Photo Credit: MSC.
Located at the world’s largest cruise port (PortMiami), the MSC Miami Cruise Terminal is the largest single cruise terminal constructed to date. Operating since April 2025, the facility comprises approximately 492,000 square feet (45,700 m²) of terminal space. The terminal currently has two vessel berths, with infrastructure in place to expand to three berths by 2029. It spans four levels and is the first terminal in the world to welcome three cruise ships simultaneously.
The landside transportation system is designed for high-volume passenger throughput and includes a multi-level circulation layout supported by an integrated 1.3-million-square-foot parking structure offering over 2,400 parking spots. Collectively, these systems enable the terminal to process up to 36,000 passenger movements per day, encompassing embarkation, disembarkation, and turnaround operations.
Advanced technology systems are deployed across key operational areas:
- Baggage Handling Systems: A purpose-built luggage handling system, including 42 luggage screening machines, has been designed specifically for the terminal and associated vessel operations. The system supports simultaneous baggage sorting for up to three ships, utilizing innovative luggage tags, real-time data tracking, and automated routing. Designated luggage drop-off locations within the parking structure allow passengers to bypass curbside processing, reducing congestion and improving operational continuity.
- Parking and Access Control: The parking facility operates via a digital platform that supports mobile web payments, digital ticketing, and real-time user support, enabling efficient vehicle flow and reduced dwell times.
- Biometric Identification and Passenger Processing: The terminal features the industry’s first fully end-to-end embarkation process enabled by biometric facial recognition technology. This includes advanced mobile check-in with digital identity creation through facial image acquisition and automatic passport data capture. 18 self-service facial biometric checkpoints replace manual document verification and improve security and passenger flow efficiency, as they verify passports and identification and facilitate rapid terminal entry and seamless embarkation and disembarkation via 22 E-gates.
From anenvironmental and energy perspective, the terminal is equipped with shore power (cold ironing) capability, allowing berthed cruise ships to connect to the local electrical grid and reduce emissions while in port. The facility has LEED certification, reflecting compliance with recognized standards for sustainable design, construction, and operation.
The terminal incorporates a permanent art in public places program, developed in partnership with the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. This program delivers the first immersive art installations at PortMiami, integrating commissioned artworks and interactive, site-specific installations throughout the terminal, enriching the experience for passengers and visitors alike.
The biggest cruise terminal in Europe is Terminal D, Barcelona (maximum daily capacity 12.000 passenger movements), and in Asia, it is Wusongkou, Shanghai (20.000 passenger movements). Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore (11.000) and T3, Port Canaveral (US) (14.000) complete the list of the biggest cruise terminals in the mid-2020s.