MSC Cruises has started work on a $350 million mega cruise terminal in Miami which is claimed to be the largest in North America.
The four-storey building with four embarkation decks will be able to accommodate up to 36,000 passenger movements a day, with space to serve three new generation ships simultaneously.
The facility, due to open by the end of 2023, will allow the European line to boost its presence in the US and attract more international travellers for holidays at sea in the Caribbean.
The new terminal will be able to accommodate MSC Cruises’ largest ships, including current flagship MSC Seashore and the line’s future liquified natural gas-powered ‘World Class’ vessels.
Most ships at berth at the new Miami terminal will be able to plug in to the local power grid, in line with PortMiami’s plans to enable shore power connectivity.
MSC Cruises UK and Ireland managing director Antonio Paradiso said: “The new terminal in Miami represents our commitment to enhance our attractive Caribbean sailings for guests from the UK and Ireland who will enjoy the experience before they have even stepped on board one of our ships.
“It’s also part of our larger ambition to deploy some of our most modern and environmentally advanced ships in Miami, all of whose itineraries will call our stunning Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve private island.”
The Cruise Division of MSC Group and Italian ship builder Fincantieri unveiled a partnership last year whereby Fincantieri Infrastructure would construct the facility with design by global architecture firm Arquitectonica.