Port Canaveral reducing budget as cruise sailings continue to be pushed back

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — An extended pause in sailing has led to Port Canaveral commissioners reducing the port’s budget.

About $17 million is being moved out of the port’s reserve funds to help balance the budget.

Port officials don’t anticipate any cruise ships will depart with passengers before July.

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On Wednesday, Disney Cruise Line canceled sailings through April and into mid-May.

However, the port is working closely with the cruise lines in their efforts to return to sailing.

Even if a ship doesn’t sail with passengers before the end of the year, officials told Channel 9 the port will be fine.

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But if this pause in cruise operations goes into 2022, that will be another issue. However, port officials are optimistic that won’t happen.

The port’s CEO said he personally believes that once the vaccine gets rolled out and anyone who wants it has it, that will be a game-changer in getting business back on track.

There is a projected income loss for this fiscal year of almost $44 million.

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Video: Port Canaveral reducing budget as cruise sailings continue to be pushed back Port Canaveral is now projecting cruise ships won't be departing with passengers until this summer.