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Miami Cruise Terminal
Miami, USA

Creating a new waterfront icon for the world’s largest cruise ships

The $100m new terminal for Royal Caribbean creates an unmistakable landmark at the gateway to Miami, the cruise capital of the world. Nicknamed the ‘Crown of Miami’ because of its shape, the building provides a dynamic addition to the port. It is home to the Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class vessels, some of the world’s largest cruise ships with space for over 5,400 passengers.

Our design concept was built upon three interrelated aspirations:

  • A building that represents Miami, celebrating the rich maritime history of South Florida through a design that creates a functional yet iconic form during the day, and serves as a canvas for colourful projections at night.
  • An exemplary passenger experience, featuring clear flows, comfortable areas and carefully detailed interiors.
  • Recapturing the romance of historic terminals by celebrating the ships and providing arriving passengers with an immediate sense of excitement for their upcoming journey.

Our concept began with a simple sketch: an ‘M’ for Miami alongside the Royal Caribbean logo. This evolved into our proposition to create a "new crown of Miami."

Comprising two linked buildings, the waterfront terminal to the north and car parking and arrivals to the south, the design references these two forms, evoking waves rising or ships passing when viewed from the side. This effect is achieved through the triangulation of the building’s solid faces, creating a dynamic profile that conveys movement and reflects the waterfront surroundings. An integrated coloured lighting scheme further enhances the building’s presence against the backdrop of stunning Floridian sunsets.

Royal Caribbean’s brand focuses not only on the cruise itself but also on the experiences beyond. To that end, we have designed the terminal around the passenger journey, considering every step—from arrival to collecting luggage to embarking the ship. It is a place for new experiences and an opportunity to bring the vibrant spirit of Miami to life.

Concept sketches for Miami Cruise Terminal, for which Broadway Malyan is delivering masterplanning, landscaping and branding services to client Royal Caribbean.

“Our aim was to create an iconic destination and arrival experience for passengers, which provides a great experience from curbside to ship in an innovative and modern cruise terminal.”

Jon Geaney, Practice Principal

“Our aim was to create an iconic destination and arrival experience for passengers, which provides a great experience from curbside to ship in an innovative and modern cruise terminal.”

Jon Geaney, Practice Principal

The main challenge was ensuring the proposed solution combined practicality and functionality with a design that made a significant visual impact and created a strong sense of arrival.

While the building’s profile adds a dynamic element to the port, the interior design focuses on enhancing the arrival experience. A triple-height space provides an open, airy feel and offers exceptional views of the docked ships as passengers arrive and move through the terminal. A sculptural propeller forms a major centre piece, creating an exciting focal point as passengers ascend to the departure lounge.

By splitting the building, the main terminal is separated from the noise and industrial views of the working port. This approach allows operational elements like parking, drop-off and baggage handling to be situated on one side of the terminal while prioritising quality spaces and facilities for passengers along the waterfront.

The external façade combines steel, aluminium and glazing and has been built using a simple prefabricated frame, prefabricated flooring panels and a repetitive system. This enabled the building to be constructed quickly and efficiently, at a lower cost.

Sustainability-focused enhancements reduced the building’s environmental impact, including rainwater collection and recycling for cooling, toilet flushing and irrigation. The main glazing wall faces north to maximise views and improve energy efficiency.

In addition to designing the building, Broadway Malyan provided masterplanning, landscaping and branding services, ensuring the client received an integrated approach to the project.

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