Port Canaveral Breaks Passenger Records with 925,994 Guests
Port Canaveral has set a new record for passenger traffic, welcoming 925,994 guests in March 2025, marking a 16 percent year-over-year increase. This makes March the busiest month in the port’s history, surpassing previous records. The port, which is the second busiest cruise terminal in the world after PortMiami, expects to welcome 8.4 million passengers in 2025, an increase from the 7.6 million passengers it hosted in 2024.
With 16 ships from seven cruise lines operating at the port, Port Canaveral offers more than 1,000 sailings annually. These cruise lines include major industry players such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Disney, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), MSC Cruises, and Princess Cruises. The port has become a central hub for cruise passengers, offering a wide range of itineraries and destinations.
In 2024, Port Canaveral experienced a 12 percent increase in cruise passengers compared to 2023, hosting 7.6 million guests. This growth continues in 2025, supported by significant investments in port infrastructure. The port has upgraded its terminals, expanded parking facilities, and implemented new technology to speed up embarkation and debarkation processes, ensuring smoother passenger experiences.
The cruise industry plays a vital role in Florida’s Space Coast economy. A large percentage of cruise passengers—91 percent—choose to stay in local accommodations before or after their cruises. Pre- and post-cruise stays contribute significantly to the region’s economy, with 27 percent of passenger parties spending an average of $3,072 on lodging and related expenses.
Port Canaveral’s rapid growth has exceeded expectations, reflecting a strong demand for sailings from the port. Capt. John Murray, CEO of Port Canaveral, noted, “It wasn’t long ago when we exceeded 500,000 guests in a single month. Now, with numbers like this approaching nearly a million, it’s not just remarkable, it demonstrates the strong demand for sailings from our Port.” Murray added that the port had prepared for this growth, making the necessary investments to handle the increasing passenger numbers.
As Port Canaveral continues to expand its services and infrastructure, it is well-positioned to remain a leader in the global cruise industry, offering more options for travelers and contributing significantly to the local economy. With future projections showing continued growth, Port Canaveral is set to further strengthen its position as a top cruise hub.
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