Royal Caribbean Breaks Ground on $345M PortMiami Terminal G

Royal Caribbean Group and Miami-Dade County officials broke ground on a new Cruise Terminal G at PortMiami on Jan. 8, launching a $345 million project designed to handle next-generation cruise ships and passenger volumes of up to 7,000 per vessel.

The redevelopment follows demolition work that began in July 2025 on the prior Terminal G building, which originally opened in 1999. PortMiami officials have said the new complex is scheduled for completion in late 2027.

Leaders frame Terminal G as a major port and skyline project

The Jan. 8 ceremony brought together Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, PortMiami Director and CEO Hydi Webb, Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty, and members of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners. Miami-Dade County Chief Operating Officer Jimmy Morales also attended.

Levine Cava linked the project to broader changes at the port, saying, “Our modern terminals are transforming how we do business and move people,” and adding that the new facility “will enhance Miami-Dade County’s skyline.”

Liberty described the development as a long-term commitment to the region. “The future Terminal G represents a major investment in Miami’s future,” he said, calling it a project that “reflects what matters most to us: innovation, collaboration, and delivering the world’s best vacations responsibly while creating jobs and supporting the local economy for years to come.” In separate remarks, Liberty also said the terminal is intended to deliver “a smarter, faster, more seamless experience for guests.”

Webb emphasized the port’s growth ambitions and called Miami the undisputed “Cruise Capital of the World,” saying the new terminal will strengthen PortMiami’s ability to meet current demand and future expansion.

What Terminal G is being built to handle

PortMiami and Royal Caribbean have described Terminal G as a multi-part cruise complex built to support larger ships, higher passenger volumes, and smoother ground transportation operations. The facility is planned to accommodate next-generation vessels, including ships in Royal Caribbean’s Icon class, and is designed for up to 7,000 passengers per ship.

• Multi-part complex: Plans include the cruise terminal, a multi-level parking facility, and a ground-level intermodal transportation hub intended to support buses, shuttles, and ride-share activity.
• Passenger-flow design: The main building is planned to separate passenger movement by floor, an approach intended to improve circulation and reduce congestion during embarkation and disembarkation.
• Single-berth operation and ship support: PortMiami has described the project as a single-berth terminal with supporting infrastructure for large cruise ships.

Sustainability is also a stated element of the project. The terminal is being designed to meet LEED certification standards, which officials have cited as part of the project’s technology-forward and efficiency goals.

Funding split and county approvals

PortMiami has outlined a public-private funding structure in which Royal Caribbean Group is contributing 54% of the $345 million total (about $186 million) and Miami-Dade County is providing the remaining 46% (about $159 million).

The Miami-Dade County Commission approved the project in November 2023. Construction is being delivered by the Lemartec-NV2A Joint Venture, led by Lemartec President and CEO Manuel R. Garcia-Tuñon and NV2A President and CEO Gilberto Neves, with Perez & Perez Architects & Planners also part of the development team.

Timeline from demolition to a late-2027 target

Work tied to the rebuild started with demolition of the former terminal structure in July 2025. With the January 2026 groundbreaking complete, PortMiami and Royal Caribbean have reiterated a late-2027 completion timeframe, with an opening targeted by the end of 2027.

Construction has prompted terminal changes for some sailings

Because the previous Terminal G building was removed to make way for the new complex, PortMiami and cruise lines have had to adjust terminal and berth assignments during the construction period. Royal Caribbean has notified guests in at least some cases that ships may depart from other terminals at PortMiami when dedicated facilities are not available.

One example cited by Royal Caribbean involved Freedom of the Seas, which was scheduled to depart PortMiami on Jan. 19 using MSC Cruises’ Terminal AA, with guests directed to follow port signage for the MSC facility and use Terminal AA parking for that sailing. Royal Caribbean has used the same terminal for Freedom of the Seas on other departures during the period of terminal shuffling related to the Terminal G redevelopment.

Terminal AA opened in April 2025 and measures 492,678 square feet across four levels, with the ability to handle multiple ships.

How Terminal G fits into PortMiami’s expanding terminal network

Terminal G is expected to complement other major cruise facilities at PortMiami, including Royal Caribbean Group’s Terminal A, which opened in 2018 and was designed to serve Oasis-class ships, and MSC Cruises’ Terminal AA. PortMiami has also described Terminal G as maintaining multi-vessel functionality, while remaining dedicated to Royal Caribbean Group.

Once complete, Terminal G is planned to serve ships across Royal Caribbean Group’s brands, including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. Royal Caribbean Group is headquartered in Miami and operates a fleet of 69 ships across five brands.

Construction is scheduled to continue through 2027, with PortMiami and cruise lines expected to keep coordinating terminal assignments until the new Terminal G complex comes online in late 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will PortMiami’s new Cruise Terminal G be complete?

PortMiami and Royal Caribbean have cited a late-2027 completion timeframe, with an opening targeted by the end of 2027. Work connected to the rebuild began with demolition in July 2025, and the project held its groundbreaking on Jan. 8, 2026.

What will the Terminal G complex include?

The project is being developed as a multi-part complex that includes the cruise terminal, a multi-level parking facility, and a ground-level intermodal transportation hub designed to support buses, shuttles, and ride-share activity. The terminal also includes design elements intended to separate passenger flow by floor to reduce congestion.

How is the $345 million Terminal G project being funded?

PortMiami has said the project is funded through a public-private partnership in which Royal Caribbean Group is contributing 54% (about $186 million) and Miami-Dade County is providing 46% (about $159 million). The Miami-Dade County Commission approved the project in November 2023.

What ships and passenger volumes is Terminal G designed to handle?

PortMiami has said Terminal G is designed for next-generation cruise ships, including Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class vessels, and for ships carrying up to 7,000 passengers.

How is Terminal G construction affecting current PortMiami cruise operations?

With the prior Terminal G building removed during the rebuild, some sailings have required alternate terminal arrangements. Royal Caribbean has told guests in some cases that ships may depart from other terminals at PortMiami, including using MSC Cruises’ Terminal AA for certain departures such as a scheduled Jan. 19 sailing by Freedom of the Seas.