Miami International Airport (MIA) is touting a record-breaking 2016, but it still remains a weak link before and after cruises.

In a press release, MIA celebrates its nearly 44.6 million travelers in 2016, 234,000 more than the year previous, as well as its status as the busiest United Staes airport for international freight, with another 0.37 percent increase from 2015.

READ MORE: Ground Stoppages in Fort Lauderdale and Miami Cause Flight Delays

However, the problem remains that MIA is easily one of the most unattractive and difficult to navigate airports in the world, one I have unfortunately had to deal with frequently arriving into Miami for cruise departures or as a hub for other destinations. In fact, I first Tweeted about my distaste for the experience in 2015, saying “.@iflymia is a seriously unimpressive #airport: no dedicated @tsa pre[check] line, no @united lounge, no @Starbucks and no style. #travel"

.@iflymia is a seriously unimpressive #airport: no dedicated @tsa pre[check] line, no @united lounge, no @Starbucks and no style. #travel

— Jason Leppert (@PopularCruising) March 21, 2015

The United terminal I was referencing then was more stark looking than the sterile halls of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport with plain walls, an ugly T-bar ceiling and very little in the way of dining or retail opportunities to pass the time. Even Delta’s terminal is little better. At least its high ceiling and close access to amenities raise the bar a little, but blocked off escalators to a mysterious upper level only speak to a dated facility nowhere near up to par with today's security standards.

It was my latest experience flying on American Airlines that took the cake for MIA awfulness, though. While it’s great that the airport relishes its 10 new entrant airlines, making for a total of 109 carriers, pushing an American Airlines flight heading towards the comparably wonderful San Diego International Airport – the very antithesis of the mess that is MIA – to gate E20 was a downright mistake. My Twitter reaction: “Just when I think @iflymia can't get any worse, I'm at abandoned gate E20 and its squeaky escalator to fly to world-class @SanDiegoAirport."

Just when I think @iflymia can't get any worse, I'm at abandoned gate E20 and its squeaky escalator to fly to world-class @SanDiegoAirport pic.twitter.com/x5Ru2Cc37F

— Jason Leppert (@PopularCruising) December 14, 2016

The terminal was indeed practically abandoned with all of its restaurants, quick-service eateries and shops shuttered and left is a state of mid-disassembly. Wires hung from brackets that once supported signage while only permanently plastered logos conveyed what once operated there. Meanwhile, the escalator access down to my gate ran well before needed with a continuous high-pitch squeak as I waited in a bench seat that itself was loose and wobbly. The wing under renovation that Tom Hanks occupies in “The Terminal” film was in seemingly better repair than the one here at MIA.

READ MORE: MSC Cruises to Base New Ship in Miami

My question is this: if the airport is apparently so successful, where is its money going? Improvements are being made here and there, and the international portion of the airport is far better off than these ancillary zones. However, there is still plenty of work to be done and quick. This is no proper first impression for cruise travelers arriving at the “Cruise Capital of the World.” Why aren't cruise lines pushing for the MIA facilities to be upgraded once and for all? 

The release only mentions the cruise industry as far as to say that First Air will start chartering a route to Mount Hope, Ontario on behalf of Celebrity Cruises come February 4, 2017.

In my opinion, it’s certainly time for the cruise and air industries to partner up and insist MIA gets its program together. Its current numbers are likely only as high as they are because it’s the closest international airport supporting successful endeavors, but surely those figures would rise considerably more if the airport actually functioned properly and looked sportier in the process.

Follow @LeppertPulse

Follow @PopularCruising