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MSC Cruises' customized PortMiami terminal is ready

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MSC Cruises' Roberto Fusaro addresses the ribbon-cutting event for Terminal F
MSC Cruises and PortMiami officials marked the completion of Terminal F's expansion and customization to host MSC Seaside. The new year-round ship is due to arrive Dec. 21, joining MSC Divina.

Thursday's ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez and county commissioners, port director and CEO Juan Kuryla and MSC Cruises USA's chairman Rick Sasso and president Roberto Fusaro.

'MSC Cruises is eager to continue growing its presence in South Florida and in the US,' Sasso said. '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.'

The terminal offers an enhanced check-in experience and expands PortMiami with a brand-new building to accommodate next-generation ships. The facility gained a two-story, 38,282-square-foot addition, expanded waiting area for up to 1,500 people and a hall with 60 check-in positions.

The embarkation process includes some of the smart ship technology available on MSC Seaside.

An improved, 1,100-square-foot VIP private waiting area will accommodate passengers sailing in the ship's expanded MSC Yacht Club. In addition, the terminal offers a dedicated, 3,000-square-foot group lounge.

The disembarkation process should be smoother thanks to a more flexible and efficient baggage claim area.

'With only two 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,' Fusaro said. '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.'

Port director Kuryla expressed pride at hosting MSC Seaside.

'We’re thankful to MSC Cruises for entrusting PortMiami with their innovative cruise ships and we look forward to our continued long-term partnership,' he said.