Cruise tourism hits major milestones in Puerto Plata and PortMiami

Major cruise hubs in the Caribbean and the United States are reporting significant growth and passenger milestones.

In Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, four cruise ships arrived simultaneously on September 15, bringing 16,714 passengers and 5,806 crew members to the Taíno Bay and Amber Cove terminals. The Dominican Port Authority noted that this influx represents a potential $1.67 million in passenger spending. Taíno Bay has recorded over 800,000 visitors as of August 2026 and is projected to reach 1.22 million by year-end.

Meanwhile, PortMiami reached a historic milestone by welcoming its 10 millionth cruise passenger on September 14. This achievement sets a new annual record for the port, surpassing the previous fiscal year's total of 8,564,225 passengers with two weeks remaining in the current fiscal year. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava stated the milestone underscores the port's role as a global gateway and a driver of local economic vitality.