MSC Cruises has inaugurated the world’s largest and most advanced cruise terminal at PortMiami, in the mouth of the Miami River in Florida. According to a press release, the MSC Miami Cruise Terminal, which opened on 5 April 2025, “sets a global benchmark for cruise infrastructure” offering a “biometric journey with digital verification for a seamless embarkation experience.”
The new facility, designed by Arquitectonica and built by Fincantieri Infrastructure, will serve both MSC Cruises’ and Explora Journeys’ ships sailing from PortMiami, including MSC’s new flagship, which will be christened MSC World America, during a 9 April ceremony at the terminal before she sets sail for her inaugural season in the Caribbean.
Time to celebrate – the world’s largest cruise ship terminal is now open at #PortMiami! 🎉 🛳️
— PortMiami (@PortMiami) April 5, 2025
Today, @MSCCruisesUSA held its Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the official opening of Terminal AA, which has the capacity to service 3 ship berths and process 36,000 passengers daily. pic.twitter.com/sjaaB9LGSH
36,000 passengers daily
The nearly 46,000m2 space is capable of processing up to 36,000 passengers daily and three ships simultaneously. Those huge numbers will be mitigated by a “carefully streamlined” passenger flow, MSC says. That starts even before guests arrive, with the possibility to check in online on the MSC Cruises website or using an app, uploading their travel documents, receiving their boarding pass quickly, and preparing in advance for biometric processing, saving time on arrival at the terminal.
Guests can arrive by car, bus, taxi or ride share, with parking available in the terminal’s 2,400-space garage where spots can be reserved in advance online. Bags can even be dropped-off in the carpark at designated points by scanning an online boarding pass. A covered drop-off zone welcomes buses, taxis and ride shares and a covered path leads to the terminal’s main entrance.
A look back at the inauguration of the world’s largest cruise terminal. 🎉 The new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal @portmiami spans more than 492,000 square feet and can welcome up to 36,000 cruisers daily 😎. The terminal is ready to welcome #MSCWorldAmerica home tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/i7gVT41nR1
— MSC Cruises (USA) (@MSCCruisesUSA) April 6, 2025
Time to relax
Guests who have opted into biometrics can simply scan their passports and use one of the terminal’s 18 biometric face pod cameras for validation. With 20 security lanes and 22 biometric E-gates, queuing should be minimal, giving passengers more time to relax ahead of their cruise in an airy waiting area. MSC Yacht Club members have exclusive access to a private lounge to enjoy premium drinks and snacks. The terminal also benefits from artworks and installations.
When passengers arrive back at PortMiami after their vacation, disembarkation should also be quick and easy, the cruise line says, thanks to an advanced baggage handling and processing system.
MSC Cruises is the world’s third-largest cruise line and Europe’s market leader. Its presence in North America is “strong and growing” thanks to 23 modern ships and itineraries that span five continents, more than 100 countries and 300 destinations worldwide. On LinkedIn, a spokesperson called the terminal “a major investment” that “underscores MSC’s long-term commitment to Miami and the Caribbean.”
