Cruise facility will be designed by Bermello Ajamil & Partners and open in autumn 2018
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) is to build a new cruise terminal dedicated solely to Norwegian Cruise Line at PortMiami in Florida, US.
To be designed by Miami-based firm Bermello Ajamil & Partners, the new terminal will be constructed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standards to optimise energy performance, indoor air quality, water efficiency. The building will also be built using local materials and resources.
Boasting a spiralled, multi-level façade inspired by a nautilus (a pelagic marine mollusc), the terminal will be almost 166,500 square feet and accommodate ships carrying up to 5,000 passengers. The facility will have indoor waiting areas, a lounge and service area for large groups and charters, and new technology to support faster embarkation and disembarkation processes, as well as expedited security screening and luggage check-in. There will also be an outdoor waiting area, a parking garage and a valet parking area with direct access to the terminal and lounge.
“The new Norwegian terminal will set the standard for passenger comfort and experience and will become an iconic building on Miami’s waterfront, a true representation of the role that Norwegian and PortMiami played as the pioneers of modern cruising,” said Luis Ajamil, president and CEO of Bermello Ajamil & Partners.
Showcasing the new terminal designs at Seatrade Cruise Global 2018 in Florida, US this March, NCLH president and CEO Frank Del Rio said that the terminal represents the continued relationship between Norwegian and Miami, which has been the cruise brand’s home since its launch in 1966.
The terminal project is pending the final approval by the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners. If approval goes ahead, the project will commence in May 2018 and should be completed by autumn 2019, just in time for Norwegian’s newest Breakaway Plus-class ship, Norwegian Encore, to begin her inaugural homeporting season in Miami.
“Norwegian has been sailing from Miami for over 50 years, longer than any other cruise line, and we are honoured to be partnering with PortMiami and Miami-Dade County to construct an iconic terminal that will contribute to Miami’s world-famous skyline and strengthen its position as the ‘Cruise Capital of the World’,” said Del Rio. “This terminal marks the latest step in our continual efforts to strengthen our presence in strategic home ports around the world. We look forward to welcoming Norwegian Encore and the thousands of guests sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line and her sister brands to this state-of-the-art terminal.”
Miami-Dade County will invest US$100 million in the terminal construction project in recognition of Norwegian’s long-standing partnership with PortMiami.
“Investing in PortMiami’s infrastructure positions Miami as a global destination for visitors,” said Carlos Gimenez, Miami-Dade County Mayor. “The construction of a new cruise terminal with the capacity to berth an additional 5,000-passenger cruise ship represents thousands of jobs and increased opportunities for our community. We are grateful for Norwegian Cruise Line’s continued partnership.”