For the first time in 2022, Port Canaveral along Florida’s "Space Coast" was the world’s busiest cruise port by passenger volume. According to a Florida Today article that cited a Florida Ports Council report, Port Canaveral has surpassed PortMiami, which for years had occupied that top position.
The report revealed that 4.21 million guests sailed from Port Canaveral during fiscal year 2022, versus 4.02 million for PortMiami. Port Everglades in Greater Fort Lauderdale retained its third-place position at 1.72 million passengers.
At least 13 cruise ships from Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International are home ported at Port Canaveral. Just a few days ago, Royal Caribbean announced that the massive Allure of the Seas will extend its season at Port Canaveral by offering short Caribbean getaways in 2024-2025.
However, the Florida Ports Council's report also projected that PortMiami will regain its No. 1 ranking for global passenger volume by 2027 with 8.4 million passengers, versus a projected 6.43 million for Port Canaveral. Miami continues to gain larger ships, such as Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, arriving in 2024, and MSC Cruises’ World America, slated to arrive in 2025.
Across the Globe
Heading to Greenland's remote, northernmost tip is Aurora Expeditions, which recently unveiled a 14-day “East Greenland Explorer” itinerary. Sailing to Germania Land and on to Kronprins Christian Land, the expeditionary ship Greg Mortimer will depart Reykjavik, Iceland, for this adventure on August 15, 2023.
Navigating to a warmer region with a tropical vibe, Variety Cruises is planning an LGBTQ+ cruise in the Seychelles on October 28, 2023. During this “Limited Collection” itinerary, Pegasus will offer local, farm-to-table dining, soft adventure tours, an "Off-Broadway-at-Sea" night and other activities led by a guest host.
Luxury on the Horizon
Scenic’s second “Discovery Yacht,” Scenic Eclipse II, has entered the final phase of its build with sea trials and final fittings ahead of its April 13, 2023 inaugural voyage. The vessel will set sail on an 11-day “Iberian Discovery” itinerary, cruising from Lisbon to Barcelona. Then, the yacht will spend the summer exploring the Mediterranean, Iceland and Scotland.
As reported by sister publication Luxury Travel Advisor, the new Explora Journeys—the luxury lifestyle brand of MSC Group—is now partnering with Pelorus to provide its guests with Scotland and Iceland destination experiences.
Another new line, Riverside Luxury Cruises, will begin cruising European rivers this spring. The line will operate the former Crystal Mozart as well as Crystal’s other river vessels. (Tip: Look for an article early this week in Luxury Travel Advisor that includes perspective from Jennifer Halboth, CEO, Americas, The Riverside Collection.)
Destination Immersion
Travel Agent was aboard Discovery Princess in Los Angeles recently for “360: Extraordinary Experience." This new, multi-sensory program for suite guests combines travel videos, visuals, authentic dining tastes and fine wines/local beverages with a travel narrative by Brooke Shields. Guests are immersed in the cultures and traditions of Greece, Italy, Spain and France.
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