The Ultimate Guide To Cruising

From choosing the right ship to packing smart, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about cruise vacations.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Cruise vacations have become more popular than ever, with over 34 million global cruisers in 2024, up from 29 million in 2019. The Southern region of the United States, particularly Florida, is home to some of the busiest cruise ports in the world, offering a wealth of options for ships and itineraries, including sailings from the largest cruise terminal at PortMiami. Travelers in the South have a variety of exciting departure locations to choose from, including Florida, New Orleans, and Galveston.

Why it matters

The rise in cruise popularity has made it easier than ever for Southern residents to access cruise vacations, with multiple departure ports in the region and a growing number of cruise options. This guide provides valuable information to help travelers in the South navigate the cruise industry and make the most of their vacation.

The details

According to a recent report from Cruise Lines International Association, the number of global cruisers has increased from 29 million in 2019 to over 34 million in 2024. Florida is home to three of the busiest cruise ports in the world, including the largest cruise terminal at PortMiami, offering a wide range of ship and itinerary options for travelers in the South. Other popular departure locations in the region include New Orleans and Galveston.

  • In 2024, there were more than 34 million global cruisers.
  • In 2019, there were 29 million global cruisers.

The players

Cruise Lines International Association

An organization that provides industry research and data on the cruise industry.

PortMiami

The largest cruise terminal in the world, located in Miami, Florida.

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The takeaway

The growing popularity of cruise vacations has made it easier than ever for travelers in the Southern United States to access a wide range of cruise options, with multiple departure ports in the region and a variety of ship and itinerary choices. This guide provides valuable information to help Southern residents navigate the cruise industry and plan their perfect vacation.