PortMiami Shatters Records: Welcomes Over 7 Million Passengers in 2023, Unveils Future Growth Plans
2023 has been a landmark year for PortMiami, as it welcomed an astounding 7.3 million passengers between October 2022 and September 2023, setting a new record in its illustrious history. This remarkable achievement marks a significant increase in cruise activity, with a 6.97% growth from the previous record of 6.8 million passengers in 2019.
Dubbed the “Cruise Capital of the World,” PortMiami’s latest achievement underscores its vital role in the cruise industry and its substantial contribution to the Miami-Dade County economy. The announcement from Miami-Dade County this week highlights this remarkable feat.
Miami-Dade County’s Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, praised the efforts of PortMiami and its partners. “This milestone represents not just a triumph for PortMiami but a significant boon for our local economy, offering numerous opportunities for our residents and businesses. The Port stands as a beacon of innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth in the industry,” she stated in the announcement.
This surge in cruise activity is partly attributed to the port’s expansion efforts, including the recent opening of three new cruise terminals dedicated to Norwegian, Carnival, and Virgin Voyages. Moreover, the construction of new terminals for MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean, set to open in the coming years, signals further growth and development for the port.
PortMiami is also focusing on environmental sustainability. The implementation of shore power infrastructure, expected to be completed next year, will allow vessels to switch off their primary engines while docked, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative will enable up to three ships to utilize shore power simultaneously at five cruise terminals.
The future looks equally promising for PortMiami. 2024 is anticipated to be another record-breaking year with the arrival of new vessels from various cruise lines. A highlight of the year will be the January departure of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, from Miami.
Other notable ships set to sail from Miami in 2024 include Carnival’s Costa Venezia, Oceania Vista, Scenic Eclipse II, Crystal Cruises’ Serenity, MSC Cruises’ Explora I, Norwegian VIVA, and Regent Seven Seas Grandeur.
Beyond its cruise ship operations, PortMiami is a significant hub for cargo shipping. In fiscal year 2023, it handled over 1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) of cargo, marking the ninth consecutive year it has surpassed this volume.
PortMiami’s remarkable achievements in 2023 and its ambitious plans for the future solidify its position as a leading force in the cruise and cargo industries, driving economic growth and innovation in Miami-Dade County and beyond.