The most photographed cruise homeports in the US

Words by Georgina Groom-Rietschy

Few trips pack in as many destinations as a cruise. From Caribbean island-hopping to exploring colourful coastal cities, travellers are increasingly drawn to the ease of experiencing more in a single trip. Add sun-drenched days at sea, turquoise waters, and the appeal of waking up somewhere new, and it’s easy to see why. According to Expedia, 21.7 million Americans are expected to cruise in 2026, with Caribbean sailings surging alongside Mediterranean and European itineraries.

But which ports are attracting the most photographic attention? Our data science team analysed 2024 and 2025 photo activity to reveal the most photographed US cruise homeports. PortMiami takes first place, followed by Port Canaveral, the gateway to Walt Disney World. Elsewhere, Seattle climbed the rankings, with Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth arriving in June 2025 to begin its inaugural Alaska homeport season.

1. PortMiami, Florida

Photo index score: 100

PortMiami is the world’s largest passenger cruise port and a leading gateway for global cargo. Set in Biscayne Bay, a short stroll from downtown Miami, it sends ships to the Bahamas and wider Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. The port is so vast it has its own postcode and room for 11 cruise ships at once. It recently set a world record, surpassing 10 million passenger movements in a single fiscal year. If you’re docking here, make time for Wynwood Walls, an open-air gallery showcasing six blocks of floor-to-ceiling murals by international artists, or head to South Beach to photograph its unmistakable, colourful lifeguard towers – the perfect cover shot for your Photo Book.

2. Port Canaveral, Florida

Photo index score: 74

Just over an hour’s drive from Walt Disney World, Port Canaveral sits on Florida’s east coast, where a subtropical climate promises warm weather year-round. A central shipping channel divides the port into north and south sides, with several cruise terminals handling a steady stream of ships. Among them is Disney Cruise Line’s Terminal 8, where the likes of Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Treasure sail in and out. While many visitors use the port as the entryway to Orlando’s theme parks, there’s plenty to explore closer to the coast. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a highlight, with the mighty Saturn V rocket, Space Shuttle Atlantis, and a launch viewing area. For a more laid-back vibe, head to nearby Cocoa Beach, where excellent surf breaks meet a stellar selection of coastal bars and restaurants.

3. Port Everglades, Florida

Photo index score: 42

This major Fort Lauderdale cruise hub connects Florida with the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Europe, and South America. It also ranks among the state’s leading container and energy ports. Once ashore, explore Fort Lauderdale, nicknamed the Venice of America for its extensive network of canals. Stop by Circle House Coffee, loved for its freshly made doughnuts, or browse Sistrunk Market, where food stalls sit alongside cooking classes and distillery experiences. Further afield, Hollywood offers a classic coastal escape, with its famous Broadwalk, palm-fringed beach, and laid-back surf culture, backed by a tempting lineup of beachfront food spots.

4. Port of San Juan, Puerto Rico

Photo index score: 23

Puerto Rico has soared in popularity in recent years, with savvy travellers drawn to its tropical climate, storied heritage, and exceptional food scene. Set on the island’s north coast, the Port of San Juan offers easy access to white-sand beaches with world-class surf breaks, such as Isla Verde, Ocean Park Beach, and Condado. Make a beeline for Old San Juan, where a 16th-century fort presides over cobbled streets, candy-coloured townhouses, and sun-drenched plazas lined with cocktail bars, cafés, and restaurants. The soundtrack is quintessentially Puerto Rican: Bad Bunny spilling from street-side speakers, traditional salsa rhythms, and the ever-present ocean breeze. Seek out roadside stalls serving freshly made empanadas, corn fritters, and the iconic tripleta sandwich, a deliciously indulgent stack of grilled meats, crispy potatoes, and punchy sauces.

5. Port of Seattle, Washington

Photo index score: 17

In June 2025, the newly refurbished Cunard ship Queen Elizabeth arrived at the Port of Seattle to kick off its North American residency, bringing Art Deco-inspired glamour to the Pacific Northwest. A main departure point for Alaskan cruises, the port offers seven-night voyages calling at Victoria, British Columbia, and Hawaiian escapes to Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. Beyond cruising, there’s plenty to explore ashore. Head to Pike Place Market for flying fish, artisan crafts, and the infamous Gum Wall, before making a beeline for the Space Needle. Here, sweeping city views and a revolving glass floor offer a thrilling perspective, with a dizzying look straight down to street level.

6. Port of Galveston, Texas

Photo index score: 15

Two centuries of history have left their mark on the Port of Galveston: the Texas Revolution, a heyday as a leading cotton-exporting hub, waves of immigration, and the devastating hurricane of 1900. The port celebrated its bicentenary in 2025 with free vessel tours, live music, pirate-themed festivities, and a spectacular drone and fireworks display over the harbour. Today, Galveston is a leading cargo and cruise hub: its 22 piers handle diverse goods, and cruises sail to the Caribbean and beyond.

7. Port of Los Angeles, California

Photo index score: 10

The Port of Los Angeles offers sailings to the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, and Panama, alongside shorter escapes to Baja California. The largest cruise port on the US West Coast, it spans 43 miles of waterfront and 25 cargo terminals and is a major US–Asia trade gateway. In 2025, the port made headlines for record cargo volumes and a container ship fire that prompted a major emergency response. Ashore, explore the Battleship IOWA Museum, admire the Korean Friendship Bell overlooking the Pacific, then follow the coast to Point Fermin Lighthouse & Park for Victorian architecture and coastal vistas. For a local culture fix, browse Crafted, where more than 100 independent artisans sell everything from handmade ceramics and jewellery to vintage curiosities.

8. Long Beach Cruise Terminal, California

Photo index score: 9

A 10-minute drive from the Port of Los Angeles, Long Beach Cruise Terminal is Carnival Cruise Line’s exclusive West Coast homeport, with sailings to Mexico, Hawaii, and the Pacific aboard ships including Carnival Panorama, Legend, Miracle, and Splendor. Its most recognisable landmark is the era-defining Spruce Goose dome, originally built to house Howard Hughes’ wooden flying boat, the H-4 Hercules, and now serving as the cruise terminal’s check-in area. The dome has featured in various films including Last Action Hero, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin. The wider Long Beach area has also provided a backdrop for blockbusters such as La La Land, Inception, and Barbie. Before boarding, wander Shoreline Village for colourful Caribbean-style architecture, independent boutiques, restaurants, and harbour views.

9. Manhattan Cruise Terminal, New York

Photo index score: 9

Few terminals can rival Manhattan’s backdrop: a glittering skyline of the Empire State Building, Hudson Yards, and One World Trade Center. Sailings typically connect New York with Bermuda, Canada, New England, the Caribbean, and Europe, and the Hudson River terminal sits close to the city’s biggest attractions. If you have a day ashore, make it count. Stroll through Central Park, take in the views from the Rockefeller Center observation deck, and grab a classic New York slice at Joe’s Pizza, famed for its thin, crisp crust. On the way back, walk the High Line, admire the honeycomb-like Vessel, and refuel at Chelsea Market, where tacos, noodles, sandwiches, and ice cream await.

10. Port Tampa Bay, Florida

Photo index score: 7

Cuban coffee, cigar heritage, and Gulf Coast sunshine give Tampa a distinctly different flavour of Florida. Port Tampa Bay welcomed a record 1.6 million cruise passengers in 2025, with plans for a fourth cruise terminal under way to meet growing demand. Before sailing to the western Caribbean or Mexico, explore nearby Bayshore Boulevard, one of the world’s longest continuous pavements, or head to Sparkman Wharf, a lively waterfront hangout packed with independent eateries, outdoor bars, and open-air spaces. For a taste of the city’s Latin roots, historic Ybor City is just a short drive away, with its cigar shops, colourful streets, and vibrant nightlife.

11. Honolulu Harbor, Hawaii

Photo index score: 6

12. Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, New York

Photo index score: 6

13. Port of San Francisco, California

Photo index score: 5

14. Cape Liberty Cruise Port, New Jersey

Photo index score: 5

15. Port of San Diego, California

Photo index score: 5

16. Port of Boston, Massachusetts

Photo index score: 5

17. Port of New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo index score: 3

18. Whittier Cruise Terminal, Alaska

Photo index score: 3

19. Port of Palm Beach, Florida

Photo index score: 2

20. Seward Cruise Ship Terminal, Alaska

Photo index score: 2

21. JAXPORT, Florida

Photo index score: 1

22. Port of Baltimore, Maryland

Photo index score: 1

23. Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center, Virginia

Photo index score: 1

24. Alabama Cruise Terminal, Alabama

Photo index score: 0

Methodology

To find the most photographed US cruise homeports, Popsa’s data science team analysed anonymised, aggregated metadata from millions of photos taken in 2024 and 2025.

Each location then received a 0–100 index score relative to the top scorer. The result reflects real behaviour: not just where people visited, but where they were most moved to capture their memories.