Port Canaveral to upgrade cruise terminals as part of $500 million project

Cruise Terminal 5 will be expanded and the west entrance at Cruise Terminal 1 will be refreshed at the Florida port

By Laura Hyde | 02 May 2025

Port Canaveral in Florida is investing over $500 million in landside and waterside improvements as part of its comprehensive Port Canaveral Advantage programme, which aims to expand capacity and capabilities across all aspects of its business operations.

The first phase of the programme, under the direction of Steve Shelton in the newly created role of vice president of facilities optimisation, is making a “significant” impact with additional projects scheduled over the coming months, according to the Port Authority.

The port will expand its Cruise Terminal 5 by 65 per cent in order to accommodate larger cruise vessels. BEA Architects of Miami will design the project construction will take 16 months to complete, with operations continuing throughout without interruption to scheduled ship turns.

The port will also renovate the west entrance to its Cruise Terminal 1 with new canopies and walkways, updated landscaping and new lighting.

It is hoped capacity at Cruise Terminal 10 can also be expanded following a feasibility study, which is expected to be completed by June 2025.

Rendering of covered walkway project for Port Canaveral’s Cruise Terminal 1

Earlier in 2025 Port Canaveral established a new Cruise Automation Team with dedicated responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of passenger boarding bridges with the aim of improving the embarkation and debarkation experiences for guests.

“Port Canaveral has been a driving force for the central Florida economy for over seven decades and the continued prosperity of our port community depends on our continued success,” said Captain John Murray, CEO of Port Canaveral. “As we look ahead to the future, our challenge is balancing the business demands we have today while positioning ourselves for continued growth. These port-wide investments are designed to leverage the Port’s success to benefit communities from the Space Coast to central Florida and throughout the state. Our goal and commitment are to always be the best port possible for our valued partners, guests and visitors.”

As part of the Port Canaveral Advantage programme, improvements will also be made to the port’s recreational facilities like Jetty Park; cargo berths and bulkheads will be modernised and expanded; and new technologies across a spectrum of operations will be deployed.