Port Canaveral Claims Title as World’s Busiest Cruise Port Following Record 2025

Port Canaveral has officially earned recognition as the world’s busiest cruise port, processing 8.6 million passenger movements during fiscal year 2025.

The achievement marks a 13 percent increase over the previous year and represents the highest passenger volume in the port’s history.

Record-Breaking Passenger Volume Reflects Port Growth

Aerial view of Port Canaveral, one of the busiest cruise ports, with multiple large cruise ships docked beside a terminal building, surrounded by parked vehicles and water under a partly cloudy sky.
(Photo Courtesy of Port Canaveral)

The milestone underscores Port Canaveral’s dominance in the North American cruise market, where it serves as homeport for 18 vessels across seven major cruise brands.

The port currently supports over 1,000 sailings annually, solidifying its position as a critical hub for cruise operators seeking reliable, high-capacity infrastructure.

“This distinction reflects our commitment to providing a quality experience and supporting our cruise partners’ business growth,” said Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral’s CEO, in a statement.

$912 Million Investment Plan Drives Future Capacity

Aerial view of Port Canaveral, one of the busiest cruise ports, with several cruise ships docked, surrounded by parking lots, buildings, and water channels on a sunny day with scattered clouds.
(Photo Courtesy of Port Canaveral)

The achievement arrives as Port Canaveral advances its Port Canaveral Advantage initiative, a $912 million, five-year capital improvement program designed to expand capacity and modernize operations. The project includes expansion of two existing cruise terminals, development of a seventh new terminal campus, additional parking facilities, and deployment of new technology aimed at streamlining the boarding process and passenger convenience.

Why This Matters for Travel Advisors

A large cruise ship is docked at Port Canaveral, one of the world's busiest cruise ports, near an industrial area and waterways, with several small boats in the channel and buildings and roads stretching into the distance.
(Photo Courtesy of Port Canaveral)

For travel advisors, Port Canaveral’s continued investment in infrastructure matters significantly. The port’s geographic position as a drive-to market, with approximately 75 percent of passengers driving from within the southeast, offers advantages over fly-to homeports.

Easy terminal access, ample adjacent parking, and Central Florida’s centralized location make it an attractive option for cruise passengers seeking easy cruise embarkation.

Industry Recognition and Modern Facilities

Aerial view of Port Canaveral, the world's busiest cruise port in 2025, with several large cruise ships docked at multiple terminals, parking lots filled with cars, nearby buildings, and water extending inland under a partly cloudy sky.
(Photo Courtesy of Port Canaveral)

As cruise demand continues to grow, Port Canaveral’s infrastructure investments position it to maintain its market leadership while accommodating projected future growth in passenger sailings from the Central Florida region.

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Frank M

Frank is a seasoned travel journalist with over a decade of experience covering hospitality, cruise, and air travel. He has traveled extensively by land, sea, and air, collaborating with industry giants like Marriott, Hyatt, Disney, and Carnival Corp. His work has been featured in major international and industry publications across four continents.
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