Cruise terminal expansion projects in PortMiami unaffected by global cruise shutdown

Expansion projects in PortMiami are ongoing, despite the coronavirus pandemic and global shutdown of the cruise industry, according to a release by Miami-Dade County officials.

The officials this week authorized the issuance of US $335 million to PortMiami under the Capital Asset Acquisition Special Obligation Bonds ‘2020 Authorization’ for revenue generating capital projects.

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The projects include partnerships with Carnival Corporation, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Terminal Link Miami, and Virgin Voyages, as well as other infrastructure projects allowing the Port to continue expanding business opportunities.

“Miami-Dade County is committed to growing the business at PortMiami,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “These bonds are critical to maintaining the progress at our Port. Because of its tremendous success, PortMiami is recognized as the Cruise Capital of the World and a Cargo Global Gateway. We are not stopping now!”

“We support PortMiami’s cruise and cargo partners,” said Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioner Vice-Chair Rebeca Sosa, who serves as Chairwoman of the Tourism and the Ports Committee.

“These bonds will provide for continued development at PortMiami, one of Miami-Dade County’s leading economic engines. This represents more jobs, more growth and more opportunities for our community. We are very grateful for our partners,” Sosa added.

There are five cruise infrastructure expansion projects underway at PortMiami.

Norwegian Cruise Line is in the final stages of constructing its new Terminal B, a futuristic 166,500 square foot development designed by Miami-based global architecture firm Bermello Ajamil & Partners.

The terminal will be able to accommodate the largest cruise ships in the fleet and enables a far more advanced embarkation and debarkation process as a result.

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Carnival Cruise Line is upgrading its Terminal F to cater to the new Excellence-class cruise ships, the first of which will be Mardi Gras (but it’s her sister ship that will homeport in Miami).

The facility will be the cruise line’s largest in North America and is set to be completed in October, 2022.

MSC Cruises is developing what will be the largest cruise terminal at the port when completed in 2022.

It will have two berths that can cater to the huge World-class cruise ships that are over 200,000-gross tons, the second-largest class of cruise ship in the world after the Oasis-class.

Virgin Voyages is developing a new 100,000 square foot tropical-inspired cruise terminal. It will be located on the northwest side of the port and is slated to be completed towards the end of 2021. Valiant Lady will homeport here once she begins sailing from Miami.

Disney Cruise Line will homeport at least one of its new cruise ships on order at a new cruise terminal in Miami. Before the new terminal in Miami is approved, the port must complete a widening of the ship channel and turning basin on the south side, along with the acquisition of rights to the land currently leased to Seaboard Marine for cargo use.