South Florida’s ports break cruise passenger records in 2024

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South Florida’s premier seaports, PortMiami and Port Everglades, reported record-breaking cruise passenger numbers for fiscal year 2024, highlighting the region’s dominant role in the global cruise industry.

Both ports continue to fuel economic growth and innovation, underscoring South Florida’s reputation as a top cruise destination.

PortMiami, situated in downtown Miami at 1015 N. America Way, welcomed an impressive 8.2 million cruise passengers in the fiscal year ending September 30. This marked a 12.79% increase from last year’s 7.3 million passengers.

The port, a 518-acre travel and cargo hub, has partnerships with 23 cruise lines, including major players Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava praised the port’s achievement, noting its transformative impact on the city’s skyline and economy.

“PortMiami’s commitment to sustainable development ensures it remains a future-ready gateway to the world,” Levine Cava said.

The upcoming 2024-2025 cruise season promises further expansion with several new ships and terminals. Notably, Explora Journeys will debut its Explora II vessel, and Virgin Voyages will introduce Resilient Lady in November.

MSC Cruises will also open its state-of-the-art Cruise Terminal AA this season.

Additionally, in June 2024, PortMiami introduced shore power, becoming the first major eastern U.S. port to offer this technology at five berths, reducing emissions and noise by enabling ships to plug into land-based power while docked.

Meanwhile, Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale also set new records, with 4 million cruise passengers in fiscal year 2024—a 39% increase over the previous year.

Port Everglades, spanning 2,190 acres at 1850 Eller Drive, recorded a 23% rise in cruise ship calls.

The port collaborates with 11 cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Princess Cruises.

CEO and Port Director Joseph Morris credited the addition of Disney Cruise Line and a variety of cruise options as key contributors to the growth.

“Cruising demand is high, and our cruise line partners are set for even greater success with new itineraries,” Morris said, noting that passenger numbers are expected to rise to 4.4 million in fiscal year 2025.

The growth at Port Everglades is also attributed to the deployment of larger cruise ships, which allow the port to accommodate more passengers with fewer vessel calls.

In 2014, the port reached a similar milestone of 3.9 million passengers with 887 ship calls; in 2024, it achieved 4 million passengers with just 648 calls due to these larger vessels.

PortMiami and Port Everglades continue to anchor South Florida’s cruise industry, generating billions in economic impact and supporting extensive employment.

PortMiami’s contributions exceed $43 billion annually, supporting 334,000 jobs, while Port Everglades generates $33 billion and provides employment for 200,000 people.

Though smaller, the Port of Palm Beach, located at 1 E. 11th St. in Riviera Beach, primarily serves Margaritaville at Sea.

While its fiscal year 2024 figures are pending, the port recorded 412,091 cruise passengers in 2023, marking a 183% increase from the prior year.

The port generates around $260 million in annual business revenue and supports approximately 2,400 jobs, rounding out South Florida’s vital cruise industry network.

As passenger numbers continue to climb, South Florida’s ports remain at the forefront of global cruising, drawing millions of visitors and fueling significant economic growth.

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