PortMiami has set a new record for cruise passenger numbers, reaching 8,233,056 travelers in Fiscal Year 2024. This represents a 12.79 percent increase from the previous record of 7,299,294 passengers in Fiscal Year 2023.
"PortMiami continues to break records and uphold its status as the Cruise Capital of the World©," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. She praised the PortMiami team and cruise line partners for their efforts in achieving this milestone. "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."
Hydi Webb, Director and CEO of PortMiami, expressed gratitude towards cruise lines for their partnership during this record-breaking year. "I want to thank Mayor Cava, the Board of County Commissioners and our cruise partners for their unwavering support to ensure PortMiami is the departure choice for cruise passengers," she stated.
The upcoming 2024-2025 season will see several new ships and terminals at PortMiami. Notable additions include Explora Journeys Explora II and Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady in November 2024; MSC Cruises World America and Norwegian Cruise Line Aqua in April 2025; Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady in October 2025; and Oceania Allura in November 2025.
MSC Cruises' new Cruise Terminal AA is set to open this season as the largest cruise terminal globally. Additionally, construction on Royal Caribbean International's new Cruise Terminal G will commence in summer 2025.
A significant advancement this fiscal year was the introduction of shore power on June 17, 2024. This project allows docked ships to connect to landside electrical power instead of using their engines, reducing emissions and noise. The initiative involves Miami-Dade County collaborating with Carnival Corporation & plc, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Royal Caribbean Group, Virgin Voyages, and Florida Power & Light Company. PortMiami becomes the first major U.S. eastern seaboard cruise port offering shore power capability at five berths.