Mayor calls Carnival terminal expansion 'great news' for Long Beach

'The added capacity will bring more tourism and economic activity to Long Beach, and we're pleased to continue working with Carnival for many years to come,' the mayor added.

In expanding the facility from approximately 66,000 square feet to 142,000 square feet, Carnival expects to dramatically improve the passenger experience and flow within the terminal.

Further enhancements are planned to the area surrounding the geodesic dome which houses the cruise terminal and the adjacent Queen Mary attraction. As well, the project includes the expansion of portside cold ironing to enable larger ships to plug into the local electric grid to reduce exhaust emissions while docked.

Architect of record is Bermello Ajamil & Partners and The Penta Group is contractor.

'The start of construction on this project further cements our commitment to the City of Long Beach and the outstanding relationships we have built with the leaders and people of this community,' said Carnival's Torres de Navarra, vp strategic and commercial port development.

'Our operations bring tremendous economic benefit to this area and expose hundreds of thousands of people a year to this great city. These new terminal enhancements will further grow that positive impact,' he added.

Carnival has run the Long Beach Cruise Terminal since 2003. It is one of the busiest terminals in North America, with ships docking five days a week—a more than 70% utilization rate. Carnival has used just a portion of the geodesic dome that housed Howard Hughes' 'Spruce Goose' museum for customs and check-in. The renovation will make all of the dome available for cruise operations.

Carnival currently operates three ships from the terminal. Carnival Inspiration and Carnival Imagination offer three- and four-day Baja California cruises, and Carnival Miracle sails week-long Mexican Riviera voyages along with 14- and 15-day cruises to Hawaii and Alaska. In 2018, when the larger Carnival Splendor replaces Carnival Miracle, the line will carry more than 700,000 passengers annually from Southern California via nearly 250 three- to 14-day cruises a year.

At the groundbreaking Torres de Navarra announced a $25,000 donation to the Mayor's Fund for Education. Made jointly by Carnival Cruise Line and Carnival Foundation, the gift is part of Carnival Corp.'s ongoing support for nonprofit educational and charitable organizations in the homeport communities where its brands operate.