BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Cruise revenue is rising at Port Canaveral as more passengers sail from the port.
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That will mean more job opportunities and additional money for port projects.
On Wednesday, the Port CEO said any money will be reinvested in what is now the world’s busiest cruise port.
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“Once the CDC restrictions were lifted in June, everything went crazy, and the ships started filling up to their capacity and beyond their standard double occupancy capacities,” said Captain John Murray with the Canaveral Port Authority.
The increase in cruise passenger traffic is adding up to extra revenue for Port Canaveral. The port is projecting a $180 million in operating revenue from the $154 million previously projected.
That money could potentially pay down debt or fund capital projects. However, that added cruise traffic also comes with new expenses.
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“When we’re handling more ships (it) requires more public safety, more security, a cruise operations,” Murray said. “People are really controlling the flow of traffic in and out of this port.”
The port is also in need of additional parking. Money is being earmarked to look at ways to expand existing parking, including paving a port-owned lot to allow for more outdoor parking as cruise traffic swells.
The port also anticipates building a new $175 million cruise terminal.
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