World’s Largest Cruise Terminal Officially Open for Business

MSC Cruises’ new PortMiami terminal officially opened today (April 5), immediately becoming the largest cruise terminal in the world, capable of processing up to three ships and 36,000 passengers per day. It will serve both MSC Cruises’ and Explora Journeys’ ships sailing from the port, including MSC Cruises’ new flagship, MSC World America, which debuts in just a few days.

The 492,678-square-foot facility is also the first to implement a completely biometric journey with digital identify verification. In order to take advantage of the biometric system, guests must check in online (via the MSC for Me app or MSC Cruises website) to receive their boarding pass. Once at the terminal, they’ll scan their boarding pass and drop off their luggage, then proceed to check-in and security.

The app and website even allow cruisers arriving by car to reserve a parking spot in the terminal’s six-level garage ahead of time.

Once at check-in, those who have opted into the biometric process will scan their passport and look at the camera of one of the terminal’s 18 biometric face pods for validation.

If boarding hasn’t started, guests will be able to wait in one of several waiting areas. Guests of the MSC Yacht Club will have exclusive access to a private lounge where they can enjoy premium drinks and snacks.

Once boarding is open, guests will pass through one of 22 biometric e-gates to finalize the embarkation process before entering the gangway.