Just days after MSC Cruises inaugurated what was billed as the world’s largest cruise terminal at PortMiami, the crown has already changed hands, and the new titleholder is on the opposite side of the globe.

Today, China launched operations at Xiamen International Cruise Terminal 2, marked by the departure of the cruise ship Adora Mediterranea (formerly known as Costa Mediterranea) from the southeastern port city of Xiamen, Fujian Province. The ceremony marked not just the start of voyages from the new facility, but the inauguration of what is now the world’s largest international cruise terminal complex by total floor area.

Spanning an immense 68,000 square meters on six floors above ground and two floors underground, Terminal 2 significantly outscales MSC Cruises Terminal AA in Miami, which measures approximately 45,787 square meters. The new terminal is part of the broader Xiamen International Cruise Ship Center, strategically located to support China’s ambitions of becoming a dominant force in global cruise tourism, China National Radio reported.

Designed to handle multiple large cruise ships simultaneously, including vessels up to 140,000 gross tons Terminal 2 is equipped with three berths and advanced passenger processing systems. These include biometric facial recognition, dual-screen security checkpoints, and terahertz scanning technology aimed at streamlining the boarding process to under 10 minutes per passenger.

What truly sets Xiamen apart is its integration of cultural and tourism components. The terminal hosts a unique theme park titled “Time Meets Island”, offering immersive experiences in Minnan heritage through performances, exhibitions, and a bustling night market. This seamless blend of travel infrastructure and local storytelling elevates the terminal beyond a simple transport hub into a curated cultural destination.

The launch of Terminal 2 is a major step forward for China's cruise industry expansion, especially following the COVID-era halt that saw international operations suspended for years. The presence of the Adora Mediterranea—China’s first domestically operated large cruise ship—signifies both national pride and a deepening commitment to revitalizing inbound and outbound cruise tourism.