By Janet Brindle
Ports are expanding, new ships are launching, and travelers are taking to the sea in record numbers. Here’s what’s on deck — and how to be part of it.
By Janet Brindle
There’s always been a lure from the sea — the sense of possibility, the promise of new beginnings, and the calm that comes from watching the endless horizon. That pull seems stronger than ever, with millions of travelers choosing cruise vacations that blend convenience, adventure, and luxury in one floating escape.
And they’re not stopping at just one. According to a 2024 Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) survey, the number of ocean cruisers is expected to rise by more than 10 percent by 2028 — and many of them are coming back again and again. Whether it’s a weekend to the Bahamas or a bucket-list trip through the Mediterranean, cruising is becoming a favorite way to see the world. And Florida is topping the list for that growth.
And as an Interval International member, you can join in on this trend. It’s easy to use your Interval benefits to plan your own high-seas adventure. Even better, Interval Gold® and Interval Platinum® members won’t pay booking fees and may receive up to $100 cash back on select cruises, not to mention opportunities for up to $200 worth of onboard credits.
Cruise Demand Keeps Growing
But fair warning — cruising may be addictive. That same CLIA study found that 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.
Florida, in particular, has become a key part of many vacation plans — and for good reason. The Sunshine State boasts three of the world’s largest cruise ports, and it’s an easy place to add pre- or post-cruise land vacations.
Florida’s Big Three: Major Ports on the Rise
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 a foundational example of the ambitious growth for new cruise terminals and infrastructure upgrades for both passenger and cargo ships. PortMiami itself 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 manage 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 CLIA reported that cruising is being driven by increasing demand and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Are You Waiting For?
With so many new ships, exciting itineraries, and expanded ports, there’s never been a better time to hit the high seas. Whether you’re dreaming of turquoise waters in the Caribbean or dramatic coastlines in Alaska, cruise vacations make it easy to explore the world — and unpack only once.
Best of all, as an Interval member, you can even trade your week or points toward the purchase of a cruise of your choice. With cruise exchange, you have the power and flexibility to use your membership to do something new and exciting: set sail with top cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and more.*
Smooth sailing starts here — all you have to do is log in to plan your adventure.
* Subject to geographic restrictions
