Royal Caribbean To Build New Miami Terminal

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has signed an agreement with Miami-Dade County to construct and operate a new cruise terminal at PortMiami, on land leased from the County.

The new terminal will be a striking addition to PortMiami and will serve as homeport to Royal Caribbean International ships, including a 5,400-passenger Oasis-class ship, the world’s largest. The agreement will come before the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners on July 6.

“We are truly excited to be working with Miami-Dade County and PortMiami to create not just another cruise terminal, but a truly iconic building,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “This new terminal is a symbol of our commitment to Miami, the city where our company first started almost 50 years ago. We can’t wait to bring an Oasis-class ship to PortMiami.”

Because of its distinct shape, the 170,000-sq. ft. foot terminal has been nicknamed the “Crown of Miami.” The design evokes the points of the symbolic headgear when viewed from the water; the ‘M’ of Miami when viewed from the east or western approaches; and a sense of waves rising or ships passing when viewed from the terminal side. At night, the terminal’s facade will be lit ensuring that the building makes a striking impression to the PortMiami landscape.

(http://www.RoyalCaribbean.com)