carnival cruise line

Artist rendering of Carnival Cruise Line’s cruise ship Mardi Gras. Credit: Carnival Cruise Line.

The Canaveral Port Authority in the US and cruise partner Carnival Cruise Line have started construction work on Port Canaveral’s new $163m Cruise Terminal 3 complex.

Dubbed the Launch Pad, the new 187,000ft² terminal will be the home of the cruise line’s new ship, Mardi Gras.

Scheduled for completion in May next year, the Cruise Terminal 3 project will be ready for the arrival of Mardi Gras in October.

Ivey’s Construction secured the contract from Canaveral Port Authority to construct the two-storey terminal facility and the adjacent six-storey 692,000ft² parking garage that can accommodate 1,800 vehicles.

The terminal will feature a high-tech baggage processing facility and a check-in and security area on its second floor, along with kiosks and seating for 1,700 guests.

Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said: “We began our operations from Port Canaveral nearly 30 years ago, coincidentally with our original ship of the same name.”

“The terminal will feature a high-tech baggage processing facility and a check-in and security area on its second floor.”

Last year, construction of the cruise terminal’s marine facility got underway for which a contract was awarded to RUSH Marine.

RUSH Marine’s work involved removal of the existing pier structures at the site and construction of a new 1,309ft-long berth for Mardi Gras.

Substantial completion of the Cruise Terminal 3 project is expected in December.

Mardi Gras, which is currently under construction in Meyer Turku, Finland, will be powered by clean fuel technology.

It will feature BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, 20 passenger decks and six theme zones of fun, dining and entertainment: Grand Central; the French Quarter with Emeril’s Bistro 1396 restaurant; La Piazza; Summer Landing; Lido; and the Ultimate Playground.