By
Alex Smith |
PortMiami has recorded the best cruise performance in its history, as 6,824,000 cruise passengers visited the port across the 12-month period ending on 30 September 2019.
Growth in the port has been strengthened by the arrival of new business. Royal Caribbean International officially opened Cruise Terminal A and celebrated the arrival of the world’s largest ship Symphony of the Seas. Norwegian Cruise Line welcomed Norwegian Bliss to the port, as Carnival Cruise Line added the new Carnival Horizon. Viking Ocean Cruises introduced Viking Star and Viking Sun, while MSC Cruises welcomed MSC Armonia.
In addition, PortMiami has secured several long-term deals and terminal developments with Carnival Corporation, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line Bahamas, Terminal Link Miami, and Virgin Voyages.
“PortMiami’s development wouldn’t be possible without its dedicated partners,” said Rebeca Sosa, chairwoman of the Tourism and Ports Committee. “New facilities, including cruise terminals and berths are in the works to accommodate the industry’s new generation of vessels. I am so proud of PortMiami, what it has accomplished, and where it’s heading.”
The new and expanded partnerships are projected to generate an estimated economic impact of around US$7.8 billion in South Florida, creating approximately 27,500 new direct, induced and indirect jobs annually.
“The strong performance at PortMiami, one of Miami-Dade County’s main economic engines, is great news for our community," said Carlos Gimenez, Mayor of Miami-Dade County. “The growth figures confirm our role as a leading global gateway and demonstrate the continuing draw of the port. I will continue to work with the port and its partners on additional opportunities. Everybody stands to gain from sustainable growth at our seaport.”