On Saturday, April 5, 2025, MSC Cruises made history by inaugurating the world’s largest and most advanced cruise terminal at PortMiami ahead of the arrival of the line’s newest flagship MSC World America. Clocking in at 492,678 square feet, the new MSC Miami Cruise Terminal is a game-changer for the cruise industry, offering a seamless embarkation experience for travelers.
As someone lucky enough to be aboard MSC World America for her inaugural sailing—and one of the first passengers to step foot in this new facility—I can’t wait to share what it’s like. If you’ve ever sailed out of Port Miami before, you know some of the port’s terminals are not designed to service the number of passengers today’s mega ship carry, which means the embarkation experience can be an absolute nightmare.
Capable of processing up to 36,000 passengers daily and three cruise ships at once, the terminal will serve both MSC Cruises and its luxury sister brand, Explora Journeys.
MSC’s Miami Terminal Highlights
MSC’s Miami terminal is the first cruise terminal in the world to offer a fully biometric journey, using digital identity verification to make boarding faster and easier than ever. Here’s a closer look at how it all works:
- Check-In from Home: Guests check in online via the MSC Cruises website or the MSC for Me app where they upload documents, get boarding passes, and prep for biometric processing.
- Port Arrival: The terminal’s six-level garage offers over 2,400 parking spaces (bookable in advance), and a covered drop-off zone keeps you shaded as you head inside.
- Drop Your Luggage: After checking in online, guests scan their boarding pass at one of the secure luggage drop-off points in the garage.
- Biometric Check In: Guests who opt into the biometric system will cruise through the check-in process with a quick passport scan and a stare into one of 18 face pods. Then, on to one of 20 security lanes to make sure you’re not bringing anything that will put you on the naughty list!
- Wait for Boarding: As you wait for your turn to board, the terminal offers large waiting areas overlooking Biscayne Bay. If you’re sailing in the MSC Yacht Club, a private waiting area awaits complete with premium drinks and snacks.
- Boarding Time: Once your group is called, head to one of 22 biometric E-gates and your vacation starts immediately.
Disembarkation is just as smooth, with an advanced baggage system ensuring you’re on your way home—or planning your next cruise—in no time.
MSC’s Miami Terminal By the Numbers
- 492,678 sq ft: The world’s largest cruise terminal
- 4 levels: AKA “that’s huge!’
- 3 ships at once: A global first
- 36,000 guests daily: Unmatched capacity
- 2,400+ parking spaces: Conveniently attached to the terminal and bookable im advance
- 18 biometric face pods & 22 E-gates
My Journey on MSC World America
As I prepare to board MSC World America for her inaugural sailing, I’ll be sharing details of the terminal, boarding process, daily reports from the ship, as well as the debarkstion experience. Stay tuned to scottscruises.com for my full recap of the terminal and MSC World America’s maiden voyage.