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, with an anticipated positive fiscal impact to the County of $23,148,594.00. The agreement grants preferential berthing rights at Cruise Terminal C, 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 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 a Minimum Annual Guarantee derived from MVAS's commitment to 100% vessel occupancy for each of the confirmed vessel calls set forth in Exhibit A (approximately 170 calls). The agreement was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on 7/21/2026, after being forwarded to the BCC with a favorable recommendation by the Aviation and Seaport Committee on 6/8/2026. Public comment: 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 in light of issues facing the port, asking whether it was advisable to enter into long-term agreements and grant berthing rights to new cruise lines. Mr. Wong explained barriers to entry were significant, noted the last major cruise line to begin operating at the seaport was Virgin Voyages, advised negotiations spanned nearly a year, described the agreement as notable in structure, and confirmed entering into the agreement was advisable. Commissioner Milan Orbis asked if he had any hesitation regarding the grant of berthing rights to a new cruise line, and Mr. Wong confirmed he did not.