MARGARITAVILLE AT SEA

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

The document is a legislative item for a Resolution approving a Preferential Berthing Rights Agreement between Miami-Dade County and Classica Cruise Operator Ltd. d/b/a Margaritaville at Sea. The agreement grants preferential berthing rights at Cruise Terminal C at PortMiami. The anticipated positive fiscal impact to the County is $23,148,594.00. The term commences upon the first vessel call on January 9, 2027, through April 30, 2031, with two optional five-year renewal terms. The agreement includes a Minimum Annual Guarantee based on approximately 170 confirmed vessel calls. The resolution was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on July 21, 2026. The agreement is expected to generate approximately one million passenger movements and at least $23.15 million in guaranteed revenues over the five-year term. The agreement includes incentives for parking, marketing, non-peak day calls, and evening calls. The County has reassignment rights for Force Majeure events, construction activities related to the North Bulkhead Rehabilitation Project and Berth 10 Project, and governmental directives. The agreement is the first preferential berthing agreement with a new cruise line partner since the Port's 2019 agreement with Virgin Voyages. Commissioner Milan Orbis expressed appreciation for the revenue and was glad the County was bringing another cruise line into the port, but wished to proceed with caution and asked about long-term agreements and berthing rights. Mr. Wong explained barriers to entry, noted negotiations spanned nearly a year, 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 hesitation, and Mr. Wong confirmed he did not. The Committee forwarded to the BCC with a favorable recommendation on June 8, 2026.