noticias
Southern Florida ports set cruise passenger records for 2024
Nov 20, 2024
The two main seaports in South Florida, PortMiami and Port Everglades, have recorded record figures for cruise passengers for the fiscal year 2024, reinforcing the region's position as a key player in the global cruise industry.
PortMiami, a 518-acre travel and cargo hub located at 1015 N. America Way in downtown Miami, recorded 8.2 million cruise passengers during fiscal year 2024, which ended on September 30. This represents a 12.79% increase compared to the total of 7.3 million passengers from the previous year.
“Congratulations to the entire PortMiami team and our valued cruise line partners for achieving this extraordinary milestone,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “PortMiami has not only transformed our iconic skyline and strengthened our economy, but its ongoing commitment to sustainable development ensures our port remains a gateway to the world, ready for the future.”
The 2024-2025 cruise season is expected to see further growth with the arrival of new ships and terminals. Among the new vessels are the Explora II from Explora Journeys and the Resilient Lady from Virgin Voyages, which will launch in November 2024. Additionally, the MSC Cruises AA Cruise Terminal will open this season.
PortMiami also achieved a significant environmental milestone in June 2024 with the introduction of shore power supply. This system allows cruise ships to connect to the onshore electrical grid while docked, reducing emissions and noise. PortMiami is the first major port on the U.S. East Coast to offer this service at five cruise berths.
For its part, Port Everglades, a 2,190-acre port located at 1850 Eller Drive in Fort Lauderdale, recorded 4 million cruise passengers in fiscal year 2024, surpassing its previous record. The port experienced a 39% increase in passengers compared to fiscal year 2023, with a 23% increase in cruise calls. Port Everglades partners with 11 cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Princess Cruises.
“We expected strong performance with the addition of Disney Cruise Line to our fleet and a mix of short and week-long cruises during the summer,” said Joseph Morris, CEO and Director of Port Everglades. “Cruise demand is booming, and our cruise line partners are poised for greater profits with new itineraries and a variety of departure dates.”
Port Everglades anticipates an even greater increase in passenger numbers for fiscal year 2025, with expectations of reaching 4.4 million passengers. “As the year progressed, it became clear that a record close to 4 million guests was within reach,” Morris added.
The port's growth is also attributed to the larger size of cruise ships. In fiscal year 2014, Port Everglades set a record of 3.9 million passengers, requiring 887 cruise calls. This year, the same passenger milestone was achieved with only 648 calls, thanks to higher capacity ships.
The Port of Palm Beach, a 162-acre port located at 1 E. 11th St. in Riviera Beach, has not yet released cruise passenger figures for fiscal year 2024. However, in fiscal year 2023, the port recorded 412,091 cruise passengers, an increase of 183% compared to the previous year. The port primarily serves Margaritaville at Sea (formerly Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line), so its cruise operations are more limited compared to the larger ports in South Florida.
PortMiami and Port Everglades are critical to South Florida's cruise industry, generating billions in economic impact and supporting tens of thousands of jobs. PortMiami contributes over $43 billion annually and sustains 334,000 jobs, while Port Everglades generates $33 billion and provides 200,000 jobs. The Port of Palm Beach generates approximately $260 million in annual business revenue and supports around 2,400 jobs.