Sarah Bretz, ContributorThere’s officially a new world’s largest cruise terminal, and it can be found at PortMiami. MSC Cruises inaugurated its brand-new terminal today in Miami, which is not only the world’s largest, but also the “most advanced cruise terminal” according to the line.
Designed by global firm Arquitectonica and built by Fincantieri Infrastructure, the 492,678 square foot facility is capable of processing up to 36,000 passengers daily. Designed with the guest experience at its core, every step of the embarkation and disembarkation process has been carefully thought out for a stress-free experience.
From beginning to end, the MSC Miami Cruise Terminal streamlines processes, including:
Check in from home
Guests can check in for their cruise online via the MSC for Me app or the MSC Cruises website. They can upload their travel documents, receive their boarding pass in a matter of minutes, and prepare in advance for biometric processing, saving valuable time in the terminal.
Easy arrival
Passengers can arrive by car, bus, taxi, or rideshare without hassle. Those arriving by car can park in the terminal’s six-level garage with over 2,400 spaces and reserve their parking spot in advance via the MSC for Me app or the MSC Cruises website. There’s also a covered drop-off zone for buses, taxis, and rideshares. All forms of arrival share a covered path straight to the terminal’s main entrance.
Drop off bags with ease
Travelers who have checked in online can scan their boarding pass and drop their luggage off at one of the secure drop-off points in the parking garage before continuing to the MSC Cruises terminal.
Faster check-in and security
Guests who have opted into the biometric journey can simply scan their passport and look at the camera of one of the terminal’s 18 biometric face pods for validation. The 20 security lanes that follow ensure a fast, efficient, and seamless screening process.
Relax prior to boarding
Passengers will enjoy a terminal bathed in natural light, where Biscayne Bay’s sparkling waters reflect through the facility’s expansive glass façade. Before guests embark, they can take a moment to unwind in one of the comfortable waiting areas throughout the terminal. Guests of the MSC Yacht Club will have exclusive access to a private lounge to enjoy beverages and snacks before boarding the ship.
Biometric E-gates
The terminal uses 22 biometric E-gates to finalize the embarkation process before guests enter the gangway. With onboarding now performed terminal side rather than on the vessel, guests can start their vacation immediately
Seamless luggage collection
Travelers will benefit from an easy and quick disembarkation thanks to an advanced baggage handling and processing system. That way, they can get on their way and home quicker.
Terminal artwork
Inside the MSC Cruises terminal are seven curated works of art commissioned through the Miami-Dade County Art in Public Places program. The most striking piece is a first-of-its-kind 10,816 square foot digitally projected installation. Adorning the exterior of the terminal, the piece uses real-time NOAA oceanic data to create an ever-evolving display of tides, currents, and weather patterns. Additional exclusive artwork enhances the MSC Yacht Club private lounge.
The MSC Miami Cruise Terminal in Numbers:
- 492,678 square feet, making it the world’s largest cruise terminal
- Spans four levels
- The first terminal in the world to be able to welcome three cruise ships simultaneously
- Features seven pieces of artwork including a 10,816-square-foot digital art installation displayed on the outside of the terminal
- Capable of processing up to 36,000 guests daily
- 2,400+ parking spots available in the adjacent parking garage
- 42 Luggage screening machines
- 18 Biometric facepods verify passport and identification
- 22 E-gates used for embarkation
The new terminal will serve both MSC Cruises’ and Explora Journeys’ ships sailing from PortMiami, including MSC’s brand-new flagship MSC World America. The newest World-class vessel will be named during a ceremony at the terminal on April 9th prior to her inaugural season in the Caribbean.
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Mary Davis
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