PortMiami sets cruise and cargo records amid major upgrades

Writer: Pablo Marquez

Key points:

• PortMiami posted record growth in cruise passengers and cargo volumes in 2025.

• Major infrastructure investments are expanding capacity while advancing sustainability goals.

• Intensifying regional competition is reshaping Florida’s cruise and cargo landscape.

January 2026 — PortMiami has reinforced its position as one of the world’s most important maritime hubs, posting record-breaking growth across both cruise and cargo operations over the past year. Fueled by major infrastructure investments, the arrival of next-generation cruise ships, and a growing emphasis on sustainability, the port continues to evolve while navigating increasing regional competition.

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PortMiami reached a historic milestone in fiscal year 2025, welcoming more than 8.56 million cruise passengers between October 2024 and September 2025, according to Travel Markets Insider. The figure represents a 4% increase year over year and marks the highest annual passenger volume in the port’s history.

On the cargo side, PortMiami surpassed one million TEUs for the 11th consecutive year, handling nearly 1.12 million twenty-foot equivalent units as reported by Caribbean National Weekly. This underscores the long-standing role of the port as a critical trade gateway for the Americas. 

According to a Miami-Dade County press release, PortMiami is also completing phase two of its Electric Rubber-Tired Gantry Crane project at the South Florida Container Terminal. The investment enhances operational efficiency, increases container stacking capacity, and supports the port’s broader sustainability and automation goals.

Central to this growth has been a wave of large-scale infrastructure development. As cited by the Miami Herald, this month the Royal Caribbean Group broke ground on the highly anticipated Terminal G, a $345 million investment designed to accommodate the largest cruise ships in the world, including the Icon class. The new terminal adds to a series of recent upgrades by MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Norwegian Cruise Line, further modernizing the port’s cruise facilities and increasing capacity for future demand.

The 2025–2026 cruise season is shaping up to be one of the most robust yet, with several major ships newly homeporting in Miami. Among them are Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, MSC Cruises’ Grandiosa, and Oceania Cruises’ Allura, according to Miami’s Community News. This reinforces Miami’s appeal to both luxury and mass-market cruise operators and strengthens its reputation as the Cruise Capital of the World.

Environmental responsibility has also taken center stage. According to the Miami Herald, PortMiami has expanded its shore power capabilities, also known as ‘cold ironing,’ allowing docked cruise ships to connect to the local electrical grid and shut down their engines while in port. This initiative significantly reduces emissions, improves air quality, and aligns the port with global sustainability standards increasingly demanded by cruise lines and regulators alike.

Beyond its operational achievements, PortMiami remains a powerful economic engine for Miami-Dade County. As reported by the county, the port contributes an estimated $61 billion annually to the local economy and supports more than 340,000 jobs, representing a 48 percent increase in employment impact compared to eight years ago. The growth reflects not only increased volumes but also the ripple effects of tourism, logistics, and global trade activity tied to the port.

Despite these accomplishments, competition among Florida ports continues to intensify. Port Canaveral briefly surpassed PortMiami in total cruise passenger numbers during the past fiscal year accordiing to florida today, highlighting the increasingly dynamic and competitive landscape for cruise homeports in the state.

Still, PortMiami’s record performance, ongoing modernization, and strategic investments position it well for long-term growth. As it balances expansion with sustainability and adapts to shifting market dynamics, the port remains firmly focused on maintaining its dual identity as both the world’s leading cruise hub and a premier cargo gateway to the Americas.

Want more? Read the Invest: Miami report.