Le Havre is adding new turnaround facilities for up to 500 passengers to its Cruise Welcome Centre (pictured) following a complete renovation of the hall, number 1, in 2007.
The E1m investment includes a 790m2 luggage storage area with X-ray machine, a tourist information desk, five registration desks, immigration and customs area and welcoming facilities such as tourist information desk, car rental, internet and souvenir shop. In addition it will be possible to accommodate 50 coaches within the immediate vicinity, explains Valerie Dubuc, cruise director Le Havre Tourist Office.
At present hall no 12 is being used temporarily for cruise operations until the new facilities are completed in March 2010. Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas made an inaugural call here on November 24.
Cruiseships are berthed at Pointe de Floride which has two piers: Pierre Callet with a length of 600m and draught of 11.5m and Roger Meunier with a length of 480m and 10.50m next to the cruise centre. Both piers will be served by the upgraded cruise welcome centre.
This year there were 50 calls and 90,000 passengers at the French port while for 2010 the forecast is for 60 calls and 100,000 passengers. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic is just one of the maiden calls scheduled for next year with the season beginning in February and ending in December.
