MARGARITAVILLE AT SEA

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

The Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution R-630-26 approving a Preferential Berthing Rights Agreement between Miami-Dade County and Classica Cruise Operator Ltd. d/b/a Margaritaville at Sea (MVAS) for preferential berthing rights at Cruise Terminal C at PortMiami. The agreement has an anticipated positive fiscal impact to the County of $23,148,594.00 over 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 agreement is expected to generate approximately one million passenger movements and at least $23.15 million in guaranteed revenues over the five-year term. MVAS is granted preferential berthing rights to Cruise Terminal C on certain dates, with a Minimum Annual Guarantee derived from MVAS's commitment to 100% vessel occupancy for each of approximately 170 confirmed vessel calls. 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 Aviation and Seaport Committee forwarded the item to the BCC with a favorable recommendation on June 8, 2026. Commissioner Milan Orbis expressed appreciation for the revenue and noted she was glad the County was bringing another cruise line into the port, but wished to proceed with caution given issues facing the port. Mr. Wong explained the agreement was notable in structure, consisting of a five-year term with two five-year renewal options, and confirmed entering into the agreement was advisable. Commissioner Gilbert III restated the question, and Mr. Wong confirmed he had no hesitation regarding the grant of berthing rights to a new cruise line. The agreement was adopted on July 21, 2026.