Port Canaveral commissioners have approved the initial contract for constructing a new cruise terminal on the port's north side. The new terminal, temporarily named "Terminal X," will be situated at the current location of North Cargo Berth 8, directly opposite Cruise Terminal 5.
The commissioners unanimously agreed to a US$1.45 million increase in a purchase order with AtkinsRealis USA Inc for marine improvement design at North Cargo Berth 8
. The project includes designing a pier extension and mooring improvements in Phase 1, with Phase 2 featuring a bulkhead parallel to State Road 401 between Cruise Terminal 5 and North Cargo Berth 8.
Port officials announced earlier this month their plans to transform the North Cargo Berth 8 site into a cruise terminal and parking garage, targeted for completion by July 2026. This development delays but does not eliminate the previously planned US$175 million south side cruise terminal and parking garage at Bluepoints Marina. The marina operation will be relocated within the port before the new terminal opens.
Port Canaveral CEO John Murray indicated that there is no total cost estimate for the new terminal and parking garage at North Cargo Berth 8. However, it is expected to be less than the proposed south side terminal, owing to the existing infrastructure at the North Cargo Berth 8 site. Murray stated that Cruise Terminal X will be designed to accommodate the world's largest cruise ships and will be used by multiple cruise lines, unlike some of the port's other terminals that serve predominantly one brand.
William Crowe, the port's vice president of engineering, construction, and facilities, informed the commissioners that the first ship to use the new terminal could be the Norwegian Joy, expected to join the port lineup in November 2025. Another potential user is the MSC Grandiosa, which is set to start sailing from Port Canaveral in December 2025. However, these plans are tentative and may change based on the progress of the terminal's construction and other factors.