Port Canaveral has once again been named the Best US Cruise Homeport, earning the top spot for the sixth year in a row. The title was decided by readers voting in the annual Cruise Hive Awards.
The central Florida port secured 27.3 per cent of the total vote, comfortably ahead of other major US cruise ports. Its continued popularity reflects how much cruisers value convenience and smooth operations.
Port Canaveral also claimed another major milestone in 2025. The port welcomed more than 8.6 million cruise guests, making it the world’s busiest cruise port, narrowly edging past PortMiami.
Florida ports dominated the rankings this year, taking all five of the top spots. In total, Florida homeports accounted for 75 per cent of all votes, showing just how popular cruising from the state has become.
Why Cruisers Keep Choosing Port Canaveral
One of Port Canaveral’s biggest advantages is its location. The port sits less than an hour from Orlando, making it easy for guests to combine a cruise with visits to nearby theme parks.
Attractions such as Kennedy Space Centre, Cocoa Beach and the Brevard Zoo also make the area appealing for pre- or post-cruise stays. Many guests enjoy extending their vacation before setting sail.
Cruise variety is another major draw. More than 1,000 sailings depart from Port Canaveral each year, with ships from many major cruise lines calling the port home.
Guests can choose from short Bahamas getaways, weeklong Caribbean cruises, longer Southern Caribbean sailings or even transatlantic crossings. Back-to-back cruises are also easy to arrange.
A Smooth and Easy Cruise Experience
Cruisers often point to how easy Port Canaveral is to use. Clear signage, ample parking and well-organised drop-off areas help make arrival stress-free.
Inside the terminals, updated technology and facial recognition processing help speed up embarkation and debarkation. Guests often move through the port quickly and efficiently.
Port Canaveral continues to invest in future improvements, ensuring the experience stays modern and efficient for years to come.
| Homeport | Vote Share |
|---|---|
| Port Canaveral | 27.3% |
| PortMiami | 17.2% |
| Port Tampa Bay | 10.9% |
| Port Everglades | 10.1% |
| Port West Palm Beach | 9.5% |
While many US cruise ports have loyal fans, Port Canaveral’s combination of location, choice and smooth operations keeps it at the top. For cruisers, it remains one of the easiest and most enjoyable places to begin a vacation at sea.
