More Ships Setting Sail From Sunshine State

Vacation dreams are as vast as the sea. Whether the sunny Caribbean is calling, you have your sights set on the historic cities in Europe, or adventure is luring you to the expansive land of Alaska, you’re not alone in wanting to seek out the big blue ocean. 

A 2024 survey by the Cruise Line Industry Association predicts that ocean cruising will grow by at least 10 percent worldwide through 2028. And with new ships launching all the time — including several from Florida in 2025 — there are plenty of opportunities to set sail.

That same study found that it’s pretty addictive, too. It seems 82 percent of those who have cruised will cruise again, with about 12 percent doing so twice a year. Some enjoy it so much that 10 percent will cruise three to five times each year.

Some people even choose to extend their vacation by planning a land-based stay before or after their cruise. Marriott Vacation Club^®, Sheraton^® Vacation Club, and Westin^® Vacation Club Owners, Members, and guests who love visiting Florida resorts as part of their vacation will be thrilled to know the Sunshine State boasts three of the world’s largest ports.

In 2024, PortMiami, Port Canaveral, and Port Everglades sent nearly 20 million people on cruise vacations, and even more are expected in 2025. Each of these ports plans expansions and improvements to keep up with record demand. The growth at these major ports is driving the expansion of the cruise industry by increasing capacity, improving infrastructure, and attracting more cruise lines and passengers. And it supports the industry’s overall growth, making cruises more accessible and appealing to a broader audience.

PortMiami

The PortMiami 2035 Master Plan is the place to seek out all answers for the ambitious growth for new cruise terminals and infrastructure upgrades for both passenger and cargo ships. It saw a 12.79 percent increase in sailings year over year and proudly boasts its status as the largest port, trademarking the phrase Cruise Capital of the World^®.

They have their sights set high, with a goal of growing ambitious projects, including new terminal complexes, multimodal centers, and infrastructure upgrades. The plan is to stay largely within its current footprint while increasing efficiency and the ability to handle larger ships and more passengers, further solidifying its status as a major hub for the cruise industry.

Port Canaveral

The second largest port, Port Canaveral, is also expanding rapidly, with plans to build a new $175 million cruise terminal by late 2026. The port’s revenue from cruise ships and related activities has soared, leading to increased profits and further investments in infrastructure. 

Adding new cruise ships to the site about an hour east of Orlando and expanding its terminal facilities will boost the port’s capacity and attract more cruise lines, contributing to the overall growth of the cruise industry.

Port Everglades

Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale joined the club for massive growth, with the port on a path to reach 4.4 million passengers in 2025. In its first fiscal quarter of the year, the port experienced 27 percent growth, and Port Director and CEO Joseph Morris says the numbers were a “promising indication of smooth sailing for our customers and the broader economy.”

Morris could have been speaking for the entire Florida cruise industry when he added, “These numbers not only highlight our steady course of growth but also position us to achieve new heights this fiscal year.”

Who Is Cruising and Where Are They Going?

According to CLIA, the average cruise traveler is 46 years old. Multigenerational travelers are also flocking to cruise ships, with one-third of families sailing with at least two generations aboard. As of 2023, the most popular destinations were the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda, followed by the Mediterranean and Europe.

According to Statistica, the global cruise market is projected to generate $44.39 billion in revenue in 2025, with an expected annual growth rate of 4.77 percent from 2025 to 2029. A 2024 State of the Cruise Industry Report by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reported that cruising is being driven by increasing demand and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

What Are You Waiting For?

Fortunately, your Vacation Ownership Interest includes expert advice from cruise advisors to help you navigate the vast selection of ships, itineraries, and Club Point/Points* values through the Abound by Marriott Vacations™ exchange program, guiding you from browsing to booking, regardless of your ownership type.¹

Extra Benefits just for Owners and Members 

If you book with Club Points, Marriott Vacation Club^® Points and Enrolled Owners will receive a shore excursion credit of up to $200.²

And be sure to check for special deals on select sailings valued between 500 and 3,000 Club Points per person. These Cruise Escapes can take you to popular destinations like the Bahamas or Caribbean, but inventory changes frequently, so check back often. 

You can find even more adventures with fellow Owners when you book an Owner cruise. These cruises put you on the open sea with extra benefits such as cocktail parties, exclusive shore excursions, dinners, and more.