The strong quarterly showing follows a world record-setting year with 4.15 million cruise passenger traveling in and out of the Port of Miami in FY 2009-10. 

“This was the best first quarter ever for the Port of Miami,” said Port Director Bill Johnson.  “The record traffic reflects the strong line-up of ships departing from our port including the arrival of two new ultra-modern, luxury ships.”

The Port of Miami will welcome a fourth new ship in seven months when Oceania Cruises christens the Marina on February 5.  The mid-size, super-luxury ship, which is the first new build for the cruise line, set course for Miami on January 22 on a 13-day maiden voyage from Barcelona.

The 2011 cruise season also features three new ships in the Port of Miami fleet including:

• The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic, one of the most modern and luxurious ships on the seas today, which arrived at the Port of Miami in July 2010.
• The Celebrity Cruises’ Eclipse, the latest upscale and widely acclaimed Solstice-class vessel, which arrived in November 2010. 
•  Costa Cruises returned to the Port of Miami this month with the arrival of its luxury-class vessel, the Atlantica.

“Cruising from the Port of Miami has never been more exciting with choices to match every taste and budget,” Johnson said.  “The Port of Miami is well-positioned to deliver another strong season.  We are looking forward to once again welcoming more than four million cruise passengers to our Port.”

About the Port of Miami

The Port of Miami is the busiest cruise port handling a record breaking 4.15 million cruise passengers in 2010. Miami is home to some of the world's most distinguished cruise lines with prices to fit all budgets and offering a wide variety of exciting itineraries from three and four days to the Caribbean to much longer voyages to Central America, South America and Europe.  For additional information please visit the Port of Miami website at www.miamidade.gov/portofmiami.