Key Aspects:
- Port Canaveral celebrated the topping off of a new 13-story parking garage on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
- This marks the exterior completion of the $93 million facility adjacent to Cruise Terminal 6.
- When complete in fall 2026, the new garage will add more than 3,700 new parking spaces to the busy cruise port.
Cruise guests who struggle to find the ideal parking space at Port Canaveral can celebrate, as the new parking garage adjacent to Cruise Terminal 6 has reached an important milestone. On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the garage was “topped off” with the final vertical piece of material on its way toward completion.
Port Canaveral announced the moment on Facebook with the title “NEARLY COMPLETE” to emphasize how close the garage is to being finished. While no exact opening date has yet been announced, the post does note that it is “the most complex project in Port history, opening this fall.”
The topping off ceremony was a celebratory moment for Port Canaveral officials as well as Merritt Island-based Ivey’s Construction and Apopka-based Finfrock Construction contractors working on the project, and they have all left their mark on the new garage.
Before the final piece was lifted into place, contractors signed the ends of the concrete slab, a fun tradition of adding their own personal touch to the project as they marked the event.
Photos from the celebration appeared to include multiple prizes, such as televisions, grills, and tools, along with refreshments for the hard-working team to celebrate their accomplishment.
“Many thanks to everyone from Ivey’s and Finfrock for their efforts on this groundbreaking project!” Port Canaveral said in acknowledgement of the momentous day.
The topping off marks the completion of the exterior construction for the new garage, which will hold more than 3,700 parking spaces. This should greatly alleviate parking congestion for cruise travelers.
Combined with the other parking spaces at Port Canaveral, the new garage brings the port’s parking capacity to nearly 17,500 spaces. This includes eight total garages as well as surface lots. The new garage has been fully funded by Port Canaveral.
While the exterior is now complete, interior work must continue. This is likely to include steps like installing pay stations, striping, lighting, signage, and other important components before the garage can be opened for use.
Cruise Hive reported that the 13-story structure began its vertical construction in early March 2026, meaning the full exterior has been completed in less than six months.
Which Terminal Will Use the New Parking Garage?
The new garage is being constructed next to Cruise Terminal 6 on the north side of the west turning basin. Multiple cruise lines use Cruise Terminal 6, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Because Cruise Terminal 5 is also close by, guests from the Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean cruises that use that terminal will also use the new garage. A pedestrian bridge will connect the parking garage to Cruise Terminal 5.
The $93 million project is the largest and most complex parking garage ever built at Port Canaveral. The facility encompasses more than 1.2 million total square feet and will have eight extra-large elevators to ensure excellent capacity to move multiple passengers and their luggage simultaneously.
The garage is part of the Port Canaveral Advantage capital improvement that includes $1 billion in upgrades, enhancements, and expansions over the next five years.
Cruise Hive has reported on how these projects will impact cruise guests, including the $95 million expansion and renovation of Cruise Terminal 10 that began in early August 2026 and will be completed in November 2027.
