Commissioner Louis Sola conducted a site visit of PortMiami to examine how ongoing capital improvement projects that support the cruise industry are being affected by the COVID-19 linked interruption to vessel operations.
The visit took place Tuesday at the recently completed Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Terminal where Commissioner Sola was hosted by PortMiami Director Juan Kuryla and cruise line executives.
Over the course of the meeting, Commissioner Sola was briefed on details of the terminal’s financing and construction, other planned or pending construction, and the port’s plans for moving forward after seven months of cruise inactivity.
“The cruise industry is an economic engine for communities throughout the United States. Walking through this impressive terminal with its beautiful artwork and grand architecture made clear to me that PortMiami and its partners are fully invested in the future of the cruise industry and the contribution it makes to South Florida. The capital construction projects at PortMiami have proven to be an economic lifeline to many during the COVID pandemic by providing jobs and generating business. It is a shame that no one can experience this facility with its art and architectural design. I look forward to a day soon when the public will be able to safely and confidently enjoy the experience of an ocean cruise. Thousands of Miami-Dade County residents depend on the work generated by cruise operations at PortMiami, and this facility needs to return to providing livelihoods for hardworking South Floridians,” said Commissioner Sola.
The visit was made as part of Commissioner Sola’s ongoing work on Fact Finding 30 and will be followed by a similar visit to Port Everglades next week.
Commissioner Louis Sola (Right) speaks with (L-R) Juan Kuryla (PortMiami) Steve Moeller (Norwegian Cruise Holdings), Luis Rocha (NV2A Group), and Hydi Webb (PortMiami) outside of NCL Cruise Terminal
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Terminal Terminal B at PortMiami