Port Canaveral Provides BTS Look at Terminals 5 & 6 Expansion

Port Canaveral has revealed new details on two major improvement projects it’s in the middle of: a Cruise Terminal 5 expansion project that will double its size, and the construction of a new 13-story parking garage adjacent to Cruise Terminal 6.

Together, both projects represent a nearly $175 million investment by the Canaveral Port Authority to meet continued demand for cruising from central Florida. The port has become one of the leading drive-to markets in the United States, with over 80 percent of all guests driving to the port for cruises. Construction for both projects is being led by Ivey’s Construction, a company based on Merritt Island which is adjacent to the port.

The projects account for over 2,000 jobs in central Florida, totaling over 85,000 work hours from contractors and subcontractors so far during the construction process.

Cruise Terminal 5

Port Canaveral says that the renovation and expansion of Cruise Terminal 5 is one of the most ambitious projects in its history. During construction, the terminal is remaining open and supports multiple sailings weekly. Once completed, it will nearly double in size (from 90,000 to about 170,000 square feet) to accommodate some of the world’s largest cruise ships.

In addition to a modern entrance and refreshed interiors, the terminal will include an expanded luggage pick-up area and passenger seating areas, as well as expanded space for passenger security screening. The renovation project is scheduled for completion this December.

Cruise Terminal 6 East Garage

The new parking garage at Cruise Terminal 6 is Port Canaveral’s largest and most complex parking project ever. Located on the north side of the port, the $93 million facility will add around 3,700 parking spaces, bringing the total number of available parking spaces at the port to nearly 17,500 across eight garages and surface lots.

The 13-story structure will have eight extra-large elevators, two two-lane vehicle ramps, and a connecting bridge for vehicle access to the adjacent Cruise Terminal 6 West garage. A pedestrian bridge will also provide passengers with easy access to the entrance of Cruise Terminal 5.

Port Canaveral is currently home to seven major cruise lines, operating over 1,000 sailings from 18 homeported ships.