Historic Milestone for PortMiami



cruise ships

PortMiami proudly celebrates an extraordinary milestone, welcoming its 10 millionth cruise passenger on Sept. 14, 2026. With two weeks remaining in fiscal year 2026, PortMiami has already surpassed its previous annual record of 8,564,225 cruise passengers.

This achievement represents the highest annual cruise passenger volume in PortMiami's history and further reinforces its position as the "Cruise Capital of the World®." Reaching this unprecedented milestone reflects strong global demand for sailings from Miami, continued investment in world-class cruise infrastructure and the expansion of cruise line offerings serving PortMiami.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava recognized the significance of the achievement, stating that surpassing the 10 million passenger threshold demonstrates PortMiami's commitment to service, sustainability and economic vitality. The milestone also highlights the port's critical role as a global gateway and a catalyst for job creation, tourism and local business growth.

Port Director and CEO Jonathan Daniels credited the achievement to the dedication of PortMiami's team and its cruise and port partners. Their collaborative efforts, combined with a focus on innovation, operational efficiency and an exceptional passenger experience, have helped position PortMiami for continued growth as the port modernizes its infrastructure and expands future capacity.

PortMiami's modern facilities have been instrumental in reaching this historic milestone. Recently completed and upgraded cruise terminals are capable of accommodating some of the largest cruise ships in the world and are designed to improve passenger flow, streamline embarkation and debarkation and enhance the overall guest experience.

Beyond passenger numbers, PortMiami's cruise activity delivers significant economic value to Miami-Dade County. Cruise passengers and vessel calls support employment throughout the tourism, hospitality, retail, transportation and maritime sectors. Cruise activity also generates economic benefits through hotel stays, restaurants, entertainment, shopping and local transportation, contributing billions of dollars in annual economic activity throughout the county.

The 10 million passenger milestone is a testament to the dedication of PortMiami's workforce, cruise line partners, maritime community and stakeholders. Together, they have helped strengthen PortMiami's global reputation while advancing its role as a vital economic engine for South Florida.

PortMiami's historic achievement is more than a passenger milestone; it is a celebration of partnership, innovation, investment, and the continued success of Miami as a premier global cruise destination.


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