Royal Reveal: The Work Behind Welcoming Queen Elizabeth to PortMiami
When the iconic Queen Elizabeth sailed into her new homeport of PortMiami, it marked a historic first: her debut in the Cruise Capital of the World®. While Cunard has previously operated Caribbean seasons, this is the first time in the line’s storied history that Queen Elizabeth will call PortMiami her home.
“It is an honor for a new cruise vessel to homeport at a cruise port,” said Frederick Wong, deputy port director at PortMiami, referring to the complex process of preparing a port to receive a ship as its new home – from technical assessments and agency approvals to community integration and red-carpet rollouts.
But what does it actually take to bring a cruise ship into a new homeport? The answer: a lot more than most people think.
Specs Before Sails
Before any contracts are signed or berths are assigned, PortMiami receives the ship’s full specifications. “We study everything,” Wong explains. “The length overall, the beam, the draft and more – just to make sure she fits like a glove in our navigational channel.”
Then comes the terminal match-up. “You take those specs and line them up against the terminal. Boarding bridges, boarding doors, boarding gates – two passenger boarding bridges are often required for some vessels.”
And that’s just the beginning.
On the dock, every detail is scrutinized – from provision doors to crew gangways to bollards, the sturdy posts used to secure ships with mooring lines. Crews analyze it all to ensure the port can properly handle the vessel.
The Two-Year Tango
The process starts long before the ship arrives. The entire process can take as long as two years, according to Wong. “We start talking to cruise lines early to lock in berthing, itineraries and schedules. That way, they can start selling cruises and we can start prepping.”
Once the technical teams give the thumbs up, long-term lease agreements are signed, and the process moves into the hands of federal, state and local agencies.
All Hands on Deck
Bringing a ship into a new homeport is a full-team effort. “The United States Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, the local sheriff’s office, port operations, public safety – everyone gets a review,” according to Wong. There are a few must-do formalities before the ship can dock.
First up is the Notice of Arrival (NOA) – the ship’s official heads-up to U.S. authorities, packed with details like arrival time, last port of call and who’s on board. Then comes the Declaration of Security (DoS), a signed agreement between the ship and the port that spells out who’s handling what when it comes to keeping things secure. And finally, the full manifest of crew and guests – a detailed roster of everyone sailing in, used by customs and immigration to verify identities and ensure everything checks out before the welcome mats are rolled out.
“While the vessel is alongside, the facility security officer submits a facility security plan to the Coast Guard and PortMiami,” Wong says. “Everyone is in lockstep.”
That kind of seamless coordination is only possible in a place built for it.
Location, Location, Location
It’s not just the coordination that sets PortMiami apart – it’s the place itself. The port’s proximity to open water, its vibrant surroundings and its deep integration with the city’s culture make it a natural choice for cruise lines looking to deliver both efficiency and experience.
“We’re the Cruise Capital of the World®,” Wong says. “Miami is the destination – our beaches, restaurants, events. And we’re only 2.5 miles from open water, which means ease and efficiency.”
PortMiami’s terminals aren’t just functional – they’re part of the community as well. “They’re architectural feats. When there are no ships alongside, they light up for Heart Month, Veterans Week – we’re integrated into the city,” he said.
The Final Turn
For Fred Wong, the moment Queen Elizabeth arrived was personal.
“When the vessel is chopping water and coming inbound, you have this excitement in your belly. All the work and planning – it’s finally here,” said Wong.
And while Queen Elizabeth may be the latest to call PortMiami home, the process behind her arrival is a masterclass in coordination, community and cruise culture.
“We’re a 522-acre island,” Wong adds. “And when you talk about 7,000 passengers debarking and embarking – with two bags each – all within nine hours… multiply that by ten, and that’s what we do every day. We love it. That’s why we’re the Cruise Capital of the World®.”
