2024
THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CRUISE ROUTE DESIGN

RECLAIMING THE CROWN

A NEW STRATEGY

NATURALLY APPEALING

How Hong Kong is charting a
return to its position as Asia’s
premier cruise hub

Jan Swartz explains how Carnival
Corporation’s restructuring will
empower its nine brands

Ports and destinations highlight the
outstanding natural experiences
drawing in cruise guests

Duluth

Toronto
Milwa

ukee

ay

Thunder B
Mackinac

Island

LAKE SUPERIOR
Duluth, Minn.
• Canal Park, 7.25 miles of Lakewalk and 5 top attractions
• Glennsheen Mansion and Gardens, tours and intrigue
• All-freshwater aquarium

LAKE MICHIGAN
Muskegon, Mich.
• Heritage Landing ship dock, craft breweries, markets, public art
• Silversides Submarine Museum with beach coastline
• Historic district, museums, art and architecture tours
Milwaukee, Wisc.
• Harley Davidson Museum, a global icon and No. 1 city pick
• German beer and bratz
• Milwaukee Public Market and Riverwalk

LAKE ERIE
Cleveland, Ohio
• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the city’s No. 1 attraction
• Cleveland Museum of Art, great for groups
• Trolley tours through the city

Green Bay, Wisc.
• Lambeau Field and Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, top attractions
• Green Bay Botanical Garden
• New public market on Fox River

LAKE HURON
Mackinac Island, Mich.
• Luxurious Grand Hotel with public dining
• Horse drawn carriage rides
• Rent bikes and lap the island

Ports of Call

Thunder Bay

Lake Superior

Chicago, Ill.
• Navy Pier’s public art, shopping and dining
• Chicago Architecture River Cruise, 2021 top attraction
er
Riv
ce
• Millennium Park and its interactive fountains and gardens
n
e
.
St

wr
La

QÚEBEC

ONTARIO

MINNESOTA

Houghton/Hancock
Bayfield

Quebec City

Marquette

Sault Ste. Marie
St. Ignace
Manistique
Mackinac Island

WISCONSIN

Milwaukee

Alpena
Traverse City

Bay City

Muskegon

Parry Sound

MAINE

VA SC
NOVA

Midland
Kingston

IOWA

ri o
Lake Onta

Oswego
Rochester
Welland Canal
NEW YORK
Sarnia
Buffalo
e
Eri
Windsor Lake
Erie

INDIANA

NEW HAMPSHIRE

MASSACHUSETTS

Atlantic Ocean
RHODE ISLAND
CONNECTICUT

Toledo

Cleveland
PENNSYLVANIA

ILLINOIS

VERMONT

Clayton

Port Huron

Holland

Burns Harbor

NEW
BRUNSWICK

Tobermory

Toronto

MICHIGAN

Detroit
Chicago

on
Hur
ke
La

Green Bay

Three Rivers

Sault Ste. Marie

Lake Michigan

Duluth

OHIO

Explore the

Great Lakes

THE GREAT LAKES ST. LAWRENCE SEAWAY SYSTEM is a shared U.S.Canadian waterway. Pristine rivers, lakes and channels make the Great Lakes
a cruising destination that strikes the perfect balance between ocean travel
and riverboating. The awe-inspiring experience includes traversing manmade
locks that create more than 2,000 miles of inland cruising.
This growing hub for luxury cruises includes the clear water of the St. Lawrence
River and all five freshwater Great Lakes. Picturesque ports are rich with
historic, maritime and Midwestern charm. Prime attractions are closely located
to berthing space. Unique onshore experiences immerse passengers in local
history, art, architecture and native cultures. Port communities on the Great
Lakes go out of their way to welcome cruise ships and their passengers as they
sail in throughout the spring, summer and fall. Your passengers won’t want to
miss the unexplored experience on the freshwater seas.

SHIP
FACTS
• About 1/3 of cruise vessels built today carry fewer than
400 passengers, providing a more intimate experience.
• Ships in the St. Lawrence Seaway are small enough to
navigate the locks and channels, but large enough for
superior handling and stability in rough seas.
• Maximum ship dimensions are length 225.50 m,
beam 23.77 m and depth 8.08 m.

COTIA

For information on transiting the locks and
channels of the St. Lawrence Seaway or
other Great Lakes destinations, contact:

REBECCA YACKLEY
Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation
(202) 297-9448 • rebecca.yackley@dot.gov

Jersey.
The perfect port of call

Discover sweeping dunes,
a patchwork of green fields,
towering cliffs and unspoilt
beaches in just 45 square miles
ports.je/cruisejersey

2024
Executive editor Jon Ingleton
Editor Alex Smith
Editorial team Alice Chambers,
Rebecca Gibson, Amber Hickman,
Laura Hyde, Richard Humphreys
Editorial contributor Michele Witthaus
Publication manager Kimberley McLean
Account managers Shelly Palmer,
Benedict Pask, Ben Surtees-Smith
Publisher Toby Ingleton
Production manager Stuart Fairbrother
Design Bruce Graham,
Libby Sidebotham, Dhanika Vansia
Cover image courtesy of Hong Kong
Tourism Board
Website development Chris Jackson
Circulation Ritwik Bhattacharjee
Advertise
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Foreword

Communicating success
In bygone times, itinerary planning was conceived and delivered by one department
and ratified by another. Nowadays, it has become a more complex undertaking
which draws on the expertise that resides in practically every department.
While technology continues to simplify some elements of the process, many
complications remain. Regulations, berthing competition, ship and shoreside
infrastructure, consumer demand, costs, sustainability – these and many other
factors can make itinerary planning a struggle for cruise lines, and often for ports and
destinations too. It takes the combined efforts of all industry stakeholders to achieve
their common objective; to keep guests happy while making a fair profit.
Today, the foundation of successful itinerary planning is effective communication.
The industry is blessed with countless skilled communicators and these pages are
full of them, starting with Jan Swartz in our keynote interview on page 6. Swartz
discusses Carnival Corporation’s ambitions for the future, including its plans for
“enhancing our destination development efforts, and increasing our engagement
with many external global stakeholders.”
Wise words can also be found in our Planner Perspectives section, which features
cruise executives Jaqui Nobile, Mike Pawlus, James Griffiths, Katy Berzins, Brad
Bennetts and Kristin Badgett, starting on page 50. Our featured port and destination
partners provide similar insight, beginning with the Hong Kong Tourism Board in
our cover story on page 24 and continuing on page 93.
We also explore the growing momentum behind installation of shore power facilities
on page 32, as ports and their partners discuss their progress.
The range of voices involved in the itinerary planning process is sure to grow
even further. But for now, we are grateful for the candid insights shared by our
contributors for this issue.
Read every page, it’s worth it!
Jon Ingleton
Executive Editor, Cruise & Ferry Itinerary Planning

The publisher reserves the right to accept
or reject advertising material and editorial
contributions. The publisher assumes no
liability for the return or safety of unsolicited
art, photography or manuscripts.

£24.00

3

CONTENTS
Keynote
6

Carnival Corporation’s Jan Swartz
outlines how the organisation’s
recent restructure will empower its
nine brands to create more distinct
guest experiences

6

Marketwatch
10

A collection of news from cruise
lines, ports and destinations
worldwide, as well as an overview
of the itineraries Celebrity Cruises
has planned for Celebrity Ascent’s
maiden season

Cover story
24 A look at how Hong Kong has
been working to reclaim its position
as Asia’s premier cruise hub since
the pandemic

Features
28 A selection of ports and destinations
around the world highlight natural
phenomena that are popular with
visiting cruise guests
32 CFIP gives an overview of the ports
that are installing shore power
facilities to help build a more
sustainable cruise industry

Maiden season
40 Guests sailing on Silversea Cruises’
newest ship Silver Nova can
participate in various excursions to
explore the local culture and cuisine
42 Cunard’s Queen Anne is scheduled
to debut in May 2024 with itineraries
exploring Western Europe, the
Western Mediterranean and the
Norwegian Fjords

4

24
44 Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven
Seas Grandeur will spend its maiden
season exploring the Mediterranean
and the Caribbean
46 Carnival Cruise Line’s third Excelclass ship will begin sailing in the
Western Caribbean in December
2023, visiting some of the brand’s
most popular destinations
48 Royal Caribbean International’s
newest and biggest ship will make
its debut in January 2024, departing
from PortMiami on both Eastern and
Western Caribbean voyages

Planner perspectives
50 Jacqui Nobile discusses Marella
Voyager’s maiden season
52 Katy Berzins outlines how TUI River
Cruises’ new itinerary will enable
guests to explore Egypt

48
54 Azamara’s Mike Pawlus explains how
the brand is delivering immersive
and transformative itineraries
58 Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours’
James Griffiths discusses the
challenges of planning global
itineraries
60 Kristin Badgett of Windstar Cruises
shares why the brand’s boutiquesized vessels help it deliver unique
cruise experiences
62 Brad Bennetts of APT and
Travelmarvel gives an insight into
why the brands’ Mekong River
cruises are becoming more popular

Report
63 Rescompany’s next-generation
itinerary planning system delivers
new capabilities in a web-based,
cloud-ready package

78 Cruise Norway hosts a familiarisation
trip to highlight some of Norway’s
southernmost ports and destinations

88
Association highlights
64 The Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River
and Atlantic Canada is a vast and
varied region offering a multitude of
experiences for cruise guest
72

75

CFIP reports on the key updates
shared at the MedCruise General
Assembly in Bulgaria in October 2023
Cruise Baltic’s Louise Røssell
details how the Baltic Sea region is
promoting responsible cruising

76 Klaus Bondam of CruiseCopenhagen
explains why Denmark is an attractive
destination for Baltic Sea cruises

82 MedCruise ports have achieved
significant growth in both 2022 and
the first half of 2023, pointing to a
return to pre-pandemic records
85 Sarah Rumley of the Atlantic Canada
Cruise Association speaks about
Atlantic Canada’s unique appeal and
record-breaking 2023 season
86 Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway
Development Corporation’s Rebecca
Yackley on why the Great Lakes is an
attractive cruise destination

Regional spotlight
88 Representatives from cruise lines
share why they offer itineraries in
and around Asia and share what
guests can expect when sailing in
the diverse region

Ports and destinations
Europe
93 Visit Guernsey
94 Orkney Harbours
Mediterranean
95 Port of Tarragona
Asia
96 Okinawa Convention & Visitors
Bureau
North America
99 PortMiami
100 Port of Seattle
102 Tourism Prince Edward Island

Featured ports
& destinations
105 Our guide to some of the most
popular ports and destinations in
the world

Cruise & Ferry is proud to partner with the following organisations to
support and promote their global visions and objectives

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is the
Caribbean’s tourism development agency comprising
membership of 27 countries and territories, as well as
a myriad of private sector allied members.
www.onecaribbean.org

CLIA is the world’s largest cruise association and is
dedicated to the promotion and growth of the cruise
industry. CLIA was formed in 1975 in response to a need
for an association to promote the special benefits of
cruising. www.cruising.orgen-gb

Interferry is the only shipping association
representing the ferry industry worldwide
There are currently 220 members (representing
approximately 500 individuals) from 34 countries.
www.interferry.com

The International Federation of Interior Architects/
Designers is the global authority for professional
interior architecture and design organisations. It
provides a forum for exchanging and developing
knowledge and experience in education, research
and practice. www.ifiworld.org

The World Ocean Council is a global, cross-sector alliance
committed to promoting corporate ocean responsibility.
It brings together over 35,000 ocean industry and media
stakeholders from around the world to collaborate on
responsible use of the seas. www.oceancouncil.org

Established in Beijing in 2012, World Tourism
Cities Federation (WTCF) is a non-profit
international organisation whose members
include many major cities and tourism-related
institutions. en.wtcf.org.cn

5

KEYNOTE

A new
strategy
Carnival Corporation’s Jan Swartz
tells Michele Witthaus how the
organisation’s recent restructure will
empower its nine brands to create
more distinct guest experiences

C

arnival Corporation underwent
a comprehensive restructure
in June 2023, resulting in the
dissolution of the Holland America
Group and the creation of six new
operating units. With the winding down
of the Holland America Group, former
president Jan Swartz has embarked on
a new role as Carnival Corporation’s
executive vice president of strategic
operations, which sees her leading
strategy and innovation, external affairs,
corporate marketing, and destination
development across all its brands. In
addition, she is overseeing its global ports
and destination development functions,
as well as Alaska-Yukon land operations.
As a result of the corporate shakeup, the AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise
Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland
America Line, P&O Cruises (Australia),
P&O Cruises (UK), Princess Cruises
and Seabourn brands are expected to
gain greater autonomy regarding all
operational matters.
Specifically, responsibility for port
and destination management has been
handed back to the individual brands,
with potential implications for fleet
deployment, itinerary planning and port
and destination management.

6

“With the recent changes to our
organisational and leadership structure,
we removed layers between corporate and
our brands,” says Swartz. “Our process to
slowly unwind Holland America Group
really began over a year ago, and we
had been systematically shifting select
shared services responsibilities from
that group back to the brands to drive
enhanced performance.”
Brand leaders now report directly to Josh
Weinstein, president and CEO and chief
climate officer of Carnival Corporation,
which Swartz says has given them “more
autonomy, flexibility and speed”.
The remaining shared service functions
have been relocated to corporate, with the
intention of generating further benefits for
the brands from even greater scale.
“By removing layers between corporate
and the brands and including a direct
line of reporting into Josh, the brands
can operate with greater speed and
responsiveness to market demands
and opportunities,” explains Swartz.
“It also gives them more control and
accountability, which is vital to their
success and their ability to own their
space in the vacation market.”
Beyond delivering greater agility around
brand-specific ambitions, how does Swartz

7

Photo: thenewsmarket.com

Photo: Princess Cruises

KEYNOTE

Holiday highlights
Collectively, Carnival Corporation’s
brands sail to more than 700 ports
around the world, aiming to offer
guests the opportunity to explore both
well-known and off-the-beaten track
destinations during itineraries of various
lengths. Below are some of the notable
itineraries for the 2023-2024 and 20242025 seasons.

AIDA CRUISES
Carnival Corporation’s restructure will make it easier for brands to deliver new onboard
experiences tailored to their guests’ specific interests

see the corporate changes playing out in
the company’s overall strategy?
“In terms of the bigger picture, the
realigned structure optimises our support
of the business and brands and helps to
expedite the achievement of our longterm goals, as we rebuild our financial
fortress and deliver shareholder value
over time,” she says.
“From a corporate perspective, the
realignment created an opportunity to
establish our new strategic operations
function, which I’m honoured to be able

new structure will allow our brands to
move faster in responding to their guest
and travel agent needs.”
In her capacity as executive vice
president of strategic operations, Swartz has
begun the process of collecting feedback
from all the brands. “After announcing our
corporate realignment, I spent eight weeks
on a global listening tour,” she says. “I’ve
gathered great input from our talented
teams on how we at corporate can best
support their brand efforts and help drive
company priorities even further.”

“Eachofourbrandsoffersadistinct
guest vacation experience. Our new
structure will allow our brands to move
faster in responding to their guest and
travel agent needs”
to lead. Our new group brings critical
teams closer together for even greater
collaboration and impact as we continue
pushing forward important company
initiatives, while helping optimise
execution at the brand level to boost our
overall collective success.”
Crucially, the new group structure will
allow for greater freedom for each of the
company’s cruise lines to shape product
offerings to the needs of their customers.
“Each of our brands offers a distinct guest
vacation experience,” says Swartz. “Our

8

As one of the global company’s most
experienced executives, Swartz is keen to
share what she has learned over the years
with the current brand heads too. She adds:
“My personal experience in leading several
of our brands also helps inform how we
will approach future collaboration across
the brands. Our key priorities will be
supporting the brands in driving next-level
revenue generation capabilities, enhancing
our destination development efforts, and
increasing our engagement with many
external global stakeholders.”

Germany-based operator AIDA Cruises’
2023-2024 winter programme includes
various itineraries to destinations in Asia,
the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean,
the Caribbean, South America, the
Seychelles, the Indian Ocean and the
United Arab Emirates.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
In September 2023, Carnival Cruise Line
launched sales on approximately 400
cruises that will bring guests to its new
purpose-built cruise destination for its
guests in the Bahamas, Celebration Key.
The first of these calls will take place in
July 2025.

COSTA CRUISES
Costa Serena is to become the largest
cruise ship to operate domestic
itineraries in India in November 2023.
The ship will provide 33 sailings calling
at Mumbai, Cochin, Goa and, for the
first time, the Lakshadweep islands.
Meanwhile, six ships will offer new
extended Costa Voyages in spring and
autumn 2024 to destinations like Egypt,
the Azores, the Balearic and Greek
islands, Morocco and Northern Europe.

CUNARD
Two of Cunard’s ships will offer world
cruises in 2024, with Queen Victoria
operating a 107-night roundtrip from
Southampton, UK, to North America,
Australia, Asia, South Africa and Europe.
Queen Mary 2 will offer a 123-night
voyage from New York, USA, to the
Mediterranean, Asia, Australia, South
Africa and Europe.

Photo: Princess Cruises
Photo: Holland America Line

rtin
Photo: Scott Ma

Clockwise from the top,
Princess Cruises will make 86 visits to
Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park, Holland
America Line will head to Iceland, and
Seabourn Pursuit will sail Seabourn’s first
cruises in The Kimberley in Australia

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE

P&O CRUISES (UK)

The brand’s 2024 Canada and New
England season will feature 29 sailings that
range from weeklong getaways to longer
journeys that either depart or end in Boston,
Massachusetts. One extended roundtrip
Boston itinerary also stretches up to Iceland
and Greenland.

The UK-based brand’s new series of
holidays for summer 2024 will include
popular island itineraries to destinations
like Ibiza in Spain and Mykonos in Greece,
as well as voyages to the Norwegian
fjords, short breaks to Amsterdam in the
Netherlands, and more. Highlights will
include extended time in many destinations
for new tailored shore experiences.

P&O CRUISES (AUSTRALIA)
In 2023, P&O Cruises marked 90 years of
sailing in Australia. In the 2024-2025 season,
its three ships will offer 157 sailings calling at
46 destinations across Australia, New Zealand
and the South Pacific Islands.

PRINCESS CRUISES
In summer 2024, Princess Cruises will
celebrate 55 years of Alaska sailings by
basing seven ships in the region to provide a

total of 158 departures of 14 unique itineraries
from four different homeports. In total, the
ships will visit 17 Alaskan destinations and
make 86 visits to Glacier Bay National Park.

SEABOURN
New ship Seabourn Pursuit will sail
Seabourn’s first expedition cruises in The
Kimberley in Australia between June and
August 2024. It will also visit Papua New
Guinea, West Papua, Indonesia and the South
Pacific. Another highlight will be Seabourn
Sojourn’s 90-day ‘Grand Africa Voyage’ from
Barcelona, Spain, to 44 marquee and lesserknown ports in 26 countries.

9

MARKETWATCH

Celebrity Cruises’ new
Edge-series ship to
debut in the Caribbean
CelebrityAscentwillofferalternating
seven-night itineraries from its
homeport of Port Everglades

C

elebrity Cruises’ newest
Edge series ship, Celebrity
Ascent, is to spend its
maiden season sailing Eastern and
Western Caribbean itineraries from
Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades in
Florida, USA.
The ship will sail two preview
cruises in November 2023 ahead
of its official maiden voyage. The
first sailing will be a four-night
Western Caribbean itinerary on 22
November, followed by a three-night
Bahamas cruise on 26 November.
On 3 December 2023, Celebrity
Ascent will sail a seven-night
Eastern Caribbean maiden voyage,
which will call at Philipsburg,
St. Maarten; Charlotte Amalie,
St. Thomas; and Puerto Plata,
Dominican Republic. The ship
will then alternate seven-night
Eastern and Western Caribbean
itineraries until April 2024, visiting
destinations in The Bahamas,
Mexico, Grand Cayman, Puerto
Rico, Tortola and St. Kitts.
On 24 December 2023, Celebrity
Ascent will depart on its sevennight ‘Bahamas, Mexico and Grand
Cayman Holiday’ itinerary, followed
by a seven-night ‘San Juan, Tortola
& St. Kitts Holiday’ itinerary
departing on 31 December 2023.
Celebrity Ascent has all the design
features and onboard amenities
offered by its sister ships, Celebrity

10

Edge, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity
Beyond, including its industryfirst outward facing design which
maximises views and outdoor areas.
It will also offer guests redesigned
restaurants, a new immersive dinner
experience, expanded food and
cocktail menus, a new whiskeytasting experience and a plant-based,
multi-course dinner.
“I am so excited to introduce
the world to Celebrity Ascent and
continue the legacy of Celebrity’s
Edge series,” said Laura Hodges
Bethge, president of Celebrity
Cruises. “Continuously striving to
offer travellers a better way to enjoy
travel and reach the world around
them, we are so proud of what we
have built and look forward to
welcoming both seasoned and new
cruisers alike.”
Celebrity Ascent will reposition to
the Mediterranean on its 13-night
‘Portugal and Spain Transatlantic’
itinerary in April 2024, which calls
at Tenerife in the Canary Islands,
Madeira in Portugal and Malaga and
Barcelona in Spain after six nights
at sea. For summer 2024, the ship
will offer a number of itineraries,
including a nine-night ‘Italian
Riviera and France’ itinerary and a
12-night ‘Best of Greece and Italy’
itinerary, which calls at Rome and
Naples in Italy and the Greek islands
of Mykonos and Santorini.

Photos: Celebrity Cruises
Photo: Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises to sail new Caribbean
voyages for winter 2024-2025

Celebrity Summit will sail five new
itineraries from February to April 2025

Four Celebrity ships – Celebrity Apex,
Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Equinox,
and Celebrity Summit – will embark on a new
programme of Caribbean cruises for the winter
2024-2025 season.
Sailing from Port Canaveral, Port Tampa
Bay and Port Everglades in Florida, the
vessels will offer more than 40 new itineraries
ranging from five to nine nights long, visiting
destinations including Belize, The Bahamas,
the Cayman Islands and Puerto Rico.
From 23 October 2024 to 8 March 2025,
Celebrity Apex will offer five new sailings,

ranging from six to seven nights, while
Celebrity Summit will sail five new itineraries
between 25 February 2025 and 10 April 2025
ranging from five to nine nights. Twenty new
itineraries will be offered from Port Canaveral
onboard Celebrity Equinox from 21 November
2024 to 19 April 2025. Two sailings on 1 and 15
March 2025 will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay,
Royal Caribbean International’s private island
destination. Finally, Celebrity Constellation will
offer more frequent six- to seven-night cruises
from Port Tampa Bay, with a total of 14 sailings
from 2 January to 6 April 2025.

11

MARKETWATCH

DID YOU KNOW?

PowerCon installs shore
power system at Aarhus

46%

In June 2023, Port of Aarhus in Denmark inaugurated a shore power system
supplied by technology provider PowerCon. The port has since connected
several cruise ships successfully, including vessels from Fred. Olsen Cruise
Lines (pictured) and AIDA Cruises.
So far in 2023, PowerCon has been awarded several projects in main ports
across Europe, underlining the company’s position as a leading supplier.
Photo: PowerCon

of the global fleet of CLIA
member ships are fitted to
operate on shore power

80.3%
of CLIA member ships have
advanced wastewater treatment
systems installed onboard

60%
of CLIA member ships are installed
with efficiency tracking systems

25 ships
MSC Cruises and Port
of Kiel inaugurate shore
power facility
MSC Cruises and the Port of Kiel officially inaugurated
the shore power facility at the German port’s
Ostuferhafen Terminal on 25 September 2023, during
the call of the line’s flagship, MSC Euribia.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Daniel
Günther, Prime Minister of the State of SchleswigHolstein, and Ulf Kämpfer, Lord Mayor of Kiel, as well
as representatives of the port management, technical
partner Siemens, MSC Euribia’s Captain Christopher
Pugh, and senior representatives of the cruise line.
MSC Euribia will also use the shore power
facility at the Port of Hamburg during its winter
2023-2024 season.
Read more about shore power facilities for cruise
ships at ports around the world on page 32.

12

Photo: MSC Cruises

on order for the next five years
will be LNG-powered

MARKETWATCH

SeabourntovisittheSouthPacificandAustraliain2024
a series of 15-day itineraries to Papua New Guinea and
West Papua, Indonesia, in May and June, and again in
August and September 2024. In June, July and August
2024, Seabourn Pursuit will offer six 10-day expedition
voyages between Broome in The Kimberley and Darwin in
Australia’s Northern Territory.

Virgin Voyages reveals 27 itineraries
with visits to 19 new ports

Virgin Voyages will offer 63 itineraries
around the world in 2024 after it unveiled
plans for 27 new itineraries, which will
include maiden calls to 19 ports. The new
voyages will see the Richard Bransonowned cruise operator return to the UK,
with a series of voyages scheduled to sail
from Portsmouth.
“We’re thrilled to announce more than
two dozen new itineraries featuring
incredible experiences,” said Shane Riley,
vice president of UK and international sales.
“We’re also incredibly excited to offer new
ports of call, including a return to our British
roots, with new sailings for Resilient Lady
from Portsmouth from mid-August 2024.”

14

Photo: Virgin Voyages

Seabourn is to offer its first-ever expedition itineraries to
both the South Pacific and The Kimberley in the north of
Western Australia from March to October 2024.
Seabourn Pursuit will operate 14, 17 and 20-day voyages
from Chile to Melanesia in March and April, and again
in September and October 2024. The ship will then sail

Photo: Azamara

Azamara introduces 155-night
World Cruise for 2026
Chichen Itza in Mexico, Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, Taj
Mahal in India, Machu Picchu in Peru, The Roman Colosseum
in Italy, The Great Wall of China, and the desert city of Petra
in Jordan. The voyage is scheduled to conclude on 11 June
2026 in Barcelona, Spain.
Photo: American Cruise Lines

Small-ship cruise line Azamara has unveiled plans for its
2026 world cruise onboard Azamara Onward from Miami,
departing on 6 January.
The 155-night itinerary will take in 36 countries over six
continents, including visits to seven wonders of the world:

Oceania Cruises’ Allura to sail to over
92 destinations during inaugural season

Photo: Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises has revealed its new ship, Allura, will visit
more than 92 destinations during its inaugural season in
summer 2025, with itineraries ranging from seven to 34
days in length.
Allura’s maiden voyage is a seven-day cruise departing
on 8 June 2025 from Athens in Greece to Istanbul in
Turkey, visiting Santorini, Heraklion and Rhodes in Greece
and Bodrum, Ephesus and Canakkale in Turkey.
Allura will sail several more itineraries in the
Mediterranean before embarking on the 34-day ‘Explorer’s
Grand Crossing’, a cruise from Rome in Italy to New York,
USA, departing on 27 August 2025.

American Cruise Lines
introduces new cruises to
US national parks

American Cruise Lines has introduced two new US
National Park cruises for 2024. The 18-day and 15-day
itineraries will enable passengers to visit destinations
in Alaska such as Glacier Bay, the Inside Passage and
Frederick Sound, along with guided tours in Denali and
Kenai Fjords National Parks.
The 18-day ‘Grand Alaska National Parks’ itinerary sails
from Fairbanks, Alaska on 17 June 2024, and on 26 June
2025. The 15-day ‘Alaska National Parks’ itinerary departs
on 27 August and 3 September in 2024, and on 23 July
and 26 August in 2025.

15

St Peter Port, Guernsey’s
capital and one of the
most picturesque ports
in Europe, is a stunning
location for cruise ship calls.
With quality port services,
professional handling
arrangements and a warm
meet and greet, Guernsey
is the ideal port of call.

For more information contact
cruiseguernsey@gov.gg

guernseytrademedia.com/cruise

MARKETWATCH

Cruise tourism generates record AUS $5.63 billion for Australia
Photo: Unsplash/Jamie Davies

Australia’s cruise industry generated a
record AUS $5.63 billion (US $3.6 billion)
for the economy in the 2022-2023 financial
year, according to a new economic impact
assessment jointly commissioned by Cruise
Lines International Association and the
Australian Cruise Association.
Cruise operations resumed in Australia
in mid-2022, two years after the start of
the Covid pandemic, bringing “significant
economic impact” to every state and
coastal territory. Statistics from The
Value of Cruise Tourism economic impact
assessment show that the total economic
output was 22.1 per cent higher than in
2018-2019, the previous full year of cruise
operations in Australia.

Turnarounds on the
increase at Le Havre, France
The Port of Le Havre in northern France is seeing
an increase in cruise turnarounds in its timetable for
2023-2024, with both Compagnie Française de Croisières
and MSC Cruises adding more sailings from the port.
During summer 2023, Compagnie Française de
Croisières operated seven departures from Le Havre
onboard its ship, Renaissance. The company will return
to the port at the end of February 2024, with 18 full
turnarounds planned for the 2024 season.
MSC Cruises’ MSC Euribia resumes its weekly sailings
to Le Havre from mid-October 2023, with 26 partial
turnaround calls planned for the autumn/winter 20232024 season.
Cruise brands Cunard, Rivages du Monde, Norwegian
Cruise Line and Costa Cruises also offer opportunities to
start a cruise from Le Havre.
Photo: Nicolas Gerk

Photo: Seabourn

Seabourn Pursuit makes maiden
call at the Port of Valencia

Seabourn Pursuit, Seabourn’s second purpose-built
expedition ship, made its first call at the Port of Valencia
in Spain on 11 September 2023.
The milestone was celebrated with a traditional plaque
exchange ceremony onboard. Francesca Antonelli,
head of marketing and cruises of the Port Authority
of Valencia, handed over the traditional socarrat – the
Valencian terracotta tile designed with maritime motifs –
to the ship’s captain, Stig Betten.

17

Photo: Foyle Port

MARKETWATCH

A record season for Foyle Port
from recently launched French cruise line, Compagnie
Française de Croisières.
The port in Derry-Londonderry provides access into the
Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in one visit, giving
passengers the opportunity to discover the local coastlines,
countryside, and beaches, as well as the historic city itself.

Portland Port’s multimillionpoundinvestmentpaysoff
In 2023, Portland Port completed a new deep-water berth
and extended the existing outer coaling pier, the largest ever
investment by the port in its facilities.
The £25 million ($30.7 million) investment saw the creation
of 16,000 square metres of new quayside space and
delivered two berths capable of handling cruise ships up to
350 metres in length simultaneously. The investment has
enabled Portland Port to welcome 55 cruise calls and nearly
130,000 guests during its record-breaking 2023 season.
Photo: Portland Port Group

Photo: Disney Cruise Lines

Foyle Port in Ireland’s Northwest has had a record year for
cruise operations, welcoming 16,000 passengers and crew
across 18 ships during the 2023 cruise season. The port
received maiden calls from eight ships, including a visit
by Explora I from MSC Group’s new luxury cruise brand,
Explora Journeys, and the freshly refurbished Renaissance

When it launches in 2024, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Treasure
will pay homage to the fictional land of Agrabah from Aladdin in
the ship’s Grand Hall.

18

Gibraltar to construct
new cruise terminal

DID YOU KNOW?
According to CruiseMapper, there are

more than
2,000 ports

Gibraltar is to build a new 3,817-square-metre, sustainable cruise terminal.
The ground floor of the two-storey facility will be used to process cruise
passengers, while the first floor will be used for events and conferences, and
possibly feature several shop units.
“This new facility will provide a luxurious passenger experience, in a worldclass environment, including improvements in the surrounding area,” said Vijay
Daryanani, Gibraltar’s Minister for Tourism.

Photo: Viking

Photo: Ministry of Business, Tourism and The Port

Photo: Royal Caribbean International

which cruise ships can dock at
around the world.

Viking Sobek to sail additional Nile River cruises

Viking’s 82-passenger ship Viking Sobek will offer Nile
River sailings after its debut in 2025, becoming the sixth
ship in the cruise line’s fleet to sail the 12-day ‘Pharaohs and
Pyramids’ itinerary.

“We are very pleased with the continued interest in Egypt
and are proud to be the only western company to build,
own and operate ships on the Nile,” said Torstein Hagen,
chairman of Viking.

19

Anchorage

Hubbard Glacier

Skagway
Glacier Bay
Juneau
Sitka

SEATTLE
Perfectly positioned
With three shore power cruise berths, a natural deep water harbor,
award-winning airport, and a vibrant tourism economy, Seattle is
perfectly positioned as the largest cruise port on the West Coast.

Ketchikan
Prince Rupert

Vancouver
Victoria

Seattle
Astoria

Eureka

San Francisco
Monterey

Santa Barbara
Los Angeles
San Diego
Ensenada

LEARN MORE

www.portseattle.com/cruise
por tseattle.org

HaifaPorttocreateIsrael’sfirst
purpose-built cruise terminal

AIDA Cruises to call at
Japanese ports for the
firsttimein2025

Gadot Group, after the port was
privatised earlier this year.
Bermello, Ajamil & Partners, which has
successfully executed cruise terminal
projects in six continents, has created a
design that aims to be “especially sensitive
to the history and culture of Israel” as well
as the planned waterfront development.
Photo: Haifa Port Company

Haifa Port in Israel has appointed Bermello,
Ajamil & Partners to design the country’s
first purpose-built cruise terminal.
The new cruise terminal is set to
become the first significant project
for the port’s new owners, majority
stakeholder Adani Ports and Special
Economic Zone and minority partner

Photo: Unsplash/Atul Vinayak

MARKETWATCH

AIDA Cruises will call at several
ports in Japan for the first
time as part of its 2025 cruise
programme, which includes a
15-day ‘Grand Japan Round Trip’
onboard AIDAstella.
The ship will depart from the
port of Yokohama in Tokyo Bay
on 2 April, before visiting the
ports of Tokyo, Kobe, Kanmon
Passage, Busan, Kanazawa,
Niigata, Akita, Hakodate,
Miyako and Shimizu. The cruise
will then end with a return to
Tokyo on 17 April.

Colombia prepares for growth
in 2023-2024 cruise season

Photo: ProColombia

Colombia is preparing for the start of its 2023-2024 cruise season, with the
South American country anticipating an economic impact of $50 million from
the cruise industry.
According to data provided by port authorities to government agency
ProColombia, at least 30 cruise lines will make calls in Colombia during the season,
carrying an estimated 334,000 passengers. Visiting companies will include Royal
Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America
Line, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, and AIDA Cruises, among others.

21

MARKETWATCH

Photo: South Pacific Cruise Forum

Tahiti hosts second edition of
SouthPacificCruiseForum
The second edition of the South Pacific Cruise Forum took place
on 18 and 19 October 2023 in Tahiti, led by the South Pacific
Cruise Alliance, the Australia Cruise Association and the Tahiti
Cruise Club in partnership with the Pacific Tourism Organisation.
Delegates from 18 countries and territories in the South Pacific,
Europe, Australia and the USA met to exchange ideas with the
executives of attending cruise lines, including Ponant, Lindblad,
Windstar Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and
others. Topics under discussion at the conference included
economic issues associated with the industry, delivering inclusive
and sustainable cruising, the societal acceptability of cruising
and itinerary optimisation for the benefit of local populations.
The insular South Pacific represents the world’s largest
maritime cruising area, and the region receives more than
2,000 cruise calls a year to its hundreds of islands.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

14-15 November | Madrid, Spain

International Cruise Summit
Photo: International Cruise Summit

Seatrade Cruise Global
8-11 April 2024 | Miami, Florida, USA
www.seatradecruiseevents.com/global
The world’s largest cruise event, Seatrade Cruise
Global, will bring together the global cruise
industry, with more than 600 exhibitors and
over 100 cruise brands set to attend.

CTO Sustainable
Tourism Conference
22-24 April 2024 | St. George’s, Grenada
www.caribbeanstc.com
The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s annual
event examines how member states can
implement sustainable tourism policies and
programmes.

CLIA UK & Ireland
23-25 May 2024 | Southampton, UK
cruising.org/en-gb/events/2024/may/
clia-conference-2024

The International Cruise Summit takes place in Madrid, Spain on 14 and 15
November 2023, with an agenda packed with presentations, panels, games,
networking and social events.
The annual event sees cruise line executives and delegates from all
sectors of the cruise industry come together to discuss key issues
affecting the industry, from geopolitics issues affecting itineraries,
sustainability, and new developments with an eye in the markets of the
future and sales strategies.

22

Over two days in Southampton, CLIA UK &
Ireland 2024 will offer ship visits, conference
sessions, an industry trade fair, and a
celebratory evening event.

Seatrade Cruise Med
11-12 September 2024 | Málaga, Spain
www. www.seatradecruiseevents.com/med
Seatrade Cruise Med returns to Malaga in 2024,
offering attendees the chance to network with
peers, source new itineraries and solutions and
learn about the region’s future.

CRUISE PORT TAMPA BAY
America’s favorite vacation is back in full swing at Port Tampa Bay. Choose from some of the world’s
most popular cruise lines and a host of itineraries throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. And just
steps from your ship, Port Tampa Bay guests have an incredible variety of activities and entertainment
to enhance their cruise experience, including Ybor City (Tampa’s Latin Quarter), The Florida Aquarium,
Sparkman Wharf and Downtown Tampa’s Riverwalk. In fact, all of the greater Tampa region includes
close access to Busch Gardens, the top theme parks in the world and the the world’s top-rated beaches,
to name a few. Visit www.porttb.com/cruise-destinations-map and find your dream cruise today.

E XPLO RE THE C ITY S TE PS F R OM THE TER MI N AL: TOU R.P OR TTB .COM

COVER STORY

Reclaiming
the cruise
crown
Hong Kong has long been one of the
most popular tourism destinations in Asia.
With the sector now showing strong postpandemic recovery, the city is poised to
regain its position as the region’s premier
cruise hub too. Alex Smith reports

H

ong Kong’s East-meets-West
culture, varied culinary
landscape, exciting arts scene
and welcoming locals have long drawn
tourists to the city, and more than 55
million of them visited in 2019. The
city’s ideal position within Asia also
made it an attractive hub at the centre
of the region’s burgeoning cruising
industry, drawing in both regional and
international cruise lines.
However, as with the rest of the world,
the pandemic brought tourism to a
standstill in the city. The city’s industry
has taken time to regain its previous
strength, but tourism surged in 2023.
Over four million people visited Hong
Kong in August alone, taking the total
tourist arrivals in the first eight months
of the year to 20 million. The Southeast
Asia source market has recovered the
fastest, with arrivals from the Philippines,
Thailand and Vietnam surpassing prepandemic levels. The number of travellers
from mainland China has also been

24

strong, recovering to about 90 per cent of
the pre-pandemic amount.
Hong Kong’s resurgent tourism
sector has also buoyed the city’s cruise
industry. An increasing number
of cruise lines have committed to
deploying their ships in the city or
including it within their itineraries.
Resorts World Cruises’ Resorts World
One began a year-round deployment
until April 2024, while Royal
Caribbean International’s Spectrum
of the Seas will spend winter 20242025 sailing from the city. Celebrity
Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice will also
make several turnaround calls in Hong
Kong in winter 2023-2024 and winter
2024-2025.
By the end of 2023, 18 cruise lines will
have made more than 160 cruise calls in
Hong Kong.
“With this encouraging rebound, the
Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has
made it a priority to recalibrate its cruise
strategy to sustain long-term growth in a

bid to reclaim the city’s status as the cruise
hub of Asia,” says Kenneth Wong, general
manager of MICE and cruise at HKTB.
In a testimony to its position as an
important cruise centre, the HKTB
successfully pitched for the regional
industry showcase event, Seatrade Cruise
Asia Pacific, to return for the first time
in four years. The event took place on

Cruise lines will make more than 160 cruise calls in Hong Kong during 2023

24-26 October 2023 at the JW Marriott
Hotel Hong Kong and focused on the
theme of ‘Rebuilding Asia Cruising
Together’. During the event, the HKTB
was able to pursue a multitude of
initiatives to entice more cruise brands
to deploy more ships in Hong Kong,
with its role as host signalling the city’s
openness to the industry.

Delegates were able to enjoy first-hand
the energy and experiences the city has
to offer in range of pre- and post-event
familiarisation tours and social programmes.
Visitors were also invited by the HKTB to
an outdoor gastronomic experience at the
city’s Wine & Dine Festival.
Hong Kong’s location within the
Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao

Greater Bay Area also offers a range
of opportunities for cruise companies.
With the unique advantages of the
city’s position in the Greater Bay Area,
cruise companies are able to develop
products targeted at visitors from cities
in Southern Mainland China. The city
is connected to the region via the Hong
Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the

25

COVER STORY

M+, Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture, opened in November 2021

High Speed Rail, meaning that cruise
lines can more easily attract guests
from the 86 million people in the wider
Greater Bay Area market.
The HKTB has capitalised on this
position by forming a partnership
with the port of Shekou to develop a
Greater Bay Area itinerary for Zhao
Shang Yi Dun, the first cruise ship
operated by China Merchants Viking
Cruises, a joint venture between China
Merchants Shekou and Viking Cruises.
The partnership will help to add shore
experiences and expand passenger
sourcing for the cruise line while
bringing more cruise visits to Hong
Kong. The brand has committed to
making multiple calls during the 20232024 winter season.
“The HKTB continues to collaborate
and communicate closely with cruise
line partners to support deployment
and operation in the city,” says Wong.
“Funding support, shore excursion
recommendations and high-profile
welcome ceremonies have been lined up
to help our partners promote cruise travel
in source markets worldwide and put
Hong Kong in the spotlight.”

26

To cater for the expected increase in
cruise tourism, Hong Kong has invested
in improving the infrastructure around
the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. In 2025,
the city will complete construction of
the Central Kowloon Route, which

“The Hong Kong
Tourism Board has
made it a priority to
recalibrate its cruise
strategy to sustain
long-term growth”
will connect Yau Ma Tei with the Kai
Tak Development Area in Kowloon
Bay and shorten the journey from the
cruise terminal to key tourist districts.
The journey time to the West Kowloon
district, for example, will drop from 30
minutes to just five.
New landmark venues are also being
built in the Kai Tak Development Area,
close to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.

The Kai Tak Sports Park is set to become
the largest sports venue in Hong Kong
and offers a variety of sports and park
facilities, open spaces, and retail and
dining outlets. AIRSIDE, meanwhile,
is a large shopping mall that officially
opened in October, featuring a range of
entertainment and leisure venues.
The city’s vibrant range of attractions
are constantly being updated and added
to as well. Water World Ocean Park, an
all-weather indoor and outdoor water
park featuring five zones with slides,
wave pools and an indoor river, opened
in September 2021, and was followed in
November that year by M+, Asia’s first
global museum of contemporary visual
culture. Hong Kong Palace Museum,
home to over 900 historic treasures from
the Palace Museum in Beijing, opened its
doors in July 2022, and the world’s first
Frozen-themed land, World of Frozen, is
set to open in November 2023 at Hong
Kong Disneyland.
New events are also being created
to add to the city’s appeal. From
July to August 2023, the Harbour
Chilli Carnival brought live music
shows, street performances, X-Games

Over 300 performers carry a glowing dragon through the streets of Tai Hung during the Mid-Autumn Festival

exhibitions and pyrotechnics to the
waterfront promenade. The Night Vibes
Hong Kong campaign, meanwhile,
will bring a range of night-time
entertainment, arts, cultural and other
events to the city from mid-autumn
until early 2024.
Time-honoured traditional events
are also returning. The Cheung Chau
Bun Carnival in May saw participants
compete in the Bun Scrambling
Competition and the Climbing Carnival,
while the Hong Kong International
Dragon Boat Races returned to Victoria
Harbour after a four-year hiatus on
24-25 June. In September, the quaint
neighbourhood of Tai Hang came alive
during the Mid-Autumn Festival with
the Fire Dragon Dance, which involved
over 300 performers carrying a glowing
dragon through the streets in keeping
with a tradition dating back to the
19th century.
Hong Kong provides an exciting
destination for cruise guests, whether
they are looking to immerse themselves

in the city’s rich past or wanting to
become a part of the vision of its future.
Cruise lines looking to bring their
guests to experience everything the city
has to offer will also find a valuable
partner in the HKTB.

“The HKTB is committed to working
closely with global cruise industry
stakeholders to create once-in-a-lifetime
cruise experiences and expand the
customer base for the entire industry,”
concludes Wong.

The Hong Kong International Dragon Boat
Races are held on 24-25 June

27

FEATURE

Naturally appealing
From whale watching in Alaska to solar eclipse experiences
in Australia, cruise lines are seeking to deliver more natural
experiences for their guests. Alice Chambers asks a selection of
ports and destinations around the world to highlight a natural
feature or phenomenon that has proven to be popular with
visiting cruise passengers

Orkney, UK
Scapa Flow is the largest natural
harbour in the Northern Hemisphere
and has a central place in the
geography and hearts of Orcadians. A
rich history of use can be seen across
the archipelago from the Neolithic to
the Viking, Medieval and World War
II periods, when Orkney was the base
for Royal Navy fleets.
Scapa Flow is 125 square miles of
sheltered water that is the home for
orca pods, dolphins and seals, as well
as many species of birds. Visible from
anywhere in Orkney, cruise guests
can see the scale of this water that is
‘the island’s lifeblood

Ports of Jersey, UK
With its small size, measuring just nine by five miles,
the island of Jersey is an ideal location for a day trip.
Shaped by the sea, the island has the third largest
tidal range in the world, and on spring tides the
difference between low and high tide can be up to
12 metres.
Additionally, Jersey’s beaches have won multiple
awards and rank among the cleanest in the UK.
With golden sandy bays in the south, Atlantic
waves on the west coast, and the sheltered coves
and hidden rock pooling spots on the north and
east, Jersey’s beaches provide a variety of natural
landscapes to explore.

28

Foyle Port, Northern Ireland
The spectacular Causeway Coastal Route
stretches from Foyle Port in DerryLondonderry in the northwest of Ireland.
With dramatic cliffs, picturesque fishing
villages and ancient castle ruins along
the winding coastline, there is plenty for
cruise guests to explore. The showstopper
is the spectacular rock formation of
the Unesco World Heritage Site, the
Giant’s Causeway, which is just under an
hour’s drive from the port and delights
as the most popular shore excursion.
The rugged, raw elemental beauty
of the landscape filled with mythical
stories truly captures the thrill of nature
and adventure!

Alicante, Spain
Only 11 miles off the coast of Alicante in Spain
is the uninhabited island of Tabarca. Accessible
by boat from Alicante, this island has been
designated as a Marine Reserve by the Spanish
Government since 1986. A variety of marine
fauna including sea bass, grouper, conger eel and
gilthead are protected in this area by an artificial
reef that was laid near the island by the Marine
Reserve authorities, and the area was declared
a ‘Zone of Special Protection for Birds’ by the
European Union.
Moreover, Alicante’s proximity to Tabarca
positions the port as an ideal destination for
cruise operators looking to engage stargazing
enthusiasts. In the winter for example,
constellations such as Orion, Taurus and Auriga
can all be seen from the island.

Crotone, Italy
Crotone, home to Pythagoras and a Greek-founded
city more ancient than Rome, is Italy’s largest marine
protected area, spanning 15,000 hectares. Nestled by
the sea, its historic core features the impressive Castle
of Carlos V and an ancient cathedral dedicated to the
Madonna Nera. The region is adorned with ancient
towers and castles that are centuries old, including the
sea-bound Aragon Fortress of Le Castella.
Crotone also serves as a gateway to the towering Sila
Mountains, a 150,000-hectare region. Within the Sila
National Park, located an hour from Crotone, cruise
guests can explore villages and participate in water
sports activities like river rafting.

29

FEATURE

Port of Tromsø, Norway
Cruise guests can immerse
themselves in the captivating
wonders of Tromsø, where nature
paints its artistry across the Arctic sky
between September and March with
the northen lights. Visitors during this
time can see lights of green, purple
and blue.
They can also experience the
phenomenon of the midnight sun,
where the sun casts a warm golden
glow across the landscape even
during the latest hours of the night
and earliest of the morning.

Port of Turku, Finland
Sometimes, the journey is just as
important as the destination. This
can surely be said about the stunning
archipelago leading to the port and
city of Turku. The vast archipelago area
consists of over 40,000 islands and islets,
all of which are unique in their own way.
As visitors approach the Port of Turku,
the fairway narrows and the scenery is
adorned with multiple historic villas on
both sides. The archipelago offers pristine
natural scenery and tranquillity, as well as
authentic and active experiences such as
kayaking and cycling.

Northern Territory, Australia
Australia’s Northern Territory is home to some
of the most iconic natural wonders of the world,
along with an ancient Aboriginal culture that is
intrinsically connected to the land.
Onshore opportunities include scenic flight
tours to explore the World Heritage-listed
Kakadu National Park. Guests can see horizons
from the air, as well as spot crocodiles and other
wildlife in their natural habitat. They can also visit
one of the thousands of Aboriginal rock art sites
in the park to learn more about the oldest living
culture in the world.
Only 90 minutes from Darwin Port, passengers
can experience the Litchfield National Park, an
ancient landscape shaped by water, featuring
waterfalls and crystal clear pools surrounded by
monsoonal forests.

30

Prince Rupert, Canada
The Butze Rapids trailhead, just a 10-minute
drive from the Prince Rupert Cruise Port in
British Columbia, Canada, rewards walkers
with views of the Pacific Northwest along
with strategic stops and informative signage.
Visitors can explore the unique Great Bear
Rainforest ecosystem, brimming with rich
flora, fauna and Indigenous heritage. They
can also witness the dramatic reversing
tidal rapids phenomenon, most striking
during extreme tide ranges, and peak
flows between high and low water. The trail
meanders through second- and old-growth
forests in the Coastal Western Hemlock bio
geoclimatic zone, including open muskegs
and stunted shore pines, shaped by
challenging growing conditions.

St. Kitts, Caribbean
St. Kitts boasts a rare, expanding rainforest that allows travellers to experience nature and encounter a vibrant
variety of wildlife. Originally named Liamuiga, meaning ‘fertile land’, the island is home to an array of animals
such as hummingbirds and vervet monkeys. Cruise guests can come face to face with these animals and
see tropical plants like soursop and banana trees on a guided rainforest walk. They can also hike up Mount
Liamuiga, the dormant volcano that is the island’s highest mountain and offers views of the rainforest below.

31

FEATURE

Sailing towards
a greener future
Laura Hyde takes a closer look at a selection of the
ports that are installing shore power facilities for a more
sustainable cruise industry

C

ruise ports and operators across
the globe are adopting modern
technologies and upgrading
vessel fleets to ensure the industry
becomes more environmentally friendly
in the future. For ports, one of the most
significant developments is in the growing
movement towards installing shore side
electricity (SSE) systems, which allow
ship engines to be switched off to reduce
in-port emissions by up to 98 per cent.
The International Maritime
Organization’s (IMO) net-zero goals
and fuel targets have put sustainable
operations firmly on the agenda for
cruise ports, making an investment in
onshore power systems increasingly
attractive. According to Cruise Lines
International Association (CLIA)’s 2023
Global Cruise Industry Environmental
Technologies and Practices Report, there
are currently 34 ports worldwide which
have at least one cruise berth equipped
with onshore power, with a further 24
projects funded and an additional 16
projects in the planning stages.
There are 120 ships in the global fleet
fitted with SSE systems, representing
45.5 per cent of CLIA member ships,
up from 24 per cent in 2018. The CLIA
report predicts this will increase to
71.1 per cent by 2028, thanks to 35
newbuilds, which will be fitted with
SSE systems, and retrofitting projects
scheduled for a further 67 ships.

32

SHORE POWER AROUND
THE WORLD
Miami, Florida, USA

The Shore Power Program is a partnership
between PortMiami, its cruise partners
(Carnival Corporation, MSC Cruises,
Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean
Group, and Virgin Voyages) and Florida
Power and Light Company. Upon
completion by end of 2023, shore power
capability will be available at five cruise
terminals with the ability to plug in three
ships at a time. In 2021, Miami-Dade
County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
launched an initiative to bring shore
power to PortMiami in collaboration with
major cruise line partners.

port calls and 340,000 passengers, shore
power has enabled the port to honour its
commitment to improve air quality and
reduce greenhouse gas emissions on and
around San Diego Bay.
Portsmouth, UK

Portsmouth International Port has
secured a £19.8 million ($24 million)
grant to design, build and operate a shore
power system across its three busiest
berths. The grant comes from the Zero
Emissions Vessels and Infrastructure
competition, funded by the UK
government and delivered in partnership
with Innovate UK. Portsmouth City
hopes to reach net carbon neutral status
by 2030.

Seattle, Washington, USA

Southampton, UK

The Port of Seattle has a shore powerconnected berth at the Smith Cove Cruise
Terminal, and a project is underway to
install shore power at the Pier 66 cruise
berth, which aims to be ready for use in
2024. The port has also set a goal to have
100 per cent of homeporting cruise ships
equipped with shore power capability, and
to have these connected on every call, by
2030 or sooner.

Associated British Ports (ABP)’s Port
of Southampton shore power facility
opened in April 2022. The total cost
of the project was £9 million ($10.9
million), supported by a grant from
the Solent Local Growth Deal and
arranged through the Solent Local
Enterprise Partnership. ABP worked with
PowerCon as the main contractor to
implement the scheme on site.

San Diego, California, USA

Kiel, Germany

At the Port of San Diego, two cruise ships
can simultaneously use shore power. With
a cruise season featuring around 100

The Port of Kiel’s first shore power
supply plant has been operational at the
Norwegenkai since May 2019 supplying

Photo: Unsplash/welovebarcelona

Photo: Portsmouth International Port

Color Line ferries. This ensures 44 per
cent of the energy demand of the vessels
berthing in the port of Kiel are covered
in an emission-free and climate-neutral
way. The port uses 100 per cent green
power when supplying its customers with
shore power through the new shore power
plant, which was officially inaugurated on
25 September 2023 during a port call by
MSC Cruises’ flagship MSC Euribia.
Barcelona, Spain

The Port of Barcelona has put out to
tender the construction of an electrical
substation as part of the Nexigen Project,
which will allow the port to provide
power to its quays. The works will have a
budget of €14 million ($17 million) and
will include the design of the substation,

Funding has been secured for shore power projects in Barcelona, Stockholm and Portsmouth

33

Photo: PowerCon

Photo: Felix Seifert

FEATURE

Cruise ships can connect to shore power systems at Trondheim, Aarhus
and Miami (clockwise from the top)

the management and execution of its
completion, and the maintenance and
operation of the substation for two years
after construction. Construction is
expected to be completed in 2025.
Tarragona, Spain

Port of Tarragona is finalising the
preliminary planning stages of a shore
power project at the Balears Wharf,
which it hopes to begin in 2025, with
operations beginning in 2027, with a
power of 48 megawatts.
Valencia, Spain

The Port Authority of Valencia (APV)
aims to become an emission neutral
port by 2030. Construction of a new
passenger terminal equipped with shore
power is underway and MSC Group
plans to expand its shore power at the
port before 2026. “The decarbonisation

34

of the ports is already an unstoppable
and urgent process,” says Mar Chao,
APV president.
Trondheim, Norway

Trondheim Port has delivered shore
power to Hurtigruten Expeditions ships
more than 20 times since 2022, serving
50 hertz and up to 2.5 megawatts. The
development has driven the port to plan
a shore power facility at the main cruise
pier, catering to all ship sizes and needs.
In alignment with its strategy, the port
aims to have these facilities operational
by 2026, making a commitment to
environmental sustainability and a
cleaner maritime future.
Stockholm, Sweden

Ports of Stockholm is investing in
shore power connection facilities for
cruise ships at two city centre quays.

Building the facilities at two berths at
Stadsgården makes Ports of Stockholm
the first port in Sweden to offer cruise
ships a shore power connection. The
environmental initiative, in collaboration
with other Baltic Sea ports, will result in
significantly lower emissions of carbon
dioxide and air pollutant particles from
the cruise ships in Stockholm and the
Baltic Sea area. The plants will be ready
during the 2024 cruise season.
Aarhus, Denmark

In June 2023 Port of Aarhus opened
its first shore power facility for cruise
ships by successfully connecting AIDA
Cruises’ AIDAmar to shore power.
The port’s investment in shore power is
part of a wider sustainability strategy,
which aims to make the port the most
sustainable in the Baltic Region.
Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen Malmo Port (CMP)
inaugurated its first shore power facility
in October 2021 in partnership with
the Danish company, DFDS Seaways.
CMP has since partnered with the
Municipality of Copenhagen and By &
Havn to establish shore power for cruise
ships at both the Langelinie and Oceankaj
terminals in Ydre Nordhavn.

SHORE POWER for zero emission cruise calls
2018 Port of Kristiansand, Norway

Coming 2024/25

2020 Port of Rostock, Germany

Port of Copenhagen, Denmark

2021 Port of Bergen, Norway

Port of Amsterdam, Netherlands

2022 Port of Southampton, UK

Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands

2023 Port of Aarhus, Denmark

Port of Bremerhaven, Germany

2023 Port of Hamburg, Germany

Port of Oslo, Norway

2023 Port of Miami, USA

Your Port??

Port of Turku… literally a green port
Nestled in a stunningly beautiful archipelago amongst more than
40,000 islands you will find the welcoming city and port of Turku.
• Exclusive full-service port
• No congestion
• Cruise friendly destination

www.portofturku.fi | Tel. +358 44 5560181 | #cruisedestinationturku

www.powercon.dk

FEATURE

Powering transformation
Image: Fjuel

We asked selected shore power technology providers about
the advantages of their solutions for ports

Svetlana Hansen,
Chief Commercial Officer, Fjuel

Photo: Blueday Technology

At Fjuel, we are a Norwegian tech company with in-depth experience in the establishment and operation of shore power units. We help
ports to take smart decisions during the crucial process of acquiring shore power and charging facilities. When the infrastructure is
established, we provide ports both live data-powered software for easy and profitable operation and usage of the facilities, as well as
charge point operation services. So, if you’re looking for an experienced energy partner that can help you become an emission free port by
2050, Fjuel is the partner for you!

Hans Petter Heggebø, Chief Commercial
Officer, Blueday Technology

36

With our BluEco Shore Power
solution, all types of ships can
be powered up with the needed
energy and shut down the
onboard generators, meeting
the stringent environmental
regulations for ports worldwide
in the most efficient way. The
system fulfils all different power
requirements of a port operator,
shipowner, and grid supplier. It
can be installed at any port and
adapted to any berth topology
and power requirement. Our
turnkey solutions providing shore
connections for berthed ships is
ensuring the reliability and safety
of the power system requirement
and provides a fast, simple, and
flexible connection to the ship.

Shore power is an important part of the energy transition

BluEco
Shore Power

(R)

No ship is to big for us
We shape the future of shore power supply

Let’s make a difference

FEATURE

Shore power becoming the new normal

Photo: Port of Kristiansand

Jacob Bjarkam and Ralf Nielsen of PowerCon explain how
the company has helped push shore power to the front of
the maritime industry’s sustainability efforts

F

or almost a decade, PowerCon
has pioneered developing and
delivering modular shore power
solutions for ports around the world,
spearheading the increased deployment
of the technology across the industry.
Cruise ports and lines alike are
increasingly working towards achieving
more sustainable operations and shore
power has evolved into a main solution
to achieve those goals.
Headquartered in Denmark,
PowerCon has undertaken many
projects as turnkey supplier, covering
the full project scope from grid to
ship. Each installation uses the same
methodology of integrating the main
components into standard shipping
containers, allowing a ‘building block’
approach that enables the firm to put

38

together the most suitable solution for
any port.
“From little interest just a few years
ago, we have seen a strong increase
in the number of ports interested in
getting shore power installed,” says Jacob
Bjarkam, head of sales at PowerCon.
“With an expectation of shore power
becoming a license to operate, many
ports from around the world come to
us due to our profound experience. But
more cruise lines also see shore power
as a main tool in fulfilling their own
sustainability goals, so it’s a win-win
as shore power benefits the cities,
destinations, and ports alike.”
Today, PowerCon is a leading supplier
with numerous references to prove that
the technology makes a big impact in
lowering carbon emissions. From initially

helping ports across the European region,
the company is most recently expanding
into America where it is working with
PortMiami in Florida on its new shore
power project, which will be the largest
in the world.
“We are super excited about our Miami
project,” says Ralf Nielsen, business
development manager for the Americas
at PowerCon. “It takes both us as a
company and the shore power industry
in general to a whole new level.”
As shore power becomes the new
normal as a preferred tool in the
maritime green transition, PowerCon’s
practical experience and innovative
products mean that more ports are
actively seeking its advice, and the
company remains ready to help others
begin their own shore power journey.

Cruise Capital of the World

LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN IN MIAMI

PortMiami.biz
305.347.4800

MAIDEN SEASON

Silver Nova
Silversea Cruises’ newest ship offers guests a range of
excursions that help them explore local culture and cuisine

S

On 4 January 2024, Silver Nova will
embark on the 71-day ‘Grand Voyage
South America’, which will see the ship
visit 38 destinations in 18 countries.
The ship will leave Fort Lauderdale
in Florida and take guests to a variety
of destinations.
“The ‘Grand Voyage South America’
is for those looking to embrace
the true soul and energy of Latin
America,” says Justin Poulsen, vice
president of itinerary planning and
destination development at Silversea.
“Highlights on the itinerary include
sailing down the Amazon River,
visiting the breathtaking Ushuaia and

impressive landscapes of the Chilian
fjords, immersing in the culture of
Lima; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and
Montevideo, Uruguay, before heading
over to vibrant Rio de Janeiro.”
Guests will also have the opportunity
to engage with a variety of events that
celebrate South American culture.
These include a traditional folklore
show in Panama; a heritage tour of the
hub of art and culture that is Callao
Monumental in Lima; an evening at
the Amazon Opera House in Manaus,
Brazil; and an exclusive trip to the
Barbados Polo Club where guests can
mingle with Bridgetown’s top polo
Photo: Silversea Cruises

ilver Nova, the newest ship
from Silversea, embarked on its
maiden voyage on 14 August
2023. The ship left Venice, Italy, for a
seven-day roundtrip voyage through
the Adriatic that called at Piran in
Slovenia, Zadar, Dubrovnik, Split,
and Rovinj in Croatia and Kotor in
Montenegro.
Following its maiden voyage, Silver
Nova spent summer 2023 in the
Mediterranean and will be sailing in
the Caribbean and Central America
from 18 November 2022, starting with
a 31-day voyage from New York, to
Lima, Peru.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is one of the key destinations on the ‘Grand Voyage South America’

40

Photo: Silversea Cruises

Silver Nova departed on its maiden voyage on 14 August 2023

players followed by an intimate dinner.
Furthermore, when Silver Nova reaches
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 12 February,
guests will be able to experience
the Rio Carnival, with access to a
VIP section close to the parade with
seating, buffet and a full bar.
In addition to cultural experiences
and events, when it comes to planning
itineraries and experiences Silversea
also considers how the architecture
of Silver Nova will play into the
destinations the ship visits.
“We specifically chose itineraries
where the destination can come alive
onboard through the generous visibility
from anywhere on the ship thanks to
the expanse of glass and asymmetrical,

horizontal design,” says Poulsen. “For
example, sailing the Inside Passage in
Alaska will be an extremely vivid and
engaging experience.”
Onboard offerings such as S.A.L.T.,
the Sea And Land Taste dining
experience, also play a part in the ship
itineraries. The S.A.L.T. Kitchen offers
an immersive restaurant option for
guests, with a menu inspired by the local
cuisine of whichever region Silver Nova
is visiting at the time. Guests onboard
Silver Nova can also take part in the
S.A.L.T. Lab, an interactive cooking
laboratory where guests can get practical
experience cooking local recipes.
The S.A.L.T. experience continues
onshore too, with several excursions

that allow guests to gain hands-on
experience with the food and culture
of the destinations they visit. For
example, guests on voyages that stop
in Cartagena, Colombia, will have
the opportunity to take part in the
S.A.L.T. Modern Columbian Cuisine
experience, in which they will visit the
Bazurto Market before travelling to
the neighbourhood of Getsemani for
a five-course meal prepared by awardwinning Colombian chefs.
“Our itineraries are designed to deliver
a carefully curated journey through
a destination, leveraging our deep
knowledge and expertise to craft the
right experiences that support the overall
itinerary narrative.” says Poulsen.

41

MAIDEN SEASON

Queen Anne
Cunard’s Queen Anne is scheduled to debut in May 2024,
with itineraries exploring Western Europe, the Western
Mediterranean and the Norwegian Fjords

W

craftmanship, storytelling, style,
innovation and heritage. Interior design
teams searched the Cunard archives at
the University of Liverpool for historical
layouts, materials and patterns from the
last 180 years of the brand to ensure the
ship’s aesthetic is reminiscent of Cunard’s
gilded age. To pay homage to the brand’s
long history, Queen Anne also has
an original early-1700s coin from its
namesake’s reign, alongside a specially
commissioned coin, embedded in its
keel by Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge
during the keel laying ceremony.
“Queen Anne marks a new era for
Cunard with reimagined signature
spaces and experiences, designed with
distinction and underpinned by seafaring

expertise and outstanding White Star
Service, redefining the Cunard brand
and aiming to set the benchmark for the
industry,” says Tom Mahoney, director
of UK sales at Cunard. “Queen Anne’s
breathtaking interiors take inspiration
from Cunard’s past, celebrating the
beautiful art deco style finishes that the
brand is known for, to define a striking
new design direction for the future.”
Queen Anne will spend its maiden
season sailing from Southampton, UK,
calling at over 60 ports in destinations
such as the Canary Islands, the
Norwegian Fjords, the Mediterranean,
the British Isles and Northern Europe.
The ship’s maiden voyage is a seven-night
cruise from Southampton to Portugal’s
Image: Cunard

hen Cunard’s Queen Anne
sets sail for its inaugural
voyage on 3 May 2024, it
will become the 249th ship to sail under
the Cunard flag, bringing the number of
ships in the cruise line’s fleet to four for
the first time since 1999.
Constructed by Italian shipbuilders
Fincantieri, Queen Anne is a 113,000gt,
3,000-guest ship with 14 decks. The
central Grand Lobby spreads over
three decks and houses a contemporary
sculpted mural celebrating ocean
travel. A total of six standards of
accommodation are available to guests
onboard, with 15 dining venues.
Queen Anne’s interiors have been
designed with five ideals in mind:

42

Photo: Cunard

Queen Anne’s maiden season offers passengers the opportunity to visit Tenerife’s Mount Teide, the third tallest volcanic structure in the world

capital Lisbon, stopping at La Coruña in
Spain along the way.
“We chose Northern Europe for part
of Queen Anne’s maiden season because
this beautiful part of the world offers
such a captivating blend of history,
culture, and stunning landscapes,”
explains Mahoney. “There are so many
highlights to mention, but of course,
its maiden voyage to Lisbon will be
an incredibly momentous occasion for
Cunard and any guest fortunate enough
to be on that voyage will experience a
truly once-in-a-lifetime cruise.”
Following the maiden voyage, Queen
Anne will set off from Southampton for a
14-night roundtrip calling at Funchal on
the Portuguese archipelago of Maderia in
the Atlantic Ocean, followed by calls at
Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Tenerife in the
Canary Islands, then La Coruna in Spain.
“One highlight that I have to mention
is Queen Anne’s 14-night British Isles
sailing from 24 May to 7 June 2024,
which will be a fantastic opportunity
to showcase our new ship to cruise
lovers across the nation,” says Mahoney.
“The port call in our spiritual home

of Liverpool on 3 June 2024 will be a
fantastic moment in time.”
During this voyage, Queen Anne will
sail from Southampton up to Newhaven
in Scotland, where guests can disembark
and visit Edinburgh two miles away.
Once back onboard, the ship will cruise
the Firth of Forth, sailing past Bass
Rock – an imposing volcanic island that
has been the setting of many Viking

“The port call in our
spiritual home of
Liverpool on 3 June
2024 will be a
fantastic moment”
and smuggler tales – before calling at
Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands. From
here, Queen Anne will sail to Inverness,
where guests can explore the Scottish
Highlands, try to spot the Loch Ness
monster and sample a dram of whisky
at one of the regions distilleries. Once

guests re-embark, Queen Anne will
spend two days scenically cruising
the Hebrides islands before calling at
Greenock. The ship will then head to
Belfast in Northern Ireland, Liverpool
in England, and finally the seaside town
of Cobh in Cork, Ireland, where ships
berth just 200 yards from the town
centre. The cruise will then conclude
with a return to Southampton.
Queen Anne will then sail two
Western Mediterranean voyages, before
returning to Scandinavia and Northern
Europe for a further four sailings.
“The launch of Queen Anne is a hugely
significant occasion for the brand and
something that we are all incredibly
excited about,” says Mahoney. “We
are the pioneers of luxury ocean travel
and with Queen Anne we are taking
inspiration from our past to define
our next chapter. From a commercial
perspective, the addition of Queen Anne
to our fleet will represent an increase of
more than 44 per cent capacity and we
are very much looking forward to its
maiden world voyage in 2025, where we
can show it off to the entire globe.”

43

MAIDEN SEASON

Seven Seas Grandeur
Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ newest ship
will spend its maiden season exploring the
Mediterranean and the Caribbean

R

egent Seven Seas Cruises’ sixth
ship, Seven Seas Grandeur, is
set to debut in November 2023
with a seven-night maiden voyage from
Venice, Italy, to Barcelona, Spain. The 746
guests embarking on that first voyage will
experience the new standard of service
that Regent’s 548-strong crew are aiming
to deliver onboard the luxury ship.
“Seven Seas Grandeur has been inspired
by the past and stunningly reimagined
for the future, exemplifying our ‘Heritage
of Perfection’,” says Caroline Smith,
international managing director of Regent
Seven Seas Cruises. “The one-of-a-kind
Regent Suite is an experience like no
other. The ultimate retreat is complete
with an in-suite spa, Tresse Minipool,
and a lavish bedroom featuring a world-

“Our guests sailing
Grandeur’s maiden
season will be
able to deep dive
into paradise in
complete luxury”
44

renowned Hastens bed. The ship will also
offer impeccable personalised service, and
dining in fabulous signature restaurants,
including a reimagined Compass Rose
and Prime 7.”
The ship will be home to a
multimillion-dollar art collection,
featuring a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted objet d’art known as Journey
in Jewels, the first-ever Fabergé egg to
be permanently exhibited at sea. Sarah
Fabergé, great-granddaughter of late
Russian jeweller Peter Carl Fabergé, is
godmother to Seven Seas Grandeur, and
will christen the ship at a gala in Miami,
Florida, on 10 December 2023.
Seven Seas Grandeur highlights
Regent’s longstanding partnership with
jewellery maison, Fabergé. In addition

Seven Seas Grandeur features interiors designed by Studio DADO
and an array of suites in 15 accommodation categories

En route…
Seven Seas Grandeur will travel from Barcelona in
Spain to Miami in Florida, USA, in November 2023,
after which it will sail a number of itineraries

Photo: Unsplash/Alberto Bazan

21 COMFORT ACROSS THE CANAL
Dec

This 16-night ‘Comfort across the canal’ itinerary explores
Central America with port calls in Costa Rica, Nicaragua,
Guatemala, and Mexico. Guests will spend a day in
Cartagena, Colombia and Acapulco, Mexico, before the
cruise ends in Los Angeles, California, on 6 January 2024.

to being home of Journey in Jewels, Grandeur will also sail
a ‘Spotlight on Fabergé’ voyage hosted by Sarah Fabergé.
Embarking from Civitavecchia Port in Rome, Italy, on 1
July 2024 for 10 nights, ‘Spotlight on Fabergé’ will bring
guests into the world of the jewellery maker with an onboard
programme of events while also exploring the Mediterranean.
During its maiden season, the ship will sail 17 voyages in
the Caribbean with two transatlantic crossings. It will then
spend spring 2024 sailing in the Mediterranean.
“We cannot wait to launch Seven Seas Grandeur with a
maiden season of incredible itineraries in the Caribbean,”
says Smith. “Our guests sailing Grandeur’s maiden season
will be able to deep dive into paradise in complete luxury.
Our unlimited included shore excursions set us apart because
they offer such an authentic way to get under the skin of a
destination. From walking the historic streets of Antigua,
Guatemala, and Cartagena, Colombia to exploring the reefs
off the coasts of Honduras and the Cayman Islands, our
guests will be able to tap into a range of interests and enjoy
unforgettable experiences.”

Photo: Unsplash/Dietmar Lichota

This 10-night Western Caribbean itinerary is a roundtrip from
Miami, calling at Puerto Plata in Dominican Republic, San
Juan in Puerto Rico, Gustavia in St. Barts, Roseau in Dominica,
St. John’s in Antigua and Tortola in the British Virgin
Islands. Seven Seas Grandeur will then sail another Western
Caribbean itinerary, before embarking on two Eastern
Caribbean sailings, the second of which ends in New York.
10 OCEAN AIR AND SPANISH FLAIR
Apr

Photo: Unsplash/Tania Fernandez

Photos: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

17 ISLAND JOY AND CRUISE COMFORTS
Feb

This 14-night transatlantic sailing takes guests from New
York to Barcelona, via Bermuda and the Azores situated
in the middle of the Atlantic between Europe and North
America, before offering guests extended sailing of the
Iberian Peninsula’s highlights including Spanish ports
Valencia and Cartagena. The cruise ends in Barcelona on
24 April 2024.

45

MAIDEN SEASON

Carnival Jubilee
The third Excel-class ship will begin sailing in the Western
Caribbean in December 2023, allowing guests to experience
some of Carnival Cruise Line’s most popular destinations

C

feature and casual indoor and outdoor
seating areas. Guests can visit Coastal
Slice for fresh pizza, Beach Buns
for sandwiches or hot dogs, and the
nautical-themed Marina Bar for coffee or
cocktails. Rudi’s Seagrill and Cucina del
Capitano both offer indoor and al fresco
seating and complete The Shores zone.
“The ship will pay homage to the
ocean in many ways, from the use
of technology and design to the
incorporation of new food and beverage
offerings to heighten and enhance the
theming,” says Fred Stein, Carnival’s
vice president of revenue planning and
deployment. “When our guests walk into
these spaces, they’ll feel like they’re being
transported to a totally different place
– from boardwalk-style attractions and
restaurants to an underwater world.”

Carnival has chosen to introduce
the new experiences onboard Carnival
Jubilee in the Western Caribbean, as
the ship embarks on a maiden season
of seven-day itineraries that will visit
popular destinations such as Mahogany
Bay in Honduras and Costa Maya in
Mexico. But it’s another Mexican port
that Stein highlights as a particular draw.
“The Western Caribbean is home to
several destinations that are among the
most popular with our guests,” says
Stein “The region allows us to offer
week-long cruise vacations that feature
multiple visits to an array of ports,
including one of our most popular ports
overall: Cozumel, Mexico.”
Stein also highlights the wide-ranging
appeal of the available excursions as
another key reason for Carnival choosing
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line

arnival Cruise Line is to debut its
latest Excel-class ship, Carnival
Jubilee, in December 2023,
introducing a range of new experiences
alongside returning favourites such as the
Bolt rollercoaster and Shaquille O’Neal’s
Big Chicken restaurants.
The ship will feature two new zones,
Currents and The Shores, which are
inspired by the ocean. Currents will include
six LED windows and an LED ceiling,
which will combine with theatrical show
lighting and sound design to create an
immersive environment for guests as they
try cocktails at new bar Dr. Inks, Ph.D.
and The Golden Mermaid lounge or creole
cuisine at Emeril’s Bistro 717.
The Shores, meanwhile, is intended
to recall the seaside, with a boardwalk
featuring a Ferris wheel-inspired ceiling

46

Photo: Carnival
Photo:
Cruisecredit
Line

Cozumel in Mexico is one of Carnival Cruise Line’s popular destinations

the Western Caribbean for Jubilee’s
maiden season.
“Shore excursions in this region offer
something for everyone – from touring
the ancient city of Tulum near Cozumel
to snorkelling in Costa Maya,” he
says. “These destinations offer guests
the opportunity to experience sundrenched beaches and turquoise blue
water surrounded by lush vegetation and
exotic wildlife.”
Carnival Jubilee will homeport in
Galveston, Texas. Stein explains that
the decision to debut the ship at one of

Carnival’s busiest ports will have wider
strategic benefits for the cruise line
beyond the success of Carnival Jubilee’s
maiden season.
“It is important for us to bring our
upcoming flagship to our homeport of
Galveston,” he says. “Galveston is one
of our most popular homeports, and
the addition of Carnival Jubilee brings
not only an all-new cruise experience
and increased capacity – it also gives us
the opportunity to freshen our offerings
for the other popular ships homeported
there, Carnival Dream and Carnival

Breeze. Building on our strong portfolio
of options out of Texas will give our
guests in that region great new options
as they look ahead and plan for their
future vacations.”
Ultimately, concludes Stein, the most
important consideration for Carnival
when deciding on any of its itineraries
remains its guests.
“We’ll judge the first season for
Carnival Jubilee the same way we judge
the maiden season of every new ship –
based on the feedback from our guests,”
he says.

47

MAIDEN SEASON

Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International’s newest and
biggest ship will make its debut in January
2024, departing from PortMiami on both
Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages

I

con of the Seas will become the
biggest cruise ship in the world when
it begins sailing in January 2024, and
Royal Caribbean International has made
the most of the space the ship offers by
incorporating a host of new, expansive
venues and attractions. Icon will be
divided into eight neighbourhoods,
five of which have been designed
specifically for the ship, and will offer
over 20 dining venues and 15 bars and
nightlife experiences.
Icon will also offer a range of new
outdoor venues, which, like the ship,
will break several industry records.
Royal Bay will be the largest pool at
sea, while Category 6 will be the biggest

waterpark at sea and Frightening Bolt
will be the tallest drop slide on a ship.
To enable guests to make the best use
of these new attractions, the ship must
sail itineraries to destinations with good
weather. According to Bert Hernandez,
senior vice president international at
Royal Caribbean International, this is
one of the main reasons the cruise line
chose to base Icon in the Caribbean for
its maiden season.
“Icon was designed to be the icon of
vacations – one that combines the best
of beach escapes, resort getaways and
theme park thrills into one unforgettable
family vacation,” says Hernandez. “With
Icon’s debut in January, we needed to

Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, will start sailing from Miami in January 2024

48

Royal Caribbean will open a new adults-only area, Hideaway Beach, on Perfect Day at CocoCay

select a climate that was well suited to
showcasing all of the incredible offerings
guests will find onboard. Plus, we also
wanted to ensure that guests on Icon
had the opportunity to visit our private
destination – Perfect Day at CocoCay in
The Bahamas – where adventurers can
create their ideal day.”
Icon will homeport in Miami for
its inaugural season, offering sevenday Western and Eastern Caribbean
itineraries. The choice of Miami as the
new ship’s first home was an easy one for
the cruise line.
“Royal Caribbean has a long history in
Miami as we have been sailing from there
for more than 50 years,” says Hernandez.
“As the ‘Cruise Capital of the World,’
Miami is the ideal option to welcome
Icon when she arrives in January.”
During each week-long voyage
onboard Icon, guests can expect to visit

some of the most popular destinations
in North America, with calls in
Mexico, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Honduras
and St. Maarten. They will also have
the chance to experience a variety of
different shore excursions along the way,
says Hernandez.
“On the Eastern Caribbean itinerary,
holidaymakers have their choice of
picturesque locales from a new range
of destinations,” he says. “Travellers
can get their adrenaline fix ziplining
through lush forests in Philipsburg,
discover the rich history of San Juan
and recharge in Royal Caribbean’s
private destination, Labadee.
“If guests want to head west, then our
island-hopping itinerary is for them.
Guests can explore ancient Maya ruins
in Puerto Costa Maya, marvel at the
dense jungles of Roatan and swim in the
crystal-clear waters of Cozumel.”

Both Eastern and Western Caribbean
itineraries onboard Icon will visit
Perfect Day at CocoCay, which will
open its first adults-only area, Hideaway
Beach, in January just as the ship begins
its first sailings. It will offer a private
beach and pools, new venues for drinks
and dining, exclusive cabanas, live
music, and more.
“Perfect Day at CocoCay has been
incredibly popular with guests since its
inception and is our guest’s number-onerated destination,” says Hernandez. “It is
a destination that truly offers something
for everyone, with experiences for
children and families – such as the 13
waterslides at the record-breaking Thrill
Waterpark and the largest freshwater
pool in the Caribbean – and now an
adults-only paradise, Perfect Day at
CocoCay is designed for every type of
vacationer, from ship to shore.”

49

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

Striking the right balance
Jacqui Nobile from Marella Cruises tells Alice Chambers why
Marella Voyager’s maiden season is providing guests with a new
reason to visit their favourite destinations

W

and exploring new destinations offers a
chance to step out of the ordinary.
“As you often see when we introduce
a new ship to the Marella fleet, we also
choose the firm customer favourites. In this
case, we selected Palma and Barbados to
give our most loyal customers a new reason
to return to their favourite destinations.”
Marella Voyager debuted on 31 May
2023 in Malaga, Spain, and was named
by Nobile herself, alongside co-godmother
and Marella’s chief purser Tatyana
Olkhovska. The ship has been homeporting
in Palma, Majorca, since its launch and
sailing on Marella’s ‘Magic of Spain’,
‘Cosmopolitan Classics’ and ‘Highlights of
the Mediterranean’ itineraries. Some of the
Spanish destinations it has called at to date
Photo: iStock/SerrNovik

“It’s all about
striking a balance
between the
unknown and the
known”

hen new ships are brought into
a fleet, it’s essential for cruise
lines to introduce an exciting
and successful shore excursion programme.
So ahead of Marella Cruises’ Marella
Voyager debut in May 2023, Jacqui Nobile,
senior destination services operations
manager at Marella Cruises, was busy
preparing the perfect itinerary to entice
guests onboard.
“It’s all about striking a balance between
the unknown and the known,” she says.
“Showing people the unexpected side of a
destination alongside the bucket list sites
they want to tick off is an important part of
my job alongside showcasing local beauty,
culture, food, wine and people. Guests
want to see things they don’t see every day

Marella Voyager called at Livorno, Italy, during its ‘Highlights of the Mediterranean’ itinerary,
providing guests with the chance to explore Florence and Pisa

50

Photo: iStock/ NANCY PAUWELS

The vessel will visit “firm customer favourites” such as Barbados in the Caribbean

include Cadiz, Cartagena and Valencia,
as well as nearby cities in Gibraltar,
Majorca, Italy and France.
“It’s a real team effort to create an
itinerary for a new ship,” says Nobile.
“For the core itinerary planning process,
we worked with commercial, marine,
destinations, finance, hotel operations and
customer experience teams. As fly-cruise
is our core product there is a lot of input
and work with the airline team too, as well
as our beach partners that assist with the
flying and our Cruise & Stay programmes.
“For my part, I’m here to answer why
we would take a ship full of guests to a
particular destination or port. I ensure
that we know what the destination has to
offer, making sure we can deliver on that
and then showcasing it.”
Marella Voyager’s maiden season
visited the French Riviera during its
‘Cosmopolitan Classics’ trip. allowing
guests to visit sites such as the Grand
Prix circuit and Casino de Monte-Carlo
in Monaco, and the hilltop village of St
Paull and Grasse in Nice.

“Livorno in Italy also makes Florence
and Pisa accessible, which are two
must-visit places,” adds Nobile. “The
ship heads to the Caribbean for the
winter season, golden sandy beaches
and sunshine – what’s not to love in
every port? Sailing around Antigua on a
catamaran while enjoying a lobster lunch
delivers special moments every time.”
Marella Voyager will operate on its
‘Paradise Islands’, ‘A Taste of the Tropics’
and ‘Tropical Delights’ itineraries
starting from November 2023.
According to Nobile, the Marella team
followed a certain criteria when deciding
which ports to include in Marella
Voyager’s maiden season.
“Lots of factors get taken into
account when we’re choosing ports,
ranging from the obvious things like
distances, speeds, port facilities to the
more people-centric elements like the
local infrastructure and availability of
guides and buses,” she says. “The ease of
getting into the destination, especially
the port and local area, is key for us

as a destination services team. We
want to ensure all our guests, whether
they opt for an excursion or to explore
independently, can enjoy and maximise
their time in the destination. We
also like to combine big-hitters like
Kusadasi, Turkey – a gateway to
ancient Turkish city of Ephesus – with
lesser-known ports, which provides a
nice balance for the seven or 14-night
itinerary profiles we have.”
Nobile and her team also worked with
several associations and external groups
to develop the itineraries.
“Collaboration has always been the key
to ensuring we understand a destination
and make the best out of all the ports
we visit whilst optimising what the
destination has to offer,” says Nobile.
“Our local agents, tourist boards, port
authorities and cruise associations all play
a huge part in ensuring we as a cruise
line have the right information and
contacts in each destination. Having this
information supports the decisions we
make for our itineraries.”

51

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

A look back at Egypt’s past
Katy Berzins tells Alice Chambers how TUI River Cruises will explore
the history of Egypt on its new ‘Legends of the Nile’ itinerary

F
“Egypt and the
areas surrounding
the Nile are full of
fascinating history
and culture which is
a perfect fit for our
river cruise guests”

52

rom the time of the Pharaohs,
the great pyramids, King
Tutankhamun, and Queen
Cleopatra, the Nile River has played
a central role in Egypt’s rich history.
Recognising this, TUI River Cruises has
created a new seven-night, all-inclusive
roundtrip ‘Legends of the Nile’ itinerary
from Luxor, Egypt, available between
November 2024 and April 2025.
“Egypt and the areas surrounding
the Nile are full of fascinating history
and culture which is a perfect fit for
our river cruise guests who want to
explore all that destinations have to
offer without the hassle of having to
constantly unpack and repack their
bags,” said Katy Berzins, head of TUI
River Cruises. “Cruising along the
Nile offers a serene and unforgettable
experience with lush landscapes,

traditional villages and numerous iconic
landmarks. With year-round sunshine,
Egypt is the perfect destination that
allows guests to explore its ancient
history and immerse themselves into a
once in a lifetime opportunity.”
The cruise line will offer Nile River
sailings on its new vessel, TUI Al
Horeya. The 145-passenger ship, called
‘freedom’ in Arabic, has been in drydock
in Cario, Egypt, since July 2023,
undergoing refurbishments to adapt it
for the itinerary. New features onboard
include an area for licensed Egyptologists
to deliver historical talks and tours, as
well as a top-deck swimming pool and
two whirlpools where guests will be able
take in the Egyptian views.
“Luxor serves as the gateway to the Nile,
offering a perfect blend of the old and the
new,” says Berzins. “It’s steeped in history

TUI River Cruises’ new vessel TUI Al Horeya will visit Luxor in Egypt as part of its ‘Legends of the Nile’ itinerary

with magnificent ancient temples and
pharaohs’ resting places, combined with
hidden spice-scented souks and bustling
city life. Transfers can whisk guests
from the airport to the port in as little
as 25 minutes so quite simply, Luxor is a
fascinating place with great transport links
and in our view, the perfect get away.”
So, what exactly does the itinerary
offer? The trip will begin either from
London Gatwick or Manchester Airport,
as guests travel on a direct, non-stop
charter flight from the UK to Luxor.
Guests will embark TUI Al Horeya and
stay onboard as they spend the first three
days of their trip exploring Luxor. They
will then sail to the Temple of Horus in
Edfu and the Temple of Kom Ombo in
Kom Ombo for two set excursions that
are included within the sailing package
price, before travelling on to Aswan and

then returning to Luxor on the final day
of the cruise.
“We have chosen to include two shore
excursions into the package that are the
must-have experiences in those ports,” says
Berzins. “However, we wanted to allow
our guests the flexibility and choice to
design the right holidays and experiences
for them in Luxor and Aswan where we
offer a wide range of experiences. Options
include discovering the Temples of Karnak
and Luxor with the Sphinx Avenue, a
strikingly graceful piece of architecture
on the banks of the Nile; experiencing a
sound and light show at Karnak Temple,
which recounts the history of Thebes and
the lives of pharaohs; visiting the Nubian
Village and sailing on a traditional felucca,
a canvas sail boat; or touring the High
Dam, Obelisk and Philae Temple, which
was built in 1960.”

The TUI team considered several
important factors when designing the
itinerary for TUI Al Horeya.
“As an established global operator, we’ve
conducted extensive research and drawn
on our previous experience of operating in
Egypt,” says Berzins. “We’ve also benefited
from the knowledge of our colleagues in
both product and destination teams to
launch the TUI River Cruises ‘Legends of
the Nile’ itinerary.
“The unique sites along the Nile
naturally form a key part of our
planning, and understanding what
is available and the best times of day
to visit was imperative to ensure we
allocated the right amount of time in
each port for guests to maximise their
experiences both on and off the ship and
allow them to plan their river cruise,
their way.”

53

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

Delving deeper into destinations
Azamara’s Mike Pawlus explains to Rebecca Gibson how longer
port stays and carefully curated shore excursions help the brand
to deliver immersive and transformative itineraries

T
“Azamara continues
to lead the industry
in destination
immersion and
small-ship cruising”

ravellers embarking on Azamara
Onward’s world voyage from
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in
January 2024 will be able to visit
more than 75 destinations in over 40
countries on six continents and explore
“more than the Seven Wonders of the
World” over 155 nights. Some of the
highlights of the itinerary will include
27 late nights in port, 22 overnight
stays, 13 exclusive cultural events, 10
AzAmazing Celebrations experiences,
and visits to iconic sites such as the
Galápagos Islands, Petra in Jordan, and
Machu Picchu in Peru.
According to Azamara’s head of
itinerary planning Mike Pawlus, the
world voyage epitomises the type of

Azamara’s country-intensive itineraries to destinations like Japan, with ports of
call in Takamatsu in Kagawa, have become increasingly popular with guests

54

authentic, immersive and unique travel
experiences the brand aims to offer to
every guest sailing on its four boutiquestyle ships.
“Azamara continues to lead the
industry in destination immersion
and small-ship cruising,” he says. “We
prioritise giving our guests more time
to explore on land – for example, our
Extended Destination Days give guests
10 or more hours in port. With the
time to travel further and feel relaxed
rather than rushed, guests can discover
hidden local hotspots and connect with
different communities.”
Country-intensive sailings are central
to Azamara’s destination immersion
offering. They provide an in-depth

When Azamara visits Greece, it takes guests to both marquee ports such as Rhodes (pictured above) and smaller, lesser-known places

cultural exploration of one country by
taking guests to both popular marquee
ports and smaller, lesser-known places.
In Greece, for instance, Azamara visits
Rhodes, Mykonos and Santorini but also
the smaller ports of Argostoli, Patmos
and Amorgos.
“This mix allows travellers to fully
immerse themselves in the different
cultures, traditions and flavours of one
country, which offers a more meaningful
and authentic travel experience,” explains
Pawlus, adding that Azamara visits
more unique ports in Greece than any
other cruise line. “Our shore excursions
encourage guests to connect with the
local people, culture and heritage in each
destination. For example, guests can
learn the secrets of mosaic design from
islanders in Amorgos or enter the cave of
Saint John the hermit in Patmos.”

Azamara operates country-intensive
voyages to destinations worldwide,
including Australia, Greece, Croatia,
Iceland, Scotland, Canada, South Africa,
Italy, Ireland and many others. These
sailings were particularly successful in
Japan in 2023.
“The back-to-back itineraries in Japan
performed fantastically,” says Pawlus.
“Guests discovered Japan’s local culture
and history through multiple new
experiences, such as wine tastings in
a local miso and soy sauce factory in
Akita, mangrove kayaking in Ishigaki,
and exploring the Seiben Garden in
Aomori. We also made a maiden visit to
the port of Niigata, known for its scenic
mountains and expansive rice fields. We
look forward to returning in March and
April 2024 when the cherry blossoms
are blooming.”

Pawlus attributes much of Azamara’s
success to the relatively small size of its
cruise ships.
“We can access lesser-known ports,
such as Sihanoukville in Cambodia,
and dock in the heart of destinations,
allowing guests to walk straight off
the ship and into the town or city
without the hassle of additional shuttle
services,” says Pawlus. “In Porto Venere
in Italy, our guests can disembark and
be walking along the town’s charming,
cobbled streets within minutes, whereas
passengers on larger ships dock at sea and
tender to shore. Meanwhile in Montreal,
only smaller ships like ours can fit under
the overhead power lines to take guests
right into the city.”
Smaller ships also make it easier to
overcome the perennial challenge of
every itinerary planner: port congestion.

55

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

Azamara’s Mediterranean itineraries take guests to destinations like Ajaccio in Corsica

“We have greater flexibility to adapt
itineraries on the go, which allows us
to deliver the best land experience for
our guests and minimise the impact on
the communities we visit,” says Pawlus.
“This summer, we switched the schedule
of our ‘Greek Islands’ itinerary when we
realised we would be in Santorini on the
same day as several large ships. Instead,
we called alone on a different day,
offering our guests a much more relaxed
and enjoyable shoreside experience.”
Having smaller ships with fewer
guests also enables Azamara to curate
intimate shore excursions to hidden local
gems that tourists typically do not visit.
“Our small group experiences offer the
opportunity for guests to make authentic
connections with locals and immerse in
their culture,” says Pawlus.
To expand its capacity for destination
immersion in 2024, Azamara will debut
double-night stays in select European
cities, including Bordeaux in France and
Seville in Spain.

56

“Guests will stay two nights and three
days in one place, giving them time to
go beyond the port and travel deeper
into the destination at their own pace,”
says Pawlus. “We encourage them to do
multiple shore excursions, and see how the
cities come to life at night.

“Our shore excursions
encourage guests
to connect with the
local people, culture
and heritage”
“Docking in the centre of Bordeaux
will enable guests to explore the
surrounding world-famous wine
region, which boasts nearly 300,000
acres of vineyards. They can also sail
seven hours down the Guadalquivir
River to enjoy an extended stay in the

heart of Seville, where they can fully
immerse themselves in Andalusian
local culture by indulging in tapas,
watching authentic flamenco dancers
and admiring historic palaces.”
Azamara also plans to continue
expanding its range of itineraries,
visiting both old and new destinations.
In 2025, for example, it will return to
Canada for the first time in five years,
operating two new sailings with stops in
Saguenay, Quebec City and St. John’s
in Newfoundland, as well as maiden
calls to Cap-aux-Meules, L’Anse Aux
Meadows and Harve Saint Pierre.
“Canada is proving to be a really
popular destination, especially amongst
UK travellers, and we’re already seeing
great demand for the voyages,” says
Pawlus. “We are always looking at new
destinations and itineraries to give our
guests more of what they love about
Azamara, and to encourage them to have
new, immersive travel experiences that
change how they view the world.”

Aarhus

Skagen

©Medieafdelingen - Moesgaard Museum/VisitAarhus

©Destination Nord

Hundested

© Tine Uffelmann/VisitNordsjaelland

THE LAND OF EVERYDAY WONDER

Kalundborg

Copenhagen
CruiseCopenhagen.com

© Daniel Rasmussen

Helsingor

© Daniel Villadsen/Destination Sjælland

© Thomas Rafn-Larsen

LinkedIn.com/company/cruisecopenhagen

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

Exploring new horizons
Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours’ James Griffiths shares with
Alex Smith how his perspective has changed with a new role
and discusses the challenges of planning global itineraries

“We’ve continued
to see really
strong demand for
our cruises to the
polar regions”

Scenic’s two discovery yachts operate itineraries across the world

58

operate our onboard helicopters – it’s
an experience that has given me a very
different insight.”
According to Griffiths, the most
important part of planning an itinerary
is understanding the target market and
identifying which destinations will
prove most popular for these travellers.
It is a judgement that constantly needs
to be reassessed as changing guest
demand and market trends make
different regions and experiences more
prominent. He highlights polar voyages
as an example of a particularly popular
itinerary for Scenic’s guests.
“At Scenic, we’ve continued to see
really strong demand for our cruises to
the polar regions, and they provide an
Photo: Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

J

ames Griffiths, general manager
of maritime operations at Scenic
Luxury Cruises and Tours,
has spent a lifetime at sea. As a crew
member, he has travelled the world
with a number of cruise lines and
commanded seven different ships, the
most recent being the first of Scenic’s
discovery yachts, Scenic Eclipse.
However, stepping into an executive
role at the cruise line has provided him
with a fresh perspective of the industry.
“I moved from being at sea for
20 years to being onshore and seeing a
new side of what it takes to put together
a cruise,” explains Griffiths. “From
dealing with contracts and suppliers
to getting us properly licensed to

Photo: credit
Photo: Tourism Western Australia

Scenic visited The Kimberley in Australia for the first time in 2023

anchor to our planning for a season,”
says Griffiths. “There are no port or shore
excursion fees, and they are very popular.
There was a transformation in the late
2000s where polar exploration went from
an area where we had our oldest and
most outdated ships to a region where
today we deploy our most up-to-date
and advanced vessels. That’s essentially
because of the demand; people want to
see polar bears!”
Navigating between the ‘anchor’
itineraries in a season, however, can be a
challenging task.
“The times between those anchors in
a season are the difficult part of itinerary
planning,” says Griffiths. “Repositioning
cruises are naturally less popular because
it’s more difficult to explain to guests

the value of those voyages, even though
in reality they can be some of the most
rewarding that we sail. We have to build
around that reality to give our guests
what they want.”
There are also unique practical
considerations to consider for each vessel,
especially when introducing a new ship
to the fleet. Scenic chose to debut the
second of its discovery yachts, Scenic
Eclipse II, with a sailing from Lisbon in
Portugal due to a combination of good
timing and its appeal as a destination.
“There also comes a point in the
building of a ship where you have to
commit to the programme of itineraries
that you’re selling – there’s a before
and an after that point,” says Griffiths.
“Lisbon was in a great position for us at

the time we needed it, and so it naturally
became a good choice for us. It’s a great
place to start a Mediterranean cruise,
which is particularly popular with our
American guests, and it’s a beautiful city.”
In total, Scenic visits 357 ports in 54
countries over seven continents onboard
its two discovery yachts. The worldwide
coverage of its itineraries allows the brand
to explore a range of destinations. Griffiths
suggests Scenic Eclipse II’s voyages to
The Kimberley in Western Australia as a
highlight in the ship’s programme.
“While I was able to sail in Australia
during my days at sea, I never got a
chance to visit The Kimberley,” says
Griffiths. “It’s a very popular area, and I
was excited for Scenic Eclipse II’s visit to
such a beautiful destination.”

59

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

Small ships, big adventures
Windstar Cruises’ Kristin Badgett explains to Rebecca Gibson
why the brand’s boutique-sized vessels make it possible to
deliver unique cruise experiences around the world

L
“Windstar offers
travellers unique
itineraries filled
with legendary
places and access
to smaller ports”

uxury small-ship cruise brand
Windstar Cruises aims to “imagine
and deliver personalised and
immersive experiences 180 degrees from
ordinary” and “enrich people’s perspectives
through inspired travel”. To do this, the
brand “scours the world for amazing places
just this side of unreachable” and seeks
out the most authentic ways for guests to
experience them.
“Windstar offers travellers unique
itineraries filled with legendary places
and access to smaller ports,” says Kristin
Badgett, the brand’s vice president of
revenue and itinerary planning. “Our
itineraries allow guests to explore
destinations with old-world villages,
hidden coves and harbours that are off
the beaten path.”

Finding the ideal destinations and
curating compelling itineraries is difficult,
says Badgett.
“It can be challenging if you are
looking at regions or ports that you have
not personally visited, so we consult all
departments and ship management when
planning itineraries,” she explains. “The
process is made even more difficult by the
ever-evolving global landscape. It’s more
important than ever for us to remain
flexible, open to change and willing to
assess our options or adjust our itineraries
if necessary.
“At Windstar, we have an experienced
team that is committed to providing
engaging and scenic cruises while ensuring
the safety of all aboard. Guest satisfaction
is always our highest priority. Of course,

Nafplion in Greece is one of six destinations on
the ‘Treasures of the Greek Isles’ itinerary, which
is one of Windstar’s most popular voyages

60

Windstar creates shore excursions that enable guests to fully immerse themselves in
the culture of each destination, such as making bread with locals

we also want to maintain company
profitability while providing cruises
consistent with Windstar’s guests’
interests too.”
The small size of Windstar’s six
boutique all-suite vessels, which carry
between 148 and 342 guests, make it
easier for the brand to deliver on its
promise of taking guests to destinations
that are “just this side of unreachable”.
“Our smaller ships can use prime
berthing locations in iconic cities,
such as Venice in Italy or Dubrovnik
in Croatia, and call at ports that are
inaccessible to larger vessels,” says
Badgett. “This allows travellers to
explore lesser-known, under-the-radar
destinations and smaller cities. These
destinations often have fewer tourists,
so they are less crowded and offer the
opportunity for travellers to enjoy
more intimate and authentic cultural
experiences with the people who live
there. In addition, we can source expert
local guides for our tours which are a

key part of the immersive experiences
our guests desire.”
Windstar’s vessels operate a range of
different length itineraries to destinations
worldwide, including in Europe, the
Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Costa
Rica and the Panama Canal, Asia,
New England and Eastern Canada, the
Middle East, Australia, New Zealand
and the South Pacific. It also has a ship
based year-round in Tahiti.
According to Badgett, Windstar’s two
highest performing itineraries are the
‘Dreams of Tahiti’ and ‘Treasures of
the Greek Isles’ sailings. The weeklong
‘Dreams of Tahiti’ roundtrip itinerary
departs from Papeete in Tahiti and calls
at five other French Polynesian islands –
Huahine, Motu Mahaea, Moorea, Bora
Bora and Raiatea. Some of the shore
excursion highlights include a visit to
a private motu (tiny islet), kayaking,
hiking, snorkelling, diving, swimming
in lagoons, tasting Polynesian cuisine,
watching traditional fire dancing, and

exploring the ancient Māori temple at
Taputapuatea, a renowned Unesco World
Heritage Site.
Meanwhile, the seven-day ‘Treasures
of the Greek Isles’ cruises sail roundtrip
from Athens and call at Mykonos,
Patmos, Santorini, Monemvasia and
Nafplion, as well as Kusadasi in Turkey.
During this cruise, guests can relax on
numerous beaches, visit nine Unesco
World Heritage sites and participate in
a complimentary Windstar Destination
Discovery Event. The latter is an
exclusive five-course, white-glove-service
dinner under the stars in the Roman
city of Ephesus accompanied by a trio
from the Aegean Chamber Orchestra.
“These are longstanding repeat
itineraries as the destinations are very
popular with our guests,” says Badgett.
“We know these regions very well and
have developed strong relationships with
our partners there. Our deep ties and
decades of experience enable us to deliver
exceptional cruise experiences.”

61

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

All aboard for Asia
Brad Bennetts of APT and Travelmarvel tells Rebecca
Gibson why the brands’ Mekong River cruises are growing
in popularity with guests

“A river cruise in
Asia allows guests
to be intrepid but
also to unwind”
62

Photo: Unsplash/Anne Nicole

F

lowing from the Tibetan Plateau
to the South China Sea, the
Mekong River is the longest
river in Southeast Asia and traverses six
countries, including China, Myanmar,
Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
It is also one of the most in-demand river
cruise destinations in Asia.
Brad Bennetts, head of sales and
business development at APT and
Travelmarvel, attributes this popularity
to the fact Mekong River cruises offer a
“multi-destination experience that only
requires one round of unpacking”.
“From fiery flavours and vibrant
markets to colourful cultural traditions
and serene temples, Asia is an unmissable
delight for the senses and the soul – and
in this part of the world, they all collide
on the water,” he says. “Gliding between
destinations on our luxurious ships
while watching the changing landscapes
from the comfort of your cabin or on
deck with a cocktail, combined with the
support of an experienced cruise director

Guests on Mekong River cruises can explore Unesco World Heritage
sites such as Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia

throughout the journey, is both an
exciting adventure and a relaxing holiday.
A river cruise in Asia allows guests to be
intrepid but also to unwind.”
Both the APT Luxury and
Travelmarvel brands will sail Mekong
River cruises to destinations in Cambodia
and Vietnam in the 2023-2024 season.
“APT Luxury’s spacious new ship,
Mekong Serenity, has been custom-built
to deliver comfort like no other,” says
Bennetts. “It has a maximum capacity of
88 guests and some of the largest entrylevel suites on the Mekong River.”
One of Mekong Serenity’s most
notable cruises is a 15-day itinerary
that will depart Ho Chi Minh City in
Vietnam on 12 January and offer guests
“unique cultural experiences” in up to
11 destinations before concluding in
Siem Reap, Cambodia. “Highlights will
include dining at Vietnam House in Ho
Chi Minh City, a sunrise experience at

Angkor Wat and a traditional Buddhist
blessing ceremony at a monastery in
Oudong,” says Bennetts.
Travelmarvel, which is targeted at
value-centric guests, has taken over
operations of the all-balcony, 54-suite
Apsara from APT. “Apsara will now
deliver a five-star ship at a four-star
price, heralding a new level of luxury for
Travelmarvel’s guests on the Mekong
River, and offering the best possible value
in the region,” says Bennetts.
Bookings for the 2023-2024
Asia programme have exceeded all
expectations, and Bennetts expects this
growth to continue accelerating in future.
“Mekong River cruising performed
strongly for us during wave season and
enquires have since continued at pace as
customer confidence has been building,”
he explains. “We can’t wait to welcome
our guests onboard and showcase the
very best of Asia.”

REPORT

Itinerary planning for the future
Rescompany’s next-generation itinerary planning system
delivers new capabilities in a web-based, cloud-ready package
The ‘Port and Itinerary Management
System’ was created to reduce costs and
fuel consumption by providing the ship
management team with optimal route

to manage service contracts, berth
reservations and port information
requests, track service/purchase orders
and issue invoices.

“As the cruise industry looks to move
towards the future, Rescompany is helping
its customers to get ready by migrating to
its new Next Generation system”
options based on weather routing and any
nautical information, such as maximum
berth length, quays and terminals.
Real-time data is transmitted to the
management onboard and ashore and is
centrally stored to improve procedures and
enable ML and AI-based predictions.
The ‘Port Agent Portal’ allows agents
to communicate with cruise lines

Both the system and portal work
together for a real time synchronisation
between the cruise lines and the port but
are also designed to function as standalone systems. Rescompany has also
designed the system to take account of
the requirements of both ocean and river
cruise lines, allowing it to be adjusted for
their different needs.
Image: Rescompany Systems Ltd.

P

reparing for the challenges and
opportunities yet to come is an
important element in achieving
long-term success. As the cruise industry
looks to move towards the future,
Rescompany is helping its customers to
get ready by migrating to its new Next
Generation (NG) system. Resco NG is
a complete overhaul of its product suite
to a web-based, cloud-ready product
line that provides state-of-the-art
functionalities in the most efficient and
consumer-friendly way.
The Resco NG system also provides
seamless integration to Rescompany’s
partner MariApps’ Smart PAL,
CruisePAL and OnboarD software
modules, including its core IssueTrax suite.
The new development is an
intuitive digital solution which uses
smart technologies with modern and
instinctive interfaces on web-based
shore and ship applications. It allows
for easy management of software
upgrades, with faster turnaround of
new features, and swifter installation
and project management. The key
advantages of the new development
include reusability of technical
components like single sign-on and
frameworks; new and enhanced
yield management and packaging
functions, artificial intelligence and
machine learning (ML) extensions;
and web-based business-tobusiness and business-to-consumer
applications.
Two of the most prominent
new elements of the system are the
‘Port and Itinerary Management
System’ and the ‘Port Agent Portal’,
which are web-based applications
that enable the cruise line and
external contractors to
manage itineraries.

63

ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS: REPORT

The great adventure
Stretching from Lake Superior to the Atlantic
Ocean, the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River
and Atlantic Canada is a vast and varied
region offering a multitude of experiences for
cruise guests to discover. Alex Smith reports

T

he long journey across the Great
Lakes begins in Lake Superior, the
world’s largest freshwater lake. From
there, the St. Marys River leads south into
Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, before
the waterway heads through the St. Clair
River, Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River
to arrive in Lake Erie. The voyage continues
through the Welland Canal, over Lake
Ontario and northwest along the mighty
St. Lawrence River until it finally comes to
an end at the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the
Atlantic Ocean.
In total, the system of lakes, rivers, and
canals extends some 3,766 kilometres from
Duluth, Minnesota, to Atlantic Canada
on the coast, and every part is accessible
onboard an oceangoing cruise ship. Blending
both river and ocean cruise experiences, the
unique journey offers guests a vast range of
destinations and excursions to enjoy.
A cruise through the region offers
passengers a chance to explore a familiar
landscape in a new way.
“For American and Canadian guests,
the Great Lakes and Canadian Maritimes
is a beautiful region to cruise that is close
to home and easily accessible,” says Alexa
Paolella, public relations manager for Pearl
Seas Cruises. “Many of our guests, both
those who have grown up in the area, and

even those who still live there now, are
cruising the region for the first time and
experiencing it anew from the water.”
For those arriving from further afield, the
voyage is one full of new discoveries, as they
visit the many ports and destinations that
line the banks of the Great Lakes and St.
Lawrence Seaway.
“For many of our guests, the Great
Lakes remains quite an under-the-radar
destination,” says Neil Barclay, head of
sales at Viking UK. “I think this is part
of the attraction for some travellers – our
guests want to visit hidden, undiscovered
destinations which are off the beaten track.”
Viking offers several cruises exploring the
Great Lakes, including the 15-day ‘Great
Lakes Collection’, itinerary. The voyage sails
through all five of the lakes and includes
a visit to Makinac Island, along with calls
to Toronto, Niagara Falls, Georgian Bay,
Silver Islet and Thunder Bay in Canada
and Cleveland, Detroit, Alpena, the Door
Peninsula, Milwaukee, Muskegon and
Duluth in the USA.
“Visits to the remote national parks is also
a key part of each itinerary,” says Barclay.
“Point Pelee is one of these and is a pristine
area that points into Lake Erie from Ontario.
The peninsula comprises woodlands and
the largest freshwater marshes on the Great

“Our guests want to visit hidden, undiscovered
destinations which are off the beaten track”
Neil Barclay
Viking UK
64

The varied destinations in the Great Lakes and Atlantic Canada include Duluth (top),
Muskegon (bottom left) and Prince Edward Island (bottom right)

65

ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS: REPORT

A visit to downtown Muskegon is one of the many shore excursions available to visitors in the Great Lakes

Lakes. Guests might choose to explore
the various wetland habitats on one of
the Military Pro Zodiacs or note the local
flora and wildlife that inhabit the marshes
on one of our military-grade special
operation boats.”
At the other end of the St. Lawrence
Seaway, Atlantic Canada offers its own
unique landscape and culture. Made

includes calls to both Nova Scotia and
Newfoundland, where guests can visit the
site of a 1,000-year-old Norse settlement,
L’Anse aux Meadows. Borealis’s 26-night
‘Canada in the Fall’ itinerary, meanwhile,
departs from Southampton, UK, in
October each year, and arrives in Atlantic
Canada as the foliage changes colour for
the autumn.

“It is, without a doubt, a journey worth the
trip for guests from countries further afield”
Alexa Paolella
Pearl Seas Cruises
up of the provinces of New Brunswick,
Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia
and Prince Edward Island, the region
features many picturesque cruise ports.
More than 600 vessel calls will be made
over 2023 in a record year for the region,
after Viking’s expedition ship Viking
Octantis kicked off the season in April.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is also among
the visitors to Atlantic Canada and offers
two itineraries to the region. The 27-night
‘Glacial Landscapes and Wildlife of
Canada and Greenland’ itinerary departs
from Liverpool, UK, onboard Bolette and

66

“We time our cruises to reach Canada
when the world’s largest population of
humpback whales usually feed off the
coast of Newfoundland, giving nature
lovers the chance to spot misty blowholes
and arching fins and flukes,” says Martin
Lister, head of itinerary planning and
destination experiences at Fred. Olsen
Cruise Lines. “Stepping ashore, our
guests revel in visiting destinations
including La Mauricie National Park and
Corner Brook to see colourful autumn
foliage and scenic landscapes along the
Saguenay National Park and River,

St. Lawrence River and Gros Morne
National Park where they can walk on
the Earth’s mantle.”
Pearl Seas Cruises, on the other hand,
offers sailings across the entire Great
Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway and Atlantic
Canada region onboard its small ship,
Pearl Mist. The 15-night ‘St. Lawrence
Seaway and Great Lakes’ itinerary begins
in Quebec City, Quebec, and ends in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, including stops
in Montreal in Quebec, Cleveland in
Ohio and Detroit in Michigan. Like
Fred. Olsen, the cruise line heads
to Atlantic Canada for the autumn,
with a 10-night itinerary beginning in
Quebec City and visiting ports such as
Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island
and Halifax in Nova Scotia, before
ending in Portland, Maine.
“In 2024 Pearl Seas is offering the
only fully stabilised, 100 per cent private
balcony ship on the Great Lakes, and our
small ship cruises on the Great Lakes, St.
Lawrence Seaway, and Georgian Bay offer
a number of stand-out ports of call,” says
Paolella. “Small ship cruising, bar none,
is the most spectacular way to explore this
magnificent region, and it is, without a
doubt, a journey worth the trip for guests
from countries further afield. There is
nowhere else like it in the world.”

Come find your

Island

Discover the authentic experiences and endless possibilities of Prince Edward
Island. This picturesque island on Canada’s east coast makes for a memorable port
of call. Passengers and crew can experience some of the best seafood, immerse
themselves in the cultural landscape of the world renowned novel “Anne of
Green Gables” and explore the natural beauty of the Island’s National Park.
One amazing Island. Endless possibilities. ExplorePEI.com

twitter.com/tourismpei

instagram.com/tourismpei

youtube.com/tourismpei

ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS: REPORT

A voyage of discovery
CFIP asked selected ports in the Great Lakes and Atlantic
Canada why their destinations are a must-see in cruise
itineraries exploring the region

Cleveland, USA
Cruising is truly fuelling Cleveland’s
tourism economy. The Great Lakes cruises
are a real adventure for passengers, giving
them an authentic taste of what our region
has to offer. Cleveland has one of the
greatest theatre districts outside of New
York, three professional sports franchises,
a world-class art museum, one of the
nation’s most spectacular park systems, a
great restaurant scene, the Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame, and so much more.

Will Friedman, Port President
and CEO, Port Cleveland

Duluth, USA

Belle Wanke, Event Planner and
Cruising Coordinator, Duluth
Entertainment Convention

The people, the pace and the place truly make Duluth
a one-of-a-kind destination. Full of unexpected
adventures and welcoming folks, it’s an outdoor
wonderland where visitors can stroll the Lakewalk,
take a hike, mountain bike or paddle the Great Lake.
It’s a cultural hub, offering live theatre, comedy, ballet
and music plus attractions, museums and historical
sites. It’s a foodie’s paradise, with flavours from
around the globe and vibrant breweries, cideries and
distilleries. It’s a place where travellers can choose to
do everything or embrace doing nothing. And it’s a
place they’ll want to come back to again and again.”

Milwaukee, USA
Nestled on the western shores of Lake Michigan,
Milwaukee offers visitors an array of stunning natural
beauty, and world-renowned cultural attractions
such as the Calatrava Art Museum, Discovery World
and Harley Davidson Museum. Not to be missed is
the diverse dining scene that boasts James Beard
award winners and palate pleasing international and
local cuisines. Craft cocktails, local wines and an
array of local brews will delight the senses. Come
see Milwaukee first-hand and experience the warm
hospitality and charm Milwaukee has to offer.

68

Jackie Q. Carter, Port Director
Port Milwauke

THE TURNAROUND THAT

TURNS HEADS
With great museums, historic neighborhoods, art galleries, culinary offerings, summer-long festivals
and more, it’s no wonder Milwaukee has been chosen as one of National Geographic’s top-ranking
international communities to experience and is recognized as a premier Great Lakes turnaround port.
DISCOVER OUR DIFFERENCE. EMAIL PORT@MILWAUKEE.GOV TO LEARN MORE.

Your urban gateway
to the Great Lakes.
@PortsToronto www.PortsToronto.com

Subscribe
to free digital editions of our suite of
publications for the passenger shipping
industry www.cruiseandferry.net/
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NEXT STOP

TORONTO

ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS: REPORT

Muskegon, USA
Muskegon is a Great Lakes hidden gem.
Passengers marvel when they discover a
small historic port community from the
‘Gilded Age’ (between 1877 and 1900).
Excursions enable guests to explore
art, history and architecture, or take a
ride through Michigan’s freshwater sand
dunes. Our guests are amused to learn
that Muskegon Michigan was Buster
Keaton’s summer home and that our
community has been collecting famous
works of art for more than 100 years.

Cindy Larsen, President
Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber

Thunder Bay, Canada

Paul Pepe, Manager
Tourism Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is excited to be one
of the world’s newest expedition
and discovery cruise ship ports
of call. It offers a wide range of
world-class natural and cultural
attractions that cruise passengers
love. We’re known for spectacular
natural landscapes and our
eclectic urban cultural and
culinary experiences

Toronto, Canada
Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario,
Toronto has become a popular urban
destination and convenient jumping off
point for cruise adventures throughout
the Great Lakes, viewed by many as an
‘untapped gem’ to discover.
Passengers arriving at the Port of
Toronto Cruise Ship Terminal are just
five kilometres from the high-quality
shopping, theatre, sporting events
and restaurants you would expect in a
world-class city.

70

RJ Steenstra, President and
CEO, PortsToronto

ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS: REPORT

Love thy neighbour
MedCruise took its roadshow to Bulgaria in a show of
support for its Black Sea port partners. Jon Ingleton joined
cruise executives and the association’s membership to
report on proceedings

T

he 63rd MedCruise General
Assembly in Burgas underlined
the deep sense of community
and empathy among the membership
and the wider cruise community,
particularly for the member nations
and their near neighbours currently
struggling through, or impacted by,
conflicts and natural disasters.
It was entirely appropriate that
this General Assembly convened in
Bulgaria, a country whose ports have

lost their cruise business due to a series
of unfortunate events. We reminded
ourselves of the resilience and fortitude
demonstrated by those affected as
delegates observed a minute’s silence.
‘Navigating choppy waters’ was
a sombre but meaningful session as
the assembled panellists shared their
thoughts on how to overcome the
geo-political risks that are impacting
cruise regions and ports. The cruise line
representatives on the panel emphasised

The membership of MedCruise gathered in Burgas, Bulgaria, for the 63rd General Assembly

72

the importance of flexibility. “We have to
be very flexible with all of the situations
around the world,” said Frederique Patry,
senior manager of itinerary planning at
Silversea Cruises. Emilio Freeman, vice
president of itineraries and destinations
at SeaDream Yacht Club, really needed
a bigger audience for his wise counsel,
“There’s always a solution for a difficult
situation if you dig deep enough.”
The headline conference session title
reiterated the most human of responses

The final case study slot was given to
Even Husby, head of environment at
the Port of Bergen. Husby presented his
port’s best-practice approach to onshore
power during a dedicated session on the
topic that also shared analysis carried
out by MedCruise.
‘Developing a must-see destination’
is a common goal for ports, cities and
tourist boards across the industry. On
this occasion, MedCruise turned to Ryan
Baird, project manager for destination
communication at Holland America
Line, and Debbie Holbrook, director of
deployment and itinerary planning at
Princess Cruises, for their advice. Baird’s
recommendations included: find your
unique proposition, be accessible, ensure
safety and security, develop polished
tourism marketing tools and appeal to all
five senses. “Be open, learn from success
stories, seek improvement and use data to
drive it,” added Holbrook.

Photo: Unsplash/Julia Igoshev

to adversity, ‘Love thy neighbour.’ In
this interpretation of the phrase, cruise
line speakers were asked to comment
on the importance of port-city relations
through greater local community
engagement. Natalie Allaby, director
of cruise excellence at Port Saint John,
joined remotely to present her bestpractice case study that has earned her
port high praise both locally and across
the industry.
Case studies were well utilised in
Burgas. Lorenzo Vera, commercial unit
manager at Motrilport, and Susana
Soria, manager of the Port of Castellon,
communicated the crew-friendly
approach to cruise ship visits at the Port of
Castellon. Meanwhile Carolina Navarro,
director of Fundación Valenciaport,
orchestrated an informative discussion
about The Ealing Project, which is
accelerating the deployment of onshore
power solutions in European ports.

BURGAS, AT A GLANCE

CFIP executive editor Jon Ingleton (centre) with Emilio Freeman of Sea
Dream Yacht Club (left) and Michele Bosco of Princess Cruises (right)

Burgas celebrated its 120th anniversary
this year by hosting the MedCruise
63rd General Assembly. The event won
new admirers for the port as it seeks to
entice planners to relaunch itineraries
featuring western Black Sea ports.
Surrounded by lakes on the western
Black Sea coast, Burgas is a historied bayport located 240 miles east of Sofia and
75 miles south of the better-known cruise
port of Varna.
Our visit gave us an opportunity to
experience three of the city’s most
popular shore excursions. A boat trip to
Saint Anastasia Island and Chengene
Skele delivered a neat cultural and
social combination, while a visit to
the ancient city of Nessebar provided
a journey through three-millennia of
history, and a walk through the streets of
Burgas revealed glimpses of its Bronze
Age origins, Ottoman rule, and its
industrialisation in the early 20th century.
Burgas is not a polished tourism
destination, but this gives it an
authenticity that many will find endearing.

73

Photo: Unsplash/Jorge Fernandez Salas

ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS: REPORT

MED PORT NEWS IN BRIEF
Fundación Valenciaport has restarted
a project using sensors to track how
passengers move in and around the city
during cruise calls. The data will provide
valuable insights to help manage potential
destination overcrowding and improve
passenger satisfaction.
Motril, Spain, has achieved a record year
for cruise calls in 2023, representing a
600 per cent growth on the previous
year, due in part to 10 calls by Norwegian
Cruise Line. For the calls by Norwegian
Epic, the port laid on 15 shuttle buses
from the port, stopping at the beach
and downtown for those electing not
to visit Alhambra, Granada or the other
compelling shore excursion offers.
North Tyrrenian Port Network is
stepping up efforts to bring small and
luxury ships to anchor off Capraia, the
magical island in the Tuscan Archipelago.
While it hasn’t received any calls in 2023,
this could be the very justification for a
luxury ship to visit – a near guarantee of
an intimate call.

The ‘Port investment and development’
session provided three particularly
noteworthy takeaways. While Andrea
Ferla, manager of destination experiences
at Silversea, suggested that “The port is
the first impression that the guest has on
arriving at a destination. Investment is
necessary to welcome guests properly.”
Hugues Lamy, director of port operations
at Swan Hellenic, said that “We don’t
need any investment from the port
other than to maintain the quality of
the destination itself.” Meanwhile, Ugo

74

Savino, director of deployment and
itinerary planning at Carnival Cruise
Line, advised that “before investing
millions in a new terminal or pier, [ports
should] speak to cruise companies and
get their expert advice.”
“I love finding that thing that makes
you say ‘wow,’ and I dig deep to find that
thing,” said Baird in his presentation,
and it’s good advice in both our work and
our play. The 63rd General Assembly in
Burgas gave us many opportunities to
make that exclamation!

Cartagena is in the process of
remodelling its entire waterfront to
improve access between the terminal and
the city and to create a greater sense of
connection with the sea. The completed
building restoration work will provide a
range of new facilities, including cafés,
restaurants, an ice cream parlour and the
impressive Experiencia Licor 43.
Constanza continues to woo river cruise
passengers throughout the year and is
starting to see hints of a revival in its
cruise business. The Romanian port is
eager to highlight that it is still a safe
and secure destination and has retained
all of its charm and appeal, with tours of
the old city, lazy beach days and Danube
Delta boat trips topping the shore
excursion highlights.

ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS: INTERVIEW

A new narrative
Cruise Baltic’s Louise Røssell tells Rebecca Gibson why increased
collaboration and a new strategy will help the Baltic Sea region
become synonymous with responsible cruising

“Our vision is for
the Baltic Sea
region to be the
obvious choice for
responsible cruising”

Photo: Werner Nystrand

W

hat is it that entices travellers
to visit destinations in the
Baltic Sea region? This
question is at the heart of the new Cruise
Baltic marketing narrative that encourages
cruise lines and their guests to “uncover
the secrets of Northern Europe”. The
campaign showcases the rich and varied
histories, cultures, cuisines and attractions
in the more than 30 cruise ports and
destinations in the Cruise Baltic network.
“Cruise guests may be hesitant to visit
the Baltic Sea due to the geopolitical
situation, so we’ve launched a new narrative
to spark their curiosity, show them the
secrets of our region and encourage them
to visit us more frequently,” says Louise
Røssell, senior manager of Cruise Baltic.
According to Røssell, the new narrative
plays an “integral role” in Cruise Baltic’s
2023-2026 Responsible Cruising strategy,
which was developed together with four
of its partners who represent different

sized ports and destinations. The strategy
outlines three main goals: re-establish
Baltic Sea cruising beyond pre-pandemic
levels, intensify internal partner
commitments, and increase the value and
impact of its network through knowledge
sharing and partnerships.
“Our vision is for the Baltic Sea region
to be the obvious choice for responsible
cruising,” says Røssell. “The strategy will
empower us as a network to adapt to
unforeseen circumstances and enhance
internal and external collaboration.”
To achieve such ambitious objectives,
Cruise Baltic will strengthen cooperation
between its port and destination partners.
“Baltic Sea cruises include calls at several
destinations, so we must be united to
deliver a consistently high-quality product
across the region,” says Røssell, adding
that Cruise Baltic also plans to participate
in industry-wide dialogues with external

stakeholders. “We have a higher chance of
getting our messages across and reaching
our goals if the industry works together.
For example, we’d like to be more
involved in the green agenda.”
Røssell cites both the shore power
overview and the Itinerary Planner tool
on cruisebaltic.com as key examples of
existing initiatives borne out of successful
cross-industry collaboration.
“The shore power overview was
created in alignment with other cruise
organisations to help cruise lines easily
identify the current and future availability
of shoreside electricity in ports,” she says.
“Meanwhile, our Itinerary Planner was
co-developed with Cruise Norway to
help cruise brands check the availability
of berths in Baltic Sea and Norwegian
ports on specific dates. We’re updating the
system to further improve the Baltic cruise
itinerary planning process.”

75

ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS: PERSPECTIVE

Time for new Baltic Sea
jewels to shine
By Klaus Bondam, CruiseCopenhagen

Photo: Thomas Høyrup Christensen/VisitCopenhagen

Photo: Kjetil Løite/Enjoy Nordjylland

Interest in Baltic Sea cruises has waned since Russia’s former
capital Saint Petersburg was removed from itineraries but
destinations like Denmark offer an alluring alternative due to
an abundance of attractions that suit every guest

Cruise guests can cycle through Copenhagen’s picturesque streets (left) or see where the Baltic and North seas meet in Skagen (right)

L

ike several other major ports
and destinations in the Baltic
Sea, some of the 12 ports in
CruiseCopenhagen’s network have
experienced a significant drop in calls in
the past 12 months, despite the rapid rise
of cruise tourism globally. There is a very
clear reason for this: the war in Ukraine
has forced cruise lines to remove Russia’s
capital Saint Peterburg from their Baltic
Sea itineraries.
The opportunity to visit Saint
Petersburg was the reason that many
international guests – especially
Americans – chose to go on a Baltic
Sea cruise and unfortunately, they
are unaware of all the other great
attractions and destinations in the
region. However, CruiseCopenhagen
and other stakeholders in the region

76

are working hard to improve how we
communicate these offerings to cruise
lines and their guests.
One of the region’s highlights is
Denmark, which has 12 cruise ports and
destinations of different sizes, including
capital city Copenhagen. It is a small, very
accessible country that offers high-level,
efficient services and has a strong focus on
sustainability and quality.
We have created something ‘quietly
wonderful’ for cruise guests in Denmark.
While visiting our ports and destinations,
cruise guests can immerse themselves in
our Viking heritage, delight in the sights
and sounds of ancient cities, and explore
the humble roots of a culinary scene
that has become a global phenomenon.
They can also be inspired by futuristic
architecture, stroll through towns with

strange names and friendly people, and
discover why each of our destinations
offers a glimpse into the bigger secret that
makes us who we are.
When visitors cruise the quietly
wonderful city of Copenhagen, Denmark
and the rest of the Baltic Sea, they will
gain an appreciation for design and
architecture, a newfound love for simple
things, an unmistakable feeling of
happiness, and a strong craving for odd
local ingredients!
Cruise guests will bring home memories
of uncovering the secrets of Northern
Europe and understand why there is so
much more to the Baltic Sea region than
just Saint Petersburg.
Klaus Bondam is director of
CruiseCopenhagen and Cruise Baltic

Uncover the Secrets of

NORTHERN
EUROPE

For more Secrets visit cruisebaltic.com

ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS: REPORT

Behind the clouds the
sky is always blue
Jon Ingleton shares some of the
highlights of Norway’s southernmost
ports and destinations after exploring
the region during a familiarisation trip
with Cruise Norway

T

he uplifting proverb ‘Bak skyene
er himmelen alltid blå’ (‘behind
the clouds the sky is always blue’)
likely originated in the north of Norway
but is equally apt for destinations in
the south of the country. Although
renowned as the part of Norway with
the best weather, the south does have
bleaker autumnal and winter days, all of
which can be brightened by exploring
the sights, sounds and various other
attractions on offer in the region.
This year, my Cruise Norway
familiarisation trip started on a cloudy
day in Stavanger. Sadly, we had precious
little time to explore this vibrant city,
which was founded in the 12th century.
Preikestolen, one of my all-time favourite
Norwegian adventure spots, is just
a short ride away. Happy memories
of previous visits were easily recalled

ships due to the harbour having
effectively zero tidal range, although
fewer vessels may call in 2024 if a
proposed 8,000-passenger per day limit
is approved. Of course, such limitations
may elevate the appeal of the port for
cruise guests.
During a walk around the town, our
guide proudly described Egersund as
‘the wooden city’. But it offers so much
more, not least a natural marvel created
by a nearby amphidromic point and the
Magma Unesco Global Geopark, which
has been home since 1854 to Eigerøy
lighthouse – the first in Norway to be
constructed of cast iron.
Some of the other highlights on
offer in Egersund include Berentsens
Brygghus, a successful family brewery
business that was founded in 1895 with
a coffee roaster and a soda machine.

“Navigating the 250-metre-long quay to
berth in Egersund is easy for cruise ships”
while strolling alongside the harbour
and through the old town before we
embarked on a tour to explore some
of the key attractions in Norway’s
southernmost cruise destinations.
Egersund

Navigating the 250-metre-long quay
to berth in Egersund is easy for cruise

78

Beer, whisky and gin have been added
to its significant portfolio, which
enables a range of tasting experiences
for cruise guests.
Aside from the two big natural
attractions, a jolly good brew and the
captivating city walk, there is also a
good variety of out-of-town adventures
available to cruise guests.

Sogndalstrand, a 17th-century fishing
village, is just a short bus ride away.
Seemingly lost in a time warp, the village
has a rich source of stories as endless as
the river has salmon – 763 were caught in
1886 with an average weight of six kilos!
Just a few kilometres further on is the
newly built Jøssingfjord Vitenmuseum, a
striking new construction in a dramatic
landscape that is intended to celebrate
the meeting of nature, people and
technology. The museum site sits in the
shadow of the historic Helleren, the
famous rock with an expansive overhang
that provides a natural roof for two small
houses dating back to the 1880s.
Farsund

The iconic Lista lighthouse was our first
stop in the municipality of Farsund.

Cruise guests calling at Egersund can explore Magma Geopark, one of more than 160 Unesco Global Geoparks in the world

At 34 metres high, it was once the
largest in the world and the automated
lantern is seemingly now also a beacon
for attracting thousands of birds that
loiter in the surrounding wetlands to
the delight of visiting twitchers. Of the
more than 500 bird species that have
been recorded in Norway, almost 400
visit Lista.
Outside the town, both the Nordberg
Fortress and the Hangar Museum are
sombre reminders of Norway’s more
macabre past, meanwhile the Stone
Age settlement of Farsund, and onetime pirate town, gives easy access to
miles of beaches and countless outdoor
adventures both on land and water.
More sedentary folk will enjoy a gentle
stroll around the town, though a walk
up the hillside offers spectacular views

of the town and out to the southernmost
tip of Norway.
Cruise tourism practicalities have led to
Farsund introducing a daily limit of one
ship call and 2,500 passengers, although
there appears to be some flexibility as
Holland America Line’s Rotterdam
visited carrying 2,600 passengers. Tender
calls are preferred, with an 800-metre
route to the enclosed city centre pier.
Lyngdal

In the event of inclement weather, the
tender pier at Lyngdal is a reasonable
alternative to Farsund, though shuttle
buses will be necessary for passengers.
The big bonus of rerouting a cruise ship
here is the proximity to the €13.5 million
($14.3 million) Kvåsfossen National Wild
Salmon Center.

The building itself cost €1 million
($1.06 million), with the bulk of the
remaining funds being used to construct
a water ladder to enable salmon to
bypass the waterfall and reach fertile
breeding grounds further upstream.
With Norwegian salmon numbers
plummeting from close to 10 million in
the 1970s to just half a million in 2023,
this investment in a keystone species
population seems entirely justified
and has produced a deeply engaging
educational and tourism facility.
Mandal

A midway break in the journey from
Lyngdal to Kristiansand presented
our tour group with an opportunity
to inspect the tender pier in Mandal.
Surrounded by woods and boasting town

79

ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS: REPORT

centre beaches, Mandal has received six
calls in 2023, including five tenders and
one berthing on the 150-metre quay. It’s
a picturesque 1,200-metre journey from
the anchorage to the tender pier in the
city centre.
Kristiansand

The urban beach town of Kristiansand
deserves its slogan as ‘the smiling capital
of the south’ and has all of the facilities
and attractions that cruise visitors would
expect of the fifth biggest city in Norway,
and more besides. It welcomed 130 cruise
calls in 2022 and will receive a similar
number in 2023.
Active pursuits are plentiful in
Kristiansand. Speed sightseeing around
the islands on a RIB boat with The Blue
Centre is thrilling and kayaking from
the city centre and along the coast with
TrollAktiv is equally fulfilling. On land,
Sørlandet Climbing Centre offers indoor
climbing for every ability, or travellers
can venture out to tackle a real ascent.

Food lovers can perfect the art of
mackerel cleaning at restaurant 2 Knop,
and then cook and eat the fish. A city
walk should include a visit to the bakery
at Posebyhaven for perhaps the country’s
finest cinnamon bun. Alternatively,
venture outside the city to Skråstad
Fruit Farm to experience local life and
very tasty fresh produce – perhaps also
prepare a nistepakke for later. Inevitably
there are countless other options to suit
every taste.
Arendal

Arendal is a small town with a big heart
and beautiful people. On land there
are abundant places of interest during a
city walk, including Heimdal Chocolate
Factory, Klöckers House and the glass
elevator at Fløyheia with spectacular
views of Arendal, Galtesund fjord and
the Tromøy and Hisøy islands.
But to really appreciate the soul of
the town, cruise visitors need to be
by, or on, the water, whether they are

Trollpark Hove on Tromøya island near Arendal offers kayaking,
paddleboarding, coasteering and other outdoor activities

80

relaxing in a waterside restaurant or
exploring the archipelago by boat. Those
in search of something more active can
try coasteering, paddleboarding and
kayak adventures at Trollpark Hove on
Tromøya island.
Cruise lines will find it easy to curate
shore excursion combinations in Arendal.
The Kuben museum, Solverg mines
and Næs Ironworks will appeal to more
than just history aficionados. However,
Fengselshotellet (the prison hotel) is
arguably the most original tour option. A
former inmate leads guided tours of the
hotel, sharing fascinating stories of hard
times spent here.
Until very recently, cruise ships less
than 220 metres long could visit Arendal
without a pilot, but this has been
inexplicably reduced to 180 metres –
hopefully just a temporary oddity.
Fredrikstad

Founded in 1567 by namesake
King Frederick II, Fredrikstad is an

Næs Ironworks Museum is located by the river Storelva in Holt, Tvedestrand, and is one of the best preserved ironworks in Norway

immaculately preserved fortified town
that can accommodate small 150-metrelong ships with a six-metre draught at
its city centre pier. Countless artists and
craftspeople have settled here, and cruise
guests can easily find their work while

restoration services, including for
vessels once constructed there. Now
run by volunteers, guided tours
of the yard’s current projects give
cruise visitors a true appreciation of
expert craftsmanship.

“Oslo Cruise Partners network offers cruise
lines with easy access to trusted service
providers and attractions”
walking through the cobbled streets.
Alternatively, they can use the efficient
electric ferry service to cross the water to
the new town.
Located in the centre of Fredrikstad
on an island between two rivers
is Isegran, a living coastal culture
park that is renowned for its food,
culture, craft and recreational
activities. The island’s boat yard is a
storied facility providing traditional

Oslo

Building a compelling shore excursion
programme can be challenging in a
big vibrant city like Oslo, which has so
much to offer, and so many companies
touting their services. Thankfully
qualified help from the companies in
the Oslo Cruise Partners network is
available to simplify the task.
The Oslo Cruise Partners network
offers cruise lines with easy access to

trusted service providers and attractions.
For example, network members provide
numerous ways for cruise guests to
get around the city. Alna Ridesenter
operates horse and carriage rides, Retro
Tours provides motorcycle and sidecar
trips, and visitors can hire bicycles from
Oslo Bike Rental or join walking tours
led by Oslo Hiking.
The network’s influence is particularly
valuable for cruise lines seeking to create
special events, like our out-of-hours
private guided tour of the National
Museum’s highlights, including the
earliest version of Edvard Munch’s
painting The Scream.
Norway’s special relationship with
the sea dates back to the formation of
the kingdom in the eighth century.
Cruise passengers are fortunate
to live in modern times, free from
marauding Vikings and able to explore
the countless wonders that have been
crafted in the country by both nature
and mankind.

81

ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS: REPORT

Back in business

Photo: Port Authority of Motril

MedCruise ports have achieved significant growth
in both 2022 and the first half of 2023, pointing to a
return to pre-pandemic records

The Port of Motril saw a 683 per cent increase in passenger movements in the first half of 2023

T

he Mediterranean cruise
industry underwent a strong
resurgence in 2022, pushing it
back towards the records set before the
pandemic. According to data collected
by MedCruise, the association of
Mediterranean cruise ports, there were
24.13 million cruise passenger movements
in its member ports in 2022, a jump of
over 18 million from 2021.
The Western Mediterranean accounted
for 75 per cent of those movements,
with 9,650 calls bringing over 18 million
passengers to ports in the region. A
further 12.5 per cent of movements
were recorded in the Adriatic, while
11.95 per cent occurred in the Eastern
Mediterranean. Though short of the 31.5
million movements in 2019, the bounce
back in numbers in 2022 demonstrated a
clear upwards trend in the regional cruise

82

industry since the global cruise hiatus
during the pandemic.
The promising outlook for the region
has further improved in the first half
of 2023. Member ports in the Western
Mediterranean saw dramatic growth
in both calls and passenger numbers
compared to the same period in 2022. The
French port of Marseille, for example, has
seen calls rise by 14 per cent and passenger
numbers grow by 143 per cent, while
Motril in southern Spain has noted a 683
per cent boom in passenger numbers. The
number of calls and passengers at Spanish
port Valenica has exceeded pre-pandemic
records, indicating that the regional cruise
industry may be close to returning to the
strong position it held in 2019.
MedCruise ports in the Eastern
Mediterranean achieved a similar level
of success in the same period. Galataport

Istanbul in Turkey received 41 per
cent more calls and 103 per cent more
passengers than in 2022, while Sibenik,
Croatia, grew its calls by 68 per cent and
its passenger numbers by 115 per cent. The
Greek port of Thessaloniki also reached
triple-digit growth during the same
period, while Egyptian ports received 82.5
per cent more calls.
“Witnessing the remarkable growth of
MedCruise ports in 2022 and the first
half of 2023 is truly heartening,” says
Figen Ayan, president of MedCruise. “The
resurgence of the Mediterranean cruise
industry, with a return to pre-pandemic
records, stands as a testament to our
collective efforts and determination.”
To continue driving this growth,
MedCruise has identified some key
challenges that its member ports will
need to overcome. The first of these

Photo: Unsplash/Zhu Yunxiao

The Port of Marseille has received 14 per cent more cruise calls in the first half of 2023 than at the same time in 2022

is to find ways to connect the cruise
sector and local communities to ensure
cruise port activity has a positive
impact on cities and metropolitan
areas. The association believes it is
crucial for ports to maintain a positive

MedCruise also highlights the
environmental challenge of fulfilling net
zero targets set by the European Union
(EU) by 2050, suggesting that its non-EU
member ports would be best served by
working to the same targets while all

“The resurgence of the Mediterranean
cruise industry, with a return to prepandemic records, stands as a testament
to our collective efforts and determination”
experience for both cruise visitors and
local community and suggests they take
measures to manage passenger flow
and to protect cultural, artistic and
natural attractions.

ports strive to find a balance between
cost and environmental requirements.
Technology investments will also be a
crucial challenge, the association suggests,
as ports look for digital solutions that

improve efficiency. Finally, effective
destination marketing will remain an
important task for Mediterranean ports,
as will cooperating with government
authorities and regulatory bodies to ensure
compliance with their requirements.
“We are well-aware of the new
challenges that we are facing,” says Ayan.
“These growths are also shaping our port
investments, which can be regrouped
in digitalisation, sustainability (onshore
power systems, LNG etc), terminal or
wide waterfront complexes investments,
in the model of Galataport Istanbul.
It is evident that the cruise industry
in the Mediterranean is once again
charting a course for success. We are
committed to continuing this journey,
fostering collaboration, and ensuring
that our beautiful region flourishes while
embracing the challenges ahead.”

83

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ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS: INTERVIEW

Irresistible charm
Sarah Rumley of the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association
speaks with Alex Smith about why Atlantic Canada’s
unique appeal has led to a record-breaking season in 2023

Atlantic Canada is set to receive more than one million cruise guests in the 2023 season

M

ade up of the provinces of New
Brunswick, Newfoundland
and Labrador, Nova Scotia
and Prince Edward Island, the Atlantic
Canada region is home to idyllic
landscapes, rich cultures and traditions,
and a range of charming ports. The
region’s many attractions combine to
create a destination like no other, claims
Sarah Rumley, executive director of the
Atlantic Canada Cruise Association.
“With its stunning coastline,
picturesque towns and friendly locals,
Atlantic Canada offers outstanding
and memorable experiences for
visitors,” says Rumley. “Each port has
something special to offer, from New
Brunswick’s magnificent Bay of Fundy
to Newfoundland and Labrador’s

breathtaking scenery, Prince Edward
Island’s vibrant culinary scene and Nova
Scotia’s rich culture and historic sites.
It’s no wonder more and more people are
choosing to embark upon an unforgettable
journey to our region.”
Cruise brands are increasingly drawn to
the attractions of Atlantic Canada, offering
more itineraries to the region than ever
before. The 2023 season began on 21 April
with the arrival of Viking Octantis in the
small port of Lunenburg in Nova Scotia
and 600 vessel calls are expected to bring
more than one million guests to Atlantic
Canada by the end of the year. This will
include 11 ships that will be making their
first visits to the region. It’s a welcome
resurgence for the industry, which
contributed $347 million to Atlantic

Canada’s economy and was responsible for
over 2,000 jobs before the pandemic.
Rumley puts Atlantic Canada’s
remarkable success in 2023 down to
a combination of collaboration and
the inherent appeal of the region as a
destination for cruising.
“This achievement would not be possible
without the collective efforts of ports,
tourism operators, industry stakeholders
and various levels of government,” she
says. “The charm of our region as a cruise
destination cannot be understated. The
stunning landscapes, vibrant culture and
warm hospitality are what set this region
apart. But the commitment displayed
by everyone involved is undoubtedly the
driving force behind the allure that makes
Atlantic Canada stand out.”

85

ASSOCIATION HIGHLIGHTS: INTERVIEW

Making waves
Rebecca Yackley speaks with Alex Smith about why
the Great Lakes is becoming an increasingly attractive
destination for itinerary planners to explore

T

he Great Lakes of North America
are the largest group of freshwater
lakes in the world, with the rivers
and channels connecting them extending
over 3,700 kilometres from the Gulf of St.
Lawrence to Duluth, Minnesota, on the
western end of Lake Superior. The many
miles of rivers, lakes and channels create
a cruising experience that strike a balance
between ocean travel and river cruising,
providing access to ports of call in six of
eight US states. They include New York,
Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and
Minnesota, along with the Canadian
provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
Rebecca Yackley, director of the Office
of Trade & Economic Development at
the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway

Development Corporation (GLS),
a division of the US Department of
Transportation tasked with promoting
the region as a cruise destination,
highlights the many experiences available
on a cruise to the region.
“Travellers can disembark on Mackinac
Island for horse and carriage rides, or
visit Green Bay, Wisconsin, to tour the
American football team Green Bay Packers’
Hall of Fame,” says Yackley. “Guests can
also explore the Great Lakes Aquarium
in Duluth, Victorian homes and art
museums of Muskegon, the gourmet
cuisines of Milwaukee’s beer city food
markets and tour the renowned Harley
Davidson Museum. The Rock & Roll Hall
of Fame in Cleveland and the famous,

historic Henry Ford Museum in Detroit,
Michigan, are also must-see attractions.”
The variety and appeal of the
experiences on offer during a cruise to the
Great Lakes is now being recognised by
the cruise industry. An increasing number
of cruise lines are offering voyages to the
region in response to guests’ interest, and
ports are developing their infrastructure
and services to meet demand.
“All five Great Lakes are currently
supporting cruise itineraries, alongside
the established route between Milwaukee
in Wisconsin and Toronto, Ontario,”
says Yackley. “Ports across the Great
Lakes are improving and expanding
their dock space and accommodation
for cruise ships. For example, the

Muskegon, on the shores of Lake Michigan, is one of the destinations
around the Great Lakes developing its cruise offering

86

Photo: credit

The 3,700 kilometres of lakes, rivers and channels in the Great lakes offers a variety of activities for
cruise guests to take part in, such as kayaking in Duluth

ports of Cleveland, Ohio, and Duluth,
Minnesota, opened compliant Customs
and Border Protection Agency (CBP)
passenger clearance facilities in 2022. On
Lake Michigan, the Ports of Milwaukee
and Muskegon are building new docks
for larger expedition-type cruise ships.”
GLS is working with cruise lines to
help develop their relationships with other
federal agencies such as the CBP and the
US Coast Guard.
“When vessels transit the St. Lawrence
Seaway, just west of Montreal to the
mid-point of Lake Erie, they seamlessly
cross the border between the USA and

Canada 27 times,” says Yackley. “Our
work to build the relationships between
cruise lines and our federal partners to
provide a complete understanding of
expectations is crucial to create the most
efficient process for passenger clearing at
ports of entry.”
The GLS, along with the Great Lakes
Cruising Coalition (GLCC), is also
making efforts to connect with the global
cruise industry and further develop
the reputation of the Great Lakes as a
destination. Annually, the GLS and its
stakeholders attend North America’s
largest cruise conference and exhibits at

“Ports across the Great
Lakes are improving and
expanding their dock
space and accommodation
for cruise ships”

Seatrade Cruise Global in Florida. It also
attended Seatrade Europe for the first time
in 2023, where discussions focused on the
many benefits that the European cruise
operators could receive from the itineraries
visiting the Great Lakes.
“During each trade show,
communicating our message with the
media has been a crucial component
to raising awareness of the Great Lakes
as a destination,” says Yackley. “We
also retain a membership with the
Cruise Lines International Association
to extend our reach and amplify our
message to our target audience of
cruise line itinerary planners and port
development specialists. The GLS has
been working in cooperation with Great
Lakes stakeholders, including the GLCC,
Cruise the Great Lakes, Great Lakes
Expedition Cruises, and Cruise the
St. Lawrence to raise the international
visibility of the region. Co-hosted events
with our partners at trade shows serve to
promote the region holistically.”

87

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT: ASIA

A diverse destination for all
Representatives from cruise lines offering itineraries in and
around Asia tell Laura Hyde about the region’s appeal and
what to expect when sailing to this diverse region

F

vice president of sales for Asia-Pacific
at Crystal. “Whether you are talking
climate, history, food, architecture,
shopping, art or entertainment, every
country in Asia offers something
different. So, a cruise through Asia is a
voyage of discovery for all your senses.”
Nick Hughes, sales director for UK and
Europe at Princess Cruises, also highlights
the enormous variety available in an Asian
itinerary, pointing to the range of different
shore excursions guests can experience.
“Cruise passengers can visit the
tranquil beaches of Thailand, the

vibrant city of Vietnam’s Hoi An,
and the mesmerising Supertree Grove
in Singapore, all on one cruise,”
says Hughes. “Princess’s Asia cruises
circumnavigate around southeast Asia
and Japan, which is best experienced on
a cruise. The majority of Princess’ Asia
voyages are on Diamond Princess, our
ship built in Japan, for Japan. The ship
boasts incredible Japanese features such
as the Izumi bath, making exploring the
country seamless and relaxing, whilst
immersing guests into the rich culture
and history both ashore and onboard.”
Photo: Setouchi Tourism

rom the cosmopolitan cities of Hong
Kong, China, and Tokyo, Japan, to
the rural rice paddies of Vietnam,
the unspoilt beauty of the Phi Phi Islands
in Thailand and historic sites like the
Great Wall of China, there’s no shortage
of attractions to visit once passengers
disembark in Asia. A cruise around
Asia is not just sailing from one port to
another; the world’s largest continent offers
passengers endless diversity.
“The main attraction of sailing to Asia
is the enormous amount of diversity
offered,” explains Tony Archbold,

Port Tower is a 108-metre high observatory tower in the port city of Kobe in Japan

88

Photo: Unsplash/Evan Krause

Coral, sandy beaches and limestone cliffs can be found in abundance on the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand

Helped by the bespoke design of
Diamond Princess, Japan has proved
to be a particularly popular destination
for Princess Cruises in the region. The
cruise operator is introducing its guests
to one of the country’s most famous
natural wonders in one of its recently
announced itineraries.
“Our recently announced 2025 Japan
cruise season includes a ‘Spring Flowers’
cruise, taking guests to all four main
islands and following the predicted
blooming season as it moves south to
north,” says Hughes. “Moreover, guests
sailing to Japan with us will have the
chance to enjoy four unique Japanese
festivals throughout August: Aomori
Nebuta Festival; Kochi Yosakoi Dance
Festival; Tokushima Awa Dance Festival;
and Kumano Fireworks Festival.”
For cruise guests who want to discover
more of Asia, Crystal’s 58-night cruise
from Bali to Singapore enables passengers
to visit almost every Asian country.

“Departing in February 2024, this
itinerary is deep exploration into Asia,
allowing guests to experience the
very best of this fascinating region,”
says Archbold. “Our 13-night voyage
onboard Crystal Symphony touches
the southern tip of Japan then goes to
Taiwan, the Philippines and Borneo,
finishing in Singapore. This gives
guests a taste of north and south, of the
bustling Hong Kong, the multiculture
of Singapore or the quiet beauty of
Boracay or Puerto Princesa.”
While ocean cruise operators are
focused on providing coastal and islandhopping itineraries, river cruise lines are
exploring the region’s many waterways.
“In Asia, almost more than anywhere
else in the world, life unfolds along the
riverbanks,” says Brad Bennetts, head
of sales and business development at
APT and Travelmarvel. “This makes
cruising its inland waterways one of the
most exciting, authentic and immersive

“Every country
in Asia offers
something different.
So, a cruise through
Asia is a voyage
of discovery for all
your senses”
Tony Archbold,
Crystal
89

Photo: APT and Travelmarvel

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT: ASIA

APT and Travelmarvel’s new ship, Mekong Serenity, provides river cruises in Vietnam and Cambodia

“Mekong River
cruising has always
been our most
in-demand Asian
product”
Brad Bennetts,
APT and Travelmarvel
90

ways to explore this exciting region. A
river cruise ship can dock in the best
locations to optimise explorations on
land, where the fascinating history
of destinations such as the Cu ̉ Chi
Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
and Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in
Cambodia are brought to life with
unique access and insights from expert
local guides.”
APT and Travelmarvel has a number
of signature journeys in Vietnam
and Cambodia for 2024, including
the 15-day ‘Vietnam and Cambodia
Highlights’ cruise onboard its new ship,
Mekong Serenity. The itinerary visits 11
destinations, with highlights including
a special sunrise experience at Angkor
Wat in Cambodia and dining at Vietnam
House in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
“Mekong River cruising has always
been our most in-demand Asian

product, but we’ve been stunned by the
uptake of bookings since going on sale,
as they have exceeded all expectations,”
says Bennetts. “We are truly delighted
to be back, operating again in the
region. The excitement to renew our
operations in Vietnam and Cambodia
wasn’t just internal; we knew from
customer feedback that demand for
the region was building over the last
two years, when long-haul travel was
still not an option for most [due to the
Covid-19 pandemic]. After putting our
Asia 2023-2024 programme on sale,
bookings exceeded all expectations, and
I can only see this accelerating as we
move into 2024.”
“Asia is a dream holiday destination,”
he adds. “These dream holidays, which
might have felt out of reach for so long,
are finally here for the taking, and no one
wants to waste more time.”

Destination highlights
We asked five popular cruise ports in Asia to showcase what
makes their destinations a must-visit during a cruise to the region

Hong Kong, China

Photo: Vladimir Haltakov/Unsplash

Asia’s ‘urban heartbeat’,
Hong Kong provides endless
shopping and dining options,
an East-meets-West culture,
a diverse range of attractions
and a world-renowned
skyline, all of which make
Hong Kong the perfect cruise
destination. Whether you’re a
foodie seeking a memorable
dining experience, a nature
lover who wants to see
beautiful landscapes and the
great outdoors, or a culture
enthusiast who loves exploring
the local culture, arts and
history, Hong Kong has it all!

Okinawa, Japan
Made up of 160 islands, Okinawa
is Japan’s southernmost island
region and is located between
Taiwan and mainland Japan.
Situated at the same latitude
as popular resort destinations
around the world as Hawaii,
Miami, and Cancun, Okinawa
is Japan’s most beloved island
for beach resorts. Okinawa is
geographically close to major
Asian ports such as Taiwan,
Shanghai, Jeju, Busan, Fukuoka,
and Tokyo, with five major ports
where cruise ships of 200,000
tons or more can call. There
are also spots on neighbouring
islands where smaller vessels can
call at ports.

91

Photo: Setouchi Tourism

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT: ASIA

Setouchi, Japan

Photo: Hualien County Government

Composed mainly of the areas encircling Japan’s
Seto Inland Sea, the Setouchi region is no stranger
to travel by boat. When it comes to international
cruises, ports on Japan’s main island like Kobe
and Hiroshima are able to handle larger vessels.
Additionally, there are also a few others like
Matsuyama on the outer side of Shikoku that can
also welcome big cruise liners. In addition to these
bigger ships, there is also a vast network of ferries
that connect the myriad of islands on the Seto
Inland Sea. The region also has some more leisurely
options like the Sea Spica which will take you to a
number of islands.

Hualien, Taiwan
In the eastern reaches of Taiwan lies the
enchanting Hualien County, a land of natural
wonders and cultural riches. Among its many
treasures, Taroko National Park reigns supreme,
boasting majestic peaks, marble canyons, and
picturesque trails. Beyond, the county’s heritage
is a tapestry of indigenous communities, each
with their own languages, arts, and customs. The
Amis, Bunun, and Taroko tribes are a few of the
vibrant threads woven into the fabric of Hualien’s
identity, and delving into their music, dance, and
traditions is a journey into the very soul of the
land. The Port of Hualien stands ever ready to
welcome the curious traveller to the region.

Keelung, Taiwan
Located at the northeast corner of Taiwan,
Keelung Port, also known as ‘rain port’, is well
connected to the rest of the island, with Taiwan’s
capital Taipei only a 30-minute drive away. The
port is surrounded by mountains on three sides
and facing the sea on one side, so it often gives
people a damp and misty impression, but it
exudes a poetic and picturesque atmosphere.
After the expansion of the East Cruise Terminal,
the facility can accommodate cruise ships
of 150,000gt. The West Cruise Terminal is a
testament to the ages, standing proud with a
rich legacy of nine decades, and after a recent
renovation it can now accommodate cruise ships
of up to 250,000gt.

92

EUROPE: REPORT

That island feeling
Guernsey offers a unique destination for cruise guests, providing
a variety of exclusive experiences that retain a local touch

Cruise guests can explore the local farms and orchards to see where Guernsey’s gin, ale and cider is made

C

ruise passengers are seeking
more exclusive experiences with
a local touch and a personal feel
– something Guernsey’s landscape and
people can provide in abundance. The
islands’ natural environment provides
the perfect location for visitors to get
involved in smaller-scale experiences with
local food and drink at the forefront of
these trends.
VisitGuernsey’s accredited guides
and experience providers lead guests on
various food and drink experiences in
the islands. For example, they can join
walking tours that offer opportunities
to taste produce from local ‘hedge veg’
honesty stalls and hands-on sessions to

forage for natural delicacies including
seaweed, which was a staple food item
during the occupation of Guernsey in
World War II. More luxurious dining is
also on offer, including exclusive wine
and cheese tastings or fresh seafood and
wine pairing experiences with a sea view.
In addition, guests can taste local gin,
ale or cider while exploring the local
farms and orchards, or they can take a
20-minute ferry to the peaceful, car-less
island of Herm for the regular Ale and
Cider Festival.
Cruise passengers can participate in
multiple other events in Guernsey. Parish
farmers’ markets are held in all seasons
and there is often an opportunity to

meander around the artisan markets
at the St Peter Port Seafront Sundays,
where local producers and craftspeople
showcase their products in the alfresco,
waterside location.
While the historic town is in strolling
distance of the tender dock, passengers
can also use unique transfer services to
reach other exclusive experiences and tours
in the island.
Nature lovers can take a private charter
boat to spot the coastal wildlife, which
includes dolphins and seals. Alternatively,
cruise guests can drive down winding
rural lanes (or ‘ruettes tranquilles’) in Tour
Guernsey’s Land Rover or travel around
the coastline in a private tuk-tuk.

93

EUROPE: INTERVIEW

A story of success
Paul Olvhoj of Orkney Harbours talks with Alex Smith about
the reasons behind Orkney’s remarkable success as a cruise
destination and the plans for its future

T

Photo: Graham Campbell

he Orkney Islands, located off the
north coast of Scotland, are one
of the UK’s most popular cruise
destinations. The towns of Kirkwall,
Stromness and most of the Outer Islands
of Orkney will welcome a combined total
of more than 200 cruise ship calls in
2023, demonstrating the appeal Orkney
has for cruise lines and their guests.
But what keeps the cruise lines
coming back? According to Paul Olvhoj,
business development manager at Orkney
Harbours, there are four main reasons:
location, local attractions, port facilities
and shoreside services.
“We’re in an ideal position for the
Arctic exploration cruises from the
Baltic, and the islands provide a varied
experience that’s part Scandinavian, part
Scottish and part British, but uniquely
Orcadian,” explains Olvhoj. “The islands
also have a range of bucket-list sites, like
Orkney will welcome a combined total of more than 200 cruise ship calls in 2023

“The islands
provide a varied
experience that’s
part Scandinavian,
part Scottish and
part British”
94

the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae,
which are within a 30-minute drive from
the port and perfect for shore excursions.
“Our facilities allow us to accommodate
even the largest cruise vessels very easily,
with the Hatston pier exclusively working
as a cruise berth throughout the summer.
Our shoreside services – which include
meet-and-greet welcoming with paid
members of staff and a free shuttle bus
service from the berth into Kirkwall town
centre – make the experience as smooth as
possible for cruise partners and guests.”
While the harbour authority considers
the resulting success of Orkney’s cruise
industry remarkable it is carefully
managing its growth to ensure that
both the local community and its cruise
partners see the benefits. Consequently,

the authority is looking to ensure cruise
guests have a memorable experience of
the islands instead of focusing solely on
increasing their numbers.
“We’ve reached a point where there is
a balance between the number of visitors
and the local community, so our focus
is on managing our cruise experience,”
says Olvhoj. “We’re looking to follow the
trends in the industry and offer something
that’s very different. We want to create
a bespoke offer for all of the cruise lines
that are expected to visit us in 2024. We’re
exploring options ranging from delivering
local produce and sustainability initiatives
to experiences with local people and
crafts. Building up those connections and
opportunities is critical for our future as
a destination.”

MEDITERRANEAN: REPORT

Meet in the Med

Photo: Port of Tarragona

A popular stop on many Mediterranean itineraries, the
Port of Tarragona will become the centre of the region’s
cruise industry with the 2024 MedCruise General Assembly

S

ituated in the Mediterranean
coastal area of Costa Daurada
in Spain, the Port of Tarragona
is a popular stop on the itineraries of
many of the cruise lines sailing in the
region. Its location within one of the
main tourist destinations in Spain
provides visitors with a mild, sunny
climate, a fascinating Roman legacy,
and impressive modernist monuments,
as well as renowned vineyards.
The port has been chosen to host the
64th edition of the MedCruise General
Assembly. From 11 to 14 June 2024, it
will welcome members from MedCruise,
which was created to promote the cruise
industry and unite the ports of ‘Mare
Nostrum’ and adjoining seas.
As one of the most important events
in the European cruise industry, the

MedCruise General Assembly will
see participants from major cruise
companies, tour operators and tourism
boards, as well as representatives from
around 100 ports on the Mediterranean
coast with cruise traffic gather at the
Spanish port.
“This major meeting of the sector
represents a great opportunity to join
forces and position the Catalan coast
as a benchmark for cruise tourism,”
says Saül Garreta, president of the Port
of Tarragona.
During the General Assembly, the
Port of Tarragona will highlight the
main attractions of Tarragona and the
Costa Daurada. It will also provide
a chance for members of the cruise
industry to see the port’s facilities,
including the new Balears Wharf, a

dock built at a cost of €30 million
($31.9 million). This multipurpose
infrastructure was opened in October
2021 and increased the port’s docking
capacity for cruise ships by 700 metres.
It can receive some of the largest cruise
ships in the world and has capacity to
accommodate up to four ships at a time.
Global Ports Holding is also carrying
out construction on a new cruise
terminal on the Balears Wharf, which
is set to be completed in April 2024.
The project represents an investment of
€5.5 million ($5.85 million).
With over €35 million ($37.2 million)
invested into the port in the last four
years, the Port of Tarragona is aiming to
continue to increase cruise activity, and
welcome cruise passengers from across
the globe.

95

ASIA: REPORT

Experiencing island culture
Guests on cruises to the Okinawa Prefecture in Japan
have the chance to explore different unique destinations
and Unesco World Heritage sites during activities that
accommodate a variety of ages and interests

Kunigami on the main Okinawa Island is home to Tataki falls, the most famous waterfall on the island at 40 feet tall

T

here are a total of 160 islands
in Japan’s Okinawa prefecture,
all offering natural beauty and
cultural gems, ranging from historical
monuments to uninhabited areas that
boast unique ecosystems.
There are five main ports in the
prefecture, all with their own nearby
attractions and potential excursions.
Naha Port, in the capital city of Naha,
Okinawa, is a prime destination for
cruises as a gateway to the rest of the
islands and offers a wide range of
experiences for visitors. For example,

96

tourists can learn about the history of
Okinawa by touring nearby Unesco
World Heritage sites such as the ruins
of the Shurijo Castle and the Shikinaen
Royal Garden. Furthermore, there
are opportunities to visit uninhabited
islands around Okinawa by ferry, such
as Nagannu Island, which boasts clear
water perfect for snorkelling.
Also on the main Okinawa Island
is Motobu Port and Nakagusukuwan
Port. At Motobu Port, visitors will be
able to explore the nearby Yanbaru
National Park, play with dolphins

at Motobu Genki Village, or learn
about local industry at Matayoshi
Coffee Farm. From Nakagusukuwan
port, guests can visit the Zakimi
Castle Ruins World Heritage Site, the
Okinawa Zoo and Museum and Niisato
Sake Brewery, the oldest sake brewery
in Okinawa.
Miyako Island offers a range of land
and sea attractions, and visitors to Hirara
port can go on glass boat tours, swim
with sea turtles and explore the islands
culture of food and crafts that make use
of what the sea provides.

Okinawa, once called the Ryukyu Kingdom, has formed its own unique culture

Finally, from Ishigaki Island’s port,
visitors can experience Ishigaki, the
southernmost city in Japan, by taking
part in Ishigaki-yaki pottery classes. They
can also visit Iriomote Island, which
has been registered as a World Natural
Heritage Site.
Cruise lines are continuing to
discover the beauty of Okinawa by
bringing expedition cruising to the
region and designing itineraries that
explore the islands.
For example, luxury cruise line
Ponant held its first Okinawa expedition

cruise in March 2023. The cruise line
will return to Okinawa in 2024 with
six cruises and new islands added to
the itinerary. The eight-day ‘Japanese
Subtropical Islands’ expedition cruise
will depart from Naha and call at
the islands of Iheyajima, Zamami,
Kumejima, Ishigaki, Taketomijima,
Iriomotejima and Yonagunijima, before
disembarking at Keelung, Taiwan.
Okinawa is not just available for port
calls, with cruise ships homeporting
at the islands too. The island will be
serving as a homeport for MSC Cruises’

ship MSC Bellissima from January to
March 2024, and the cruise line will
offer a range of three, four and five-day
itineraries, including roundtrip cruises
departing from Naha that call at Miyako
Island and Ishigaki.
Also in 2024, the islands will be visited
by cruise lines such as Resorts World
Cruises, Costa Cruises and Holland
America Line.
To learn more about the ports and
attractions of Okinawa, visit
cruise.visitokinawa.jp/en/

97

Greece
UNESCO
UNESCO

UNESCO

Port

UNESCO
UNESCO

UNESCO
UNESCO

UNESCO

UNESCO

UNESCO

UNESCO

UNESCO

UNESCO
UNESCO

UNESCO

@thessalonikitravel

@thessaloniki.travel

@mythessaloniki

@visitthessaloniki

@visitthessaloniki

THESSALONIKI
Your Homeport

in the heart of a vibrant city!

Testimonials from cruise passengers:
“We could have spent 10 days here visiting the place... It has a lot to offer”
“It was a great discovery... Glad the Cruise company chose this port to visit”

www.thpa.gr

NORTH AMERICA: INTERVIEW

People and partnerships
Hydi Webb explains to Alex Smith how PortMiami handles one
of the busiest cruise schedules in the world while continuing to
promote sustainable growth

“The port is only
as strong as its
employees and
its partners”

Photo: MSC Cruises

L

ocated in Miami-Dade County,
PortMiami handles more cruise
ship calls than almost any other
port in the world. In 2022, the port
welcomed over four million passengers,
and in 2023 anticipates a new record
number of passengers. But how does the
port handle the pressure of delivering a
high-quality experience to every visitor?
According to Hydi Webb, port director
and CEO, the answer lies in prioritising
people and partnerships.
“The port is only as strong as its
employees and its partners,” says Webb.
“Continual communication with
our cruise partners, the stevedoring
companies, the International
Longshoremen’s Association, the
Biscayne Pilots Association, and
regulatory agencies are key to smooth
and successful ship calls.”
The port is also continuing to invest
in its facilities to ensure that operations
remain as efficient as possible. In the past
five years, it has opened new terminals in

partnership with Royal Caribbean
Group, Norwegian Cruise Line Virgin
Voyages and Carnival Cruise Line, while
MSC Cruises will open its AA/AAA
cruise terminals in 2024.
“Continued investments in capital
infrastructure projects are critical
to support and improve our cruise
operations,” says Webb. “The development
of new cruise terminals and auxiliary
infrastructure projects, such as roadways
and the tunnel, provisioning buildings
and garages, also allow us to better handle
the higher passenger traffic and increased
demand for our port.”
PortMiami’s cruise business contributes
$43 billion to the local economy, making
it one of the most important economic
drivers for the entire Miami-Dade area.
“Cruise tourism is a major driver of
economic growth and job creation, which
is critical to ensuring economic resilience,”
says Webb. “As the port continues to drive
Miami-Dade County’s economy forward,

it will create opportunities for residents
and businesses across our county. The port
is committed to innovative, efficient and
sustainable growth.”
To achieve sustainable growth,
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella
Levine Cava launched an initiative to
bring shore power to PortMiami in
2021, in collaboration with its major
cruise line partners and Florida Power
& Light. Upon completion, shore power
will be available at five cruise terminals
with the ability to plug in three ships at
a time.
“Not only is reducing greenhouse gas
emissions in Miami-Dade County one of
the mayor’s top initiatives, but it is also
the right and responsible thing to do for
the port and our partners,” says Webb. “As
one of the county’s economic engines, it is
essential for the port to set the framework
and be an example of how sustainability
can seamlessly be incorporated into dayto-day operations.”

99

NORTH AMERICA: REPORT

A record of success
The Port of Seattle is celebrating 25 years as a cruise
homeport and is set to continue driving growth with shore
power, sustainability, infrastructure and other investments

A

laska’s appeal as a cruise
destination is no secret. The
number of cruise ships visiting
the region has grown significantly in
recent years, making it one of the world’s
most successful cruise markets today.
This growth has been aided by the
growing popularity of Seattle as a cruise
homeport over its 25 years of operation.
Several major brands – including
Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises,
Holland America Line, Norwegian
Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises,
Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean
International – have made Seattle a
homeport for their Alaska-bound ships,

solidifying the US city’s status as a
significant cruise departure point.
Seattle has been able to manage
increasing cruise ship capacities
throughout the industry as it can
accommodate larger vessels at its
unobstructed natural deep-water
harbour. 2023 will come in as another
in a series of record years.
Seattle is the closest major US port to
Alaska’s popular destinations, located
just 770 nautical miles away from
Ketchikan. Air services to the region
provide both cruise travellers and the
provisioners who supply the ships with
access to the Port of Seattle.

Pre/post cruise behaviour
of guests in Seattle

Cruise ship calls in Seattle over last 10 years

2023

291

2022

“Our unique relationship with SEA
airport is a little-known fact,” says
Linda Springmann, director of cruise
operations and maritime marketing at
the Port of Seattle. “As the port owns
both the cruise terminals and the
airport, we can provide operational
efficiencies to our cruise line partners
and their guests. The best example of
this is our complimentary, opt-in Port
Valet service where cruise passengers’
bags are transferred to the airport
ahead of disembarkation. It makes a
significant efficiency impact at terminal
baggage halls and transportation hubs.
Plus, cruise guests love that they have a

295

83%
Arrive by air

2021

73%

82

2020

Stay in a Seattle hotel

2019
2018

216

2017

218

2016
2015
2014

1 00

51%

211

Participate in pre-cruise
attractions

26%

Participate in post-cruise

203
192
179

=
50 cruise ship calls

Recent and upcoming investments in Seattle infrastructure:

SEA airport

$2.4 billion

$756
$1 billion Waterfront
renovation million

2022

(past five years)

New Convention Center

2024

Third shore power-enabled cruise berth

New Ocean

$40 million $160 million
SEA airport
$4.6 billion
Pavilion Aquarium

few hours to explore Seattle luggage-free
before heading to the airport.”
In total, the cruise industry contributes
5,500 jobs and over $900 million into
the state’s economy each year. Along with
delivering these economic benefits, the
Port of Seattle is also making investments
in environmental sustainability. In 2005,
it became the first cruise homeport to
offer two shore power berths. When a ship
connects to shore power at Seattle’s Pier
91, it eliminates the emissions equivalent
of an average car driving between Seattle
and New York 30 times. As a result, Port
of Seattle and its cruise line partners
have stopped over 6,200 tons of carbon
dioxide emissions by switching to shore
power since 2018, with an ever-increasing
number of ships plugging in.
In 2024, a third cruise berth located at
Pier 66 will also offer shore power. This
will make Port of Seattle one of the first
ports in the world with three renewable
shore power berths for cruise ships.
“The landscape of shore power
capable ships continues to change,

presenting us with greater variations
of plug-in locations on the pier,” says
Springmann. “In order to increase shore
power connection rates, we are investing
further in more flexible connection
delivery from the pier, enabling us to

“Once shore power is
available at our third
cruise berth in 2024,
we’ll see significant,
additional gains in
carbon reduction”
continue to meet the needs of different
ship configurations and to reach our
sustainability and carbon reduction
goals. Once shore power is available at
our third cruise berth in 2024, we’ll
see significant, additional gains in
carbon reduction.”

2027

(next five years)

Cruise lines, maritime organisations
and ports associated with the Alaska
cruise route have also joined together
with the Port of Seattle as first-movers
in creating the Pacific Northwest to
Alaska Green Corridor, a shipping route
where zero greenhouse gas solutions
are tested and deployed. The project is
currently the only cruise-focused green
corridor in the world.
In July, the first-movers launched a prefeasibility study which will provide the
technical, governance and infrastructure
challenges defining the path to achieving
a Pacific Northwest to Alaska Green
Corridor for the cruise industry.
Seattle also continues to look to the
future with investments impacting
the tourism sector which will drive its
continued success as a cruise homeport.
It has committed to deliver capital
projects in air and land transportation,
tourism infrastructures and cruise
operations during a five-year period with
most projects expected to be completed
by 2024.

10 1

NORTH AMERICA: PERSPECTIVE

A culinary and
cultural paradise
By Craig Sulis, Tourism Prince Edward Island

With a vibrant cultural scene and a variety
of local delicacies to enjoy, Prince Edward
Island is a hidden treasure that is perfect
for Canadian cruise itineraries

W

experiences the true essence of PEI. The
island has something to offer everyone,
whether it’s a foodie looking for a
gastronomic adventure, a music lover
seeking the island’s melodic rhythms, or
a nature enthusiast yearning to immerse
themselves in breathtaking scenery.
Known as ‘Canada’s Food Island,’
PEI boasts a culinary scene that’s
nothing short of extraordinary. The
moment passengers disembark, they are
greeted with tantalising local delicacies
– such as freshly harvested oysters,
Photo: Victoria Row

hen planning a cruise
itinerary in Eastern
Canada, cruise lines
should put Prince Edward Island (PEI)
at the top of their list. The island is
always a hit with guests, and with
its new welcome programme at Port
Charlottetown, this hidden gem has
become a must-visit destination for
cruise ship travellers seeking unique
and enriching experiences.
Port Charlottetown’s welcome
programme ensures that every visitor

1 02

Photo: Cabot Beach Coastal Culinary

Prince Edward Island is known as ‘Canada’s Food Island’

“As guests
stroll along the
picturesque
streets, the island’s
vibrant culture
comes alive”

mussels and lobsters – being served
dockside by restauranteurs.
As guests stroll along the picturesque
streets, the island’s vibrant culture
comes alive. The sounds of local
musicians fill the air, adding a
harmonious backdrop to visitors’ island
exploration. These talented artists
bring to life the island’s rich musical
heritage, a fusion of Irish, Scottish and
Acadian influences.
PEI’s landscapes are a feast for
the eyes. The island is blessed with
rolling hills, pristine forests, white
sand beaches, and serene ocean coves.
However, what truly sets it apart is the
distinctive red soil, a result of its high
iron oxide content. This soil, coupled
with the lush greenery, contributes
to PEI’s reputation as a province of
outstanding natural beauty.

For literature enthusiasts, PEI is
known as the home of the beloved Anne
of Green Gables. The timeless novel,
written by Canadian author Lucy Maud
Montgomery, has captivated readers of
all ages since its publication in 1908.
Guests can step into the enchanting world
of Anne Shirley with a visit to Green
Gables Heritage Place as they explore
the charming farmhouse that inspired
Montgomery’s literary masterpiece.
A cruise to PEI is a journey into a
world of culinary delights, cultural
richness and natural splendour. With its
new welcome programme, PEI invites
guests to savour the taste and sound of
this remarkable island as soon as they
step off the ship.
Craig Sulis is manager of trade, sales and
media at Tourism Prince Edward Island

10 3

FEATURED PORTS & DESTINATIONS

Photo: Port Authority of Jamaica

A guide to popular ports and destinations
around the world

The former pirate haven of Port Royal is one of Jamaica’s five cruise ports

FEATURED PORTS & DESTINATIONS
CRUISE SERVICES >

Jamaica Cruising
The Jamaica Cruising brand is an extension of Jamaica Vacations
Limited (JamVac), an agency of the Ministry of Tourism of
Jamaica. Since 1978, JamVac has filled a unique need in ensuring
ease of travel and connectivity to Jamaica via airlift, and in 2017
its mandate was expanded to include cruise tourism. JamVac is
governed by an experienced and capable Board of Directors and
executive director, Joy Roberts.
www.jamaicacruising.com

CRUISE PORT OPERATOR >

Global Ports Holding
Global Ports Holding (GPH) is the world’s largest cruise port
operator. Spanning across four continents, GPH operates 27 cruise
ports in 14 countries, welcoming over 15 million cruise passengers
annually. GPH’s expertise in cruise port operations is underpinned
by its proprietary operating framework, which consistently
implements global best practices across its network of cruise
ports. GPH’s strategic approach and substantial investment power
position it to drive the transformation of cruise ports, ensuring they
can accommodate the growing number and size of cruise ships.
www.globalportsholding.com

ASIA-PACIFIC >

Darwin Port, Australia
Darwin Port is Australia’s northern gateway and a popular stop
for cruise ships heading into Southeast Asia navigating around
Australia and the South Pacific. The Darwin Cruise Ship Terminal
can accommodate small to medium-size cruise ship homeport
operations and can handle the largest ships in Australian waters
on transit visits. Darwin offers crocodile encounters, unparalleled
Australian military heritage and spectacular natural scenery. Or a
unique opportunity to learn more about the oldest living culture in
the world through authentic Aboriginal experiences.
www.darwinport.com.au

Hong Kong
As a efficient aviation hub located in the heart of Asia, with an air
network that connects the city to half of the world’s population
in five hours, Hong Kong makes for an ideal port in the region.
From Hong Kong, cruise passengers can sail to the north to
bustling coastal cities of Mainland China, Japan and South Korea,
or to the south and east to the exotic cultures of Vietnam, the
Philippines and more. This not only delivers enriched regional
experiences for cruise passengers but also allows cruise
companies to develop a wide variety of itineraries.
www.discoverhongkong.com

1 06

Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore
The Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS), designed as
an architectural icon with a dedicated two-berth cruise facility,
is able to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ship in service
today. The terminal features a spacious arrival and departure hall
as well as a large ground transportation area to ensure a smooth
and seamless experience for passengers. Located at the southern
tip of central Singapore, MBCCS serves as a marine gateway to
the heart of the city.
www.mbccs.com.sg

Okinawa, Japan
In 2021, the islands of Amami and Okinawa were registered
as Unesco World Natural Heritage sites. Okinawa Prefecture,
located in the southwestern corner of Japan, has a rich natural
environment with beautiful seas and subtropical terrestrial
forests, and is home to rare plants and animals, including species
such as the Okinawa rail bird and the Iriomote wild cat. Okinawa
features five cruise ports: Naha, Nakagusuku, Motobu, Hirara
and Ishihaki. Each location offers something different, making
Okinawa a distinct cruise destination.
cruise.visitokinawa.jp/en

Taiwan Ports
Taiwan has various geographical advantages by being a regional
cruise hub and a major maritime transportation hub in Asia.
There are seven main cruise ports in Taiwan; Keelung, Taichung,
Kaohsiung, Hualien, Anping, Suao and Penghu. The different
harbours evoke different flavours of life and by calling at different
locations, you will get to know more about Taiwan’s interesting
cultures through experiencing its tasty foods, historical
monuments and local customs.
https://cruise.twport.com.tw

EUROPE >

Baltic Sea
Cruise Baltic consists of 32 ports and destinations in eight
countries in the Baltic Sea region. The region is focused on
sustainability, as is reflected in the alternative shore excursion
opportunities. Guests can experience colourful capitals and
hidden gem cities, great shopping, world-class dining, historic
architecture and contemporary design. They can also visit the
world’s oldest monarchies and youngest democracies, enjoy
31 Unesco sites and experience many natural phenomena. The
region is English-speaking and delivers high satisfaction rates.
www.cruisebaltic.com

10 7

FEATURED PORTS & DESTINATIONS
Cowes Harbour, Isle of Wight, England
Home to the oldest sailing regatta in the world, Cowes has it all.
For families, nature lovers, gastronomes and adventure seekers,
there is so much to enjoy. Osbourne House, Queen Victoria’s
beloved island home, and Cowes’ vibrant high street, lined with
unique museums, galleries, independent shops and welcoming
cafes and pubs, are just two of the reasons people have visited
the Isle of Wight since pre-Victorian times, making it a firm
favourite for cruise ship visits.
www.cowes.co.uk

Cruise Torquay, England
Torquay Harbour is on the south coast of Devon and provides
experienced piloting, tender operations and safe anchorage
for cruise ships of all sizes. Excursion highlights include
Greenway, the holiday home of Agatha Christie; Kents Cavern,
a Unesco global geopark site; the Paignton to Dartmouth steam
train; Cockington Craft Village; Torre Abbey Gardens; and
Babbacombe Model Village. Passengers disembark with direct
access to the town centre, an attractive palm-lined sea front
promenade, local shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.
www.englishriviera.co.uk/cruise-torquay

Denmark
Denmark is the ideal destination for cruise lines, with 12
destinations located at the doorway to the Norwegian fjords
and Baltic Sea. The main cruise port is Copenhagen, one of
northern Europe’s largest and most advanced turnaround
ports. Denmark is attractive to call at in all seasons and is
focused on sustainable shore excursions and high-quality
service. Guests can experience the Danish art of cosiness, royal
heritage, excellent shopping, fantastic gastronomy and more in
one of the world’s happiest countries.
www.cruisecopenhagen.com

Foyle Port, Ireland
Foyle Port is idyllically located in Derry-Londonderry, home to
Ireland’s only completely intact historic Walled City. The Port’s
compact size and easy accessibility into both Northern Ireland
and the Republic of Ireland allows for combined experiences
to some of the island’s most magnificent areas of outstanding
natural beauty including the iconic Unesco World Heritage
Site, The Giant’s Causeway, and the start of the famous coastal
touring route, the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal.
www.foyleport.com

1 08

Photo: Philippe Bréard

Le Havre, France
Le Havre is located in the heart of Normandy and is renowned as
the cradle of the Impressionism art movement. The city centre is
listed by Unesco for its post-World War II architecture. Le Havre’s
cruise facilities offer three berths and can accommodate any
kind of cruise ship during transit or turnaround calls. The newly
created entity GIP Le Havre Croisières is committed to developing
the cruise facilities, with works to be carried out from 2023 to
2025, including three new terminals and implementing quayside
electricity supply systems on the three cruise-dedicated quays.

Photo: Graham Campbell

www.lehavreseinemetropole.fr/lh-croisieres

Orkney Islands, Scotland
Orkney is a unique destination with 5,000 years of history. It is
able to handle cruise ships of all sizes at various locations and we
can cater for every traveller’s needs. Orkney is very accessible and
from the berths and anchorages visitors can see a Unesco World
Heritage site, spot a rare bird or sea mammal, discover famous
whisky, see jewellery being made and go inside the most northerly
cathedral in Britain, the only one built by Vikings. Whether you
are landing on a beach on a remote island or marvelling at a stone
circle older than Stonehenge, Orkney has it all.
www.orkneyharbours.com

Portland Port, England
A destination full of history and intrigue, located in the south of
England at the heart of the Jurassic Coast. The award-winning
Portland Port provides cruise visitors with a warm welcome,
allowing them the opportunity to explore a wide and diverse
range of attractions and easy access to quintessential England.
From Unesco World Heritage sites to the local area’s natural
beauty, rolling green hills and picturesque historic towns and
villages, a visit to Portland Port offers it all.
www.portland-port.co.uk

Port of Dover, England
Dover is one of the most popular cruise ports in the UK. Its
well-equipped terminals, combined with the town’s rich heritage
and the iconic backdrop of the White Cliffs and Dover Castle,
make it the port of choice for many of the world’s leading cruise
lines. A multi-purpose berth has given the port the capacity to
accommodate four ships at once for the first time in its history.
www.portofdover.com/cruise

10 9

Is Orkney
your next
port of call?

This year, we’ve welcomed over 200 cruise calls to
the spectacular Orkney Islands. Year after year, our
breathtaking scenery and world-renowned visitor
attractions draws vessels of all sizes, from expedition
charters to the world’s largest liners. As we look to
a more sustainable future, our impressive facilities
are ready to welcome the vessels of tomorrow.

Plan your visit today:

orkneyharbours.com/cruise

FEATURED PORTS & DESTINATIONS
Port of Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is Sweden’s capital and is built on islands that are
connected by 57 bridges. On arrival, cruise ships pass through
the stunning Stockholm archipelago with its 30,000 islands
and islets, which is a unique experience for guests. Once in
Stockholm, visitors can find everything they would wish for in a
big city – including culture, shopping and fine dining. Cruise ships
can call at Stockholm all year around. Welcome to Stockholm.
www.portsofstockholm.com | www.visitstockholm.com

Port of Turku, Finland
The ships that arrive in Turku pass the nature conservation
area of Ruissalo before mooring next to the medieval Turku
Castle, which is within walking distance of the city centre.
Turku is not only a natural stop between other fascinating
Finnish ports but also, historically, a hidden gem that offers
everything from beautiful natural sights to gastronomical
experiences, interesting museums, cultural sights and an
intimate atmosphere.
www.portofturku.fi/en

Ports of Jersey
Jersey is located in the northern part of the Bay of St Malo, some
40 miles south of the main English Channel shipping lanes and
only 12 miles off the Contentin Peninsula. It is this unique position
that gives Jersey a truly distinct feel.
Cruise guests will be spoilt for choice for things to do; from
visiting world-famous tourist attractions such as Jersey Zoo and
the Jersey War Tunnels, exploring exquisite beaches and historic
castles to fine dining at Michelin-star restaurants or shopping in
designer boutiques.
www.ports.je

St Peter Port, Guernsey
St Peter Port is the perfect base for exploring the Island of
Guernsey. Passengers can meander less than a few minutes to
reach the beautiful, historic town awash with flowers, cafe culture
and independent shopping. Also the base for Guernsey’s variety of
excursions, no time is lost heading out to sea for wildlife spotting
or on a short boat ride to the blissful, carless Herm Island. On land,
discover Guernsey’s special, exclusive and boutique experiences
from foodie and eco-tourism excursions to bike, walking and tuktuk tours run in smaller groups by locals.
www.cruiseguernsey.com

111

Trondheim Port, Norway
Trondheim Port welcomed over 170,000 cruise guests in 2023.
As the third biggest city in Norway, it is growing sustainably as
a cruise destination. It has renewed the main cruise quay with a
polyurethane fender system and enforced steel plates to serve use
of Yokohama-fenders. While the shore power facility for smaller
vessels has been used over 20 times by Hurtigruten Expeditions,
it is planning another facility for the main cruise quay. The 2023
season started in January and ends in December with a total of 107
calls. Off-season calls are incentivised with a reduced quay due.
www.trondheimhavn.no

MEDITERREANEAN >

Port of A Coruña, Spain
The Port of A Coruña is a cruise-friendly destination with two
dedicated berths in the city centre. Cruise lines that call appreciate
the central location, the reliable services and the variety of shore
excursions, which focus on culture and heritage, nature, the Tower
of Hercules (the world’s oldest lighthouse still in use) and culinary
experiences. The port is also close to Santiago de Compostela and
the Pilgrims Way. 2023 saw 140 calls and 300,000 passengers and
the port expects to increase these figures in 2024 in a sustainable
manner with plans for an onshore power supply connection.
www.puertocoruna.com

Port of Cartagena, Spain
Cartagena, located on Spain’s southeast coast, has more than
3,000 years of history and is a reference point due to its strategic
position within the Mediterranean. Its cruise terminal has a
700-metre-long quay with a water depth of 12 metres and is
located in an area of 4,500 square metres, enabling two cruise
ships to berth simultaneously. The terminal also features rest and
shade areas, an information point and parking area.
www.apc.es

Port of Livorno, Italy
The Port of Livorno is the gateway to the most desirable
destinations in Tuscany, a region that offers a range of
excursions. People can visit cities such as Florence, Pisa and
Siena, tour medieval villages and beautiful countryside, or
sample the local cuisine.
Porto Livorno 2000 manages the cruise and ferry terminal
and offers a wide range of services where safety and efficiency
are paramount. They include the maritime passenger’s station,
information services and transportation within the port.
www.portolivorno2000.it

112

Photo: Felix Seifert/Trondheim Port

FEATURED PORTS & DESTINATIONS

Ports of Piombino and Portoferraio, Italy
Piombino and Portoferraio are among the ports under the North
Tyrrhenian Port Network Authority’s jurisdiction. Located on the
Tuscan coast, Piombino is a passenger port with routes to the
Elba, Corsica and Sardinia islands. It has more recently become a
cruise destination in the western Mediterranean due to its variety
of natural beauty spots. Elba is the largest island in the Tuscan
archipelago and its key town of Portoferraio has a fascinating,
elegant, Medicean setting.
www.portialtotirreno.it

Port of Sète, France
Nicknamed ’Little Venice of Languedoc’ due to its many canals,
Sète is a destination renowned for its charm and tradition.
Picturesque, authentic and lively, the city is the port of entry to
the Occitanie region with a wide variety of landscapes, traditions
and features. With its five Unesco World Heritage sites nearby
(Carcassonne, Pont du Gard, Canal du Midi, Gellone Abbey,
Causses and Cévennes), it is an extraordinary haven to explore.
Sète is a bright, exciting region, where all the colours and
contrasts of the south of France can be discovered.
www.sete.port.fr

Valencia, Spain
Valenciaport is the leading Spanish port in the Mediterranean
in terms of commercial traffic (mainly containerised goods)
thanks to a dynamic area of influence and an extensive network
of connections with the world’s main ports. It is the bestconnected port in the Mediterranean, with services to 1,000
ports all over the world. The port of Valencia also has regular
passenger traffic to and from the Balearic Islands and Italy. In
recent years the port has experienced a continued and solid
growth in Mediterranean cruise traffic.
www.valenciaport.com

MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA >

Dubai Harbour, United Arab Emirates
An iconic port of entry to the country, the Dubai Harbour Cruise
Terminal provides cruise passengers with a seamless arrival
and departure experience in the heart of Dubai. The worldclass facility spans over 120,000 square metres and comprises
two purpose-built terminals complete with tourist-friendly
amenities and retail offerings. Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal is
conveniently located within easy reach from both international
airports and the city’s world-famous attractions, such as Palm
Jumeriah and Burj Al Arab.
www.cruisedubai.com

113

FEATURED PORTS & DESTINATIONS
Haifa Port, Israel
Haifa Port has emerged as one of the most exciting cruise
destinations in the post-pandemic era. Haifa experienced a surge
in popularity, attracting an influx of approximately 380,000
Israeli passengers and 250,000 tourists either calling at the port
or embarking on cruises. Almost 30 different cruise brands have
visited the port, with 10 of them choosing Haifa as their homeport.
In a major step, Haifa Port is planning to build the first purposebuilt cruise terminal in Israel. The new terminal is poised to elevate
Haifa to the next level as a major cruise hub.
www.cruisehaifa.com

Port Salalah, Oman
Salalah is the capital of southern Oman’s Dhofar governate.
The city is known for its banana plantations, Arabian Sea
beaches and waters teeming with life. The Khareef, an annual
monsoon, transforms the desert terrain into a lush, green
landscape and creates seasonal waterfalls that attract almost
800,000 visitors every year. Salalah is an Arab Gulf regional
gateway port and transhipment hub, with over 4.3 million
containers handled annually and receiving around 35,000
cruise passengers every year.
www.salalahport.com.om

AMERICAS >

Atlantic Canada Cruise Association
Discover someplace unique in North America. Atlantic Canada
is made up of four captivating, coastal provinces, each with
stunning port cities and towns that have a flavour of their own.
From vibrant landscapes with wide-open spaces to colourful
and historic urban cores, Atlantic Canada is known for its diverse
geography, world-class culinary experiences and hospitable
nature. Cruise passengers can stroll seaside cities, walk on the
ocean floor, explore lighthouses or join an authentic kitchen party
while visiting one of the many ports.
www.cruiseatlanticcanada.com

Great Lakes St. Lawrence, Canada and USA
The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System stretches over
2,000 miles inland between the USA and Canada, connecting the
Gulf of St. Lawrence with Duluth in Minnesota, on Lake Superior.
There are 30 ports currently handling cruise ships along the
waters of the St. Lawrence Seaway and all five Great Lakes. This
destination is increasingly becoming popular for small, luxury size
cruise ships, with nine calling in 2022 and 11 expected in 2023.
Cruise ships sail the Great Lakes between April and October.
www.hwyh2o.com/great-lakes-cruising

114

Port Authority of Jamaica
The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) is a statutory corporation
established by the Port Authority Act of 1972. It is Jamaica’s
principal maritime agency responsible for the development and
regulation of Jamaica’s seaports.
In its development role, the PAJ develops and facilitates
investment in seaports (cruise and cargo) and supporting
infrastructure required for growth. Our primary business segments
are cruise shipping, harbours and port services, global services,
logistics, and port community systems.
www.portjam.com

Port Canaveral, USA
Port Canaveral hosts nearly seven million passengers annually
through six state-of-the-art terminals. Port Canaveral is the
homeport for some of the world’s largest ships sailing from
three- to eight-night itineraries to the Eastern, Western and
Southern Caribbean, and The Bahamas. Cruise guests love
the easy access, arrivals and departures process, and nearby
recreation options. Orlando’s theme parks, Nasa’s Kennedy
Space Center, waterfront restaurants and pristine beach round
out the guest experience before or after cruising.
www.portcanaveral.com

PortMiami, USA
Recognised worldwide as the cruise capital of the world,
PortMiami is an iconic hub for sailing to the Bahamas, Mexico, and
the Caribbean. Located minutes from Miami Beach and Downtown
Miami, PortMiami is the departure of choice for all major cruise
lines with a variety of cruise brands and itineraries. The port is well
served by easy access to the interstate system and its proximity to
Miami International Airport. As a destination, Miami is the centre of
world cruise tourism with incredible weather, culture, and options
for outdoor adventurers and exciting experiences.
www.portmiami.biz

Port of Jacksonville, USA
Visitors to Jacksonville, Florida, can enjoy the city’s downtown
riverfront, vibrant local culture, miles of white-sand beaches,
access to nature and world-class golf, shopping and dining.
Friendly attendants welcome guests at the Jacksonville Port
Authority (JAXPORT) cruise terminal, which is available for
homeport and port-of-call opportunities. With 98 million people
living within a day’s drive of JAXPORT, it’s a growing drive-to
cruise destination.
www.jaxport.com/cruiseline

115

FEATURED PORTS & DESTINATIONS
Port of San Diego, USA
The Port of San Diego offers guests and cruise lines countless
opportunities for adventure. With cruise terminals located in the
centre of downtown San Diego, guests can enjoy easy access to
hotels, restaurants, the international airport, and more just steps
away from their ship. With a convenient location south on the
West Coast, voyages have the opportunity to spend more time
exploring destinations and less time burning fuel. The port has also
recently expanded shore power to all berths allowing cruise lines
to lessen their environmental impact.
www.portofsandiego.org/experiences/plan-your-cruise

Port of Toronto, Canada
Situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Ontario, one of the largest
freshwater lakes in the world, Toronto is a convenient starting
point for adventures through the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence
River. A key turnaround port with easy connections to air and
rail transportation, the Port of Toronto Cruise Ship Terminal
welcomes passengers to the heart of Toronto’s downtown, just
three miles from the shops, museums, theatre, sporting events and
restaurants you would expect in a world-class city.
www.portstoronto.com/cruise-ships.aspx

Port Tampa Bay, USA
Cruising from Port Tampa Bay has never been better! Steps from
our cruise terminals are attractions like the Florida Aquarium,
Sparkman Wharf, the unique Ybor City and Downtown Tampa’s
Riverwalk, which has spectacular views and is close to eateries and
nightlife. Additionally, nearby beaches and a world-class airport
makes Tampa a destination in itself. Port Tampa Bay is home to
cruise brands including Royal Caribbean International, Carnival
Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises, with
sailings to a variety of Caribbean destinations.
www.porttb.com

Prince Edward Island, Canada
Prince Edward Island is a coveted destination on Canada-New
England cruises, celebrated for its serene beaches, iconic
lighthouses and unspoiled landscapes, including charming bays
and idyllic small towns. Food enthusiasts delight in the island’s
gastronomic scene expertly prepared in stylish eateries and cafes.
The recently introduced Port Charlottetown welcome programme
ensures that cruise passengers can savour the island’s culinary
delights and warm hospitality right at the dock, creating an
immersive experience from the moment they disembark.
www.portcharlottetown.com

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A World-Class Welcome
Deliver the cruise port experience preferred by discerning travelers, from effortless access
through FLL and modern terminals to exceptional pre- and post-cruise diversions in Greater
Fort Lauderdale. We’ll pamper you, too, with a warm welcome through our Harbormaster Office,
concierge-style service by our dedicated cruise team and fully scalable amenities all available 24/7.

We make it easy.

PortEverglades.net