Construction has entered the first visible phase of Port Tampa Bay’s planned fourth cruise terminal, marking the beginning of a major expansion of the port’s cruise operations.

Crews have started filling the former Metroport site, preparing the land for the future terminal. Port officials said the work represents the first noticeable stage of a long-term project that will expand the port’s capacity to accommodate additional cruise traffic.

The new terminal is part of Port Tampa Bay’s $1.2 billion master plan, which includes improvements to both cargo and passenger facilities. Once completed, it will be the port’s first new cruise terminal in more than 25 years and is expected to become the largest cruise terminal at the port.

Port officials said the expansion is intended to meet growing demand from the cruise industry and position Tampa as a more competitive homeport for cruise lines. The project is also expected to increase passenger capacity and support future economic activity generated by the cruise sector.

Design work on the terminal is continuing while site preparation moves forward. According to the current timeline, the terminal is expected to open around 2029, although construction schedules remain subject to change.

Port Tampa Bay currently operates three cruise terminals serving multiple major cruise lines. Officials said the addition of a fourth terminal will help accommodate future growth as passenger demand continues to increase.

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