By
Rebecca Gibson |
Port Everglades is to begin a US$24 renovation project on one of its cruise terminals in March 2014.
Marking the port’s sixth cruise terminal renovation in five years, the project will receive US1.85 million from the Florida Department of Transportation towards the project. It will be managed by the Broward County Public Works Department’s Seaport Engineering and Construction Division, Moss & Associates will serve as the construction contractor. Bermello Ajamil & Partners will serve as the architect during the project.
“This latest expansion effort is a direct result of the cruise industry’s movement towards building larger ships,” said Steven Cernak, the port’s chief executive and director. “We are continuously reinvesting in our cruise facilities to keep them fresh, convenient and efficient for the cruise lines and their guests.”
As part of the renovation project, the port will move the passenger drop-off area to the west side of the terminal, separating traffic from Cruise Terminal 2 and reducing congestion. The loading and drop-off bays will be covered, while 172 parking spaces will be added to the ground transportation area.
Port Everglades will also add an extra loading bridge to expedite the embarkation and debarkation processes, while two new escalators, two elevators and 50 check-in desks will help the terminal to cater for the demands of larger cruise vessels and improve passenger flow. In addition, the terminal will feature new restrooms, improved lighting and acoustics, and a high efficiency air conditioning system.
In addition, the adjacent Slip 2 cruise berth will be extended by 250 ft to accommodate larger cruise ships. This extension is scheduled for completion by the end of 2016.
The terminal renovations are scheduled to be completed by November 2014 in time for the start of the next cruise season.