Miami, Florida – PortMiami has earned the prestigious title of the best U.S. homeport for 2024, an accolade awarded by Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine. The decision was made by the magazine’s publisher and editor-in-chief, highlighting the port’s excellence in the cruising industry.
Local Leader’s Reaction
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava expressed her gratitude, stating, “We are grateful to Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine for selecting PortMiami as the best homeport in the United States.” She highlighted the port’s extensive partnerships with 23 cruise lines, offering passengers a wide array of brands and itineraries. “Additionally, Miami’s amazing year-round weather, unique cultural offerings, restaurants options, and exciting attractions, make us one of the most desirable destinations in the world,” added Mayor Levine Cava.
Expansion and Innovation
In recent years, PortMiami has seen significant expansions with the inauguration of three new cruise terminals. These include Norwegian Cruise Line’s Cruise Terminal B, known as the Pearl of Miami; Carnival Corporation’s Cruise Terminal F; and Virgin Voyages’ Cruise Terminal V, referred to as the Palm Grove. Looking ahead, MSC Cruises’ Terminals AA is on schedule to open in 2024, and the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners recently greenlit Royal Caribbean Group’s new Cruise Terminal G, set for a late 2027 opening.
Advancing Environmental Efforts
Moreover, PortMiami is on the cusp of completing its Shore Power Program, which is a collaborative effort among PortMiami, its main cruise partners—Carnival Corporation, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Group, and Virgin Voyages—and Florida Power and Light Company. This initiative, expected to be operational by spring 2024, will equip five cruise terminals with the ability to power three ships simultaneously via shore power. This capability will allow docked ships to shut down their main engines, significantly cutting down on air emissions and supporting Miami’s environmental goals.
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Praise from the Industry
Bill Panoff, editor-in-chief of Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine, praised the city’s enduring appeal to cruisers, remarking, “Miami is one of the greatest cities in the world and has always maintained a top spot in the world of cruise especially. PortMiami itself is a pleasure to be in and is in easy reach of all kinds of pre- and post-cruise options. What more could a traveler ask for?”
Known for its strategic location minutes from Miami Beach and Downtown Miami, PortMiami continues to be the favored departure point for cruises headed to the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Its state-of-the-art facilities and wide range of travel and leisure options nearby reaffirm its status as a leading figure in global cruising.
