Final answer:
The Caribbean is the top destination for cruise lines and passengers. San Juan is the leading port in terms of cruise ship traffic, with the Lesser Antilles benefiting economically from tourism despite the limitations posed by the hurricane season.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Caribbean represents the number one destination of cruise lines and passengers. Tourism significantly impacts the economies of the Caribbean islands, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, often serves as the primary hub for cruise ship travel in the region. Although there are seasonal limitations due to the hurricane season from June to November, cruise lines actively operate in the Caribbean outside of these months, bringing in thousands of passengers to the islands. This tourism has both positive and negative impacts on the local economies and environments of the Caribbean destinations.
Large cruise ships that visit the Caribbean can hold up to 4,000 passengers and crew members, contributing substantially to local tourism revenue. Cruise lines have to carefully plan their routes and schedules to avoid the hurricane season, ensuring the safety of the passengers and the continuity of their operations. The strong growth in cruise ship activity over the past decade shows how vital the Caribbean is to the cruise industry, with many countries like Haiti seeking to capitalize on this by attracting cruise ships to their ports. Additionally, San Juan's capacity to receive the largest number of cruise ship travelers highlights its significance as a top port in cruise tourism.