Port Canaveral has been named the “Best North American Homeport” in this year’s Cruise Critic U.S. Editors’ Picks Awards. Cruise Critic’s editors considered several factors in their selection:
“Previously overshadowed by other Florida ports, Port Canaveral is now one of the top up-and-coming cruise hubs in North America. Split into two areas, the facility has seven ship berths, with plans to add three more. Port Canaveral currently features beaches, a campground, oceanfront dining, and a new Exploration Tower.”
Complete renovations of Cruise Terminal 5 and Cruise Terminal 10 totaling some $90 million dollars are underway following the opening of the new $110 million Cruise Terminal 1 last year. Also included is an additional three million dollars of improvements to Cruise Terminal 8. In 2016, three new mega ships are scheduled to arrive in addition to the port’s existing fleet, including the Carnival Magic, Norwegian Epic and Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas.
A recent consultant’s report estimates that Port Canaveral will need three additional cruise terminals by 2040 as it competes to be the world’s busiest cruise port. Port Canaveral is expected to grow by 50 percent in the next three to four years as it goes from serving 4.2 million cruise guests annually to 6 million cruise guests.
“We continually focus on customer service and meeting the needs of our cruise partners and their guests as a top priority, “ said, Robert ‘Bobby G’ Giangrisostomi, senior director of Cruise Business Development. “It is an honor to be named best ‘Best North American Homeport’ and we thank Cruise Critics’ editors for this esteemed award. Port Canaveral follows Mr. Walt Disney’s philosophy of ‘Do what you do so well that they will want to see it again and bring their friends.’ This recognition shows we are accomplishing that goal.”
The new 7-story Exploration Tower serves as the anchor of the redevelopment area of Port Canaveral known as the Cove. Phase 1, which is expected to be completed by the Fall of 2016, includes 200,000-sq.-ft. of new retail, restaurant, and recreation venues, as well as a luxury hotel. Phase 2, which is slated for completion in the next few years, includes an amphitheater, Jetty Park Beach Club, and Avocet Lagoon recreation area with sky ride. For more information, visit portcanaveral.com.
