Port Canaveral officials told commissioners on June 25 that May operating revenue outperformed budget and that passenger and cargo volumes are up year over year, while previewing an August schedule of ceremonies for Royal Caribbean’s new ship.

“Excitement’s building for the August arrival … The naming ceremony will be on August 20, and the godfather of the ship is Diana Ross,” Captain Murray said during the operations briefing. The official also outlined cruise terminal infrastructure work planned before the ship’s arrival and noted ongoing cargo activity, including space‑component recoveries.

Finance staff provided monthly and eight‑month results showing continued strength. For May, operating revenue was about $18.8 million, roughly 4% above the monthly budget and 23% higher than May 2024; operating expenses were about $12.4 million, producing an operating income of roughly $6.4 million for the month. Year to date through May, operating revenue was approximately $150 million versus a budgeted $145 million and operating income was about $59.3 million. Finance staff noted the authority carries more than $300 million in outstanding debt and is using net proceeds for debt reduction and port development.

Cruise and cargo trends underpinned the results: the port reported 718 cruise calls and about 5.9 million revenue passengers through the first eight months of the fiscal year (a roughly 15% increase year over year), and 571 cargo calls moving about 4 million tons in the same period. Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Disney represented the largest shares of cruise calls.

Commission discussion also touched on federal advocacy and grant delays. Captain Murray summarized meetings on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies and said the grant‑making process “needs to get back down to a shorter application process,” noting concern that protracted awards raise project costs.

Commissioners voted to accept the financial memo, statistical report, agent report and related items for May; the motion was approved during the meeting.

Less critical details included a port press release highlighting a five‑year, $500 million worldwide capital investment program and upcoming community events, including Port Canaveral fireworks on July 3.