MSC Group officially inaugurated its new Barcelona cruise terminal on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting for the sleek new building.
The Explora II ship was the guest of honor, making its first call at the terminal.
The terminal actually opened on Feb. 15 on the Moll Adossat pier. The facility is used by MSC Cruises and luxury line Explora Journeys.
The building, designed by Spanish firm Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura, houses a waiting lounge, VIP lounge and retail.
It was designed with both local history and sustainability in mind. MSC said the blue ceramic exterior pays homage to "the rich Gaudi-inspired artistic history of Barcelona with a color inspired by the sea." Solar panels and a rainwater collection system helped the facility achieve a Gold LEED certification.
Five MSC ships will embark from the new terminal this summer: MSC World Europa, MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside, MSC Magnifica and MSC Orchestra.