Work starts on MSC Seaside's future Miami home

A rendering of PortMiami's expanded and renovated Terminal F.

Construction has begun on PortMiami's Terminal F, which will be expanded and renovated to accommodate the MSC Seaside, a ship due to enter service next December. Terminal F will also be home to the MSC Divina.

Miami-Dade County is funding the $38 million project, which will enable the terminal to manage embarkation loads of up to 6,000 passengers, according to the county. The MSC Seaside will accommodate 4,140 passengers at double occupancy but will have a maximum of more than 5,000.

MSC Cruises said it has been "actively involved in the entire process of designing the new cruise terminal." Under an agreement between the county and MSC Cruises, the port was obligated to expand the terminal.

Planned enhancements include an expanded waiting area with seating for 1,500, a larger VIP waiting area for MSC Yacht Club passengers, an improved baggage-claim area and the implementation of technology for faster embarkation and disembarkation. 

The terminal is expected to be ready by Dec. 1 next year, just prior to the MSC Seaside's arrival in PortMiami on Dec. 21.