Have you always wondered what the largest ports in the world are? Then discover the list of the 10 most important passenger traffic!

A few tens of millions of passengers pass through ports each year. The majority do this for cruises or ferry transfers. In addition, the world’s largest ports are gateways to new lands and beautiful sea journeys.

Since a good third of cruises occur in the Caribbean and then in Europe, it is not surprising that most of the world’s leading ports are in these regions. Discover the list of the 10 largest ports in the world!

The 10 Largest Ports In The World [Traffic]

10. Georgetown, Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are little known to the general public in France. However, they are a flagship destination for many cruises on the other side of the Atlantic. 

Many travelers stop there for a day, a few days, or even a long holiday.

The port of Georgetown is located in Grand Cayman, one of the archipelago’s three islands. Nearly 1.8 million passengers disembark there every year! 

The island is best known for its Seven Mile Beach and its beautiful shops in Georgetown. 

Both can be reached in a few minutes from the port. The island is also well known to divers and snorkelers for its marine fauna and flora and its unique sites!

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9. Marseille, France

Marseille is one of the largest ports in the world in terms of passengers! The Phocaean city has always been the first seaport in France. 

Between ferries to the islands of the Mediterranean, Corsica in the lead, and its cruise port, Marseille, sees many travelers every year.

Up to 2 million passengers pass through it every year. They will then be able to discover and walk the picturesque streets of the old town and taste some seafood dishes, with bouillabaisse in mind. 

From the port, you can also discover the Château d’If, made famous by Alexandre Dumas’s novel: The Count of Monte Cristo. It is also one of the largest ports in France.

8. Galveston, USA

The United States is known to be an excellent country for cruise passengers. Many travelers depart from East Coast ports to Caribbean destinations! 

Located in Texas, Galveston is one of the largest ports in the world in terms of traffic, with nearly 2 million travelers passing through it each year.

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7. Shanghai, China

Remarkable for its disproportionate size, Shanghai is the most populous city in China. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is among the 10 largest ports globally in terms of passengers. 

It welcomes up to 2 million passengers in transit through its port every year. There are, therefore, many cruises from the megalopolis to other major Asian cities in the vicinity: Beijing, Hong Kong, Manila, Okinawa, and even Taipei.

A symbol of Chinese power, Shanghai offers a unique cultural experience. Authentic markets rub shoulders with shopping malls and futuristic skyscrapers in this incredible city. 

If you visit Shanghai, discover the Bund, a historic district, and admire the Lujiazui business district from the waters at nightfall.

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6. Balearic Islands, Spain

The Balearic Islands are a popular destination for travelers from all over Europe. Many cruises and ferries visit Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza every year. The ports of these islands then saw more than 2 million passengers.

Visiting one of these islands is a great idea, from spring to autumn. Idleness, swimming, and hiking are among the most popular activities in the Balearic Islands. 

But you can also go diving, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and many other water activities. The islands are also home to a great historical heritage, stunning nightlife, and breathtaking landscapes!

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5. Civitavecchia, Italy

With nearly 2.5 million passengers each year, the port of Civitavecchia is one of the largest in the world in terms of traffic. 

Located near Rome, the Italian city serves Sardinia and Corsica. It is also the starting point for many Mediterranean cruises.

If you stop there, then enjoy the beautiful beaches of the area. Also, take the time to discover the Old Town and taste some local dishes. You can also reach Rome and its wonders in an hour by public transport!

4. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona saw up to 3 million passengers transit through its port in 2018! The Catalan city thus has one of the largest ports in the world in terms of traffic. 

Barcelona holds this place mainly because it serves the Balearic Islands and other Mediterranean destinations.

Do not miss visiting the Sagrada Familia, the Barri Gotic district, or even Montjuic whenever you pass by this beautiful city. For a bit of idleness, also take a tour of the city’s scenic beaches.

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3. Ports of the Bahamas

Cruise passengers disembark in the Bahamas regularly. Therefore, it is not surprising that it has 2 of the largest ports in the world in terms of traffic.

The Port of Nassau first sees more than 3 million people parade each year. The second, the Port of The Out Islands, receives an average of 2.5 million passengers. 

Travelers come to enjoy the paradisiacal beaches, water activities, and festive atmosphere of the archipelago.

2. Cozumel, Mexico

The Port of Cozumel in Mexico lies on a beautiful island in the Caribbean Sea, located off the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. It receives nearly 3.5 million passengers each year. 

The last flock here to enjoy the almost untouched beaches of the island. Cozumel is also known for its scuba diving spots. It is, therefore, a little paradise for nature lovers!

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1. Florida Ports

As mentioned earlier, the United States is a great cruise platform. Many travelers take an ocean liner to the Caribbean. Therefore, it is not surprising that Florida, the US state closest to these destinations, has the three largest ports globally in terms of traffic!

The first is the largest port globally in passenger traffic: the Port of Miami. Every year, more than 4 million passengers pass through its quays. 

The second is Port Canaveral, with a similar influx. And the third is Port Everglades, with just under 4 million passengers transiting through it. 

Florida is also worth visiting with must-see metropolises, Miami in the lead, beautiful wilderness, beaches, and a festive atmosphere.