The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners today approved a 10-year berthing agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). This represents the first long-term agreement between the Port of Miami and NCL since the company began operating from the Port as the first Caribbean cruise line 42 years ago.

The agreement gives NCL priority access to two large-ship berths at Terminals B and C. In return, NCL will guarantee a minimum of $98 million in port fees over the term of the agreement. In addition, the Port is making a $10 million investment in upgrades to the terminals, including a new gangway and general improvements to make the guest experience more enjoyable and efficient.

“With berthing space becoming increasingly scarce and our recent extension of Norwegian Sky’s deployment in Miami year-round, we are pleased to have reached this agreement with the Port of Miami to guarantee NCL access to some of the last remaining large ship berths,” said Kevin Sheehan, NCL’s president and CEO. “The Port of Miami has been a long-term partner of ours and we see the Port as a vital part of our future.”

“NCL and the Port of Miami have grown together to expand our region’s business,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez. “Today, the Port of Miami, our community’s second largest economic engine, contributes approximately $17 billion to the local economy. We are very proud that this agreement cements NCL’s commitment to our community and ensures the Port’s standing as the Cruise Capital of the World.”

“The Port of Miami and NCL have had a long business relationship,” added Port of Miami Director Bill Johnson. “NCL began operations from the Port of Miami 42 years ago when the Sunward became the industry’s first ship to offer weekly passenger departures from Miami to the Caribbean. We are very pleased with the new berthing agreement with NCL, as this agreement provides a total minimum guaranteed revenue stream of more than $98 million throughout the 10- year initial term. We are extremely proud of this accomplishment and look forward to a continued partnership with NCL.”

The agreement takes effect immediately and renovations to Terminals B and C are expected to continue throughout the next 12-18 months