By the Caribbean Journal staff

Following the lead of Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, cruise giant MSC has announced plans to build a new terminal of its own at PortMiami.

MSC Cruises and Miami-Dade County have signed an agreement for preferential berthing rights and a memorandum of understanding for a new Cruise Terminal at the port.

The new terminal, which is slated for completion by October 2022, would be able to accommodate the cruise line’s next-generation ships, which will be able to carry up to 7,000 guests.

MSC Cruises has several ships homeporting for Caribbean cruises in Miami, including the MSC Seaside and the MSC Divina.

As of November 2019, the MSC Meraviglia, the largest ship in the company’s fleet, will homeport in Miami.

“PortMiami is committed to providing a world-class experience to its guests and thanks to a long-standing collaborative relationship with Miami-Dade County we are thrilled that in less than 18 months MSC Cruises will have four ships sailing from the Port,” said Rick Sasso, Chairman of MSC Cruises USA. “This will also allow us to make a significant additional contribution to the economy of Miami and the county in its role as the Capital of the Cruise World.”

MSC Cruises is the world’s largest privately-owned cruise company.

“In 2017, MSC worked with PortMiami on the completion of Terminal F, home to MSC Seaside, the first MSC Cruises ship to be built specifically for North American market and the Caribbean,” said Roberto Fusaro, President of MSC Cruises USA.  “The construction of another cruise terminal is further testament of our commitment to U.S. travel partners and their guests, as it will allow us to continue to enhance our service, starting right from embarkation.”

Both Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have already launched work on their new terminals.

— CJ