MSC Cruises has broken ground for its new $350 million cruise terminal in Miami.

The terminal – to be built in partnership with Fincantieri – is expected to be the largest in North America when it opens, accommodating up to 36,000 passenger movements a day.

It will also feature four embarkation decks and enough “berthing space to serve three latest generation ships simultaneously”, MSC said in a statement.

The project will allow “MSC Cruises to further its presence in the North American market and attract more international travellers for holidays at sea in the Caribbean”, it added.

The new terminal will be able to accommodate MSC Cruises’ largest and most environmentally advanced cruise ships, including its current flagship, MSC Seashore, and the line’s future liquefied natural gas-powered World-class ships.

MSC Cruises to boost Miami presence

A majority of ships that berth at the Miami terminal will be able to plug in to the local power grid, in line with PortMiami’s plans to enable shore power connectivity.

MSC Cruises UK & Ireland MD Antonio Paradiso said: “The new terminal in Miami represents our commitment to enhance our attractive Caribbean sea sailings for guests from the UK and Ireland who will enjoy the experience before they have even stepped on board one of our ships.

“It’s also part of our larger ambition to deploy some of our most modern and environmentally advanced ships in Miami, all of whose itineraries will call our stunning Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve private island.”