MSC Cruises Opens North America’s Largest Cruise Terminal, Setting a New Benchmark for Cruise Infrastructure

 On 5 April 2025, MSC Cruises unveiled North America’s largest and most advanced cruise terminal at PortMiami in Florida, USA. It set a new industry standard for travel infrastructure, redefining the guest experience through cutting-edge technology. This landmark sets the stage for an unmatched boarding experience. 

Through innovation and elegance, this new terminal will serve as the departure point for both MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys ships sailing from Miami. Its bold architectural features allow natural light to cascade through the structure. The expansive glass facades and focus on design and art were chosen to help create a cohesive luxury experience from port to destination. 

The Cruise Division of the MSC Group broke ground on the new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal on 10 March 2022 – completing the project in about three years. 
At a staggering 492,678 square feet, the facility is North America’s largest cruise terminal – spanning four levels, able to welcome three cruise ships simultaneously and process up to 36,000 guests per day, aided by 42 luggage screening machines. There’s also a 2,400+-spot parking garage just next door.

Pierfrancesco Vago, the Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, called the terminal a “milestone of MSC’s 20-year history in the port and a symbol of our commitment to quality tourism,” underscoring the company’s long-term investment in Miami and its focus on delivering a premium guest experience.

The MSC Miami Cruise Terminal is the first in the industry to implement a biometric journey with digital identity verification. This means that by using the MSC for Me app or the MSC Cruises website, guests can now check in online, upload travel documents, receive their boarding passes and prepare for biometric processing all in just a few steps. 

Once guests who have chosen the biometric route arrive at the terminal, they can simply scan their passports at one of the 18 biometric stations, look into the cameras for validation, and then go through MSC Cruises' fast and efficient security checkpoint. Afterwards, guests then proceed through one of the 22 biometric E-gates before the gangway to complete the embarkation process and begin their holiday.

The terminal currently showcases seven curated pieces of artwork commissioned through the Miami-Dade County Art in Public Places programme, including a 10,816-square-foot digital art installation. The one-of-a-kind art installation is digitally projected using real-time National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data to create a stunning display of waves and tides for guests to enjoy.

Guests who are part of the MSC Yacht Club – an exclusive area onboard reserved for keycard holders – will unlock exclusive access to a private lounge within the terminal, which holds additional art pieces to enjoy with premium drinks and snacks as they prepare to embark.

With the inauguration of the new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal, MSC Cruises is changing the travel experience for guests with futuristic facilities built for capacity, efficiency and guest-first initiatives.

This milestone demonstrates how infrastructure and design can enhance the overall guest experience. The new terminal is a symbol of progress and premium service.