The Port of Los Angeles has revealed a sneak peek of its new Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal, set to redefine LA as the West Coast gateway for next-generation cruise ship operations.
While the timeline for opening has not been revealed, here’s what we do know about LA’s upcoming Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal, which was first announced in 2024.
The major development is designed to position LA as a leading West Coast cruise hub and will delivered by Pacific Cruise Terminals (PCT), a joint venture by global marine terminal operator Carrix and JLC Infrastructure, owned by LA Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
The project will also see PCT take on the redevelopment and management of the existing World Cruise Center, LA’s primary cruise ship terminal, located in San Pedro, 45 minutes’ south of LAX and Downtown LA on the Port’s Main Channel.
The future Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal is set to establish Los Angeles as the primary West Coast gateway for US cruise operations with infrastructure designed to accommodate a new generation of larger, more sustainable cruise ships.
Beyond ship operations, the state-of-the-art precinct will revitalise the LA waterfront, introducing new open spaces, recreational facilities and improved public access for both visitors and locals, boosting tourism appeal and community engagement.
Cruising already plays a powerful role in the city’s visitor economy. Each cruise call at the Port of Los Angeles generates around USD$1.3 million (approximately AUD$1.88 million) in local economic activity.
In 2025, LA welcomed more than 241 cruise ship calls from lines including Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, alongside a record 1.6 million cruise passengers, underlining the scale of demand the new Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal is designed to support.
Carrix Marine Cruise Division President Stefano Borzone said: “Pacific Cruise Terminals is honoured to have the opportunity to develop and operate these transformative cruise facilities at the Port of Los Angeles.”
“In response to the growing demand for cruise vacations, cruise ship operators have committed to an unprecedented new build program, introducing larger and more technologically advanced ships to the market.
“This exceptional new cruise centre will be instrumental in positioning Los Angeles as a premier homeport and one of the leading cruise gateways on the West Coast,” he said.
JLC Managing Director Marlon Lewis added: “Los Angeles is a strategic location to support increasing demand for Pacific Coast cruise operations.”
“We expect that the incremental tourism generated from cruise operations and the reimagined waterfront will produce meaningful benefit to the Port, local business and the community as a whole.”
For more info, visit portoflosangeles.org
