As the cruise industry continues growing the Port of Los Angeles is seeking proposals to build and operate a new Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal, and redevelop and operate the existing World Cruise Center near the Vincent Thomas Bridge. For the past decade , the area has been viewed as a strategic spot for a second cruise center in San Pedro, offering more space for the larger, more extravagant ships now coming online amid an uptick in the pleasure cruise industry. “We have seen increased demand for cruises out of the LA Waterfront over the last several years, with a record 1.
3 million cruise passengers in 2023,” Port Executive Director Gene Seroka said in a written comment announcing the search for developers. “With more growth forecast, these projects will allow us to greatly expand our cruise business capacity while providing the best possible experience and convenience for cruise travelers.” Proposals are due by 3 p.
m. Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Over the last two years, port officials said, more than 200 cruise ships have called in L.A. And more cruise passengers — and much larger ships, carrying 4,000 passengers or more — are expected over the coming five years, port officials said.
Each cruise that calls at the port, officials said, generates more than $1 million in local economic activity. The port’s Outer Harbor provides an expansive space for a cornerstone development with a flexible design that could also provide a variety of additional non-cruise, revenue-produci.
