By the Caribbean Journal staff

Florida is getting another state-of-the-art cruise terminal, this time on the Space Coast.

Following high-profile projects by major cruise lines to build new cruise terminals at PortMiami, another Florida port, Port Canaveral, has announced an agreement in principle with Carnival Cruise Line on a major new terminal.

Once approved, the new terminal would be able to accommodate Carnival’s new 180,000-ton ship, the largest ever constructed by Carnival, set to make its debut in 2020.

“We are very excited about the prospects of homeporting our largest ship at Port Canaveral, a valued business partner for more than 25 years,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  “Easily accessible from all over the southeast with excellent facilities and friendly staff, Port Canaveral is one of our most popular and fastest-growing homeports.  This fantastic new ship, coupled with our future plans for Port Canaveral, will provide guests with an unparalleled seagoing vacation experience from the minute they arrive.”

A rendering of the new ship.

The new ship is slated to begin construction in November, with itineraries to be announced next year.

Carnival is also planning to reposition another ship, Carnival Breeze, at Port Canaveral in October.

“The Port and Carnival Cruise Line have worked closely for decades building a successful partnership together. We are proud of our partners at Carnival and eager to begin this new chapter in our business relationship,” said Canaveral Port Authority Port Director and CEO Capt. John Murray. “Carnival’s commitment to Port Canaveral demonstrates their confidence in our ability to support one of the world’s most successful cruise brands.  We’re excited and looking forward to having their largest and newest class of ship homeported here.”