It is no secret to anyone that Florida is the most important world cruise hub. An activity that continues to expand now with the incorporation of six more that they will have Sunshine State as its base of operations in 2020.
By MiamiDiario Newsroom
Recognized as the “Cruise Capital of the World”, Miami is the base of operations for the most luxurious ships that set sail from their seven Terminals, considered as the most modern in the world.
The cruise industry in Florida aspires to reach the 30 million passengers this year. This activity has an economic impact that exceeds $43,000 billion annually for the County, and generates more than 334,500 direct, indirect and induced jobs in South Florida, according to figures from Kuryla.
A growth challenge to which the cruise ship industry will respond with the launch this year of 18 new ships and plans for "technological innovation" and "continue to seek and improve safety and environmental protection," said Richard Fein, president of Royal Caribbean.
This activity has expanded to other ports in Florida. According to a report by the Orlando Sentinel, seven new cruise ships they will join those that have set sail from the ports of Florida. Among them the largest ship ever built to Carnival cruise line which will make its debut in Port Canaveral. To this will be added the Mardi Gras which will have the first roller coaster at sea, and will be the first cruise ship in North America to operate on liquefied natural gas, a cleaner burning fuel.
On the other hand, the line Virgin voyages by Richard Branson will begin sailing from Miami in March with the debut of Scarlet Lady, only for adults.
Similarly, Port Everglades will become the home of Odyssey of the Seas de Royal Caribbean.
Florida will also see the debut of the new ships Regent Seven Seas Splendor, Celebrity Apex and Enchanted Princess.
Cruise tourism in Miami has grown in part because the Port has welcomed three new lines: Viking Ocean Cruises, Victory Cruise Lines, and Seabourn. In 2018, Royal Caribbean International added departures to some cruises and Oceania Cruises y Disney Cruise Line extended their winter seasons, and Carnival Cruise Line and MSC added cruises to their fleets sailing from Miami.
What shows that the largest cruise companies maintain full confidence in the future of the industry in Florida.