Handling Cruise Port Growth: Strategies to Meet Rising Demand for Destinations and Infrastructure

Published on April 8, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

At the Seatrade Cruise Global event in Miami, industry leaders gathered for a vital discussion on handling the projected growth in the global cruise market. With the world’s cruise fleet expected to approach 500 ships by the end of the decade, the need for improved homeport and destination infrastructure has never been greater. The “Port Infrastructure Panel” delved into various strategies to manage this growth, from expanding parking facilities to developing new cruise destinations.

Parking Challenges and Solutions

One immediate challenge for busy cruise ports is the lack of parking. Juan Kuryla, Senior Vice President of Port Development and Construction at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCL), explained how NCL tackled this issue by taking over parking operations at PortMiami. NCL is also constructing a second parking garage to cater not just to its own passengers, but to other cruise lines operating at the world’s busiest cruise port. By 2028, the additional parking space will help meet rising passenger demand.

Terminal Utilization and Efficiency

David German, Vice President of Cruise Business Development at Port Canaveral, shared how his port is managing the growing number of cruise passengers. In 2024, Port Canaveral is expected to see about 8.5 million passenger movements. Despite having limited terminals—just six to handle the volume—Port Canaveral has achieved remarkable operational efficiency. This includes implementing innovations like payment-on-entry systems and incorporating artificial intelligence to improve the flow of passengers and streamline operations.

Developing New Destinations

As demand for cruise vacations grows, creating new and innovative destinations is a key solution. Preston Carnahan, Vice President of Destinations at Royal Caribbean Group, discussed the company’s branded destinations, including Perfect Day at CocoCay and the upcoming Perfect Day Mexico. These custom-designed destinations, along with new Royal Beach Clubs in Nassau and Cancun, help alleviate pressure on traditional ports of call by offering unique, high-quality experiences tailored to cruise passengers. Carnahan emphasized that these destinations are designed to complement—not replace—traditional land-based destinations.

Expanding Cruise Saudi’s Ports

Barbara Buczek, Chief Destination Experiences Officer at Cruise Saudi, shared her work in expanding the kingdom’s cruise offerings. Cruise Saudi is developing multiple new ports along the Red Sea and in the Persian Gulf, aimed at accommodating both local and international cruise lines. Buczek explained that these destinations will cater to diverse cruise lines while maintaining the uniqueness of Saudi Arabia’s offerings, including private island experiences and beach resorts similar to those offered by leading global cruise companies.

Enhancing Guest Experience Beyond the Ship

SSA Marine’s Oscar Pascual highlighted the importance of enhancing the overall guest experience at ports. While infrastructure such as piers and terminals is crucial, he stressed the need for upland amenities such as retail spaces, food, and recreational areas. SSA Marine’s investment in Progreso, Mexico, exemplifies this approach, with new attractions like pools and a lazy river designed to enrich the passenger experience for those not participating in excursions.

Conclusion: A Collaborative Approach

The discussions at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 reinforced the need for collaboration between cruise lines, port operators, and local authorities to meet the demands of a rapidly growing industry. From parking solutions to the creation of new destinations and enhancing the guest experience, the future of cruise tourism depends on innovative infrastructure and a unified vision for sustainable growth.