List of Busiest Cruise Ports by Passengers in the World

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View of a Cruise Ship in the Yokohama Port
Credit: pexels.com, View of a Cruise Ship in the Yokohama Port

The world of cruising is a bustling one, with millions of passengers embarking on exciting voyages every year. According to the latest figures, the busiest cruise ports in the world are home to an incredible number of travelers.

Here are the top cruise ports by passenger traffic, a testament to their popularity and appeal. The Port of Miami, for instance, welcomes a staggering 4.5 million passengers annually, making it the busiest cruise port in the world.

Located in the heart of Miami, this port serves as a major hub for several prominent cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. Its strategic location and excellent facilities make it an ideal starting point for many cruises.

Busiest Cruise Ports

The busiest cruise ports in the world are a sight to behold, with millions of passengers passing through their gates every year. Miami, Florida, tops the list, welcoming over 5 million passengers in 2020.

Credit: youtube.com, Top 20 - Worlds Busiest Cruise Ports

Carnival Cruise Line's homeport in Miami is a major contributor to this number, with many of its ships departing from the port. In fact, the port is so busy that it's not uncommon to see multiple cruise ships docked at the same time.

Port Canaveral in Florida comes in second, with over 4 million passengers in 2020. This port is a popular departure point for Disney Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line.

Busiest Cruise

The busiest cruise port in the world is the Port of Miami, Florida, welcoming over 4.4 million passengers in 2020. This is due in part to its proximity to the Caribbean and Latin America, making it a prime departure point for cruises to these destinations.

The Port of Miami is home to many major cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line. These lines offer a wide range of itineraries, from short 3-day cruises to longer voyages of up to 14 days.

One of the most popular cruise lines to depart from the Port of Miami is Carnival Cruise Line, which offers a variety of onboard amenities and activities, including dining options, entertainment venues, and kids' clubs.

Galveston

Credit: youtube.com, Everything you need to know about cruising from the Port of Galveston Texas!

Galveston is a major player in the cruise industry, welcoming ships from top cruise lines like Disney Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Lines. The Port of Galveston is a key hub with two terminals dedicated to cruises.

Many cruise ships call the Port of Galveston home year-round, taking advantage of its convenient location in Galveston, Texas.

US Ports

The US is home to some of the world's busiest cruise ports.

Port Canaveral in Florida's Brevard County is a notable example, serving as the world's second busiest cruise port. It also handles cargo and naval operations.

In 2016-17, Port Canaveral welcomed over 4.2 million cruise passengers.

Everglades in Florida

Everglades in Florida is a major cruise port, attracting millions of passengers each year. Port Everglades in Florida at 1,717,908 passenger movements is a testament to its popularity.

Located along the coast of Hollywood, Florida, which is part of the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, Port Everglades serves as a gateway to both cruise vacations and international trade.

Credit: youtube.com, Fort Lauderdale Fleet Week begins at Port Everglades

In 2016-17, Port Everglades received over 3.8 million cruise passengers, setting a new record. It had 846 ship calls in 2017, a significant number that highlights its busy schedule.

The Port Everglades generated $33 billion in economic activity and impacted more than 216,543 jobs across the state in a June report. This has a ripple effect on the local economy, creating jobs and stimulating growth.

In March 2016, Port Everglades set a record for having the most cruise passengers in a single day – 54,700. This demonstrates the port's ability to handle large volumes of passengers efficiently.

Florida, USA (Canaveral and Everglades) – 12.5M

Port Canaveral in Florida's Brevard County is the number one spot for cruise port movements, with 4,072,396 passenger movements.

The port was voted the Best U.S. Cruise Homeport for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022. This month, the Orlando Sentinel reported that Port Canaveral's revenue reached nearly $50 million in the first three months of the fiscal year.

Balearia cruise ship docked at Valencia port with parked cars nearby.
Credit: pexels.com, Balearia cruise ship docked at Valencia port with parked cars nearby.

Eighty percent of Port Canaveral's revenue comes from the cruise industry, which was $40.7 million, while the total revenue was $48.9 million.

Port Canaveral saw 243 ship calls with more than 1.7 million passengers since October 2022.

The Port Everglades in Broward County, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is another major cruise port, receiving over 3.8 million cruise passengers in 2016-17.

It had 846 ship calls in 2017 and serves as a gateway to both cruise vacations and international trade.

Port Everglades is a popular destination for cruise lines, including Balearia, Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and others.

The world's second busiest cruise port is also located in the US, Port Canaveral in Florida's Brevard County, which received over 4.2 million cruise passengers in 2016-17.

An average of 10 ships enters the port each day, including those from famous cruise lines like Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and others.

Miami, Florida Population

Miami, Florida has a significant population that's supported by its thriving port. The city welcomes more than 4 million passengers a year.

Credit: youtube.com, Wonderfull of The Port of Miami, located in Florida, US

Port Miami is a major economic driver, generating more than $43 billion in economic impact for the local community. This is a testament to the importance of the port in the area.

The port hosts several cruise terminals that serve millions of people, with over 4 million cruise passengers in 2022 alone. This number is expected to grow as the port continues to develop.

Port Miami is home to more than 330,000 jobs, making it a significant source of employment for the local community.

Nassau, Bahamas Population

The Nassau, Bahamas population is relatively small, but it sees a lot of activity due to its cruise port.

Nassau Cruise Port is a significant contributor to the local economy, welcoming a large number of passengers each year. In 2023, it recorded 3,212,603 passenger movements.

The port's redevelopment project has had a positive impact on the area, with new attractions like a 3,500-person amphitheatre and a living coral exhibit.

This redevelopment also helped the port set a new one-day passenger record in February, with 28,554 travelers arriving in a single day.

International Ports

Credit: youtube.com, BUSIEST CRUISE PORTS IN THE WORLD | The top 5 biggest cruise ports

International Ports play a crucial role in the cruise industry, serving as gateways to some of the world's most popular destinations.

The Port of Miami, one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, welcomed over 4.5 million passengers in 2020, accounting for nearly 50% of the port's total traffic.

Miami's success can be attributed to its proximity to the Caribbean and its state-of-the-art facilities, which enable efficient embarkation and disembarkation of passengers.

Ports of Genoa and Savona

The Ports of Genoa and Savona in Italy are a significant hub for passenger movements, with 1,572,000 passenger movements ranking them 10th on CLIA's list.

Located on the Italian coast, the two ports are just 45 minutes apart, making them a convenient option for travelers.

The Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority manages the Port of Genoa, Port of Savona, and Vado Ligure, overseeing operations at these busy ports.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain is home to the Port of Barcelona, one of the leading cruise ports in the world. The port welcomed 2,329,000 passenger movements, making it a bustling hub of activity.

Credit: youtube.com, BARCELONA Cruise Guide 2025! Tips, Attractions, Port Guide and Restaurants!

Citizens began building the port in the 14th century and steadily grew over time, facing temporary instability due to the two World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, and General Franco's 40-year dictatorship.

The Port of Barcelona saw a boost in cruise travel for pleasure between 2020 and 2023, marking travelers' renewed interest in sea travel.

Civitavecchia, Rome, Italy

Civitavecchia, Rome, Italy is a bustling port city that's a must-visit destination for cruise enthusiasts. It's Europe's second busiest cruise port, with almost 2.5 million passengers.

The Civitavecchia Port of Rome is located just over an hour from Italy's capital city, making it an ideal day trip or longer stay destination.

The port's main hub is the Rome Cruise Terminal, where arriving and departing cruise ships dock.

Travelers can find local adventures in Civitavecchia, which hosts the Aquafelix Water Park.

Budget-friendly restaurants in Civitavecchia rely on locally-sourced food options, offering a taste of authentic Italian cuisine.

Cozumel Cruise Terminal

Credit: youtube.com, Cozumel, Mexico Cruise Port Guide: International Pier Cruise Center

Cozumel Cruise Terminal is a major hub for cruise ships, welcoming over two million passengers each year.

Located on the Mexican island of Cozumel in the Caribbean Sea, this terminal is part of the Puerto Maya complex.

Cozumel has a rich history, with Mayans settling on the island by the first century AD.

The island's popularity grew slowly, but a tourism boom occurred after 1959.

The Cozumel Cruise Port is the 4th busiest cruise port in the world, with 2,943,760 passenger movements.

Disney Cruise Line has a strong presence on the island, offering unique experiences for its passengers.

Cozumel, Mexico – Population: 3,637,321

Cozumel is a bustling port with a population of 3,637,321.

This island is a popular cruise ship destination, attracting millions of passengers each year.

Cozumel is also home to some of the finest diving outside of the Great Barrier Reef.

Shanghai, China

Shanghai, China is a bustling port that's long been associated with being a busy container port. It's also become a popular destination for cruise lines.

Credit: youtube.com, The World's BIGGEST Port - Shanghai port view from above

Shanghai welcomed 2,847,000 passengers, making it a significant hub for international travel. You can experience the Far East with Oceania Cruises, offering an 18-day cruise from Shanghai to Tokyo for £3,988 per person.

The port's popularity has led to a range of cruise options, including an eight-day cruise from Marseille with MSC Cruises, departing on March 10th for £595 per person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise ships are the least crowded?

Based on passenger space ratio, the least crowded cruise ships are the Fred Olsen's Bolette & Borealis, with ratios of 46.8 and 45.7, respectively. This suggests they have the most spacious experience for passengers.

Felicia Larson

Writer

Felicia Larson is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for logistics. Her work focuses on the intricate world of shipping companies, where she delves into the complexities of global logistics and supply chain management. Through her articles, she aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from the latest technological advancements to the challenges faced by shipping companies.

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