Carnival Corporation Anchors New Era At Waterford Business District With $26.9M HQ Investment

In a move that signals both growth and deep local commitment, Carnival Corporation & plc—the world’s largest cruise company—has announced the purchase of a ±15-acre parcel in Miami’s Waterford Business District (WBD) for its new global headquarters.

The $26.9 million acquisition marks a transformative step for both the company and the evolving business landscape around Miami International Airport.

Located at the northeast corner of NW 65th Ave and NW 7th Street, the property will be home to a state-of-the-art, multi-building campus designed to unite over 2,000 North America shoreside employees across Carnival’s brands—including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and others—by 2028.

A Strategic Investment in People and Place

The development underscores Carnival Corporation’s 50+ year legacy in Miami-Dade County, reinforcing its role as one of the region’s largest private-sector employers.

“As the world’s largest cruise company, there is no better place for us to be based than Miami—the cruise capital of the world,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “Co-locating our North America shoreside team members on a shared campus… will foster even greater knowledge sharing, innovation, efficiency and career growth.”

The custom-built headquarters will offer between 600,000 and 700,000 square feet of workspace, incorporating modern amenities, collaborative zones, training facilities, and green spaces designed to enhance employee wellness and adaptability to new technologies.

Waterford Business District: A Magnet for Global Enterprises

The transaction was facilitated by the joint venture ownership of Waterford Business District between Nuveen Real Estate and PIMCO Real Estate, with Blanca Commercial Real Estate advising on the deal.

“Welcoming Carnival Corporation to Waterford Business District is a major milestone in our long-term vision for this campus,” said Charles Russo, Senior Director, Asset Management Lead – East Region, Nuveen Real Estate. “Their presence complements our growing roster of world-class tenants that include Assurant, Verizon, and Subway.”

The headquarters announcement comes amid growing momentum in the Airport submarket. According to Blanca’s Q1 Miami Office Snapshot, vacancy rates in the area have improved to 17.9% year-over-year, driven in part by demand for well-located, amenity-rich campuses like Waterford. This move by Carnival reflects a broader trend of companies reinvesting in purpose-built campuses that support today’s workplace needs—flexibility, connectivity, and quality of life.

A Regional Win with Global Implications

Local and state leaders hailed the project as a boost for economic development and talent attraction in the region.

“Carnival Corporation’s investment… is a win for Florida,” said J. Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Commerce. “It reinforces Florida’s position as number one in the global cruise industry.”

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava called the expansion “a powerful message” about the region’s strength as a business hub.

From cruise ships to corner offices, Carnival Corporation is doubling down on its roots—anchoring a new era of innovation, growth, and community investment in the heart of Miami.