Port Canaveral shared plans for a new cruise terminal to address growing demand, as revealed in a press release.
The new multi-user cruise terminal will be constructed at the existing North 8 berth of the port. This location offers substantial cost savings, operational flexibility, and a construction timeline of around two years, facilitating the accommodation of the world’s largest ships across various brands. The port emphasizes that this decision aims to support the immediate needs of cruise partners seeking to establish themselves in Florida.
Port Canaveral CEO, Capt. John Murray, highlighted the strategic importance of efficiently launching a new terminal to retain and expand the cruise business segment, which is crucial for regional and state economies. The existing North 8 berth, designed for multipurpose use in 2018, will undergo minimal changes to extend its current 1,020-foot bulkhead to 1,344 feet. This extension will enable it to handle larger cruise vessels, while waterside upgrades to the basin’s north side will improve berthing capacity for Cruise Terminal 5.
The new terminal will be built with technology to maximize flexibility for multi-users and brands. Its location, current configuration, and vacant uplands allow for minimal disruption to port and tenant operations during construction.
Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners Chairman Micah Loyd said, “A new cruise terminal and the business it will deliver builds on our Board’s commitment to the economic prosperity of our Port community.” Design, engineering, and construction are currently in progress, with the facility expected to be ready by summer 2026. The terminal campus will also feature a multi-story parking garage for up to 3,000 vehicles and improved road access, including turning lanes and a “flyover” ramp connecting directly to State Road 401.