Seatrade Cruise News is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

PortMiami breaks ground for Norwegian Cruise Line terminal

abd5efaac8892b3d2eb2a6b37c9e827e
Norwegian's Andy Stuart addresses the crowd. From left are Will Bermello of Bermello Ajamil & Partners, Miami-Dade County's Rebecca Sosa and Carlos Gimenez and NCLH's Frank Del Rio
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings celebrated the groundbreaking for its new, dedicated Norwegian Cruise Line terminal at PortMiami.

'This iconic terminal represents our continued partnership with Miami-Dade County, our commitment to excellence and Miami as a world capital,' NCLH president and CEO Frank Del Rio said. 'As a global cruise company we’re transforming and elevating guest experiences through design and innovation on our ships, and this new terminal at PortMiami is the next step in that journey. We are honored to be here today alongside the team dedicated to making this dream a reality.'

Completion timed to Norwegian Encore's arrival

The nearly 166,500-square-foot terminal is scheduled for completion by fall 2019, in time for Norwegian Encore's inaugural Caribbean season. A new parking garage and valet parking area will provide direct access to the facility.

'As Miami continues to develop as a global tourist destination, we view investing in PortMiami's infrastructure as imperative to sustainable growth,' said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez, adding that the terminal will create thousands of jobs for the community.

'We are eager to witness the incredible beauty the terminal will bring to our city skyline and grateful for Norwegian Cruise Line's steadfast partnership,' Gimenez said.

Drawing inspiration from the Fibonacci nautilus, a natural example of the golden ratio of perfection, the spiraled and multi-level façade, transcendental and glass-encased building will offer stunning water views.

Others at the ceremony, which took place at Terminal B, were Andy Stuart, president and CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line; Howard Sherman, EVP on-board revenue and destination services, NCLH; Miami-Dade County commissioner Rebeca Sosa, PortMiami director and CEO Juan Kuryla and Florida state Rep. Cynthia Stafford.

Also on hand were leaders of the architecture and construction firms of record, Bermello Ajamil & Partners and the NV2A-Haskell joint venture.

New standard for passenger comfort

'We are incredibly honored to be working with Norwegian and PortMiami on this innovative project,' said Luis Ajamil, president and CEO of Bermello Ajamil & Partners. 'Having the opportunity to design a building that is sure to become an iconic Miami destination is very exciting, and we look forward to establishing the new standard for passenger comfort and experience.'

'NV2A and Haskell share a passion for construction and a commitment to excellence. As builders, we play an integral role and have great responsibility to the development and growth of the community,' said Agustin Arellano Sr., chairman of NV2A Group and board member of the NV2A-Haskell joint venture. 'It is an honor and privilege to be part of a project that will have an everlasting impact on the city. We look forward to delivering this incredible new terminal for Norwegian Cruise Line, PortMiami and Miami-Dade County.'