PortMiami welcomes eight new ships in 2023/24 cruise season

Among those sailing from the port this month are Oceania Cruises' Vista, Carnival Venezia and Scenic Eclipse II. In November, Crystal Serenity, Explora Journeys' Explora I and Norwegian Viva sail in, followed by Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Grandeur in December. January sees the arrival of Royal Caribbean International's Icon of the Seas, the new world's largest cruise ship.

Naming festivities

Norwegian Viva's naming ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 28 at the port, followed by Seven Seas Grandeur's on Dec. 10.

'We are grateful for the longstanding partnerships with all of our cruise partners and their commitment to providing a world-class experience to our passengers,' Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said. 'These new ships, and their improved amenities and customer experience, are helping to keep Miami-Dade and PortMiami on the cutting edge of the cruise industry.'

Record 67,594 passengers in a day

As PortMiami returns to regular cruise schedules and operations, it already posted its two biggest cruise days in history. On April 9 the port handled 67,594 passengers, a 12.7% increase from the 58,984 on Feb. 12.

Shore power

Additionally, PortMiami is finalizing its shore power program in partnership with Carnival Corp., MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Group and Virgin Voyages and Florida Power and Light Co.

Upon completion, shore power will be available at five cruise terminals with the ability to plug in three ships at a time.