Earlier today, June 9th, Port Canaveral and CCL-Carnival Cruise Line observed a notable milestone—35 years of continuous partnership—with a formal celebration held aboard Mardi Gras, CCL’s Excel-class flagship, berthed at Cruise Terminal 3. This terminal, developed specifically by Port Canaveral to accommodate Carnival’s newest generation of LNG-powered vessels, served as a fitting location for the commemorative event.
CCL initiated operations from Port Canaveral in 1990, launching short-duration sailings aboard the Carnivale ship (1955-built as RMS Empress of Britain, acquired by CCL in 1975 and operated in 1976-1993).
Since then, the company has expanded significantly, now operating approximately 300 turarounds annually from the port, accounting for 2.4 million passenger movements.
Capt. John Murray, CEO of Port Canaveral, noted that the anniversary was a moment to reflect on the enduring relationship with Carnival Cruise Line. He emphasized that from the initial voyages in 1990 to the present-day deployment of five year-round and seasonal vessels, CCL has remained the port’s most enduring cruise partner. According to him, the cruise line’s presence has delivered sustained economic benefits not only to Port Canaveral but also to the broader Central Florida region and the state of Florida.
Looking to the future, Carnival recently confirmed plans to further expand its operations at the port with the addition of Carnival Festivale, a fourth Excel-class LNG-powered ship, expected to begin service in 2027.
The onboard ceremony brought together representatives from the Canaveral Port Authority, regional community leaders, and federal and local officials, including personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Brevard County. During the event, David German, Vice President of Cruise Business Development at Port Canaveral, presented CCL with a framed proclamation. This document, formally adopted by the Port Authority’s Board of Commissioners, recognized the company’s longstanding partnership and its economic contributions over more than three decades.
Christine Duffy (CCL's President) acknowledged the importance of Port Canaveral in the company’s history, describing it as a key foundation of the cruise line’s sustained growth. She also highlighted the company’s upcoming developments, including the opening of Celebration Key, CCL’s exclusive new destination in Grand Bahama. Carnival Vista, which is homeported at Port Canaveral, is scheduled to make the inaugural call to the destination, with all Port Canaveral-based ships slated to include Celebration Key in their itineraries.
In conjunction with the 35-year celebration and coinciding with World Ocean Day, CCL also announced a community-focused initiative: the donation of a hybrid pickup truck to Keep Brevard Beautiful. This gesture supports the nonprofit’s environmental efforts in the local community and underscores Carnival’s commitment to sustainability and ocean stewardship.
CCL continues to offer a wide range of cruise experiences from Port Canaveral, including short sailings to the Bahamas and extended voyages to the Caribbean and destinations such as the Panama Canal, reinforcing its prominent presence along Florida’s Space Coast.