Micky Arison

The Arc

Micky Arison took over Carnival from his father Ted Arison and ran it for decades, building it into Carnival Corporation, the largest cruise company in the world by a wide margin. Under his leadership the company expanded through new brands and acquisitions, deepening Miami's status as the global cruise capital and keeping PortMiami at the center of the industry.

He is just as well known locally as owner of the Miami Heat, which he has controlled since the late 1980s. The team won multiple NBA championships during his ownership and plays downtown at the arena now called the Kaseya Center. Arison has remained one of South Florida's wealthiest and most prominent business figures.

Why They Matter

Arison matters as the link between Miami's biggest homegrown corporation and its most successful sports franchise. Carnival's headquarters and the Heat are both Miami institutions, and his name sits behind both. In a city built on hemispheric flows of people and money, the cruise business he leads is a literal engine of that movement. The Arison fortune, started with one ship, now spans an industry and a championship team.

Eras: The Latam Capital Era Related dynasties / people: The Arison Family / Ted Arison