Cruise ports around the world serve as our gateway to adventure.  North American cruise travelers like the convenience of drive-to homeports scattered around the coast as well.  Arrive at a busy embarkation port with several ships in for the day and the excitement builds.  It’s a scene quite familiar with those who frequent popular cruise ports and one that might make us wonder “Which are the busiest cruise ports  in the world?”  Damien Kenny knows a thing or two about water as the Director of The Water Filter Men a source of high-quality water filters in Ireland and brings us this storymap tagging the top ten most busy cruise ports in the world.

Speaking of cruise ports, Florida’s Port Canaveral was in the news recently as well:

Port Canaveral Construction Project Biggest Ever

Florida cruise ports continue to grow as the largest single Port Canaveral construction project in the history of the port begins.  This week, Central Florida’s oldest cruise terminal was torn down to make way for a new state-of-the-art terminal with upgraded berth and a new parking garage. Deconstruction of the existing Cruise Terminal 3 (CT-3) facility is expected to be completed by July this year.

“This is a moment we have been waiting for. The new hi-tech, fully modernized cruise terminal will enhance our ability to welcome some of the largest and most advanced cruise ships in the world,” -Captain John Murray, Port CEO

The entire Port Canaveral construction project will be completed in phases over the next 20 months.  Demolition of the existing cruise ports terminal building began in mid-April. Upcoming phases of the project include:

• Ship berth demolition, dredging and waterside construction
• Constructing passenger boarding bridges
• Terminal construction with related site work.
• The adjacent parking facility.

Good news for Florida cruise travelers: The planned elevated parking structure will have the capacity to accommodate approximately 1,800 vehicles in secure, covered parking.