Did you know that the U.S. is home to some of the world’s busiest ports? These ports play a key role in the development of trade and tourism in the U.S. They have the best cruise lines serving them in almost all ports. In this article, we explore which is the busiest port in the U.S., making it easier for travelers to decide the best port to sail from.
Busiest Ports in the U.S.
Annually, millions of tourists from all over the world cruise to different destinations from multiple ports in the U.S. Listed below are the 9 busiest ports in the U.S.
Port Miami
Location: Miami, Florida, U.S
Annual Cruise Passengers: 8,233,056
Cruise Terminals: 9
Address: 1015 N. America Way, Miami, FL 33132
Cruise Lines: Carnival Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Windstar Cruises, Holland America, and Oceania Cruises
The Port of Miami, which is also known as the Cruise Capital of the World, is the busiest in the world. The viable location and modern facilities make it easier for travelers to sail from.
Port Canaveral
Location: Brevard County, Florida, U.S
Annual Cruise Passengers: 7.6 million
Cruise Terminals: 7
Address: 9005 Charles M Rowland Dr, Cape Canaveral
Cruise Lines: Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines, MSC Cruises and Disney Cruise Line
The Port of Canaveral, a major deep-water port, is the key to most Caribbean getaways. Second to Port Miami, it is also one of the busiest cruise ports in the world.
Port Everglades
Location: Fort Lauderdale, U.S
Annual Cruise Passengers: 4,010,919
Cruise Terminals: 8
Address: 1850 Eller Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Cruise Lines: Balearia Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Royal Caribbean International, Silversea Cruises, and Viking Ocean Cruises
Port Everglades is located in a scenic area and is known for its modern cruise terminals. The ships dock very near the city, making it easier for guests to enjoy the city’s highlights before starting their journey.
Port of Galveston
Location: Galveston, Texas, U.S
Annual Cruise Passengers: 2,207,852
Cruise Terminals: 3
Address: 123 Rosenberg Ave. Galveston, TX 77553
Cruise Lines: Azamara Cruises, Carnival Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruises, Holland America Line, and MSC Cruises
The Port of Galveston is on the Texas Gulf Coast. The port, where modern and historic cultures blend together, is also known for its easy access to Mexico and the Caribbean.
St Thomas Cruise Port
Location: Charlotte Amalie, U.S Virgin Islands
Annual Cruise Passengers: 1,694,008
Cruise Ports: 2
Address: Charlotte Amalie East, St Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
Cruise Lines: Cunard, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess, and Holland America.
Port of St Thomas, located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, has two ports, Havensight and Crown Bay, located on the south side of the Island. The port gives a scenic experience with colorful island culture for travelers.
Port of New York and New Jersey
Location: New York and New Jersey, U.S
Annual Cruise Passengers: 2,207,852
Cruise Ports: 3
Cruise Lines: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, TUI Cruises, Norwegian Cruise, Carnival Cruises, Holland America, Cunard, and Princess.
The Port of New York and New Jersey is home to 3 prime passenger cruise ports – Manhattan Cruise Terminal, Cape Liberty Cruise Port, and Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Together, they shelter the world’s largest cruise ships while serving millions of passengers
Port of Juneau, Alaska
Location: Juneau, Alaska, Gulf of Alaska U.S
Annual Cruise Passengers: 1.68 million
Cruise Terminals: 3
Address: 510 S Franklin St, Juneau, AK 99801
Cruise Lines: Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Disney Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises
Port of Juneau has three terminals: Marine Park (2 berths / largest), Ferry Terminal, and South Franklin Dock. It also serves as a hub for both local maritime activities and cruise ships.
Port of San Juan
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico, U.S
Annual Cruise Passengers: 1,379,367
Cruise Terminals: 2
Address: Calle Marina, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
Cruise Lines: Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
The Port of San Juan, deeply intertwined with Puerto Rico’s history, is a vibrant cultural spot. The location of the coast near the Caribbean coast makes it an ideal space for visitors to sail from.
Port of New Orleans
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S
Annual Cruise Passengers: 1.3 Million
Cruise Terminals: 3
Address: 1350 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130
Cruise Lines: Carnival Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International, American Cruise Lines, and Viking
New Orleans Port is the sixth largest cruise port in the U.S. The Mississippi River adjacent to the port makes the atmosphere livelier.
Some Commonly Asked Questions
Which is the biggest cruise in the U.S.?
‘The Icon of the Seas’ by Royal Caribbean International is the biggest cruise ship in the U.S., which is 43m wide, 364m long, and has a gross tonnage of 2480,663t.
What is the busiest port in the U.S.?
Port Miami is the busiest port in the U.S., with an annual passenger traffic of 8,233,056.
What is the most popular cruise destination?
The Caribbean is the most popular destination among travelers.
What are the top 3 largest cruise ports in the world?
Port Miami, Port Canaveral, and Port Everglades are the top 3 largest cruise ports in the world.
