From the debut of the world’s largest cruise terminal to multiple high-profile inaugural sailings, the destination continues to lead the way in cruising innovation. With cutting-edge infrastructure, seamless accessibility, and PortMiami at the helm, Miami offers an unmatched pre- and post-cruise experience for travellers from around the world.
In February, PortMiami made headlines by hosting a record-breaking
10 cruise ships and nearly 68,000 cruise passengers in a single day — a new
benchmark for global ports. The momentum carried into April with two major
inaugural cruise events:
The inaugural sailing of MSC
World America which took place on 9 April from MSC’s new, four-level,
490,000-square-foot facility — now officially the largest cruise terminal
in the world. As one of the most anticipated new
cruise ships of 2025, it offers guests a luxurious Caribbean cruise
experience right from Miami’s cruise terminal.
The launch of Norwegian’s
Aqua, the first in its Prima Plus class, which took place on 13 April.
Featuring attractions like the Aqua Slidecoaster, this next-generation
luxury cruise ship will begin its Caribbean cruise from Miami.
These milestones coincide with Seatrade Cruise
Global, the world’s largest cruise industry convention, celebrating its
40th anniversary at the Miami Beach Convention Center. With over 600 exhibitors and
thousands of cruise industry leaders, the event further reinforced Miami’s
position at the forefront of global cruising.
“There is truly no place in the world like Greater Miami and Miami
Beach when it comes to cruising,” said David Whitaker, President & CEO of
the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. “With the opening of the
world’s largest terminal, record passenger volume, and the honour of hosting
Seatrade Cruise Global, our destination is not just participating in the cruise
industry — we’re leading it.”
Greater Miami and Port Miami’s position as a premier global cruise
hub is supported by industry-first innovations and traveller conveniences:
PortMiami is
the first
seaport to host a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry
Enrollment Center allowing for expedited clearance for pre-approved,
low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States.
World-class
amenities and attractions near PortMiami make pre and post cruise experiences
seamless. The Bayside Concierge luggage
program allows cruise passengers to securely check bags and explore
attractions like Bayside
Marketplace, Bayfront
Park, and acclaimed museums such as the Perez
Art Museum (PAMM) and Phillip
and Patricia Frost Museum of Science.
Visitors can also elevate their time in Miami by catching a live
performance at the Adrienne
Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, one of the premier cultural
institutions in the country—all just minutes from the cruise terminal.
Quick arrival to Miami
Beach with direct drive via the MacArthur Causeway, passengers reach
Miami Beach in just 10-15 minutes, offering seamless access to hotels,
world-class beaches and iconic attractions.
Access to a world-renowned
culinary scene with Michelin
Guide recognition as well as the beloved Miami
Spice Restaurant programme available each year during the months of
August and September.
With shore
power infrastructure — the first major cruise port on the United States eastern
seaboard — PortMiami is advancing sustainability by significantly reducing
emissions while ships are docked. This cutting-edge system allows cruise
ships to plug into the local electrical grid rather than running their engines,
cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality in
surrounding communities. The $125 million investment underscores Miami-Dade County’s
commitment to environmental stewardship and positions PortMiami as a global
leader in sustainable cruising practises. The shore power programme supports up
to five cruise berths and is a key component of the county’s broader climate
resilience strategy.
PortMiami serves over 8.2 million cruise passengers annually and is
the preferred departure point for top cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC Cruises, and Virgin Voyages. Whether
you’re planning a family cruise from Miami, a weekend getaway, or a luxury
cruise holiday, PortMiami offers diverse itineraries and world-class ships.
Located on Dodge Island in the heart of Biscayne
Bay, PortMiami offers unmatched accessibility for travellers from around the
world. Just 8 miles (approximately 15 minutes) from Miami
International Airport —one of the busiest international gateways in the
U.S.—and directly connected to Brightline
high-speed rail service, now linking to Miami from locations in South and
Central Florida, the port is seamlessly integrated into the region’s
transportation infrastructure. Whether arriving by air, rail, or road, cruise
passengers can easily transition from arrival to embarkation. Surrounding PortMiami
are some of the top-rated pre or
post cruise hotels in the country, offering everything from luxury suites
with bay views to family-friendly accommodations steps from PortMiami.
Posted by: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
Posted on: 15/04/2025