norwegian cruise port canaveral

Port Canaveral, FL

Port Canaveral, FL is about an hour's drive east of Orlando, two hours from Tampa and two and a half hours from Jacksonville. Tallahassee is just under five hours to the north. Port Canaveral is the closest city to Disney World and the other theme parks in Orlando, and is next to Cape Canaveral Kennedy Space Center. A wide variety of activities are available near the port, including several miles of beaches and parks, boating, fishing, shopping and several restaurants.

Carnival uses cruise terminals 3 and 6. Royal Caribbean uses cruise terminals 1, 5 and 6. Disney uses cruise terminal 8. Norwegian uses cruise terminals 5 and 10. MSC uses cruise terminal 10.

Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal 1 9050 Discovery Road Port Canaveral, FL 32920 Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal 3 220 Christopher Columbus Dr. Port Canaveral, FL 32920

Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal 5 9245 Charles Rowland Drive Port Canaveral, FL 32920

Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal 6 9241 Charles Rowland Drive Port Canaveral, FL 32920

Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal 8 9155 Charles Rowland Drive Port Canaveral, FL 32920

Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal 10 9005 Charles Rowland Drive Port Canaveral, FL 32920

Port Canaveral is 45 miles from Orlando International Airport. Parking is $17.00 per day (rates are subject to change by the Port Authority).

From North/South - Take I-95 to Exit 205 East to Hwy 528 East. Drive 11.5 miles on Hwy 528 East and exit to the "A" cruise terminals onto SR 401 North. Drive 1 mile on SR 401 North and follow signs to correct cruise terminal and pier (according to cruise line).

From Orlando International Airport - Take the North Exit from the Airport, staying to the right, to S.R. 528 (Beachline Expressway) East. Take S.R. 528 directly to Port Canaveral.

Cruise Canaveral > Cruise Lines > Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruises from Port Canaveral

Norwegian Cruise Line revolutionized the industry with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising, which gives guests more freedom and flexibility. NCL offers Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises out of Port Canaveral, Florida. See the details below.

Freestyle cruising is all about freedom. Freedom from stress and schedules. Create your own vacation. Eat where you want, with whom you want, when you want. Dress the way you want too.

The Norwegian Escape cruise ship features live shows, The Waterfront oceanfront promenade, 14 bars & lounges, Aqua Park, Sports Complex with Ropes Course, Mandara Spa, casino and family-friendly Splash Academy youth programs. Complimentary dining options include the 3 main dining rooms, O'Sheehan's Grill and Garden Cafe. For an additional fee you can eat at Teppanyaki, Bayamo Seafood, Food Republic, Moderno Churrascaria, American Diner, Atrium Cafe, Cagney's Steakhouse, Dolce Gelato, La Cucina Italian and Le Bistro French.

Bahamas Cruises

4-day Bahamas cruises on Norwegian Jade. Round-trip from Port Canaveral/Orlando to Nassau (Bahamas), Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas) and Grand Bahama Island (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: May 24, August 30.

Eastern Caribbean Cruises

7-day Eastern Caribbean cruises on Norwegian Escape. Round-trip from Port Canaveral/Orlando to Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), Tortola (British Virgin Islands) and Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: January 6, January 20, February 3, February 17, March 2, March 16, March 30.

7-day Eastern Caribbean cruises on Norwegian Epic. Round-trip from Port Canaveral/Orlando to Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas), San Juan (Puerto Rico), St Thomas (US Virgin Islands) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). • 2024 departures: January 14, January 28, February 25, March 3, March 10, March 17, March 24.

7-day Eastern Caribbean cruises on Norwegian Epic. Round-trip from Port Canaveral/Orlando to Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), Tortola (British Virgin Islands) and Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: January 6, January 20, February 3, February 17, March 2, March 16, March 30, November 30, December 7, December 14, December 28.

7-day Eastern Caribbean cruises on Norwegian Jade. Round-trip from Port Canaveral/Orlando to Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), St Croix (US Virgin Islands), San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: June 8, June 22, July 6, July 20, August 3.

9-day Eastern Caribbean cruises on Norwegian Jade. Round-trip from Port Canaveral/Orlando to Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas), St Thomas (US Virgin Islands), St John's (Antigua), Philipsburg (St Maarten), San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic). • 2024 departures: May 6, May 15.

Southern Caribbean Cruises

10-day Southern Caribbean cruises on the Norwegian Jade. Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas), Ocho Rios (Jamaica), Aruba, Curacao and Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic). • 2024 departures: August 10, August 20.

11-day Southern Caribbean cruises on the Norwegian Jade. Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), Aruba, Curacao, Grenada, Antigua, St Thomas and Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: April 9, April 20, May 28.

Western Caribbean Cruises

5-day Western Caribbean cruise on the Norwegian Jade. Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Cozumel (Mexico) and Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departure: May 1.

7-day Western Caribbean cruises on the Norwegian Escape. Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Cozumel (Mexico), Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands), Ocho Rios (Jamaica) and Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: January 13, January 27, February 10, February 24, March 9, March 23.

7-day Western Caribbean cruises on the Norwegian Jade. Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Key West (Florida), Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands), Ocho Rios (Jamaica) and Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: June 15, June 29, July 13, July 27.

7-day Western Caribbean cruises on the Norwegian Epic. Round-trip from Port Canaveral to Cozumel (Mexico), Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands), Ocho Rios (Jamaica) and Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departures: March 31, November 23, December 21.

Repositioning Cruises

12-day Transatlantic cruise on the Norwegian Epic. One-way from Port Canaveral/Orlando to Rome (Italy). Visit Gibraltar and Alicante (Spain). • 2024 departure: April 7.

15-day cruise to Iceland on the Norwegian Jade. One-way from Port Canaveral/Orlando to Reykjavik (Iceland). Visit Charleston (South Carolina), New York, Newport (Rhode Island), Boston (Massachusetts), Halifax (Nova Scotia), St John's (Newfoundland), Akureyri (Iceland) and Isafjordur (Iceland). • 2024 departure: August 10.

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Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-06-14 13:37

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.

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.

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.

Port Canaveral tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Cruise Parking & Terminal Information

Our cruise terminals are new, innovative and ultra modern, Learn more about the world's most popular cruise port.

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By Day...Enjoy Sand, Sun and a Breeze off the Water By Night...Stalk Fish or Dream Under the Stars

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Projects & Plans

It is our job to maintain the critical balance of physical conditions that allows Port Canaveral to fulfill its many functions.

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News & Information

The annual fireworks event is organized by the Cove Merchants Association who put out this statement: From: Fish Lips -Cove Merchants Association To our valued guests, We are deeply saddened and disappointed to tell you that due to unforeseen circumstances affecting technical difficulties in executing our fireworks display, we are canceling the show tonight. This is a 15 year event that is close to our hearts and something we love doing for our community, but it is out of our control, and we have exhausted every effort to no avail. Thank you for your understanding.

The Cruise Hive Cruise Ship Awards are an annual event recognizing the best in the industry, as voted on by Cruise Hive readers. One of the most closely contested categories is Best Homeport, which recognizes the top ports that serve as the starting point for cruise vacations.  “We’re thrilled to have earned this valued distinction three years in a row,” stated Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. “What an honor for us and our cruise partners to be so well recognized for providing a high quality guest experience. It’s tremendous gratitude of our efforts from the millions of cruise guests sailing from Port Canaveral year after year.”

Port Canaveral, FL – October 21, 2022 – Port Canaveral has signed an agreement with the Liebherr Group to acquire another mobile harbor crane from the company to support the Port’s growing cargo operations.  The 320-foot-tall Liebherr LMH 600 is the second mobile harbor crane to be deployed at Port Canaveral and is part of a new mobile harbor crane product line recently launched by Liebherr. The Port’s first, a Liebherr LHM 600, was entered into service in early 2019.

On May 12, the Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) membership elected three officers and six directors to its Board as the group gathered in Washington to engage in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law implementation process. Paul Anderson, President & CEO of Port Tampa Bay, is now CAGTC’s fifth Chairman, while former CAGTC Treasurer Rick Cameron, Deputy Executive Director of Planning and Development, Port of Long Beach was elected Vice Chairman and Erin Aleman, Executive Director, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, was elected Treasurer. Each officer will serve a three-year term. Capt John Murray, Chief Executive Officer and Port Director, Canaveral Port Authority was re-elected to serve another three-year term on the Board of Directors.

Port Canaveral has worked with the State of Florida to establish an on-site COVID-19 vaccination center at the Port.

The Canaveral Port Authority (CPA) and the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) have executed an “Interlocal Agreement for Electronic Parking Fee Collection” to implement the E-PASS automated system at the Port that will enable customers to use contactless payment for parking at Port Canaveral-owned parking facilities with an  E-PASS prepaid account. The CPA Board of Commissioners voted to unanimously approve the agreement at its October 28, 2020 regular meeting followed by the unanimous approval by the CFX Board at its November 12, 2020 meeting.

Port Canaveral boat ramps are open and parking is available on a  first-come, first-served  basis. All users are reminded to follow the recommendations of the CDC and FL Dept. of Health for social distancing, and the Governor’s Executive Order limiting gatherings of 10 or more people to limit potential spread and exposure to COVID-19 virus.

Port Canaveral, FL – The largest sand bypass project in the Port Canaveral area in more than two decades will get underway this week.  The five-month effort will move approximately 1.34 million cubic yards of sand to replenish 3.5 miles of beach south of Port Canaveral. The Canaveral Harbor Federal Sand Bypass Project (Phase V) will pump sand taken from the shoreline north of Port Canaveral along Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to beaches south of the Canaveral Inlet, from Jetty Park to a half-mile south of the Cocoa Beach Pier. Locally sponsored by the Canaveral Port Authority, the $18 million federally-authorized project is scheduled to begin this week and last through late April 2019.   

Port Canaveral – Port Canaveral is reconfiguring its public boat trailer parking near the Freddie Patrick Park Boat Ramp to accommodate construction of a state-of-the art Cruise Terminal 3. Access to the public boat ramps remains unchanged, as well as the trailer washdown facilities. The boat ramp will remain open during all phases of construction with no reduction in boat-trailer parking spaces.

Port Canaveral - August 30, 2018 – Norwegian Sun will complete her first season of cruises to Cuba from Port Canaveral, Florida with her last sailing on September 3, 2018 before she moves to Miami, Florida for select sailings then repositioning to South America for her fall/winter season.

Port Canaveral, FL –  Moody’s Investors Service has rated Canaveral Port Authority ‘A2 Stable’ in its annual Credit Opinion.  The Moody’s bond rating opinion released late last week acknowledges the Port’s healthy financial metrics, established competitive position as a cruise port, and revenue diversity from cargo operations.

Port Canaveral, FL – Canaveral Port Authority employees gathered on the front lawn of the Port’s Maritime Center to raise a commemorative flag in what will be the first of a series of events acknowledging sixty-five years of Port Canaveral history, growth and success.  

Port Canaveral, FL – Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI) Enchantment of the Seas was welcomed back to Port Canaveral today launching a new season of three and four-night cruises to the Bahamas from the Port. Port Canaveral was the homeport for the 2,950 passenger Enchantment until 2016.  All Enchantment sailings from Port Canaveral feature a port-of-call at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. 

Port Canaveral, FL – The Canaveral Harbor and Canaveral Sand Bypass projects will receive priority funding in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fiscal Year 2018 Workplan. The Corps has allocated $14,760,000 to the Canaveral Harbor Sand Bypass project and $1,470,000 will be provided for maintenance of the Port’s harbor and the Canaveral Locks. 

As Port Canaveral continues to prepare for Hurricane Matthew, we ask that Port tenants and businesses take all necessary precautions to protect life, property and the environment. 

Port status hotline:, 321-394-3411.