Thursday, April 28, 2016 - 11:35 by ce-press
In 2016 Columbus Cruise Center Bremerhaven (CCCB) will handle about 35% more passengers than in 2015, with a further increase of at least 25% expected for 2017.
Managing director Veit Hurdler commented: "With this growth in mind, we have taken a very close look at our passenger handling processes. CCCB has always placed great importance on professional service, and for many years it has been well-equipped to deal with the turnarounds of several cruise vessels at one time.”
This winter construction work took place on the terminal's internal infrastructure to make baggage reclaim faster and easier. The old conveyor belts have been removed and, by using new openings to the quayside, it is now possible to reduce the distance which has to be covered by the baggage.
As part of a custom-built conveying system, ships' own luggage trolleys can now be transported directly to and from the terminal in an environmentally-friendly and material-saving way. Information boards and passenger direction displays have been adapted and further simplified.
A new concept has been developed in cooperation with the local municipal bus operator, which for many years has been responsible for getting railway users to and from CCCB. In the past, passengers' luggage was also taken from the train station directly to the cabin, but this service has now been optimised and made much more convenient for the cruise passenger.
The Columbus Cruise Cafe has launched a mobile catering service which benefits cruise passengers as well as bus and taxi drivers. Within the terminal premises, CCCB now provides free WiFi to both passengers and crew.
A service quality certification process has been embarked upon which should be completed by June 2016. This will lead to even more improvements in quality of service and internal processes.
Hurdler explained: ”Our next major project will focus on our parking facilities directly at CCCB. In the past, we have always been able to offer our guests in Bremerhaven sufficient parking space right in front of the terminal, at very reasonable prices and with no advance booking necessary."
To ensure that this will continue, a study will be carried out in 2016. Based on the results, the possibility of extending the parking area or building a multistorey car park will be looked into. The valet parking service provided by third-party partners will continue.
