Port Canaveral has officially begun construction on the $95 million expansion and renovation of Cruise Terminal 10, another major milestone in the Florida port's long-term investment strategy aimed at supporting continued growth in the cruise sector. Scheduled for completion in November 2027, the project will transform one of the port's busiest terminals into a larger, more efficient facility capable of handling some of the world's largest cruise ships carrying up to 6,700 passengers.
The redevelopment forms part of the Port Canaveral Advantage, the port authority's nearly $1 billion capital improvement program, which includes terminal upgrades, new parking facilities, roadway improvements, technology enhancements and waterside infrastructure designed to accommodate increasing passenger volumes and future cruise operations.
Designed by Miami-based architectural firm Bermello Ajamil and built by PCL Construction Services of Orlando, the reimagined Cruise Terminal 10 will encompass more than 145,000 square feet, making it nearly 30 percent larger than the existing building. The redesigned terminal will feature a contemporary architectural style with an expansive glass façade that maximizes natural light, updated interiors, new artwork and improved wayfinding, creating a brighter and more welcoming environment for embarking and disembarking passengers.
Operational efficiency is a major focus of the project. Expanded security screening areas, larger luggage handling spaces, new elevators and escalators, upgraded HVAC systems and improved passenger circulation are expected to significantly streamline the embarkation process while enhancing comfort during peak operations. According to Port Canaveral CEO Captain John W. Murray, the design reflects years of operational experience and focuses on delivering a terminal that is both visually appealing and highly functional for cruise lines and their guests.
Unlike a new-build facility, the Cruise Terminal 10 project will be carried out while the terminal remains in service. Construction will therefore be completed in carefully planned phases, primarily on non-ship days and during overnight work periods, allowing cruise operations to continue throughout the renovation with minimal disruption. Earlier planning documents also indicated that the project would include expanded passenger queuing areas, dedicated VIP seating, additional general seating and improvements to landside operations to support the higher passenger throughput expected from next-generation vessels.
The investment reflects the remarkable growth experienced by Port Canaveral in recent years. Now recognized as one of the world's busiest cruise homeports, the Florida port hosts seven major cruise brands and more than 18 homeported ships, generating over 1,000 sailings annually. Its strategic location, close proximity to Orlando International Airport and Central Florida's tourism attractions, has helped establish Port Canaveral as one of the industry's leading embarkation ports. Recent passenger traffic has continued to set new records, with the port handling more than 8.6 million passenger movements during fiscal year 2025 and projecting even higher volumes as additional capacity comes online.
Cruise Terminal 10 is only one element of a much broader expansion program currently underway. The port is simultaneously completing a major renovation and expansion of Cruise Terminal 5, which will significantly increase the facility's size while modernizing passenger processing areas. Nearby, a new 13-story parking garage adjacent to Cruise Terminal 6 is nearing completion and will add more than 3,700 parking spaces, bringing the port's total parking capacity to nearly 17,500 vehicles. Together, these projects represent hundreds of millions of dollars in investment designed to improve passenger experience and operational efficiency while supporting future cruise deployment.
Looking further ahead, Port Canaveral also continues planning for additional cruise infrastructure, including the future Cruise Terminal 7, another project intended to increase flexibility and accommodate continued growth in demand from cruise operators.
The modernization of Cruise Terminal 10 demonstrates how ports are adapting to the steady increase in cruise ship size and passenger capacity. While today's newest vessels continue to introduce larger guest complements and more sophisticated onboard amenities, ports must simultaneously invest in terminal infrastructure capable of handling greater passenger volumes without compromising efficiency or the overall guest experience.
With construction now underway and completion expected in late 2027, the upgraded Cruise Terminal 10 will strengthen Port Canaveral's position as one of North America's premier cruise gateways, providing cruise lines with modern facilities capable of supporting the next generation of mega ships while improving the travel experience for millions of passengers each year.
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