Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida)
Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news
Region
Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda
Local Time
2024-09-12 12:08
28.2°C
4.5 m/s
77 °F / 25 °C
Port Port Canaveral cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Port Canaveral, Orlando, Florida. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.
Day | Ship | Arrival | Departure |
---|---|---|---|
1 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 06:00 | 16:00 |
1 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 06:00 | 19:00 |
1 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 07:00 | 01 Jan, 02:00 |
1 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
1 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 08:00 | 16:00 |
2 March, 2026 Monday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
2 March, 2026 Monday | ![]() | 06:00 | 16:00 |
2 March, 2026 Monday | ![]() | 07:00 | 16:00 |
2 March, 2026 Monday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
2 March, 2026 Monday | ![]() | 08:00 | 01 Jan, 02:00 |
3 March, 2026 Tuesday | ![]() | 07:00 | 16:00 |
5 March, 2026 Thursday | ![]() | 08:00 | 15:00 |
6 March, 2026 Friday | ![]() | 06:00 | 16:00 |
6 March, 2026 Friday | ![]() | 07:00 | 16:00 |
6 March, 2026 Friday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
6 March, 2026 Friday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
7 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 16:00 |
7 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 17:00 |
7 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 16:00 |
7 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
7 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 16:00 |
7 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
7 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 08:00 | 16:00 |
8 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 15:00 | |
8 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 06:00 | 16:00 |
8 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 06:00 | 19:00 |
8 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 08:00 | 16:00 |
8 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 10:00 | 21:00 |
8 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 17:00 | |
9 March, 2026 Monday | ![]() | 06:00 | 19:00 |
9 March, 2026 Monday | ![]() | 06:00 | 16:00 |
9 March, 2026 Monday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
9 March, 2026 Monday | ![]() | 08:00 | 15:00 |
11 March, 2026 Wednesday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
12 March, 2026 Thursday | ![]() | 07:00 | 17:00 |
12 March, 2026 Thursday | ![]() | 07:00 | 16:00 |
13 March, 2026 Friday | ![]() | 06:00 | 16:00 |
13 March, 2026 Friday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
14 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 16:00 |
14 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 17:00 |
14 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
14 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 16:00 |
14 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 16:00 |
14 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
14 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 08:00 | 15:00 |
15 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 06:00 | 16:00 |
15 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 06:00 | 19:00 |
15 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 07:00 | 17:00 |
15 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
15 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 08:00 | 16:00 |
15 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 08:00 | 16:00 |
16 March, 2026 Monday | ![]() | 06:00 | 16:00 |
16 March, 2026 Monday | ![]() | 07:00 | 16:00 |
16 March, 2026 Monday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
16 March, 2026 Monday | ![]() | 10:00 | 21:00 |
17 March, 2026 Tuesday | ![]() | 06:00 | 19:00 |
19 March, 2026 Thursday | ![]() | 07:00 | 17:00 |
19 March, 2026 Thursday | ![]() | 08:00 | 15:00 |
20 March, 2026 Friday | ![]() | 06:00 | 16:00 |
20 March, 2026 Friday | ![]() | 07:00 | 16:00 |
20 March, 2026 Friday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
20 March, 2026 Friday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
21 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 16:00 |
21 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 17:00 |
21 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 16:00 |
21 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
21 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 16:00 |
21 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
21 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 08:00 | 16:00 |
22 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 06:00 | 16:00 |
22 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 06:00 | 19:00 |
22 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 07:00 | 17:00 |
22 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 08:00 | 16:00 |
23 March, 2026 Monday | ![]() | ||
23 March, 2026 Monday | ![]() | 06:00 | 16:00 |
23 March, 2026 Monday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
23 March, 2026 Monday | ![]() | 08:00 | 15:00 |
25 March, 2026 Wednesday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
26 March, 2026 Thursday | ![]() | 07:00 | 17:00 |
26 March, 2026 Thursday | ![]() | 07:00 | 16:00 |
27 March, 2026 Friday | ![]() | ||
27 March, 2026 Friday | ![]() | 06:00 | 16:00 |
27 March, 2026 Friday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
28 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 16:00 |
28 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 17:00 |
28 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
28 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 16:00 |
28 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 16:00 |
28 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
28 March, 2026 Saturday | ![]() | 08:00 | 15:00 |
29 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 06:00 | 16:00 |
29 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 06:00 | 19:00 |
29 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 07:00 | 17:00 |
29 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
29 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 08:00 | 16:00 |
29 March, 2026 Sunday | ![]() | 08:00 | 16:00 |
30 March, 2026 Monday | ![]() | 06:00 | 16:00 |
30 March, 2026 Monday | ![]() | 07:00 | 16:00 |
30 March, 2026 Monday | ![]() | 07:00 | 15:00 |
Port Canaveral (cruise port to Orlando City, Florida USA) is currently ranked world's busiest cruise port (4,07 million cruisers/stats 2023) followed by Miami Florida.
As homeport, this is a major turnaround port destination (serving roundtrip itineraries) with annual shipping traffic 4,5+ million cruise ship tourists. Cape Canaveral is a leading USA homeport for all the world's largest cruise companies - CCL-Carnival, RCI-Royal Caribbean, NCL-Norwegian, DCL-Disney.
The world's top-10 busiest cruise ports (by annual passengers numbers/stats 2023) are in Florida USA (Port Canaveral/Orlando/4,07M, Miami/4,02M, Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale), Mexico (Cozumel), Bahamas (Nassau), China (Shanghai), Spain (Barcelona), Bahamas (Out Islands), Texas USA (Galveston), Italy (Civitavecchia-Rome).
Cape Canaveral Port
Port Cape Canaveral (locode USPCV) is located on Florida's Atlantic coastline, between Miami and Jacksonville. Orlando City is bounded by Port Canaveral (north), Banana River (east), Cocoa Beach (south) and the Atlantic Ocean (west). As a deepwater seaport, Port Canaveral has a very high volume of traffic. From a total of 6 million cargo tons moved through the port annually, 2,7+ million tons (3 million short tons) are bulk cargoes. Common cargo includes petroleum, aggregate and cement. The port features hoppers and conveyors for loading products directly into trucks, as well as bulk cargo container facilities. The channel is about 13 m (44 ft) deep.
There are 70,000 m2 (750,000 ft2) of covered freight storage capacity. In 2004 Port Canaveral handled 3,6 million tons (4M short tons) of cargo. It exports fresh citrus and bulk frozen citrus juice is stored in one of the biggest freezer warehouses in the state. The port also receives salt for water softening, lumber, automobiles, steel sheets and plates. Port Canaveral transships items for sea, air, space and land. Its Foreign Trade Zone is one of the nation's largest general-purpose FTZs, more than 13 km2 (5 mi2). Each year the port boosts the economy by 1/2 billion dollars.
Port's cruise shipping business started in 1964, with SS Yarmouth Castle. The 1927-built steamship (for Chadade Steamship Company) was acquired by Yarmouth Cruise Lines in 1957. The liner was American-owned and Panama-flagged. In 1965, the ship burnt at sea (between Nassau and Miami).
The 1965-opened sea lock (part of Canaveral Barge Canal) is still in use, being maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Shipping and commercial fishing is also served by three 400 ft/120 m-long cargo piers constructed on the Port's north side in 1976. The seaport has supported NASA's space projects from the nearby JF Kennedy Space Center. During NASA's Apollo program, Saturn V rocket's segments transited via the lock. Space Shuttle's external tanks were floated for each mission into Port Canaveral, and the rocket boosters were towed back via the seaport, being fished from the Atlantic after each space launch.
In August 2015, commissioners approved USD 81 million port development project for upgrades of terminals 5 and 10, aimed at handling larger-sized vessels (details in the "terminal" section below). The project's financing was secured through bank loans and bonds.
Following President Donald Trump's executive order on immigration, in late-January 2017 were officially issued reports about cruise passengers being detained by US Customs and Border Protection. All detainees had to provide background info about them, their families and also their past life in their native countries. Trump's executive order was signed on January 27th and includes a 90-day ban on travel to the USA by citizens of Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen.
In early November 2017, RCI-Royal Caribbean announced the company's decision to homeport here in 2019 the world's largest passenger vessel - Harmony of the Seas (max capacity 6687 passengers plus 2100 crew). Starting May 2019, Harmony OTS offers 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean roundtrip itineraries. Harmony replaced Oasis OTS (redeployed in 2019 to Miami). Also in 2019, Mariner OTS (max capacity 4200 passengers plus 1180 crew) was homeported here for 3-4-night roundtrips to The Bahamas. The ship first arrived in Port Canaveral in 2003 (inaugural cruise on November 14).
In December 2017, Carnival Cruise Lines announced the homeporting of Carnival Elation in 2019. Starting May 12, 2019, the ship operates year-round scheduled 4-5-day "long weekend" Bahamas cruises. Departures are on Thursdays (4-day itinerary to Freeport and Nassau) and on Mondays and Saturdays (5-day itinerary to Amber Cove Dominicana and Grand Turk Island).
In December 2017, Port Canaveral completed the 6-month long West Turning Basin deepening project, now allowing max draft of 45 ft (13,7 m). Port's containership terminal (North Cargo berths 5 and 6) is operated by GT USA. The dredging works removed 22,3+ million ft3 (632,000 m3) of seabed material. For the dredging was contracted Dutra Group (based in San Rafael, California). The project's total cost was USD 7,5 million, with approx 2/3 of the cost covered by FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation). The Port's entry channel was cleared from obstructions (bridges, power lines) and is now without air draft restrictions. West Turning Basin has quay length ~600 m (2000 ft) and draft 13 m/43 ft - making it one of East Coast USA's deepest cargo berths without vessel air draft limits.
In January 2018 was approved the construction of a new multi-purpose cargo ship berth NCB8 (North Cargo Berth 8). By the project were also built a seawall (900 ft / 274 m) and a pier extension (100 ft / 31 m) with capacity to handle vessels with max LOA length 850 ft/259 m.
- At the new berth can be handled various heavy project cargoes (including aerospace). Berth's depth is 35 ft (11 m).
- The USD 17,9 million berth construction contract was awarded to the Tampa-based company Orion Marine Group. The contract includes building the bulkhead, seawall, relieving platform and dredging. Construction works started in March 2018, with scheduled completion by mid-2019.
In May 2024 were approved the plans for the construction of a new multi-user cruise terminal (Terminal X) at the existing North 8 Berth, directly opposite to/sharing the turning basin with Terminal 5. Terminal X is planned for inauguration in 2026 July. For the design was contracted AtkinsRealis USA Inc.
In 2018, two port development projects received funding for maintenance works in the seaport. The contractor is USACE (US Army Corps of Engineers). For the projects were allocated USD 14,76 million (Canaveral Harbor Sand Bypass and jetty upgrades) and USD 1,47 million (Harbor and Locks).
On December 5, 2018, Canaveral Port Authority (CPA) approved a series of bonds (up to USD 117 million) for financing "Cruise Terminal 3" (dubbed "Launch Pad") project. In 2021, at the new CT3 Terminal was homeported Carnival's newest and largest (LNG-powered) liner Mardi Gras.
- The project's financing package included bonds up to USD 80 million (30-year, Series A and B) and up to USD 37 million (20-year loan, Series C) by SunTrust Bank (specializing in mortgage, personal and small-business banking). The bank is subsidiary of the Atlanta GA-based SunTrust Banks Inc (reported assets in March 2018 USD 199 billion).
- Additionally was approved to increase Port's PNC Bank credit line from USD 25 to 50 million. The port also received from Florida Department of Transportation USD 6 million in grants for the infrastructure works.
- Carnival Cruise Terminal 3 has a dedicated wharf, adjacent parking (6-storey, capacity 1800 vehicles) and a newbuild road. The project's total improvements cost USD 163 million, of which $50 million were contributed by Carnival Corporation. The facility was completed in September 2020, but due to the crisis was inaugurated on June 4, 2021, with the arrival of Mardi Gras.
On May 22, 2019, Disney Cruises signed with CPA a 20-year operating agreement for homeporting two of its three newbuilds. Under the new deal, Disney has 3 boats homeported here (2 new, 1 old) which increased the number of guaranteed roundtrips from 150 per year (2019) to 180 (2023) and 216 (2024 and beyond).
In early March 2020 was launched an RO-RO Division in Port Canaveral - a dedicated vehicle terminal with max annual capacity 240,000 cars. The 16-acres terminal is at South Cargo Pier 4 and serves mainly new import automobiles. The terminal has a large climate-controlled warehouse (sized 20,000 ft2 / 1860 m2). In FY2019, the port handled a total of 12514 vehicles.
Following the port's ban for cruise ship dockings and passenger operations (due to the COVID pandemic), in the period April 3 through May 30, 2020, Canaveral Port Authority furloughed all its employees dedicated to cruise shipping operations.
For a 5-month refurbishment project in 2020 (June through November) was closed CT8 (Disney Cruise Terminal 8).
In April 2023, Port Canaveral officials proposed the construction of a new cruise terminal (Terminal 8). The US$175 million facility could be built on the Port's southern side, and completed and opened in July 2026.
In August 2023 was allocated US$68,16 million for two new cruise parking garages (an 8-level near Terminals 5 and 6, and a 6-level near Terminal 10.
Cape Canaveral port statistics
Note: Port's FY (fiscal year) runs from October 1 (current year) through September 30 (next year).
In FY2017, the cruise port handled 4,52+ million passengers (6,4% increase over FY2016). The number of multi-day passengers (4,234+ million) was 7,1% increase over 2016. Statistics showed that just in March 2017, the number of visiting cruiseship tourists was 469,847. This was the Port's 1-month record and a 19% increase over March 2016. Port's FY2017 total revenues were USD 47,4 million (freight and passengers).
For FY2018, the seaport reported a record year with USD 103,75 million in total revenues (218,9% increase over 2017). Cargo and cruise shipping volumes were also an all-time high. The number of handled cruise ship passengers increased by 7,7% - to 4,568431 million. Port's handled cargo tonnage increased by 6,9% - to 6,404944 million tons. Port's total economic output was USD 3,9 billion with around 32650 jobs supported (USD 1,3 billion in wages) including 17200 port workers (USD 0,7294 billion in wages).
For FY2019, the port had ~5% growth (over FY18) in revenues from cruise shipping. By homeporting operations (turnarounds) Port Canaveral is currently ranked the world's 2nd-busiest (after Miami) cruise port with handled in 2019 total 4,634154 million passengers (4,568431 million in 2018).
For season 2019, the cruise port reported a record berth booking with estimated 4,7+ million passengers.
In 2023, Port Canaveral reported a record year with handled 906 cruise ship calls, 13 homeporting ships, ~6,8 million cruise tourists, US$158 million in revenue from cruise shipping operations. For season 2024, the Port had booked 913 ship calls and expected ~7,3M passengers
Port Canaveral cruise terminal
Besides being a large cruise port, Port Canaveral is also among the USA's/and the world's largest naval and cargo ports. On average, each day 10 cruise vessels enter the port.
Port Canaveral's cruise terminals serve several major cruise shipping companies. Terminal 5 is the homeport for ships of RCI-Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, NCL-Norwegian, Marella UK. Terminal 6 serves ships of CCL-Carnival and Princess. Terminal 10 homeports ships of MSC and NCL.
The following cruise port map shows Port Canaveral port's infrastructure, the location of terminal facilities, connecting roads and transportation links to Orlando City.
Port Canaveral is the nearest Disney World city, situated about one hour east of Orlando by car. The Orlando Airport is 45 mi/70 km away. The driving distance to Tampa is 2 hours, to Jacksonville - 2,5 hours.
There are seven cruise terminals, but in regular use are 5 - numbers 3, 5, 6, 8 and 10. They are newer, located on the Port's north side, and serve larger ships. Southside terminals are older. Gambling ships use Terminal 2. Terminal 3 is the new Carnival Cruise Line's terminal.
Currently, Terminal 4 is also used, but rarely. In April 2024 was announced a plan for a new facility at Terminal 4, to be completed in 2026.
The cruise terminal parking rate is USD 15 per day (Port Authority subject to change). There is a parking lot beside each cruise terminal. Port Canaveral offers complimentary cruise parking for disabled Veterans. Approved are waiving cruise parking fees for vehicles with DV (Disabled Veteran) license plates issued under Florida Statutes "s.320.084", "s.320.0842" or "s.320.0845".
In August 2023, Port Canaveral commissioners allocated US$67,46 million for constructing two northside cruise parking garages. For the projects was contracted Ivey's Construction Inc. The larger facility (an 8-level garage with capacity 1940 vehicles) is adjacent to Terminals 5 and 6, while the smaller one (a 6-level garage with capacity 1081 vehicles) is near Terminal 10.
(NEW) Cruise Terminal 8 (2026)
In April 2023 was proposed the construction of a new cruise terminal on the Port's southern side.
The US$175 million facility could be completed and opened in July 2026.
This proposal for a new passenger terminal came after two newbuild large cruise liners were homeported year-round in Cape Canaveral starting in 2024-Q4.
Approved in May 2024, the proposal included in the Port's budget for FY2023 (October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023). FY23 was marked by increased cruise shipping traffic and stronger-than-expected, cruise-related revenues (including from parking) estimated at US$150,87 million. The previous estimate was US$124,48M. This represented ~83,7% of Port Canaveral's total projected operating revenue (US$180,35M) including from cargo shipping/handling, recreation, leasing, and other business activities. It was estimated that the Port's FY23 will have US$75,43M profit (including non-operating revenues and expenses) which was US$53,36M before FY23's budget began. The profit was used for port development projects and for reducing debt from previous projects.
In May 2023, were announced plans for a new cruise terminal at Bluepoints Marina's site. The facility (projected cost US$175M) would be ready/inaugurated in 2026.
The new multi-user Cruise Terminal 8 (aka Terminal X) is at the existing North 8 Berth (directly opposite to/sharing the turning basin with Cruise Terminal 5). The facility includes a multi-story parking garage (max capacity 3000 vehicles), road improvements (including turning lanes and a flyover ramp connecting Terminal 8 with State Road 401).
The project includes a pier extension and mooring improvements (Phase 1) and a bulkhead parallel to State Road 401 (between Terminal 5 and Terminal 8) in Phase 2.
(NEW) Carnival Cruise Terminal 3 (CT3-Launch Pad)
In late-April 2017, Port Canaveral started construction works on a new cruise terminal.
The facility is on the site of "Cruise Terminal 3" (port's southern / B side), west of Jetty Park and east of The Cove (dining-shopping-attractions complex). On June 7, 2017, engineering and design works for the new terminal were officially approved.
Canaveral Port Authority Commissioners approved US$1,2 million in funding for CH2M Engineering's project management contract. This was Phase I of the 2-year work plan to construct a modern facility with capacity to serve vessels with max capacity 8000 passengers.
At the new passenger terminal can berth even the world's largest cruise vessels of RCI's OASIS-class. CH2M Engineering provided engineering, support services and waterside design for the new Terminal 3.
The project's budget is USD 163 million (initially estimated cost was US$150M), of which US$50M contributed by Carnival Corporation. Ranked the USA's largest single building project, it included the demolition of the port's oldest terminal, construction of a brand new 2-story building (sized 17466 m2 / 188,000 ft2), upgrading the existing berth and building a new (adjacent to the terminal) parking garage, roadway and utility improvements.
The 20-month-long, multi-phased project included 5 separate contracts. Demolition works (of the existing Terminal 3 building) started in April 2018, at the cost of US$210,000.
- Following the building demolition, the project's next phases included berth demolition, dredging, dockside construction, building passenger boarding (mobile) bridges and terminal building, site works, building a covered parking garage (6-story building, sized 690,000 ft2 / 64,100 m2, capacity 1800 cars).
- On August 30, 2018, the Canaveral Port Authority (CPA) Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a long-term terminal operation agreement with Carnival Cruise Line, allowing the company to homeport here its newest and biggest liner.
- Beginning September 1, 2018, the new agreement replaced the old (6-year concession) expiring in 2019. The new 25-year primary term has 4 additional 5-year renewal options. The minimum annual revenue from passenger fees (guaranteed by Carnival) was increased from USD 7 million (fixed, per year) to USD 14,5 million (with annual escalators).
- On January 8, 2019, the CPA Board of Commissioners awarded the company Ivey's Construction Inc the USD 79 million contract for building Cruise Terminal 3, plus USD 29,53M contract for building the adjacent parking.
- On April 24, 2019, Canaveral Port Authority commissioners unanimously approved several design changes in the CT3 Project to reduce building costs. Ivey's Construction Inc (Merritt Island-based) won the contract in January with a bid of USD 78,98 million. However, design changes resulted in total savings of USD 4,535 million, bringing the terminal's total cost down to USD 74,45 million. In all, "Cruise Terminal 3" costs USD 163 million when are added the costs of the adjacent parking garage, waterside improvements, two passenger boarding bridges, design services. Plans were redesigned after engineering studies reduced the number of needed piles (also their size and coating) without sacrificing the structural integrity.
The new Carnival Cruise Terminal (CT3) is a 2-story building (sized 187,000 ft2 / 17370 m2) with max passenger capacity 6500 at a time. Among its amenities are electronic systems to facilitate passenger screening, mobile check-in (for expediting boarding), ATMs, restrooms, waiting and baggage halls, retail shopping area, info kiosks.
Construction works officially started on March 18, 2019, and the Terminal was completed in September 2020.
At the new CT3 terminal was homeported Carnival's largest vessel Mardi Gras (GT 180,000 tons, LNG-powered, capacity 5286 berths / max passengers 6500). The new liner's LNG bunkering is dockside (barge-to-ship).
Mardi Gras docked for the first time on June 4, 2021, and was joined later on the same day by the fleetmates Carnival Freedom and Carnival Liberty.
North (A Side) Cruise terminals (5, 6, 8, 10)
They are located on the A dock at the north side. Along is the Charles M Rowland Drive.
All are up to date and can handle the biggest passenger ships. Especially for Disney Cruise Line ships was built Cruise Terminal 8.
For a 5-month refurbishment project in 2020 was closed Disney's Cruise Terminal 8 (June through November). The closure was for installing a new curtainwall-pile (breakwater), removing ticket counters, extending the drop-off canopy, replacing the current seating.
In 2016, about USD 2,3 million were spent at Disney Terminal 8's renovations. This cruise facility is used exclusively by Disney ships. Cruise Terminal 10 was reopened on November 19, 2016, following USD 35 million expansion and upgrade project which took 6 months to complete. Terminal 10 (1994-built) is used by NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line).
Renovation works included increasing the size of the 2-story terminal building (from 97,050 to 125,825 ft2 / 9016 to 11690 m2). Lower floor's baggage processing area was increased from 42,800 to 64,400 ft2 (3976 to 5983 m2). Upper floor's passengers check-in area was increased from 54,250 to 61,430 ft2 (5040 to 5707 m2).
The development project allowed the terminal to handle larger cruise ships (carrying up to 5,500 passengers). Previously, its max capacity was 3,600 passengers.
Among the major projects of the Cruise Terminal 10 renovations were:
- USD 25,69 million for terminal renovations, with H.J. High of Orlando as contractor. The downstairs area where baggage processing occurs increased from the previous 42,799 ft2 to 64,396 ft2. The upstairs area where passengers check-in increased from the previous 54,249 ft2 to 61,428 ft2.
- USD 4,48 million were invested into new mobile Passenger Boarding Bridges (by the Spanish manufacturer ADELTE). The new mobile bridge systems replaced the old fixed gangways and provide better flexibility when used by differently-sized cruise vessels that have different heights and boarding door locations.
- USD 1,79 million were used for the existing cruise pier strengthening. The contractor (Vortex Marine of Oakland, California) used carbon fiber polymer technology to reinforce and extend the pier's life and structural capacity.
In 2016 was completed a USD 48,4 million renovation project at Cruise Terminal 5 (used mostly by Carnival Cruise Line). Among the improvements were terminal expansion, pier elongation (by 120 ft / 37 m), new mobile boarding bridges, new parking garage (capacity 1044 cars). The 1991-built Terminal 5 now allows berthing of larger ships (with up to 3500 passengers / previously up to 2500). For the project were contracted a total of 87 companies.
South (B Side) Cruise Terminals (2, 4)
They are located on the B dock at the southwest side. Along is George King Blvd. They were among the Port's first cruise facilities and can handle not more than 1900 passengers.
(NEW) Cruise Terminal 1
On November 5, 2016, Port Canaveral received its ever largest passenger ship - Oasis of the Seas. The mega-liner docked at the new "Cruise 1 Terminal" (inaugurated in December 2014). Oasis OTS was homeported here replacing the smaller Freedom OTS.
The facility's main tenant is RCI Royal Caribbean and was designed specifically to handle Oasis-class vessels. The new terminal is sized 188,000 ft2 (17,470 m2) and has a dedicated parking garage with capacity 1007 vehicles. The project cost USD 104,6M.
Port Canaveral tours, shore excursions, hotels
City Tours and Shore Excursions
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center: NASA’s base where Apollo missions have been launched. Watch a movie at the center of IMAX, learn the space exploration future at the Exploration Space show, go to the Apollo Center and the LC39 Gantry or try the Shuttle Launch Experience.
US Astronaut Hall of Fame: 5 miles away from the Kennedy Space Center. Honor the American astronauts, watch the Science On A Sphere show, try the Sigma 7 Mercury rocket or a real training for astronauts.
Jetty Park: park at the coastline with a beach, camping and a playground, picnic areas and pavilions. Enjoy the amazing marine traffic view from the pier, favorite place for fishermen and tourists. You can have a coffee, eat or buy something at the Cove Waterfront area, located between the park and the port.
Cocoa Beach Pier: dating since 1962, Space coast best-known landmark located 4 miles away ftom Port Canaveral. It offers bars, souvenir shops, restaurants, live music and lively beach.
Orlando Amusement Parks: enjoy the attractions Walt Disney World , Disney/MGM Studios, Universal Studios, Sea World of Florida and much more.
- Accidents
Carnival Vista passengers demand refunds after last-minute itinerary change
A voyage with CCL-Carnival Cruise Lines turned chaotic before even leaving port, as passengers demanded refunds following an unexpected itinerary...
September 7, 2024 - Cruise Industry
CCL-Carnival Cruise Line rolls out 2026-2027 itineraries with expanded Half Moon Cay
CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has announced the itineraries for 7 ships set to sail during the 2026 and 2027 seasons from four major U.S. homeports: Miami...
August 28, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Port Canaveral reconsiders cruise expansion amid state priorities for space and cargo
The Canaveral Port Authority has decided to withdraw its plans for a new cruise terminal, which was intended to accommodate larger vessels. The...
August 25, 2024 - Cruise Industry
2 Princess Cruises' ships to sail 90+ Caribbean voyages in Summer 2026
Princess Cruises has announced its largest summer Caribbean season to date for 2026, featuring two ships - Regal Princess and Caribbean Princess...
August 23, 2024 - Cruise Industry
RCI-Royal Caribbean's ship Star OTS to redefine family and luxury cruising in the Caribbean
RCI-Royal Caribbean International is set to enhance its presence in the Caribbean with the upcoming launch of the Star of the Seas, promising an...
August 22, 2024 - Accidents
USCG medevacs 52-yo passenger with chest pains from Royal Caribbean's ship Utopia OTS
A 52-year-old passenger aboard RCI-Royal Caribbean's ship Utopia of the Seas was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital in Cape Canaveral after...
August 15, 2024 - Cruise Industry
State officials urge Port Canaveral (Florida USA) to reevaluate cruise expansion
Florida state officials have advised Port Canaveral to reevaluate its decision to prioritize cruise terminal development over the needs of the space...
August 11, 2024 - Accidents
Cruise lines alter itineraries as Hurricane Debby approaches Florida
As Hurricane Debby approached Florida's West Coast, Margaritaville at Sea adjusted the schedules for two of MAS Islander ship's voyages. Originally...
August 5, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Royal Caribbean's ship Utopia OTS debuted in the Bahamas
RCI-Royal Caribbean's newest ship - Utopia of the Seas, embarked on her maiden voyage on Monday, July 22nd, docking at Nassau Cruise Port with...
July 23, 2024 - Cruise Industry
RCI-Royal Caribbean debuts Utopia OTS with grand summer event
RCI-Royal Caribbean International, along with GRAMMY-winning singer and songwriter Meghan Trainor, inaugurated the Utopia of the Seas with a grand...
July 18, 2024 - show more news