The Arison Family
The Family
Ted Arison, an Israeli-American entrepreneur, co-founded Carnival Cruise Line in the early 1970s and built it into Carnival Corporation, the largest cruise company in the world — an enterprise inseparable from PortMiami, the "cruise capital of the world." His son Micky Arison led Carnival for decades and owns the Miami Heat, the NBA franchise that plays at the downtown arena. The family, through the Arison philanthropies, is a major force in regional and Israeli giving. As living figures, this site keeps to documented roles.
Why They Matter
The Arisons tie Miami to one of its defining industries — cruising — and to its major-league sports identity. Carnival's headquarters and PortMiami helped make the city the global cruise capital, a cornerstone of the trade-and-travel economy, and the Heat are among the city's most unifying institutions. Like the Huizengas, the Arisons represent big, non-exile business power anchored in South Florida.
Where You See Them Today
PortMiami remains dominated by Carnival, the Miami Heat are a civic fixture, and the Arison name appears across Miami philanthropy and institutions.
Further Reading
- Histories of Carnival and the cruise industry
- Reporting on the Miami Heat ownership
Neighborhoods: Downtown Miami Eras: The Latam Capital Era Related people: Ted Arison · Micky Arison Landmarks: PortMiami · Kaseya Center Related dynasties: The Huizenga Family