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Anonym |
This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2017 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
Last year Miami set another world record in cruise passenger traffic, with nearly five million vacationers sailing through the Port. And now it’s poised for the start of a new modern era as it gets ready to welcome a host of new cruise brands and newbuild ships that rank among the most innovative on the seas.
MSC Cruises will homeport its new build ship, MSC Seaside, offering seven-day cruises to the Caribbean starting winter 2017. Confirmed for 2018 is Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Horizon and Carnival Magic; Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss; and Royal Caribbean International’s Allure of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas. MSC Cruises’ MSC Meraviglia will also be joining the Miami fleet in 2019. Additionally, Miami is excited to be the home to new cruise brands including Viking Ocean Cruises starting in winter 2017 and Virgin Voyages in spring 2020.
PortMiami’s team is continuously looking at ways to enhance its customers’ experience by investing in advanced technology and facility improvements. Currently on the drawing board are plans to expand the cruise footprint, including options for new cruise berths and terminals as well as associated intermodal and parking facilities for the next generation of cruise ships. PortMiami’s signature Cruise Terminal F renovations and expansion will be complete for the arrival of the MSC Seaside.
To accommodate the new era of modern cruising Royal Caribbean Cruises is engaged in a more than US$200 million public-private partnership with Miami-Dade County to develop new Cruise Terminal A, scheduled to open in late 2018.
PortMiami clearly continues to be the preferred departure choice for cruises to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico and other exotic destinations, offering travellers vacations for every budget, taste, and style – from family fun to luxury cruising. The port partners with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Development Authority to provide pre- and post-cruise activities including numerous dining and entertainment options.
At PortMiami the cruise passenger’s vacation starts the minute they arrive. Miami offers impeccable customer service as travellers are greeted by friendly porters, gracious safety and security personnel, and enthusiastic cruise line staff always ready to assist from check-in to departure.