Key Aspects:
- Port Canaveral in Florida has shared additional information on two improvement projects.
- Terminal 5 is getting a complete overhaul and redesign, expanding passenger capacity and accommodating larger ships.
- Updates were also shared regarding construction of the massive 13-story parking structure adjacent to Terminal 6.
Port Canaveral in Florida just shared additional information on two major improvement projects. The first is a complete reimagining and expansion of Terminal 5.
This overhaul, led by Ivey’s Construction out of Merritt Island and designed by BEA Architects of Miami, comes with a price tag of nearly $80 million invested and will nearly double the size of the cruise terminal – from 90,000 square feet to around 170,000 square feet.
The interior is getting a complete redesign, with a modernized entry, expanded luggage laydown, and larger areas for passenger seating and security.
The expansion will not only modernize the space, but will also accommodate some of the world’s biggest ships carrying up to 5,600 passengers, such as Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class ship, Legend of the Seas and the upcoming Hero of the Seas, debuting next year. The new terminal is expected to be finished in December 2026.
The second major project is the construction of a brand new 13-story parking structure next to Terminal 6.
Cruise Hive reported when construction on this new structure officially began in March 2026. The largest and most complex parking project in the port’s history, the over $90 million structure will add approximately 3,700 parking spots, bringing the total number of available parking spaces at the port to nearly 17,500.
The garage will also feature eight extra-large elevators, twin two-lane vehicle ramps, and a pedestrian bridge to accommodate large numbers of passengers and their luggage, as well as provide them with an easy route to the new Terminal 5. The new parking structure is scheduled for completion in Autumn 2026.
Read Also: Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal: Your One-Stop Guide
Altogether, these projects represent nearly $175 million in total investment for the Florida port.
“Every investment we make is focused on ensuring the Port can continue to support the level of guest experience and operational efficiency our cruise partners expect from us, while readying ourselves to meet future business commitments,” said Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO.
The two projects have created 2,000 local jobs and total more than 85,000 hours of work from contractors and subcontractors as of mid-July.
Port Canaveral Continues Growing
These two projects are just a small part of Port Canaveral’s investment into the future of its cruise infrastructure. Both the upgraded terminal and parking structure are a part of Port Canaveral Advantage, a five-year, nearly $1 billion capital improvement program dedicated to improving and expanding the port’s infrastructure and efficiency.
Port Canaveral currently holds the title of busiest cruise port in the world, having surpassed PortMiami with 8.6 million passenger movements in 2025’s fiscal year. The port sees business from 7 of the world’s leading cruise lines: Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line.
The port shows no signs of slowing down, and projects like these show its dedication to preparing for the future.
