Port Canaveral in Central Florida port has officially become the busiest cruise port in the world, edging out longtime heavyweight PortMiami. It's the second time the cruise port has earned the distinction.
According to newly released figures, Port Canaveral welcomed 8.6 million cruise passengers in fiscal year 2025. That number narrowly tops PortMiami’s 8.5 million, but the gap is big enough to crown a clear winner. The number also reflects a 13 percent jump from the port’s passenger totals just one year ago, making this the busiest year in Port Canaveral’s history. The last time Port Canaveral beat out PortMiami was in 2022, when many companies were still recovering from the pandemic.
Port Canaveral sits just east of Orlando, closer to theme parks than nightclubs, and for years it played second fiddle to Miami’s glitzy port. But Port Canaveral has quietly become America’s favorite homeport, especially for families and drive-to cruisers who value convenience over flash.
The port operates six cruise terminals serving seven major cruise lines, including Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Carnival. It’s currently homeport to 18 ships, with more than 1,000 sailings a year leaving its docks. About 75 percent of passengers drive themselves to the port, thanks to adjacent parking and terminals designed to move people quickly from car to cabin.
Port CEO Capt. John Murray credited the milestone to long-term focus rather than overnight success, pointing to strong partnerships with cruise lines and behind-the-scenes work by port staff. The port has spent years right-sizing terminals, expanding parking and smoothing out embarkation days that can make or break a cruise experience. A massive $912 million, five-year capital improvement plan is already underway, with terminal expansions, a planned seventh cruise terminal campus and new technology aimed at keeping traffic flowing as ship sizes continue to grow.
Miami may still have the flashiest skyline and the loudest send-offs, but Port Canaveral has become the preferred port for savvy cruisers.