The Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners met this morning and the agenda included discussions on improvements to Terminal 8, the current home for Disney Cruise Line, and nearby Terminal 10. The additional terminal will be used when the cruise line expands and has more than one ship at Port Canaveral on a single day. Plans for the expansion at Port Canaveral began last summer.
Today, the Commissioners gave staff permission to pursue a $39.6 million contract for the renovations on Terminal 8. Work includes a new luggage screening building, an ADA ramp, a new area for arrivals, and technological improvements.
Commissioners also directed staff to pursue a $6.8 million agreement for upgrades to Terminal 10, which will be shared by Disney and Norwegian Cruise Line. Improvements include a new seating and concierge area.
Staff recommended Miami-based BEA Architects, who were responsible for the original design of Terminal 8.
Work on both terminals would also include additional moorings and strengthening of the pier to accommodate the slightly larger Triton-class Disney ships arriving in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Before work begins, bathymetric and topographic surveys would need to be performed.
Once contracts are agreed to, staff will return to the Commission for final approval.
According to Port Canaveral officials, once the new Disney ships have arrived, Disney plans on sailing three ships from the Port full-time. Port CEO Capt. John Murry said of Disney’s future, “They’re working on fleet deployment now. Nothing has been decided but we’re anticipating additional business here.”
Source: Orlando Sentinel
Images: Port Canaveral
