- Port Canaveral is dedicating $912 million over five years, including $255 million in 2026, for infrastructure improvements.
- The port anticipates hosting 18 home-ported cruise ships and 9 million passenger movements in the upcoming year.
- Significant infrastructure gains include adding 4,500 new parking spaces and commissioning a crucial new mobile passenger boarding bridge for enhanced safety.
- Major projects are underway to improve regional traffic flow and increase cargo capacity by deepening berths for larger ships.
Port Canaveral is demonstrating impressive confidence in its future as a premier cruise and cargo hub, announcing a massive five-year capital investment plan totaling $912 million. For 2026 alone, the port has committed $255 million to capital projects aimed at strengthening infrastructure to meet booming demand. This proactive spending follows a successful year that saw the port welcome its 100 millionth cruise passenger.
The growth forecast is exciting, with the port expecting to host 18 home-ported cruise ships next year, up from 16, and handle 9 million passenger movements, an increase of 400,000 from the record 8.6 million in the previous year. To ensure a smooth experience for this massive influx, the port has successfully added 4,500 new parking spaces, including two large new garages at Terminals 6 and 10. Terminal enhancements and interior improvements at Terminals 1 and 10 are also moving forward.
A critical investment highlighted is a new mobile passenger boarding bridge, which Port CEO Capt. John Murray called a necessary measure to offset the risk of catastrophic failure with existing gangways, significantly improving passenger flow and safety. On the cargo side, the port has strategically deepened several berths to accommodate larger vessels, enhancing its capacity for fuel tankers and other cargo. The commissioning of a new harbor crane in October further boosts the port’s capabilities. Traffic flow is also a priority, with plans underway for widening State Road 528 and replacing the State Road 401 bridge in collaboration with state transportation officials.