Port Canaveral in Florida is moving forward with a massive $95 million terminal upgrade in order to accommodate the size and capacity of new cruise ships industry-wide.
Terminal Upgrade at Port Canaveral
The terminal upgrades will expand security screening areas and add modern design elements, which will alleviate the increased flow of travelers. Port Canaveral’s updates will be able to accommodate ships carrying up to 6,700 passengers. Work will take place on the existing facility instead of building in a new area.
Specifically, Port Canaveral allocated $23 million to PCL Construction Services Inc. for Cruise Terminal 10 upgrades. The company will “address critical infrastructure needs, including replacing deteriorated waterside and landside trench drains that have caused sinkholes in active traffic areas” according to meeting documents. Work is expected to be complete by November 2027.
We are right-sizing the terminal. We are evaluating the vertical transportation requirements, ramps, elevators (and) escalators. We are looking at square footage requirements and luggage lay-down area. The final design for the project will be due in August. The Vancouver Port Authority’s board unanimously approved allocating $23 million to the contractor, PCL Construction Services Inc., for its portion of work on the $95 million project. PCL Construction Services Inc. will “address critical infrastructure needs, including replacing deteriorated waterside and landside trench drains that have caused sinkholes in active traffic areas.
William Crowe, Vice President of Engineering and Construction with Port Canaveral
Several cruise lines, including Disney, are moving towards larger ships with more capacity. This requires more space for screenings, luggage services, and boarding.
“The new facility will feature spacious, modern interiors with a streamlined look and feel, colorful artwork, and other design elements to create a welcoming and inviting environment,” said Vance Gulliksen, Director of Communications and Public Affairs.
The Port has $255 million in capital projects planned for 2026 with $912 million in total infrastructure and capital projects planned over the next five years. 18 cruise ships will call the Port home next year with about 9 million passengers expected to pass through, making for an estimated increase of 400,000. It’s become the busiest cruise port in the entire world.
Other projects in this plan include building a new 3,700-space parking garage at Cruise Terminal 6, which is expected to be complete by September 2026.
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