Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida USA) commissioners have advanced two significant infrastructure projects to better accommodate ever-larger cruise vessels.
On June 25th, port commissioners approved a US$69 million expansion for Cruise Terminal 5 (on the north side) and contracted Arquitectonica to design the proposed Cruise Terminal 4, to be located on the site of the existing Bluepoints Marina (on the south side).
Port CEO John Murray emphasised that the growth reflects both the upward trend in demand and the increasing size of cruise ships—a trend illustrated by forthcoming vessels accommodating 6,500 guests. Murray noted that Port Canaveral enjoys a strategic advantage for drive-in passengers from the Southeast, offering a shorter journey compared to other Florida embarkation points.
Terminal 5's expansion will nearly double its footprint (from 90,000 ft2 to ~170,000 ft2) adding passenger queuing areas, enhanced security lanes, general and VIP waiting zones, luggage handling facilities, and new U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection spaces.
William Crowe, Vice President of Engineering, Construction and Facilities, described the project as a "massive upgrade" that will allow the terminal to continue serving cruise lines such as Celebrity, NNCL-Norwegian and RCI-Royal Caribbean while construction occurs during off-peak hours.
Completion is planned for September 2026, a relatively swift timetable, according to Murray, driven by the need to accommodate the upcoming launch of Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, set to join Icon of the Seas later this summer as the world’s largest cruise vessels.
In oversight of the Terminal 5 expansion, commissioners approved Procon Consulting as the owner's representative. Their responsibilities include maintaining operational cleanliness to near-“white-glove” standards, even while construction is in progress.
Meanwhile, the south-side Terminal 4 project has reached the design phase with Arquitectonica contracted to develop the terminal structure, adjacent parking facility, and related roadway modifications. A final build contract is expected to be presented for Port Authority approval on August 20th.
These developments form part of Port Canaveral’s broader US$500 million “Advantage Plan,” which includes enhancements across Terminals 1, 3, 8 and 10 to support the surge in cruise traffic and increase the port’s capacity for the next generation of mega-ships.
Through the first 8 months of the current fiscal year, Port Canaveral recorded 718 cruise calls, a 15% increase compared to the same period last year. Passenger numbers rose by 15.4%, while revenues from cruise operations and parking increased by nearly 19.5%. Overall operating revenue and profit climbed approximately 16–18 %, reflecting strong financial health that supports the ongoing investment program.
Port Canaveral’s expansion efforts signal a strategic commitment to accommodate modern vessels and enhance passenger service, reinforcing its standing as the world’s second-busiest cruise port.