Port Canaveral is already one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. Disney, Norwegian, Carnival and Royal Caribbean all have ships based at Port Canaveral. It is also a port of call for many cruise ships. Last week the port officials announced plans for a new cruise complex. It will be constructed next year at the cost of $ 85 million.

The 185,000 square foot terminal at Port Canaveral will be the first modern one on the south side of the port’s ship channel. It will be adjacent to the port’s newly opened Exploration Tower, as well as the shops and restaurants on that side of the port. “Cruise visitors will be able to walk outside the terminal to enjoy port destination options or depart from the terminal and Exploration Tower to enjoy area excursions,” said John Walsh, the port’s director. Announcements regarding tenants for the new $85 million terminal, which comes with its own 1,000-space parking garage, are expected soon, Walsh added.

The port also added a terminal in 2012 at a cost of $ 65 million, bringing the total number of berths up to seven. We are planning four new terminals during the next 10-15 years. One is 2014-2015, one will replace [terminals 3 and 4] in 2016-2017 and then two added terminals likely in 2021 and 2025 based on current trends. We also will have terminal expansion coming for [cruise terminals 5 and 10].” Walsh said.

The 185,000 square foot terminal at Port Canaveral will be the first modern one on the south side of the port’s ship channel. It will be adjacent to the port’s newly opened Exploration Tower, as well as the shops and restaurants on that side of the port. “Cruise visitors will be able to walk outside the terminal to enjoy port destination options or depart from the terminal and Exploration Tower to enjoy area excursions,” said John Walsh, the port’s director.

“The new cruise terminal complex will handle the largest cruise ships currently sailing as well as the 6,000-passenger vessels in design,” reads a press release from the port. This words started speculations. The only vessel of this class „currently in design” is the unnamed third Oasis-class ship of Royal Caribbean. Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd says we shouldn’t read too much into that information. „The same reference was made when the new Kai Tak passenger terminal was opened in Hong Kong harbor last year.” he commented.

Another possibility for the new terminal is Anthem of the Seas – the second of three 167,800-ton, 4,180-passenger next generation Royal Caribbean cruise ships to debut, will launch spring 2015 with 2,090 cabins. Royal is expected soon to announce the home port and itineraries for the Anthem.

One thing is for sure – Port Canaveral keeps growing and getting better.