The Port Authority Board of Commissioners approved plans by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines to build a new cruise terminal building at the Port Authority-owned marine terminal facility in Bayonne – a major public investment that will spur continued growth in the New Jersey cruise business.
As part of its expansion plans, Royal Caribbean also agreed to base its new Quantum of the Seas vessel – the largest cruise ship serving the New York-New Jersey region – at Bayonne beginning in 2014. The new vessel, which can accommodate up to 4,180 passengers, will sail to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Florida and Bermuda.
The Port Authority acquired the Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal in June 2010 as part of its purchase of the 131-acre portion of the former Military Ocean Terminal at Bayonne.
As part of the agreement allowing construction of the cruise terminal building, the Port Authority agreed to extend Royal Caribbean’s operating agreement for the terminal for an additional five years through 2043.
“The cruise industry is one of this region’s most rapidly growing markets, and this private sector investment will enhance our ability to generate significant revenues from the waterfront property we own,” said Port Authority Chairman David Samson . “ With the region’s largest vessel scheduled to dock at this port facility, we will be able to grow the jobs and economic activity that the cruise business has generated for this region for many decades.”
“The new Royal Caribbean Cruise Terminal will provide the people of New Jersey and New York with the world class travel experience they deserve ,” said Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni . “We welcome the significant investment Royal Caribbean is making in our region and look forward to welcoming the Quantum of the Seas to her new home in our port.”
The new $70 million cruise terminal building – which will be paid for by Royal Caribbean – includes a 36,000-square-foot check-in terminal, a 60,000-square-foot luggage area, a parking deck, additional parking and berth improvements. Construction is scheduled to begin this summer and be completed by October 2014.
Passenger volumes at the Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal have grown steadily in the past three years – from 393,000 passengers in 2010 to 476,000 in 2012. Passenger volumes at the facility are expected to increase to approximately 600,000 after the new terminal building opens.
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Press Release, July 25, 2013