Port of Los Angeles Taps NBA Legend's Firm for Massive New Cruise Terminal
The Port of Los Angeles has selected Pacific Cruise Terminals to develop two major cruise facilities, including a new ring-shaped Outer Harbor terminal designed for next-generation sustainable ships.
The West Coast cruise industry is about to get a major upgrade. The Port of Los Angeles has selected Pacific Cruise Terminals, LLC to develop and operate not one, but two state-of-the-art cruise facilities that could reshape the region’s position in the booming cruise market.
The announcement, made last week during the Port’s State of the Port address, represents one of the most ambitious waterfront development projects in Southern California’s recent history.
A Joint Venture with Serious Backing
Pacific Cruise Terminals is a joint venture between Carrix, Inc., one of the world’s largest independent marine and intermodal terminal operators and North America’s leading cruise terminal operator, and JLC Infrastructure, which manages approximately $2.3 billion in assets across transportation, energy, and communications sectors.
The partnership brings together deep expertise in cruise operations with substantial financial muscle to execute a vision that Port Executive Director Gene Seroka says will “allow us to capture more of the rapidly growing cruise business, while also establishing Los Angeles as the primary West Coast gateway for cruise operations.”
Two Major Projects in One Deal
The development encompasses two distinct but complementary facilities.
First, a brand-new Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal will rise on the south corner of the port complex, on land currently occupied by surface parking. According to renderings released by the Port, the facility features an eye-catching ring-shaped structure with central green space and a new waterfront park that opens directly to the water.
The terminal is specifically designed to accommodate the newest generation of environmentally sustainable cruise ships, with open spaces, recreational facilities, and enhanced waterfront access for both passengers and the local community.
Second, Pacific Cruise Terminals will also redevelop and operate the existing World Cruise Center on the Port’s Main Channel, modernizing the facility that has served cruise passengers for years.
The Numbers Behind the Vision
The timing of this announcement makes strategic sense. In 2025, the Port of Los Angeles welcomed 241 cruise calls and a record 1.6 million passengers. Each cruise ship visit generates approximately $1.3 million in local economic activity, according to Port estimates.
That’s more than $313 million in economic impact from cruise operations in a single year, underscoring why the Port is investing heavily in expanding its cruise capabilities.
What This Means for Cruisers
For passengers, the new Outer Harbor terminal promises a dramatically improved embarkation experience. The ring-shaped design with central green space suggests a focus on passenger flow and comfort, while the waterfront park component could transform the pre-cruise experience from a utilitarian terminal wait into something more memorable.
The emphasis on accommodating “environmentally sustainable cruise ships” also signals that Los Angeles is positioning itself for the next generation of vessels, many of which require updated shore infrastructure to support their advanced environmental systems.
Timeline Still Under Wraps
While the Port has announced the developer selection, no target completion date has been disclosed for either the new Outer Harbor terminal or the World Cruise Center redevelopment. Given the scale of the projects and the complexity of waterfront construction, passengers shouldn’t expect to see these facilities operational in the immediate future.
However, the selection of Pacific Cruise Terminals represents a major milestone, moving the project from concept to active development.
The West Coast Cruise Battle Heats Up
This announcement comes as West Coast ports compete aggressively for cruise business. Seattle has long dominated Alaska cruise departures, while San Francisco and San Diego have carved out their own niches. Los Angeles, with its proximity to major population centers and access to Mexican Riviera and Pacific itineraries, has always had potential but has historically played second fiddle to its northern neighbors.
These new facilities could change that dynamic entirely, particularly if they succeed in becoming the premier gateway that Seroka envisions.
As Gene Seroka noted in his statement, “This project will also be a huge win for our Port communities, who will greatly benefit from the economic activity generated by such significant public and private investment in our LA Waterfront.”
With record passenger numbers already in the books and two major cruise facilities now in development, the Port of Los Angeles is making a serious bet that the cruise industry’s growth trajectory will continue, and that Southern California deserves a bigger piece of that pie.
For West Coast cruisers, that competition can only mean better facilities, more choices, and potentially more attractive pricing as ports vie for both cruise line business and passenger loyalty.
Source: Cyprus Shipping News