Key Aspects:
- Renovations are underway at Terminal A, which is Royal Caribbean’s usual cruise terminal in PortMiami.
- While the work is underway, guests will embark at Terminal AA, which is MSC Cruises’ state-of-the-art cruise terminal that opened in 2025.
- Wonder of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, and Freedom of the Seas will collectively visit PortMiami nine times before the month is over.
Royal Caribbean will be moving to a temporary home in PortMiami while renovations are completed at Terminal A, its usual passenger terminal.
A letter to passengers is instructing future guests to proceed to Terminal AA, which is utilized by MSC Cruises, to embark on their upcoming sailings.
Royal Caribbean did not specify what renovations are in progress at Terminal A or how long the closure would last, though it’s no secret that cruise terminals require continuous upkeep of marine infrastructure and passenger facilities.
“Our usual terminal is currently undergoing renovations, and in the meantime, we’re excited to be using the brand-new Terminal AA, courtesy of our friends at MSC,” Royal Caribbean wrote in a letter, which was shared in a Royal Caribbean Facebook group.
MSC Cruises only opened Terminal AA last year on April 5, 2025. The young facility is the largest cruise terminal in the world and is able to accommodate up to three large cruise ships simultaneously.
This also isn’t the first time that MSC Cruises has helped out. Cruise Hive previously reported that Freedom of the Seas docked at MSC’s facilities in October 2025 due to the demolition of Terminal G on Dodge Island.
Royal Caribbean’s new $345 million cruise terminal will take the place of the former building and is expected to open in 2027.
Navigating PortMiami
PortMiami is expecting nine ship calls from Royal Caribbean before the end of August, including repeat visits from Wonder of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, and Freedom of the Seas. Royal Caribbean did not confirm which specific departures will be affected.
Thankfully, the biggest impact to cruise guests seems to be where they drive, where they park, and how much they walk. No mid-voyage port calls should be affected by this change.
While it may feel counterintuitive, guests will need to drive past Terminal A in order to reach Terminal AA. It will be important to follow the blue “AA” signs, or else guests might get lost and will be forced to loop back around the busy port.
“You will drive by Terminal A, which belongs to Royal Caribbean. That is not your terminal – do not stop there. You’re sailing from Terminal AA for this sailing, so stay in the proper lane and follow the signs accordingly,” Royal Caribbean explained.
It’s worth noting that PortMiami has designated parking facilities for every cruise terminal, so guests who are commuting to the port will want to make sure they park in their assigned structure.
Finally, guests should keep in mind that MSC’s cruise terminal is a whopping 492,678 square feet, meaning they should don their comfy shoes and be prepared to walk.
“This terminal has the feel of an airport concourse, so please be prepared for some walking as you make your way through,” Royal Caribbean advised.
Guests who are unable to walk should contact Royal Caribbean to arrange for disability and/or mobility assistance.
