Another Big Addition for PortMiami

With the new MSC Seaside coming to Florida on December 21, 2017, MSC Cruises is pulling out all the stops.

A brand new facility, Terminal F at PortMiami will not only accommodate the new ship but the MSC Divina as well.

"MSC Cruises is eager to continue growing its presence in South Florida and in the U.S.," said Rick Sasso, chairman of MSC Cruises USA, in a press release. "The completion of Terminal F is the culmination of a strong, longstanding partnership with PortMiami and a testament to our commitment to the region and our positive outlook for the future."

In addition to Sasso, Mayor Carlos Gimenez, Juan Kuryla, PPM director & CEO of Port of Miami, Roberto Fusaro, president of MSC Cruises USA, and members of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners all attended the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 7, 2017.

"With only 2 weeks to go until the arrival of MSC Seaside, we couldn't be more thrilled to take this step with PortMiami and ensure we are able to provide an enhanced and seamless vacation for our guests right from embarkation," added Roberto Fusaro, president of MSC Cruises USA, in the release.

"MSC Cruises is proud to make Miami MSC Seaside's new home, and with this stunning new terminal, we are excited for the future and our continued growth both in Miami and North America."

Facility highlights include the following:

-New two-story, 38,282-square-foot addition

-Waiting area with seating for up to 1,500 guests

-Ticketing hall with 60 new ticket counter positions

-1,100-square-foot VIP private waiting area for MSC Yacht Club guests

-3,000-square-foot special group lounge

-Embarkation advancements including some MSC Seaside smart ship technology

-Smoother disembarkation with an improved baggage claim area

"It has been an exciting time for us at PortMiami, Miami's second largest economic driver and the undisputed Cruise Capital of the World," said Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez, in the release. "MSC Cruises committed to homeport its 5,170 passenger vessel, MSC Seaside, at PortMiami and now that Cruise Terminal F is complete, the countdown begins for her arrival to Miami-Dade County December 21^st. PortMiami is ready!"

MSC Cruises and PortMiami worked hand in hand in developing the new terminal to make sure it would best support the MSC Seaside and its guests for efficient embarkation and disembarkation experiences.

"We are extremely proud to be the homeport of MSC Seaside and excited for her arrival on December 21^st," added PortMiami Director/CEO Juan M. Kuryla, in the release. "We're thankful to MSC Cruises for entrusting PortMiami with their innovative cruise ships and we look forward to our continued long-term partnership."

Once MSC Seaside comes to Miami on December 21, 2017, the ship will be christened by godmother Sophia Loren. The event will be led by master of ceremonies Mario Lopez, and Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino will also make a special appearance. Entertainment will be provided by Ricky Martin and Andrea Bocelli.

The ship will then begin to set sail on its year-round 7-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries roundtrip from Miami.

It's all just the start of a larger MSC presence in the North American market. The MSC Meraviglia is scheduled to arrive in Miami during 2019, and two newly announced Seaside EVO ships are also slated for the Caribbean region upon their 2021 and 2023 launches.

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