FCCA panel reviews homeporting requirements for Caribbean ports

A panel at the 32nd Annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Cruise Conference & Trade Show in San Juan examined what Caribbean destinations need to develop cruise homeport operations. The discussion covered port and airport capacity, passenger services, ground transport and coordination among cruise lines, governments and businesses.

According to a 2024 Business Research & Economic Advisors economic impact study cited during the session, homeport passengers spent an average of US$187.78 per person, compared with US$104.36 for transit cruise passengers. Homeporting involves passengers beginning or ending their voyages at a destination, creating demand for accommodation, transfers, airport services and ship supplies.

The session, moderated by Roger Blum of Cruise & Port Advisors, included representatives of Royal Caribbean Group, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Port Everglades, PortMiami and the Port of Galveston.

Panelists said cruise lines consider flight availability and cost, access to passenger markets and airline schedule reliability when assessing potential homeports. They also discussed cruise terminals, customs and immigration services, baggage handling, traffic management and links between airports, hotels and ports.

The panel encouraged destinations to assess their existing facilities, market potential and financial capacity when planning investments.