By
Alex Smith |
The cruise division of MSC has inaugurated the world's largest cruise terminal in Miami.
The new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal spans more than 492,000 square feet and is capable of processing up to 36,000 passengers a day, with three ships able to call simultaneously.
The terminal is equipped with shore-to-ship power connectivity to allow ships to turn off their engines and produce less emissions while in port. The facility also features systems for waste management, water recycling, and the use of sustainable materials. MSC is also pursuing LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Gold Certification for the terminal.
Check-in at the terminal and security feature biometric face pods and screening lanes to expedite the boarding process. The terminal has waiting areas, an exclusive lounge for MSC Yacht Club guests and biometric E-gates for the final part of the embarkation process. For disembarking guests, a baggage handling system developed by Leonardo will process luggage. Seven pieces of artwork will feature throughout the building as part of the Miami-Dade County Art in Public Places programme, including a 10,816-square-foot digital art installation on the exterior of the terminal.
The facility was developed in partnership with PortMiami and Miami-Dade County, designed by Arquitectonica and built by Fincantieri Infrastructure.
Leaders from regional government, MSC Cruises and Fincantieri attended the inauguration
Among those attending the inauguration was Levine Cava, mayor of Miami-Dade County and Edoardo Rixi, deputy minister of infrastructure and transport infrastructure for Italy, along with Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Group’s cruise division, and Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and managing director of Fincantieri.
“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,” said Vago. “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 and 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.”
MSC Cruises will have a total of four ships sailing from the new terminal throughout 2025, including its newest flagship MSC World America, which will be joined by ships from MSC Group’s luxury travel brand, Explora Journeys. Explora I will sail from the new terminal in November for Caribbean cruises.