Port Canaveral continued its record growth in 2012, surging in cruise traffic volume and revenue that outpaced records set in 2011. During the past two years, multi-day cruise passengers increased by 38% to 3,761,056 from 2,722,751 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2010. During the same period, port of call ship visits increased from 86 to 123. According to the 2011 Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) Economy Impact Study, Port Canaveral is the fastest-growing cruise port in Florida. The largest fleet of year-round ships currently sails from Port Canaveral.

Port Canaveral’s new record for multi-day passengers – 3,761,056 million— is 21 percent over the FY11 record of 3,100,199 million. The fiscal year ends September 30.

“Our business strategies and board decisions have put Port Canaveral in a position of strength to continue to expand our operations and improve our infrastructure in 2013,” said Bruce Deardoff, Chairman of the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners. “As we attract more cruise and cargo business and develop Port Canaveral into a destination, our community reaps the benefits of the increased jobs and business opportunities.”

Total revenues in FY12 were more than $68 million, up 17% over the previous record in FY11. Revenue associated with multi-day passengers is up 47% percent to $50,590,907 from $34,473,349 in FY10. Revenues are reinvested back into Port infrastructure. Canaveral Port Authority stopped collecting ad valorem taxes in 1986.

“The numbers are reflective of the Port Authority’s dedication to a sound business plan and efficiencies. Success in the marketplace means strong positive economic impact for our community,” said Port Canaveral CEO J. Stanley “Stan” Payne.

Some highlights this year included the arrival in March of the new 4,000-passenger Disney Fantasy, joining its sister-ship Disney Dream, which began sailing from Port Canaveral last January, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines announcing it will replace the departing homeported Monarch of the Seas with the Enchantment of the Seas in April 2013.

The Canaveral Port Authority also celebrated the opening of its new $65 million Cruise Terminal 6 facility in September with a visit from Florida Gov. Rick Scott and a gala dinner and fall campaign benefit for the United Way of Brevard.