MSC Cruises will use its PortMiami facility later next week for debut of its latest ship MSC World America
With the ability to allow docking of three cruise liners simultaneously and accommodate 36,000 passengers a day, the world’s largest cruise terminal has begun operations at PortMiami in Florida, United States.
The terminal was inaugurated by MSC Cruises on Saturday, which says that the MSC Miami Cruise Terminal sets a global benchmark for cruise infrastructure as the first in the industry to implement a complete biometric journey with digital identity verification for a seamless embarkation experience.
In a press statement, the cruise operator says that designed by global design firm Arquitectonica and built by Fincantieri Infrastructure, the facility sprawling over an area of 45,771 sqm is capable of processing up to 36,000 passengers daily and was developed with the customers at its core and as the first and last impression of a client’s holiday, every step is carefully streamlined for a stress-free embarkation.
The statement adds that the new terminal will serve ships of both MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys sailing from PortMiami, including MSC Cruises’ new flagship, MSC World America, which will be named during a ceremony at the terminal on April 9 before she sets sail for her inaugural season in the Caribbean.
Besides large capacity, the new terminal is also technologically most advanced as cruise passengers can check in for their cruise online, via the MSC for Me app or the MSC Cruises website, uploading their travel documents, receiving their boarding pass in a matter of minutes, and preparing in advance for biometric processing, saving them time when they enter the terminal.
They can arrive by car, bus, taxi or ride share without hassle. Those arriving by car can park in the terminal’s six-level garage with over 2,400 spaces and reserve their parking spot in advance via the MSC for Me app or the MSC Cruises website. There is also a covered drop-off zone for buses, taxis and ride shares. All forms of arrival share a covered path straight to the terminal’s main entrance, says the cruise operator.
Passengers who have checked in online can simply scan their boarding pass and drop their luggage at one of the drop-off points in the parking garage before continuing to the terminal. Those who have opted into the biometric journey can simply scan their passport and look at the camera of one of the terminal’s 18 biometric face pods for validation. The 20 security lanes that follow ensure a fast, efficient, and seamless screening process, adds the statement.
"
