MSC Launches World’s Largest Cruise Terminal at PortMiami
The cruise capital of the world just got a serious upgrade. On April 5, MSC Cruises officially unveiled the world’s largest cruise terminal at PortMiami, a state-of-the-art, four-story hub designed to serve up to 36,000 passengers per day.
The $450 million terminal, built in partnership with Miami-Dade County and designed by Miami architecture firm Arquitectonica, spans nearly 500,000 square feet. It currently allows for two ships to dock simultaneously, with a third berth scheduled for completion by 2028.
MSC World America Makes Its Debut
Making a splash alongside the terminal’s grand opening was MSC World America, the cruise line’s newest and largest ship in the U.S., which arrived Monday morning. The ship will be christened by Drew Barrymore this Wednesday and begins Caribbean sailings this week.
- Capacity: 6,752 guests
- Size: 22 decks tall, 150+ feet wide
- Public space: Over 420,000 sq. ft.
- Cabins: More than 2,600
MSC plans to homeport four ships at the new terminal in 2025, including vessels from its luxury offshoot, Explora Journeys.
Inside the Next-Gen Terminal
From tech-driven check-in to sweeping Biscayne Bay views, the new Terminal AA is designed for efficiency and aesthetics:
- E-Gates & Facial Recognition: 22 biometric e-gates and 18 face pods speed up boarding
- App-Based Check-In: Passengers can check in from home via the MSC for Me app
- Security: 42 luggage screening machines, 20 security lanes
- Parking: 6-level garage with 2,400+ spaces, online reservation available
- Drop-Off Zone: Covered access for taxis, ride shares, and buses
- Design: Floor-to-ceiling windows, natural light, and local art installations
With its sleek tech and scale, Terminal AA cements PortMiami as a modern cruise gateway — one ready to match the size and ambition of MSC’s growing U.S. fleet.
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