By Shaneeva Yassin
Officially trademarked the ‘Cruise Capital of the World,’ PortMiami welcomed seven new cruise ships to its home as Miami continues to be the departure destination of choice for cruises to multiple locations around the world.
The news is music to cruise lovers’ ears, and what better way to celebrate than with welcoming watch parties for the new ships scheduled to set sail.
Previously home to 14 major cruise lines, PortMiami will extend that list with the addition of Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Breeze, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Reflection, Oceania Cruises’ Oceania Riviera, Costa Cruises' Costa Mediterranea and Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Navigator and Mariner. Additionally, for the very first time, Disney Cruise Lines launched a ship from PortMiami when the Disney Wonder sailed on December 23 offering both four and five night cruises to the Caribbean.
Whether looking to cruise to the Bahamas, Mexico, Caribbean, South America, Europe, the Far East and other exotic ports of the world, there’s a ship departing from Miami that will take you there. And the best part? Spending a few days to discover Miami and the Beaches pre or post cruise.
To fully accommodate cruise passengers and ensure smooth travels, PortMiami houses Terminal D and E, each with special design features and amenities including a VIP lounge, a high-tech security screening facility for embarkation, airline counters and an airport-style conveyor baggage system. Additionally, each features a one-stop federal multi-agency facility for passenger processing.
Arriving in November 2012, the Carnival Breeze, the newest ship in the distinguished Carnival Cruise Lines fleet, is be the line’s largest vessel to homeport in Miami. Also, debuted in November was the highly anticipated Oceania Riviera, a new addition to the Port’s growing number of luxury brand ships.
In December 2012, PortMiami welcomed the Celebrity Reflection, the fifth in the line’s premium Solstice Class. Looking towards 2013, PortMiami will also welcome the luxury Italian line MSC Cruises. Additionally, in 2014, Norwegian Cruise Line will launch the Norwegian Getaway, currently under construction in Germany.
To celebrate the arrival of the new ships this year, public welcoming events were held by The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau at Smith & Wollensky in Miami Beach for five of the new ships sailing from the port.
For more information on Miami Cruise Guide click here.
