MSC Cruises officially opened the world’s largest cruise terminal in Miami on 5th April.
The new terminal covers more than 492,000 sq ft and is capable of processing up to 36,000 passengers per day and can accommodate up to three ships simultaneously.
The terminal was developed in partnership with PortMiami and Miami-Dade County, designed by Arquitectonica and built by Fincantieri Infrastructure.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group, said at the opening ceremony: “Our new cruise terminal is the most advanced in the world, designed to offer a seamless experience for our guests before and after their cruise, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
“This proud moment reflects our unwavering commitment to Miami and its vibrant community, a partnership that spans over 20 years. The terminal symbolises our dedication to quality tourism, innovation, and we are grateful for the strong collaborations that have brought this vision to life.
“This incredible state-of-the art facility will not only enhance the travel experience but also bring significant economic benefits to the region, creating jobs and fostering growth in the local economy,” he said.
The terminal utilises advanced technology for better energy efficiency, including shore-to-ship power connectivity to reduce local emissions when vessels are in port. It also features systems for waste management, water recycling, and the use of sustainable materials. LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Gold Certification is in progress.
Guests can check in online from home, upload travel documents, and receive their boarding pass in minutes and prepare for biometric processing in advance to save time upon their arrival.
Check-in at the terminal and security are expedited with biometric face pods and efficient screening lanes. The terminal has modern waiting areas, an exclusive lounge for MSC Yacht Club guests and embarkation is finalised with biometric E-gates.
For disembarking guests, a new baggage handling system developed by Leonardo will offer efficient processing of luggage.
MSC Cruises will have a total of four ships sailing from the new terminal throughout 2025, including its latest flagship ’MSC World America’, together with ships from MSC Group’s luxury travel brand, Explora Journeys. ‘Explora I’ will sail from the new terminal in November on Caribbean cruises.
A few days later, MSC Cruises held the naming ceremony for its new flagship, ’MSC World America’ at the new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal.
‘MSC World America’ is the first vessel in the company’s fleet to feature seven on board districts, including The Harbour that is a new outdoor venue for families, featuring the Cliffhanger over-water swing ride, a ropes course, water park, playground, relaxation areas and complimentary grab-and-go dining.
She has 18 bars and lounges, including two new concepts: All-Stars Sports Bar and The Loft, a multi-purpose venue for comedy and karaoke.
The vessel also has 19 dining venues, including the only Eataly restaurant at sea, a new Greek dining concept Paxos, four other separate speciality restaurants and two exclusive venues for MSC Yacht Club guests.
She features an outdoor World Promenade for shopping, dining and one of the longest dry slides at sea and a three-level World Galleria with bars, shops and restaurants.
Her inaugural season from Miami was due to start on 12th April.
The 22-deck, 216,638 gt vessel measures 333.3 m in length and is 47 m wide, with a capacity for 6,762 passengers and 2,138 crew, featuring 2,614 passenger cabins and offers more than 38,400 sq m of public space.
Class Society Bureau Veritas (BV) presented ’MSC World America’ with its Platinum Pearl Award in recognition of the company’s 20 years of commitment to health, safety and environmental protection throughout the MSC fleet.
The opening of the Miami terminal closely followed the inauguration of the cruise line’s Barcelona terminal.
