Carnival to break ground on Long Beach terminal expansion

The plan is to nearly triple the size of the current facility, from approximately 66,000 square feet to 142,000 square feet.

Carnival has operated the Long Beach Cruise Terminal since 2003 using a partial area of the Geodesic Dome that was the former museum housing Howard Hughes' 'Spruce Goose' attraction.

An agreement signed earlier with landlord Urban Commons gives Carnival 100% use of the Dome, allowing for larger ships and providing additional space to accommodate two-way operations, enabling simultaneous embarkation and disembarkation operations.

Enhancements are planned to the area surrounding the Dome and the Queen Mary attraction, as well as expanded parking capacity to accommodate future growth.

Construction is to be completed in late 2017.

Carnival operates varied cruises from Long Beach, including short Baja California jaunts, week-long Mexican Riviera itineraries and longer sailings to Hawaii and Alaska.