A History of Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral, located in Brevard County, Florida, is the second busiest cruise port in the world, and plays a major role in the economy of Florida. The area of Port Canaveral has been a harbor for commerce, trade, and transportation since the 1950s, and was officially dedicated as a port in 1954, focused mostly in fishing. Quickly after its dedication, Port Canaveral’s industries grew beyond fishing and became a central hub for trade along Florida’s Atlantic coast. 

Port Canaveral’s first major commodity, outside of fish, was orange juice, and it became the state of Florida’s primary export location of the iconic sunshine state fruit. Nowadays, however, Port Canaveral moves more than just marine life and tropical fruits, and averages over 4 million passengers a year according to the Florida Department of Transportation. According to the Canaveral Port Authority’s website, Port Canaveral handled a total cargo volume of 6.4 million metric tons in the fiscal year 2020. This includes a variety of cargo types, such as petroleum, and containers, as well as other non-cargo revenue. Besides commerce and cruises, Port Canaveral offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy, and is conveniently located near some of Florida’s most popular tourist destinations, including Orlando and the Kennedy Space Center. 

Cruises in Port Canaveral

There are 12 homeport ships docked at Port Canaveral in 2023. These are ships which call the port their home, meaning they depart from and return to Canaveral:

This varied and diverse list of cruise lines; which includes Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Disney, and Norwegian Cruise Lines, exemplifies the magnitude and crucial position held by Port Canaveral in the cruise industry.

Injured on a Cruise to or from Port Canaveral?

If you or somebody you know has been injured either at Port Canaveral, or on a cruise ship which departed from or returned to Port Canaveral, there is a good chance you will have to file your claim in Federal Court in Miami Florida. Where exactly you will have to file your claim is dependent on the terms of their ticket contract, but regardless, your first step should be to contact our team of maritime attorneys who have decades of experience navigating this often complicated legal process. 

The legal process for pursuing a claim after a cruise ship injury can be complex, and it’s important to have an experienced maritime attorney from our office on your side to guide you through each step. Some of the key legal issues that may arise in these cases include:

  1. Depending on the location of the injury and other factors, different laws and legal systems may apply to your case. Our attorneys can help you navigate these jurisdictional issues and determine the best approach for your case.
  2. Most cruise lines have strict notice and filing requirements that must be followed in order to pursue a legal claim. It’s important to act quickly and consult with us as soon as possible.
  3. In a cruise ship injury case, you may be able to seek compensation for a variety of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our attorneys can help you assess your damages and develop a strategy for seeking the compensation you deserve.

At our firm, we have extensive experience representing clients in cruise ship injury cases, including those originating or terminating at Port Canaveral. We understand the unique legal issues and challenges that can arise in these cases, and we are committed to fighting for our clients’ rights and interests.

If you or a loved one has been injured on a cruise ship departing from or arriving at Port Canaveral, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation. We will review your case and help you understand your legal options and the potential outcomes.