Cruise: Miami, New Orleans

PortMiami claims to have set a world record by processing reports a record 4.77 million multi-day passengers through its cruise terminals during, the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014. Day cruises accounted for an additional 167,000 passengers. During the year, the port hosted 13 cruise ship brands and 32 ships.

In the 2014 cruise season MSC Cruises began sailing one of its newest ships, MSC Divina from Miami. During the year as well, the port welcomed Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Norwegian Getaway.

New this coming year will be Norwegian Cruise Line’s 4,300 passenger Norwegian Escape, which will sail year-round from PortMiami beginning November 2015.

Many of PortMiami’s current cruise partners are also expanding their Miami fleets. Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Splendor recently started sailing year-round from Miami. Aida Cruise Line is also adding three cruise ships to its line-up – Aida Mar, Aida Vita and the Aida Diva. Additionally, Costa Cruises will introduce a second seasonal vessel to Miami, the Costa Mediterranean.

For Fiscal Year 2015, PortMiami will service 34 ships and 15 different cruise brands, including Aida Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, P&O Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Resorts World Bimini, and Royal Caribbean International.

"Cruise passengers are essential to the continual growth and development of the tourism industry in Miami-Dade County," said Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. "Cruise passengers contribute millions of dollars to our local economy annually, including air travel, hotel nights, entertainment and shopping."

"PortMiami offers passengers enticing vacations for every taste and budget," said Port Director Juan M. Kuryla, PPM®. "We want passengers to begin their vacation experience the minute they arrive at our Port. PortMiami’s No. 1 priority is our customer."

Cruise ships docked at PortMiami.
Photo/Port Miami

Deal Keeps Norwegian Cruise Line Sailing from New Orleans Through 2018

A four-year berthing agreement was signed December 2 by officials of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans. The agreement, which includes three one-year extension options, will keep at least one NCL cruise ship sailing seasonally from New Orleans through 2018 and possibly through 2021.

"Our partners at Norwegian Cruise Line are a pleasure to work with and we are elated to sign a long-term agreement to retain the Norwegian brand in the Crescent City," said Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange, PPM®. "Norwegian has sailed from New Orleans since 2003, and we look forward to working closely with their team to ensure their success for many years to come."

"We are pleased to continue our great relationship with the Port of New Orleans and look forward to cruising to the Caribbean from the exciting city of New Orleans for the next several years," said Drew Madsen, the cruise line’s president and chief operating officer. "Our guests love sailing from the Crescent City, and we’re thrilled to have the beautiful Norwegian Dawn beginning her inaugural season here."

The agreement follows the Norwegian Dawn’s maiden voyage to New Orleans on November 21. The 2,340-passenger ship sails seven-day itineraries from the port’s Julia Street Cruise Terminal to Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Roatán Bay Islands, Honduras; and Costa Maya, Mexico.

"We are thrilled with the news of the extension of Norwegian Cruise Line’s important role in New Orleans," said Mark Romig, President and CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation. "With the vast majority of cruise visitors spending an average of two additional nights in New Orleans and spending additional dollars with our restaurants, hotels, attractions and retailers, the importance of this partnership cannot be overstated. Norwegian Cruise Line is a gold standard for our industry. We are also deeply appreciative of the efforts by the Port of New Orleans to grow this important segment of our economy."

Norwegian Dawn shown berthed at Julia Street Cruise Terminal on November 21, 2014.
Photo/Port of New Orleans

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