Work starts on MSC Seaside’s future Miami home

Construction has begun on PortMiami’s Terminal F, which will
be expanded and renovated to accommodate the MSC Seaside, a ship due to enter
service next December. Terminal F will also be home to the MSC Divina.

Miami-Dade County is funding the $38 million project, which
will enable the terminal to manage embarkation loads of up to 6,000 passengers,
according to the county. The MSC Seaside will accommodate 4,140 passengers at
double occupancy but will have a maximum of more than 5,000.

MSC Cruises said it has been “actively involved in the
entire process of designing the new cruise terminal.” Under an agreement
between the county and MSC Cruises, the port was obligated to expand the
terminal.

Planned enhancements include an expanded waiting area with
seating for 1,500, a larger VIP waiting area for MSC Yacht Club passengers, an improved baggage-claim area and the implementation of technology for faster
embarkation and disembarkation. 

The terminal is expected to be ready by Dec. 1 next year,
just prior to the MSC Seaside’s arrival in PortMiami on Dec. 21.