PortMiami Shows No Signs of Slowing Down as Ten New Cruise Ships Set to Debut

PortMiami, known worldwide as the Cruise Capital of the World, is gearing up for another record-breaking season — with ten cruise ships set to make their Miami debut between October 2025 and May 2026.

Five of these vessels are brand-new builds, marking another exciting chapter for both cruise lines and the millions of guests who sail through the port each year.

A Season of Firsts at the Cruise Capital of the World

The action begins this month, with Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth and Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady both sailing into PortMiami for the first time.

• Queen Elizabeth will kick off her Miami operations with a 12-night Eastern Caribbean voyage on October 16, 2025.

• Brilliant Lady, Virgin’s newest ship, will follow just a day later, launching on October 17 with an eight-day round-trip sailing to St. Maarten, Tortola, and Bimini Island.

November will see even more excitement as Holland America’s Zuiderdam, Celebrity Cruises’ newbuild Celebrity Xcel, and Oceania Cruises’ Allura arrive at the port — offering fresh itineraries for loyal fans and first-time cruisers alike.

• Zuiderdam starts her season November 1 with a 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary.

• Celebrity Xcel follows November 8, offering a 7-day round trip calling at St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Amber Cove.

• Allura, Oceania’s newest ship, rounds out the month with a 12-day Caribbean voyage beginning November 16.

In December, PortMiami will welcome MSC Grandiosa, one of MSC Cruises’ most celebrated ships.

The wave continues into 2026, with Windstar’s Star Seeker in January, Holland America’s Eurodam in February, and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Luna in March. The season concludes in May with Silversea Cruises’ Silver Nova — bringing an ultra-luxury finish to an already impressive lineup.

Celeberity XCel is set to debut from PortMiami in November - Celebrity Cruises

Miami Keeps the Momentum Going

PortMiami Director and CEO Hydi Webb said the arrivals highlight the port’s strong partnerships and continued leadership in global cruising:

“Each new ship underscores the strong partnerships we’ve built with our cruise lines and reaffirms Miami’s role as the world’s premier cruise destination,” Webb said. “We look forward to welcoming guests with a seamless travel experience and a warm South Florida welcome.”

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava echoed the enthusiasm, noting that the port’s continued expansion not only supports tourism but also strengthens local jobs and the economy.

New Terminals and Big Plans

This surge in activity follows the completion of MSC’s massive new terminal, which opened in April 2025 and currently holds the title of the world’s largest cruise terminal.

Meanwhile, construction is well underway on Royal Caribbean’s new terminal, expected to process up to 7,000 passengers per sailing and host the line’s biggest ships — including the world's largest cruise ship Icon of the Seas.

Construction work continues at pace at PortMiami's new Terminal G - PortMiami/X

With the port already breaking records — including hosting 68,000 guests across ten ships in a single day earlier this year — it’s clear that PortMiami isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

From luxury ocean liners to next-generation mega-ships, Miami continues to cement its place as the beating heart of the cruise world.