By the Caribbean Journal staff

Norwegian Cruise Line has officially broken ground on a new dedicated cruise terminal at PortMiami.

The 166,500-square-foot terminal will accommodate ships of up to 5,000 passengers, with technology aimed at speeding up faster embarkation and disembarkation (and expedited security and luggage check-in), according to the company.

The terminal will also have a dedicated lounge and service area for guest arrival, along with a new parking garage and valet area.

“This iconic terminal represents our continued partnership with Miami-Dade County, our commitment to excellence and Miami as a world capital,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.. “As a global cruise company we’re transforming and elevating guest experiences through design and innovation on our ships, and this new terminal at PortMiami is the next step in that journey. We are honored to be here today alongside the team dedicated to making this dream a reality.”

The project, which will be built to LEED Silver standards, was designed by Bermello Ajamil and Partners, which sought to create an “iconic” Miami destination, inspired by the Fibonacci nautilus shell.

“As Miami continues to develop as a global tourist destination, we view investing in PortMiami’s infrastructure as imperative to sustainable growth,” said Miami Mayor Carlos Gimenez. “The construction of a new cruise terminal with the capacity to berth an additional 5,000-passenger cruise ship allows for the creation of thousands of jobs and increased opportunities for our community. We are eager to witness the incredible beauty the terminal will bring to our city skyline and grateful for Norwegian Cruise Line’s steadfast partnership.”

Last year, another cruise power player, Royal Caribbean, broke ground on its own $247 million dedicated terminal at PortMiami, aimed for completion before this fall.

Both will be major new hubs for cruises to the Caribbean region.