Virgin Group Founder Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages President & CEO Tom McAlpin were joined on Wednesday, November 28, by Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A.Gimenez, Chairwoman of Miami-Dade County Economic Development & Tourism Committee Rebeca Sosa and other government officials to announce plans to build a new cruise ship terminal for Virgin Voyages.
With the new terminal and long-term commitment to PortMiami, Virgin also revealed that its first cruise ship, Scarlet Lady, will continue to sailing to the Caribbean from Miami FL throughout 2021. The second ship of the company will sail from PortMiami during winter cruise season 2021-2022.
Sir Richard Branson also said that bookings for the inaugural season of Virgin Voyages will open for sale on February 14, 2019 for the general public and on February 5 for those with pre-sale deposits.
The new Virgin Voyages Terminal is to be located on the port's northwest side. Pending Board of County Commission’s approval of the MOU for building of a new cruise facility, along with subsequent berthing agreement, the project will start in 2019 and is slated for completion by November 2021, the start of the year’s cruise season.
The new terminal is expected to have a significant positive economic impact on the region.
The 100,000 ft2 terminal will be palm grove inspired design concept created by Miami-based designers from Arquitectonica.