Yep, Florida isn't just busy because of the awesome theme parks!
Let’s do some quick math, shall we?
*Ahem*
- Orlando is a major destination for both theme park enthusiasts and cruisers.
- The cruise industry is booming, setting new records post-pandemic.
- Multiple new cruise ships are launching in 2024 and 2025.
Put all that together, and it’s no surprise that Port Everglades is on track to break records in 2025. Located in Fort Lauderdale, it’s a fan-favorite cruise port, not just because of its prime Florida location but also because it’s a major tourist hotspot, attracting millions of visitors each month.
Official stats show that between October 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, passenger arrivals increased by an impressive 27%, rising from 1,064,998 in the same period the previous year to 1,349,313. That’s a lot of people looking to soak up the sun! Additionally, in the first quarter of the fiscal year, cruise ship calls rose 25%, from 188 in 2023 to 235 in 2024.
To put this into perspective, 2024 arrivals are already 40% higher than in 2023, further solidifying the port’s post-pandemic recovery. While travel hesitancy was still a factor in 2023, it’s clear that demand is now skyrocketing heading into 2025.
Joseph Morris, Director and CEO of Port Everglades, commented on the surge:
“While we continue to navigate the year ahead, this strong first quarter is a promising indication of smooth sailing for our customers and the broader economy. These numbers not only highlight our steady course of growth but also position us to achieve new heights this fiscal year.”
Port Everglades is currently the third-busiest cruise port in the world, and it shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, Florida’s three major cruise ports - PortMiami, Port Canaveral, and Port Everglades - are the busiest in the world. With new ships like Disney Destiny, Norwegian Aqua, and Star of the Seas debuting soon, Florida’s ports are only going to get busier… and even more successful.
