The world busiest cruise ports.

With 2016 coming to a close, and no doubt another recording breaking cruise year I though I would do a bit of research into the world busiest cruise ports and get some insight into just how many passengers these hubs handle. To be honest the numbers are massive!!

I don’t think the number 1 spot will shock many, but the Port of Miami welcomed over 5 million cruise passengers. As a major gateway to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, with countless ship based there year round. Transport links with not only Miami International airport, but Fort Lauderdale and Orlando also offering international as well as internal flights, it’s no surprise the art deco city tops the list.

Number 2 on the list and roughly 700,000 passengers behind Miami is Port Everglades. A whooping 28 miles north of the busiest cruise port in the world! Port Everglades actually hold the world record for the most amount of cruise passengers serviced in a single day with a huge 55,885 customers embarking or disembarking in their port. That is more than 10 times the amount of passengers than the Harmony of the Seas can hold at capacity!

The 3rd busiest cruise port is rather bizarrely also in the state of Florida! Port Canaveral services over 4 million cruise passengers and is extremely popular with those wanting a cruise and stay option in Orlando. With Orlando International and Sanford Airports within easy reach and Tampa, Miami and Fort Lauderdale within driving distance.

The top European ports in terms of passenger numbers sit in numbers 6 and 7 in the world rankings with Nassau (Bahamas) and Cozumel (Mexico) in 4th and 5th respectively.

The top European port is the Port of Barcelona, clearing over 2.5 million passengers. It’s close proximity to the city attractions and airport make it a popular choice with passengers and cruise lines alike.

The 2nd busiest port is Civitavvechia. The port that services the wonder that is Rome. The pull of the city does little to put people off the hour plus journey from the port to the city it seems with over 2 million cruisers arriving/departing the port.