By the Caribbean Journal staff
Carnival Cruise Line has big plans in Port Canaveral.
The cruise giant has officially broken ground on a new $163 million cruise complex called Cruise Terminal 3.
The new terminal, called the “Launch Pad,” will be the homeport for Carnival’s upcoming Marid Gras ship beginning in 2020.
The project, the largest in the history of Port Canaveral, is slated for completion in May 2020. “Mardi Gras,” named to celebrate Carnival’s first-ever cruise ship, will launch year-round Caribbean cruises in the terminal in October 2020.
“We began our operations from Port Canaveral nearly 30 years ago – coincidentally with our original ship of the same name. We’ve had a great relationship with Port Canaveral during that time and we’re proud, honored and excited that our newest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras, will sail from the new Terminal 3. We are pleased to be the port’s number one cruise line and Mardi Gras promises to be a spectacular addition to the Space Coast,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival.
The 187,000-square-foot, two-story facility will include modern check in, seating for 1,700 guests and a “high-tech baggage processing facility,” among other amenities.
“The trust and confidence we’ve earned with our great cruise partner has been the foundation of success and we are excited for what the future holds. We’re building a great new terminal, for an innovative new ship, and looking forward to welcoming home Mardi Gras,” said Port Canaveral CEO John Murray.
— CJ