This year 13 out of 38 calls are from newcomers to Klaipeda. Happy Cruises’ Gemini calls five times, Kristina Cruises’ Kristina Katarina calls once as does P&O Cruises’ Adonia while Seabourn’s Seabourn Pride calls six times.

Total passenger numbers are expected to reach 35,500 according to Kristina Gontier, head of marketing department Klaipeda State Seaport Authority. She adds: “This year’s biggest guest is Costa Pacifica that will call three times with over 3,000 passengers on board.”

The cornerstone of the new terminal was laid this year with completion scheduled for 2012. Three vessels, each of 280m in length and 10m draught, will be accommodated simultaneously.

From mid March 2010, Klaipeda is offering a 20% discount on all port dues on second and third calls during the calendar year and a 50% discount for the fourth and further calls.