PortMiami may be getting yet another new cruise terminal – this time, a dedicated terminal for Disney Cruise Line.
A memorandum of understanding or MOU was put before the Miami-Date Board of County Commissioners on September 5th giving Disney Cruise Line first rights to negotiate a new terminal on the south side of the port.
However, before the terminal is signed off, the port’s ship channel and turning basin must be widened and they must also acquire rights to land that is currently leased by Seaboard Marine for cargo use. If plans for the south side location fall through, another option located on the north side of PortMiami could be considered.
The plans for the new terminal detail a facility that will be able to accommodate ships of more than 3,500 passengers, perfect for Disney’s new ships. New-build ships for the cruise line are scheduled to debut in 2021, 2022 and 2023
“Disney Cruise Line has been a valued cruise partner at PortMiami since November 2012,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. “With new vessels on order through 2023, we are collaborating with the Disney team on a memorandum of understanding for the potential development of a new cruise terminal project.
“The new facility will allow the port to expand its cruise business by accommodating Disney vessels capable of carrying more than 3,500 passengers. Investing in PortMiami’s infrastructure positions Miami as a global destination for visitors. We couldn’t be more excited to work with Disney on expanding growth opportunities in Miami-Dade County.”
The agreement also details the potential for preferential berthing rights for Disney at Terminal J on Sundays, and at Terminal C on Saturdays beginning in 2020. Currently, the cruise line has preferential berthing rights at Terminal F on Sundays through to 2019.
The new terminal is set to bring in big money for PortMiami with dockage revenue to increase by $890,000 in 2019. It is also estimated to generate $2.7 million in gross revenue as Disney passenger numbers increase from the current 100,000 to 360,000 by 2023.
