Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida) has unveiled a comprehensive US$500 million investment plan aimed at upgrading and expanding its facilities across cruise, cargo, and recreational operations. This initiative, part of the "Port Canaveral Advantage" program, is designed to bolster the port's capacity and efficiency in response to increasing demand and to position it for sustained growth in the coming years.
A central component of the plan involves the significant expansion of Cruise Terminal 5 (CT-5). The terminal is set to increase in size by 65%, a project awarded to BEA Architects of Miami. Construction is anticipated to span 16 months, during which the terminal will remain operational to avoid disruptions to scheduled cruise activities. This expansion aims to accommodate larger cruise vessels and enhance passenger processing capabilities.
In addition to CT-5, the port is conducting a feasibility study, expected to conclude by June 2025, to assess the potential expansion of Cruise Terminal 10 (CT-10). The objective is to modify the terminal to handle the world's largest cruise ships, with capacities up to 5,600 passengers and berthing lengths of up to 1,200 feet.
Cruise Terminal 1 (CT-1) is also slated for enhancements, including the installation of new canopies and walkways, updated landscaping, and improved lighting. These upgrades are scheduled to commence in May 2025 and are intended to provide a refreshed entrance experience for cruise guests. Adjacent facilities, such as the cruise parking garage, will undergo refurbishments encompassing new paint, landscaping, perimeter fencing, and gangway upgrades.
Beyond cruise terminal improvements, Port Canaveral is investing in its cargo operations. Renovations to North Cargo Berths 3 and 4 are nearing completion, adding 1,800 linear feet of multipurpose bulkhead space. Plans are underway to convert existing pier structures on the south side into versatile, multiuser berths to enhance vessel turnaround times. Additional infrastructure projects include harbor deepening, berth box dredging, seawall and upland facility upgrades, and the acquisition of a third mobile harbor crane expected later this year.
The port's recreational facilities are not overlooked in this extensive plan. Jetty Park, a popular beach and campground attracting nearly 400,000 visitors annually, is undergoing significant upgrades. Enhancements include a new camp store, guest cabins, a dog park, renovated bathhouses, improved roadways and lighting, playground refurbishments, and redesigned public boat ramps at Rodney S. Ketcham Boat Ramp. Visitors will also notice new landscaping and entrance enhancements to The Cove, an area lined with restaurants and entertainment venues.
Port Canaveral's CEO, Capt. John Murray, emphasized the port's longstanding role in supporting the Central Florida economy and highlighted the importance of these investments in ensuring continued prosperity for the port community. He noted the challenge of balancing current business demands while positioning the port for future growth. These comprehensive upgrades are designed to enhance the port's capabilities and service offerings, benefiting stakeholders across the region.