PortMiami broke its 2019 record by welcoming 7.29 million passengers during fiscal year 2023.
From October 2022 to September 2023, the Cruise Capital of the World registered 7,299,294 passengers, surpassing its record of 6,823,816 passengers during the same period in 2019. An increase of over 475,000 passengers marks a 6.97% increase from pre-pandemic levels.
After congratulating the port, County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava remarked, “PortMiami continues to drive our economy forward, creating opportunities for residents and businesses across our county. The port is an industry leader, which is future-ready and committed to innovative, efficient, and sustainable growth.”
Ships, terminals, and partnerships are driving the port’s growth
According to the local government, the port’s record numbers are due to new businesses, partnerships, and its new cruise terminals. Since the pandemic, PortMiami has begun operating 3 more cruise terminals. These are Virgin Voyages’ Cruise Terminal V, The Palm Grove; Carnival Corporation’s Cruise Terminal F; and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Cruise Terminal B, the Pearl of Miami.
| By 2024, MSC Cruises’ Terminals AA/AAA will also be operational. Additionally, Miami-Dade County has already approved the construction of Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Terminal G which will be ready towards the end of 2027. |
Infrastructure for shore power is also under construction. Next year, PortMiami will be able to simultaneously provide up to three ships with shore power, allowing them to use shoreside electricity while reducing air pollution. The project is a joint partnership between MSC Cruises, Carnival Corporation, the Royal Caribbean Group, Norwegian Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, and Florida Power & Light Company.
Meanwhile, more cruise ships are sailing from the Florida port. The long list of vessels that have recently begun homeporting from PortMiami includes Oceania Vista, Costa Venezia, Explora I, Crystal Serenity, Scenic Eclipse II, Norwegian Viva, and the Regent Seven Seas Grandeur.
This coming January, the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, will also begin its voyages from PortMiami.
The 520-acre port is important to Miami-Dade’s economy. Each year, it generates $43 billion in revenue and supports over 334,500 jobs.
Earlier this year, it set a new daily record by receiving over 67,000 passengers in one day.
