Royal Caribbean International will start at the western end of the port in summer 2025.
PortMiami - current Royal Caribbean Terminal
In the current 2024/25 season, a large number of new cruise ships will be welcomed in Miami. Reported ships include the Explora II (November 2024), Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady (November 2024), MSC Cruises World America (April 2025), Norwegian Cruise Line Aqua (April 2025), Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady (October 2025) and the Oceania Allura (November 2025).
Of particular importance is the project to install a total of five shore power systems, which was launched on June 17, 2024. In this context, the port administration boasts of being the first major port on the east coast to offer cruise ships shore power at five piers in the future.
Finally, another useful piece of information: PortMiami is one of Miami-Dade County's largest economic drivers. The port contributes $61 billion annually to the local economy and supports more than 340.000 jobs.
