PortMiami leads global ports with sustainability and passenger growth
Writer: Mirella Franzese
November 2024 — PortMiami, dubbed the Cruise Capital of the World, set a new benchmark in FY2024 with a record 8.23 million passengers, Miami-Dade County officials announced.
The port’s passenger traffic surged 12.8% from the 7.3 million travelers recorded in FY2023, reflecting robust growth in the cruise industry from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024.
“PortMiami has not only transformed our iconic skyline and bolstered our economy, but its ongoing commitment to creating more sustainable development ensures that our port remains a forward-thinking, future-ready gateway to the world”, said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cav in a November press release.
Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale’s bustling harbor and the world’s second-busiest cruise port, reported a strong FY2024, welcoming 4 million passengers — a 39% surge compared to the previous year.
PortMiami’s success as a premier cruise hub stems from a strategic partnership between Miami-Dade County and global cruise giants, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line, which anchor high-volume itineraries across the region.
The port is a vital economic engine for the city, generating over $43 billion annually and supporting 334,000 jobs.
The seaport is set to expand operations into the 2025 season with a slate of new ship debuts, including Explora Journeys’ Explora II, Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady, MSC Cruises’ World America, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Aqua, and Oceania’s Allura.
PortMiami’s cutting-edge Terminal AA, designed for MSC Cruises, will open later this year, poised to become the world’s largest cruise terminal.
Construction on Terminal G, dedicated to Royal Caribbean International, is set to begin next year, expanding PortMiami’s capacity beyond its nine existing terminals. These terminals currently serve major cruise lines including Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Oceania, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, Virgin Voyages, and others.
“I am grateful to our cruise lines for their ongoing partnership and this record-breaking year,” said Hydi Webb, director and CEO of PortMiami, in a press release.
In a milestone year for PortMiami, the fiscal 2024 record-breaking passenger numbers were matched by the introduction of shore power — hailed as the most transformative technological advancement in the port’s century-long history.
The innovative system allows ships to connect to land-based power while docked, eliminating the need for engine use and significantly reducing emissions and noise. PortMiami became the first major East Coast port to offer shore power across five docking sites.
PortMiami’s achievements mirror a broader global resurgence in the cruise industry as it rebounds from pandemic-driven slumps. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the industry expects 35.7 million passengers to take to the sea, a 6% increase from 2019.
“Demand remains robust, with not a single historical lead indicator in the business, notably booking curve and on-board spend, signaling any softening,” said Matt Boss, head of leisure and retailing (department stores & specialty softlines) at J.P. Morgan.
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