MARGARITAVILLE AT SEA

Aviation and Seaport Committee · 2026-06-08 · resolution

Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners is considering a resolution to approve a Preferential Berthing Rights Agreement with Classica Cruise Operator Ltd. d/b/a Margaritaville at Sea. The agreement is expected to generate at least $23,148,594.00 in revenue over a five-year term, commencing January 9, 2027, through April 30, 2031, with two optional five-year renewal terms. The cruise line will operate out of Terminal C. Commissioner Milan Orbis expressed appreciation for the revenue and the addition of another cruise line, while also noting caution due to current port issues and inquiring about the advisability of long-term agreements with new lines. Mr. Wong confirmed the agreement's advisability, noting significant industry barriers to entry and that negotiations spanned nearly a year. The agreement is unique among the port's cruise agreements. Commissioner Gilbert III restated the question regarding advisability, which Mr. Wong confirmed. Commissioner Orbis asked if there were hesitations regarding granting berthing rights to a new cruise line, and Mr. Wong confirmed there were none. The agreement includes incentives for off-peak utilization, terminal efficiency, traffic reduction, and demand promotion. Margaritaville at Sea is an emerging cruise line backed by private equity, focusing on short- and mid-length Caribbean itineraries, and will homeport three ships in Miami starting January 2027.