PortMiami surpasses 10M cruise passengers in record fiscal year

   October 1, 2026 ,   Cruise Industry

PortMiami welcomed its 10 millionth cruise passenger on September 14th, 2026, setting a new annual passenger record ahead of the end of the 2026 fiscal year on September 30th. The port has already exceeded its previous fiscal-year record of 8,564,225 passengers, established in fiscal year 2025.

The milestone reflects continued demand for cruises departing from Miami, alongside investments in terminal infrastructure and the expansion of cruise line operations. The achievement further reinforces PortMiami’s position as a major hub for the global cruise industry.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said the record demonstrated the port’s contribution to the county’s tourism sector, employment and local business activity, as well as its focus on service, sustainability and economic development.

PortMiami Director and CEO Jonathan Daniels attributed the achievement to cooperation between the port’s employees, cruise lines and other port partners. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and expand capacity to accommodate future growth.

Recent terminal construction and upgrades have played an important role in supporting passenger volumes. The facilities are designed to accommodate some of the world’s largest cruise ships while improving passenger flows and streamlining embarkation and disembarkation procedures.

Cruise operations at PortMiami generate economic activity across Miami-Dade County, supporting employment in tourism, hospitality, retail, transportation and maritime services. Cruise passengers contribute to the regional economy through hotel stays, dining, entertainment and local transport, while vessel calls generate demand for a broad range of port-related services.

With the 2026 fiscal year concluding on September 30th, PortMiami’s final passenger total is expected to exceed the 10 million mark, setting a new benchmark for the port’s annual cruise traffic.