MARGARITAVILLE AT SEA

Board of County Commissioners · 2026-07-21 · resolution

Resolution approving a Preferential Berthing Rights Agreement between Miami-Dade County and Classica Cruise Operator Ltd. d/b/a Margaritaville at Sea (MVAS). The agreement grants MVAS preferential berthing rights at Cruise Terminal C at PortMiami, with a five-year term commencing upon the first vessel call on January 9, 2027, through April 30, 2031, with two optional five-year renewal terms. The anticipated positive fiscal impact to the County is $23,148,594.00, with approximately one million passenger movements and at least $23.15 million in guaranteed revenues over the five-year term. The agreement includes a Minimum Annual Guarantee derived from MVAS's commitment to 100% vessel occupancy for approximately 170 confirmed vessel calls. The agreement is the first preferential berthing agreement with a new cruise line partner since the Port's 2019 agreement with Virgin Voyages. The Board of County Commissioners adopted the resolution on 7/21/2026. The Aviation and Seaport Committee forwarded it to the BCC with a favorable recommendation on 6/8/2026. Commissioner Milan Orbis expressed appreciation for the revenue and stated she wished to proceed with caution, asking whether it was advisable to enter into long-term agreements and grant berthing rights to new cruise lines. Mr. Wong explained the barriers to entry were significant, noted the last major cruise line to begin operating was Virgin Voyages, described the agreement as a five-year term with two five-year renewal options, and stated it would operate out of Terminal C. Commissioner Gilbert III restated the question, and Mr. Wong confirmed entering into the agreement was advisable. Commissioner Milan Orbis asked if he had any hesitation, and Mr. Wong confirmed he did not.