Key Aspects:
- Freedom of the Seas will be docked at the MSC Cruises terminal in PortMiami for the ship’s October 27, 2025 departure.
- The regular terminal for Freedom of the Seas is currently being demolished to make way for a new terminal project in its place.
- The ship’s 5-night Western Caribbean itinerary is not impacted by the cruise port terminal change.
Any experienced cruisers who have ever driven to PortMiami know it can be confusing to arrive at the world’s busiest cruise port and not be sure of exactly where to go even on a good day. For guests boarding Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas on Monday, October 27, 2025, it will be even more confusing.
The cruise line reached out to booked guests to alert them to a terminal change for their sailing, noting that the switch was necessary.
“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,” the notification explained.
“Undergoing renovations” is a bit of an understatement, actually. Freedom of the Seas would normally dock at Terminal G on the western side of the port, but that terminal is currently being not just renovated, but completely demolished to make way for a new terminal.
Royal Caribbean also operates Terminal A, aptly nicknamed “The Crown of Miami” but that terminal will be unavailable for Freedom of the Seas on Monday, as the larger Oasis-class Wonder of the Seas will be using it.
To ensure guests find their way to Terminal AA, which is on the port’s eastern end, the notification provides careful instructions and cautions.
“This terminal has the feel of an airport concourse, so please be prepared for some walking as you make your way through,” the email advised. “There are multiple terminals at the port, so it’s important to follow the blue ‘AA’ signs along the road. These will guide you to the correct terminal.”
It’s especially important to note that guests will be passing Terminal A on their way to Terminal AA (seriously, why couldn’t it be named Terminal M for MSC Cruises? Virgin Voyages has Terminal V!). The two are actually adjacent but not connected.
The parking garage for Terminal AA will open at 11 a.m. Guests arriving early may find it difficult to find parking spaces until debarking guests have vacated the area.
Trust me, PortMiami’s traffic and parking is confusing enough at the best of times, do NOT arrive early thinking you’ll make it any easier.
In addition to Freedom of the Seas, five other cruise ships will be in port on Monday, October 27: Wonder of the Seas, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Jewel, Carnival Sunrise, and Carnival Conquest.
While the terminal change may be confusing, it will have no impact on Freedom of the Seas‘ 5-night Western Caribbean itinerary, with visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay and Cozumel, Mexico before the ship returns on Friday, November 1.
New MSC Cruise Terminal in Miami
About Terminal AA
The MSC Cruises terminal, Terminal AA, has only been open since April 5, 2025, when it debuted as the world’s largest cruise terminal. The 492,000-square-foot facility took three years to construct, and can welcome two ships simultaneously (three after further expansion in 2029).
The project emphasizes MSC Group’s commitment to US cruising and specifically to PortMiami and Caribbean itineraries.
“Our new cruise terminal is the most advanced in the world, designed to offer a seamless experience for our guests before and after their cruise,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the company’s cruise division, when the terminal opened. “This proud moment reflects our unwavering commitment to Miami and its vibrant community.”
Read Also: I Experienced Embarking at PortMiami’s New MSC Cruise Terminal
Special attention was paid to ensure the terminal is energy efficient, including the use of sustainable materials in construction and providing shore power connectivity for docked cruise ships.
The adjacent six-level parking garage can accommodate 2,400 vehicles, and there is dedicated access for ride share and public transportation to drop off or pick up guests.
Appeared first on: Cruisehive.com
