Port of Los Angeles to Build Two New Cruise Terminals in Major Cruise Expansion
The Port of Los Angeles has approved a major cruise infrastructure expansion that will add a new Outer Harbor cruise terminal and redevelop the existing World Cruise Center, significantly increasing cruise capacity and strengthening Los Angeles’ position as a leading West Coast cruise homeport.
Pacific Cruise Terminals, LLC has been selected as developer and operator of both facilities, marking one of the most significant cruise port investments on the U.S. West Coast in years.
Two Cruise Terminals Approved in Los Angeles
The expansion includes two major projects:
A brand-new Outer Harbor cruise terminal designed to handle next-generation cruise ships
A full redevelopment of the existing World Cruise Center on the Port’s Main Channel
Together, the projects will modernize cruise infrastructure in Los Angeles while dramatically increasing the port’s ability to handle growing cruise demand.
Who Is Developing the New Cruise Terminals
The project will be developed and operated by Pacific Cruise Terminals, LLC, a joint venture between:
Carrix
JLC Infrastructure
Carrix is one of the largest independent marine and intermodal terminal operators in the world and North America’s leading cruise terminal operator. JLC Infrastructure manages major transportation and infrastructure assets across the U.S.
Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal: Built for New-Generation Ships
The future Outer Harbor terminal is being designed to accommodate:
Larger modern cruise ships
New environmental and sustainability standards
Increased passenger throughput
Advanced terminal operations and logistics
In addition to cruise operations, the terminal development is planned as a community-facing waterfront asset, with:
Public open spaces
Recreational areas
Improved access to the LA Waterfront
Mixed-use waterfront integration
This positions the terminal as both a cruise facility and a public development project.
Redevelopment of the World Cruise Center
The existing World Cruise Center will undergo redevelopment and modernization as part of the project, expanding capacity, improving passenger flow, and upgrading infrastructure to support higher-volume cruise operations and newer ship classes.
This ensures that Los Angeles will have multiple modern terminals capable of handling simultaneous cruise operations.
Cruise Growth at the Port of Los Angeles
Cruise demand in Los Angeles continues to grow rapidly:
241 cruise calls in 2025
1.6 million passengers in 2025 (record year)
Each ship call generates approximately $1.3 million in local economic activity
This expansion is directly aligned with increasing cruise deployment on the West Coast and rising demand for Pacific Coast itineraries.
What This Means for West Coast Cruising
This development positions Los Angeles to become the dominant cruise gateway on the West Coast, with the infrastructure to support:
More cruise ships homeporting in LA
Larger ship deployments
Increased Caribbean-style mega-ship capacity on the Pacific coast
Expanded West Coast, Mexico, and Pacific itineraries
Higher passenger volumes and turnaround operations
As cruise lines continue introducing larger and more advanced ships, ports capable of handling those vessels will become primary deployment hubs. This expansion directly places Los Angeles in that category.
Strategic Impact on the Cruise Industry
Cruise operators are in the middle of an unprecedented newbuild cycle, with larger, more technologically advanced ships entering service each year. Port infrastructure is now one of the limiting factors for deployment planning.
By building two modern cruise terminals, Los Angeles becomes structurally prepared for:
Next-generation cruise ship classes
Higher embarkation volumes
Expanded seasonal and year-round cruise operations
Long-term cruise industry growth on the West Coast
This moves LA beyond being a regional cruise port and into a true large-scale homeport role.
Long-Term Economic and Tourism Impact
Beyond cruising, the project is expected to drive:
Increased tourism spending
Waterfront redevelopment
Local business growth
Port-related employment
Long-term infrastructure investment in the LA Harbor area
The combination of cruise growth and waterfront redevelopment makes this one of the most economically significant port projects in Southern California.
Why This Expansion Matters
This is not just a terminal upgrade. It is a structural expansion of West Coast cruise capacity.
Two new terminals:
Expand homeport capability
Support larger ships
Enable more cruise deployments
Strengthen LA’s role in global cruise routing
Reshape West Coast cruise infrastructure for decades
Los Angeles is no longer just accommodating cruise growth. It is actively building for it.
