The Port of Los Angeles has issued a request for proposals for the construction and operation of a new Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal and the redevelopment and operation of the existing World Cruise Center. This is a key part of the Port’s future plans and will play a key role in supporting the expansion of cruise business in Los Angeles. Proposals are due by November 12th.
“Demand for cruises departing from the Los Angeles Waterfront has increased over the past few years, with cruise passenger numbers expected to reach a record high of 1.3 million in 2023,” said Port Authority Executive Director Gene Seroka. “As further growth is anticipated, these projects will allow us to significantly expand capacity for our cruise operations while providing the best experience and convenience for cruise travelers.”
Los Angeles first released details of its cruise terminal expansion plans in January 2023. Unlike other major cruise homeports, such as Miami and Galveston, Los Angeles has chosen to develop its terminal without a specific cruise partner. Several major cruise lines are rumored to be considering RFPs and possibly submitting proposals. They have all been eager to strengthen facilities at the Port of Los Angeles.
The report highlights that over the past two years, more than 200 cruise ships have called at Los Angeles, generating more than $1 million in local economic activity per cruise ship call. Over the next five years, cruise passengers and their impact on the local economy are expected to grow even more as larger ships carrying more than 4,000 passengers continue to call at the port. However, this growth requires a more modern and larger terminal to accommodate the growing number of passengers.
“Over the past two decades, the Port has invested more than $1 billion in enhancing, operating and programming the infrastructure of the Los Angeles Waterfront,” said Mike Galvin, the Port’s director of Waterfront and Commercial Real Estate Development. “These proposed two cruise terminal projects represent the next phase of that investment and represent the continued transformation of the waterfront into a dynamic, mixed-use tourism destination.”
The proposed new Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal would be located in San Pedro and would include berths 46 through 50. The site consists of 13 acres of backland, two existing piers and 20 acres of associated off-site parking with an anticipated space for 2,300 vehicles. The port is seeking a flexible design for the proposed new terminal that can accommodate a variety of uses that generate non-cruise revenue, such as filming, meetings and events in the off-season.
The existing World Cruise Center will be redeveloped. The terminal site will consist of 22 acres and will include parking, two cruise berths (berths 90-93), two terminal buildings, and baggage handling facilities. However, the adjacent Battleship Iowa is not part of the project and will remain in its current location.