World’s Largest Cruise Terminal Opens At Port Miami

MSC Cruises Makes History with First Disembarkation at New PortMiami Terminal

MSC Cruises is set to make history once again as its brand-new, state-of-the-art cruise terminal in PortMiami welcomes its first guests. Passengers aboard the MSC Seascape will have the unique opportunity to be among the first travelers to step foot inside what is now the largest and most technologically advanced cruise terminal in the world.

A Milestone Moment for MSC Cruises

On February 8, 2025, up to 5,877 guests currently sailing on MSC Seascape will disembark at the newly constructed terminal, marking a major milestone for MSC Cruises and the PortMiami cruise industry. The Seaside EVO-class vessel is concluding its 14-night Caribbean cruise, and those onboard will get an exclusive early look at the cutting-edge facilities before the terminal is fully operational.

A letter distributed to guests on February 7, 2025, stated:

“When your cruise ends, you’ll be one of the first guests to experience our brand-new, state-of-the-art PortMiami Terminal, which will not only be the world’s most technologically advanced cruise terminal but also the largest.”

While the grand opening of this long-awaited terminal is an exciting moment, there are still some operational hurdles.

What Guests Need to Know About the New Terminal

Despite its impressive scale and modern design, the terminal is not yet fully functional. One of the key issues is that the escalators will not be operational, meaning all passengers must navigate two flights of stairs to reach the luggage hall. To ensure a smooth and safe disembarkation, MSC has implemented the following guidelines:

• Elevators will be available only for passengers with disabilities or families with small children and strollers.
• Guests are strongly advised to check their luggage to keep their hands free while using the stairs.
• Luggage collection will take place on February 7, 2025, between 10 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. All checked bags will be waiting inside the terminal the following morning.
• A complimentary shuttle service will transport guests from the new terminal back to Terminal C, where they originally embarked on their journey.

While these temporary challenges may pose minor inconveniences, MSC Cruises remains committed to ensuring a seamless experience for its passengers.

A Long-Awaited Opening

MSC first broke ground on the new PortMiami terminal on March 10, 2022, with an initial budget of 350 million dollars, though recent reports suggest the final cost is closer to 450 million dollars. Originally slated to open in December 2023, the project experienced delays, pushing its debut into 2025.

Now, over a year behind schedule, the terminal is finally welcoming guests. However, some travelers are questioning whether the facility should be in use before all systems are fully functional.

Despite the setbacks, this milestone marks a significant step forward for MSC Cruises, solidifying its presence in North America with a cutting-edge facility designed to enhance the cruise experience for years to come.

The Future of Cruising at PortMiami

As the finishing touches are put in place, MSC’s new terminal is set to redefine the embarkation and disembarkation process, offering advanced technology, streamlined check-ins, and a world-class experience for future cruisers.

Whether you’re among the first to experience it or planning a future sailing, one thing is certain—the future of cruising at PortMiami is bigger and better than ever.