RCI Brings Two New Ships to Port Canaveral
Royal Caribbean International (RCI)'s Harmony of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas received a “royal” sendoff Monday as they sailed from their new homeport, Port Canaveral.Tugboats provided a water salute as a the 1,188-foot long Harmony, the second-largest cruise ship in the world, glided past hundreds of cheering spectators who gathered at Jetty Park for a “wave-out” event for the Port’s newest arrivals. Onlookers waved bandanas and some held up signs with large letters that spelled out “Bon Voyage.”“We are excited to welcome these two magnificent cruise ships to Port Canaveral and proud of our partnership with Royal Caribbean International.” Port CEO Captain John Murray said.
Port Canaveral Evacuated Ahead of Hurricane Matthew
With forecasts indicating severe weather conditions related to Hurricane Matthew, Port Canaveral CEO John Murray today issued an evacuation order for landside operations, including Jetty Park campers, marinas and all port businesses and tenants. The evacuation deadline is set for noon on Wednesday. In addition to the landside evacuation, the U.S. Coast Guard has given notice that the Canaveral harbor will close by tomorrow afternoon. Under the Captain of the Port order, no vessel traffic…
Canaveral Tops State List for Sand Bypass Funding
The Canaveral Harbor Inlet Sand Bypass Project has earned the top state ranking for 2014/15 inlet management funding. As a result, Port Canaveral is expected to receive $100,500 in grant funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for beach renourishment. To date, Port Canaveral has spent more than $2 million on the sand bypass and related beach restoration projects, leveraging more than $2.2M in additional state funds and more than $45 million from the US Army Corps of Engineers. According to Dr. William Stronge, every $1 spent on beach projects generated almost $48 in sales tax revenue last year. "We recognize the importance of our beaches to Brevard County and the state's economy," said Port Canaveral CEO John E. Walsh.
Construction Begins on Canaveral's New Cruise Terminal
Construction has begun on the new estimated $50.5 million Cruise Terminal 1, the first to be located on the south side of Canaveral harbor and that will allow passengers and crew to walk to nearby dining and entertainment options for the first time. Port Canaveral commissioners unanimously approved selection of local firm Ivey’s Construction of Merritt Island, Florida to build the 187,500 square foot facility, which is scheduled to open in November 2014. Current boat ramps at…
New Cruise Complex at Canaveral
In an unanimous vote, Port Canaveral Commissioners have approved building a new $80-85 million cruise terminal and 1.000-vehicle parking facility that is scheduled to open in November 2014. The 185,000-square-foot terminal will be located on the south side of the harbor in the Cove restaurant and retail area. “Couple this month’s opening of the new Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral with the restaurants, retail, and entertainment currently available, then add in our plans for additional Cove expansion, and the passengers and crew who will sail from this new terminal will have destination options available for the first time within walking distance of their ship,” said Port Canaveral CEO John E. Walsh.
Coast Guard Tall Ship to Visit Port Canaveral
-The Coast Guard Cutter Barque Eagle will sail into Port Canaveral Friday for a weekend of free public tours and time ashore for the crew. Eagle, the largest tall ship flying the Stars and Stripes, is scheduled to arrive at 8 a.m. on Friday, January 30, at Cruise Terminal 4. Brevard and Central Florida residents are invited to Jetty Park to greet the vessel. Parking fees will be waived from 7 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. Free American flags will be distributed. Public tours will be conducted on Saturday from noon until 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.
