A large cargo ship sits in the calm waters of Canaveral Port with towering cranes reflecting the vibrant sunset glow

    Canaveral Port Authority

    Florida
    East

    Overview

    Port Canaveral, overseen by the Canaveral Port Authority, is one of the world’s premier multipurpose deepwater ports located in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Renowned as a leading cruise port, it routinely alternates with PortMiami as the busiest cruise port globally, with seven dedicated cruise terminals handling millions of passengers annually. Its strategic position on the Atlantic coast enables rapid access to both domestic and international shipping lanes, making it integral to Florida’s tourism, hospitality, and logistics industries. Port Canaveral is not only significant for cruise passenger operations but also for its robust cargo and commercial activity. The port accommodates a mix of roll-on/roll-off (RoRo), container, bulk, and refrigerated cargo, supporting imports and exports across the southeastern U.S. It serves as a point of entry for various commodities, machinery, vehicles, and containerized goods. The port’s multimodal facilities are equipped for high efficiency, complementing its proximity to major highways and rail lines. Additionally, Port Canaveral's close proximity to the Kennedy Space Center gives it a unique identity tied to space logistics and aerospace support services. Its ongoing investments in expanding and modernizing infrastructure continue to strengthen its role as a key economic driver in the region and an essential hub for international maritime trade.

    Facilities

    • Seven major cruise terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10)
    • Cargo piers for container, breakbulk, and RoRo operations
    • Reefer cargo facilities
    • Bulk cargo terminals and storage
    • Auto processing terminals
    • On-dock rail connections
    • Public and secure parking facilities

    Operating Hours

    Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST; Closed on weekends (cargo and administrative functions). Cruise operations may run longer hours according to ship schedules.

    Shipping Lines

    Major carriers serving this port

    1
    Maersk
    2
    MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company)
    3
    Crowley Maritime
    4
    TOTE Maritime
    5
    Seaboard Marine
    6
    Lineas Suardiaz
    7
    Saltchuk Resources
    8
    Pasha Hawaii