Where do most cruise ships leave from?

The following is a list of some of the busiest ports from where most cruise ships depart.

1 - Port Canaveral

Located in Brevard County, Florida, Port of Canaveral is among the busiest ports in the world that handles over 4 million cruise passengers every year. Norwegian, Carnival, Disney, and Royal Caribbean International are among the prominent cruise lines whose ships depart from the port to various destinations across North America and South America. It also serves as the home port for the Oasis of the Seas, one of the world's largest cruise ships. The port also has several tourist attractions, such as restaurants, beaches, excursions, and the Exploration Tower landmark. Travelers get the opportunity to visit the iconic Kennedy Space Center, which launched multiple Apollo rockets.

2 - Port of Miami

Miami is often referred to as the world's cruise capital, as it is renowned for its stunning beaches, bayside markets, and dynamic nightlife. The port has nine modern cruise terminals and can handle up to 4.5 million passengers per year. It is located on Dodge Island, close to the Bay of Biscayne, and is only a short drive from Miami International Airport. The terminals are very well equipped with facilities like ramps for disabled people, vehicle parking facilities, shuttle service, and lounges. Ships of several top cruise lines operate from the port and travel to destinations like Bahamas, Bermuda, Panama, Rio de Janeiro, and more. 

3 - Port of Cozumel

Port of Cozumel is one of the largest cruise ports in Mexico with 3 to 4 million tourists visiting every year. This port lies on Cozumel Island and provides the opportunity to indulge in water sports like sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, and more. Visitors can also relax on gorgeous beaches and see archaeological sites related to the Mayan civilization. It serves as a port of call for major cruise ships sailing to the Caribbean islands and South America. It is a lovely place to enjoy shopping as there are several shops selling watches, footwear, and clothes of some top brands.

Also Read: What are the different types of cruises available?

4 - Port Everglades

Located in South Florida, Port Everglades consists of nine modern cruise terminals welcoming ships from cruise lines like Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival. With more than 3.89 million passengers, the port was the third busiest cruise port in the world in 2019. Cruisers can enjoy several attractions nearby, such as Sawgrass recreation park, the Florida Everglade holiday park, and the Billie Swamp Safari. The cruise terminals host an art exhibition featuring works by emerging artists as well as well-known artists such as Dale Chihuly. The terminals are air-conditioned and include free Wi-Fi as well as restrooms and a large seating area with a cafeteria.

5 - Port of Nassau

The Port of Nassau is the main seaport in the Bahamas, serving as a stopover for various cruise ships sailing to the Caribbean. Tourists leaving the port travel to Nassau or neighboring islands to enjoy beach activities, shopping, and exploring reefs and mangroves. Bay Street is a well-known shopping area consisting of shops selling ceramics, colorful clothes, hats, beaded jewelry, and other items. The Nassau Zoo, Adastra Gardens, and Science Center are all great places for kids to visit. The port is currently being renovated to build an amazing waterfront that includes a new terminal building, an entertainment center, an amphitheater, and coral exhibits.