South Florida’s global gateway closes out FY 2025 with historic numbers and big plans ahead
PortMiami just dropped some major news that once again cements its reputation as one of Miami-Dade’s strongest economic engines. As Miami prepares for another bustling holiday season—from the Little Havana art walk to major Miami events drawing visitors from around the world—our iconic seaport announced a banner year in both cruise and cargo operations. With more than 8.5 million cruise passengers and over 1.1 million TEUs, the 2025 fiscal year marks one of the most significant milestones in PortMiami’s history.
Cruise Tourism Shatters Records Once Again
Miami isn’t called the Cruise Capital of the World® for nothing. The port saw 8,564,225 cruise passengers between October 2024 and September 2025—a 4.02% increase over last year. It’s the highest annual count ever, signaling the continued strength of Miami tourism and the region’s deep cultural appeal.
County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava praised the achievement, emphasizing that PortMiami’s success reflects not only economic growth but also resilience, innovation, and global connectivity. This momentum is only expected to grow with an impressive lineup of new cruise ships arriving for the 2025–2026 season, including Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady, MSC’s Grandiosa, and Silversea’s Silver Nova.
Cargo Growth Continues Its 11-Year Streak
PortMiami’s cargo operations also reached new heights, surpassing 1.1 million TEUs and marking 11 consecutive years above the million-TEU threshold. The port credits this steady rise to major infrastructure investments—like the expansion of the Electric Rubber-Tired Gantry Crane (eRTG) Project, now totaling 18 cranes at the South Florida Container Terminal.
Additional improvements in yard drainage, technology upgrades, and berth rehabilitation are enhancing efficiency and keeping PortMiami competitively positioned as the Cargo Gateway of the Americas. Port Director and CEO Hydi Webb highlighted these advancements as key drivers behind the port’s ability to keep global trade flowing smoothly.
PortMiami’s continued growth is more than a statistic—it’s a reflection of Miami’s evolution as a world-class hub for travel, trade, and culture. As millions of visitors pass through the port and billions funnel into the local economy, Miami’s neighborhoods—from Coral Gables to Little Havana—benefit from a stronger economy and greater global visibility.
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