News Archive

29/04/2025

Historical day at the Port of A Coruña with 5 cruise ships

TUESDAY 22nd APRIL, THE PORT OF A CORUÑA HAD THE BUSIEST CRUISE DAY IN ITS HISTORY WITH THE ARRIVAL OF FIVE CRUISE SHIPS • This is the first quintuple call in the history of the port of A Coruña and the second largest ever, following the arrival of six cruise ships on 2 May 2014, although then with a smaller length and less travellers. • Between passengers and crew, 14,500 people arrived in just one day on Tuesday 22nd April. • Around 150 people were involved in the operation, involving the Port Police, security forces, surveillance, supplies, transport, port companies and tourist services. • The Port Authority of A Coruña has been preparing special arrangements for several weeks, including the provision of four terminals and a service of 10 shuttle buses to speed up passenger arrivals and departures. • In addition to the two cruises on Monday 21st, this week there will be a triple stopover on Sunday 27th, the arrival of two ocean liners on Thursday 24th, and another cruise stopover on Wednesday 23rd. In just one week, a total of 13 ships and 40,000 tourists. MSC Poesia with 3,324 passengers on board, arrived at around 9:00 AM at the San Diego dock. P&O Ventura with 4,314 passeners, docked at the Calvo Sotelo Sur dock at 6:45 AM. At 7:00 AM, the Balmoral with 1,614 passengers, was scheduled to dock at Centenario Oeste. At the same time, the Amera with 1,000 passengers on board, arrived at Calvo Sotelo Norte. The last, and largest vessel of the day, the Celebrity APEX, carrying 2,975 passengers and 1,321 crew members. This amounts to 14,548 visitors in a single day, between the passengers and crew members of the five ships. The special arrangements for this quintuple call have been coordinated by the Port Authority of A Coruña, with the Port Police playing a leading role and 150 staff involved between port personnel, surveillance reinforcements, State security forces, Corunna Cruise Terminal, transport, tourist services, supplies and port services, among others.

29/04/2025

OPS comes to Cruise Port Rotterdam

After a construction period of 22 months, the Cruise Port Rotterdam onshore power installation was officially opened on 31 March, 2025, on the Holland Amerikakade. Boudewijn Siemons, CEO Port of Rotterdam Authority, said: “After an intensive construction period, we are today taking an important new step in making the port of Rotterdam and the city more sustainable. Shore power for cruiseships is a crucial and necessary part of this.” With the commissioning of this installation, Cruise Port Shore Power (CPSP) is staying ahead of European law, which stipulates that all cruise ships in European ports must use shore power by 2030. The shore power installation was built by Danish company PowerCon in collaboration with Port of Rotterdam Authority, the municipality of Rotterdam, STEDIN, IGUS and project partners J P van Eesteren, Heijmans, Royal HaskoningDHV and Xylem on behalf of Cruise Port Shore Power. In addition to the shore power facility, a 230m-long cable duct has been installed in the quay, along with a new type of connection vehicle. This provides a flexible connection point along the entire length of the quay and hence caters to all possible ship connection points. The shore power is generated by wind and solar. The composite, flexible-use support vehicle is small and therefore easy to use. The cable duct ensures that there are no obstructions or disruptions from cables on the quay. The cooling system of the shore power installation, like the cooling system of the cruise terminal, is cooled using water from the river Maas. The installation involved installing a separate 1.5km sustainable electricity grid connection from Maashaven to Wilhelminakade. Robert Simons, vice mayor and alderman for port & economy Rotterdam, said: “Cruiseships are a valuable source of income, and by connecting them to shore power, we are improving the air quality and reducing noise pollution. That is good for the quality of life and our economy. I am proud of this result and would like to thank everyone who worked towards this.” In Rotterdam, people are working hard to make the city and port more sustainable. The shore power installation for cruiseships is a unique sustainability project realised at the interface of city and port. Innovation, planning, cooperation and safety were central to the realisation of the project. The project was carried out while the cruise terminal was operational and cruiseships were docking at the quay on a weekly basis. In the first month of shore power availability, 90 percent of cruise vessels actually connected.

29/04/2025

Skagen offers OPS from 2028 as call numbers almost double

Onshore power supply (OPS) will be available to cruiseships calling Skagen from 2028. The project planning has started and the tender for relevant suppliers is expected during 2025. The €10 million investment will come from the Port of Skagen. CEO Willy B Hansen says: “Sustainability is very important to us, and we hope to become an even more attractive destination for the cruiselines in the years to come.” In addition steps are being taken by the port to establish a working group to conduct and develop products that underline sustainable tourism, including cruise tourism. The group is being established by local stakeholders and will be financially supported - €70,000 annually over three years - by the port. Hansen says: “Cruise tourism is of great value to the community. This way we are giving back to the community to maintain a positive attitude during cruise calls. Also our one-ship policy on certain peak days helps us to balance the numbers when we have a lot of local tourists, as well as cruise passengers”. Skagen is expecting 91 calls and a up to 194,000 passengers during 2025, which is an increase of 82% compared to season 2024, when the port received 50 calls.
 “It is important that local companies supplying shore excursions are proactive in their approach to off season activities. It is a benefit for both the ships and the residents to extend the season. In some cases local businesses would not have customers if the ships are not calling.”

29/04/2025

New member: Guernsey

Guernsey is rejoining Cruise Europe to help promote its inclusion in European cruise itineraries.   As a destination, Guernsey is ideally located for European cruises and offers idyllic island charm, a vibrant seafront and unique economic advantages such as tax-free shopping.   Following its recent rebrand, Cruise Guernsey is delighted to be part of Cruise Europe, to make the most of what the association has to offer its members and establish itself as an integral port in the Bay of Saint Malo, alongside ports such as Le Havre and Cherbourg.   “We are aiming to further expand our offering beyond round-UK itineraries,” said Mark Renouf, cruise operations and business development manager, Cruise Guernsey.   Cruise Guernsey has recently unveiled its new branding and social media accounts to help capture what Guernsey has to offer, both as a destination and a port, and reflect a programme of investment in cruise facilities.   There are two berths and three anchorages in St Peter Port, Guernsey. Berth 1 has a length of 131m and draught of 5m and is just 600 metres from the Town Centre. Anchorage A is 0.7nm/8 minutes tender ride from Albert Pier, B is 0.85nm/9 minutes and C 1.25nm/12 minutes.    Albert Pier, which is a pontoon with a length of 51m and maximum draught of 1.8m, is the tender pier for cruise ships at anchor. For any ship with a capacity of over 3,000 passengers and having booked far enough in advance to be the first to book, there will be pier exclusivity.   “We can tender up to four tender boats at once, subject to size.  We also have two local shoreside tenders for charter that have capacities of 240 and 150,” explains Renouf.    A port calendar is in place, which guarantees berths booked and shows any changes in booking information.   There is a tourist information team on-site at Albert Pier as well as a bar/restaurant, shop/souvenirs, free WiFi and toilets. New shore excursions are being developed such as seaweed foraging.   In 2019, the Guernsey received 86 calls and 115,243 passengers which dropped to 57/ 37,831 last year but rising to 61/49,957 this year which includes SeaDream Yacht Club, which will call for the first time. Inaugural visits will also come from World Traveller, Star Pride, Oceania Vista and Ilma.

29/04/2025

Aalesund shares its OPS know-how

In the first full year of onshore supply (OPS) being available in in Aalesund, 60 percent of the ships arriving on the 284 calls (189 in 2019) plugged in, with the hope for this year being 70 percent. Ole Christian Fiskaa, port director Ports of Aalesund, says: “The cooperation with the cruiselines has been quite amazing so far. They actually do come as they say they will. I don’t think it would be an option to have this many ships if we had no OPS.” Although there have been the usual and expected technical issues at times, these have been resolved by the port working together with the cruise company calling on the solution. Two large ships can be connected at the same time on the pier with the present capacity being 32MW. Fiskaa explains: “We have three connection points at the pier and we also have a flexible cable management system. This year we will also be installing OPS for a smaller ship alongside also which may mean a slight increase in the capacity." The city has a long history with the fishery industry, the cruise quays originally being used for the fishing boats which came into the centre of the city. It is with some pride and a great positive for the community that “the money we make on cruise activity we now spend on infrastructure for the fishery industry and cargo ships, which is possible because of the income that comes from the cruiseships calling”. The journey to OPS began in 2018 when discussions took place with cruiselines and the local politicians of Aalesund. A 50/50 percent joint venture was established with Plug with about 20 percent of the total €12 million investment coming from Norwegian government subsidies. The cruiselines paid a fixed price per kW hour throughout last year which hopefully will continue on into this year. Fiskaa says: “The more cruiselines connect, the higher the possibility is to lower the price.” There is also a connection fee for each connection, which covers the work of connecting the ship. For new ships there is a commissioning process for the first call which comes at a fixed price. Commenting on OPS, Fiskaa says: “This has been a very good strategic move for the port because we have received tremendously good feedback from the local community, politicians and the locals. They see that we really do work to improve the community and the sustainability of the business.” As far as community attitude to cruise goes, he explains that 60 to 70 percent of the population are positive, 15 percent “tend to have negative views and the rest are indifferent”. The aim now is to try and “smooth out but not grow the main season and show the cruiselines the benefits of visiting Aalesund during the six months of the winter,” explains Synnove Johnsen, port press relations &marketing manager cruise, Ports of Aalesund.

29/04/2025

Runavik welcomes the world into its community

Captain Torbjorn Jacobsen is not only the Mayor of Runavik but still pilots the ships coming in. He is in the unique position of coming from both sides of the industry and, since 2016, has ensured that the money coming into the port is being used in the port for projects, such as quayside development. “The strategy for cruise in Runavik is not just as a money machine. My thought is to have a nice feeling for passengers and for the locals to be able to meet people from other countries. We use money from the cruiseships to also put into educating our young people on becoming more internationalised. It is important to include the locals when we have a call, working closely with tour operators, shops etc.” In 2010 there was only one call to Runavik but then came 11 in 2018, 25 this year and 30 in 2026. The larger ships tend to call Runavik, with smaller vessels calling (on anchor) the nearby villages, which are limited to three calls a year. Each village has a particular theme with the most recent being a grouping of three: Elduvik for storytelling and myths; Funningur for history and legends (having its first two calls next year - from Silver Wind); Oyndarfjordur for trade and industry. Rannva Troest, head of cruise at the Port of Runavik, is keen to point out that the money from cruise stays in the villages and that for every call there is a tailor-made plan. “There is always a welcome event and ‘Ask Me’ locals around the town to assist passengers. This year we will have a mobile information desk on the pier in Runavik. Now that we have experience of last year’s 25 calls, we know we can handle the ships.” This year the season starts on May 3 and ends on October 18.

29/04/2025

Roenne will open a new pier this fall

A new 374m-long, 11m-deep cruise pier is being built at the Port of Roenne, with completion expected in the fall. This new facility will replace the berths used over the past three years, which are needed by other business sectors, explains Yana Grundke, chief business officer at the port.   In addition, accessibility to the old cruise pier will also be improved this year through the removal of the inner breakwaters and the extension of the southern outer breakwater. These measures will significantly enhance navigation and manoeuvring conditions by creating a much calmer harbour basin.   The new pier is close to Destination Bornholm’s (DB) visitor centre - just a 15-minute walk - and about 20 minutes on foot to the main square in the city centre. There are 70 calls booked this year, which is a 150 percent increase on 2015, says Torsten Engsig, cruise coordinator DB.   A working group has been established to explore the possibility of installing OPS at the new pier. Grundke is confident that it will happen, stating: “We will do it, but we don’t have a date yet.”

29/04/2025

Caen-Ouistreham upgrades facilities and services for cruises

This year marks Caen’s millennium and with it has come some exciting new developments which will add to its attraction as a small-ship cruise port.   The castle has reopened after two years with a new landscaped park and immersive experience into the history of both the castle and the city. “As a small boutique port, we can arrange private access to many of our sights throughout the year,” explains Morgan Pravos, cruise manager Caen-Ouistreham Normandy cruise.   A new berth, replacing the previous one at Quai Gaston Lamy, which can take ships up to 165m in length, is due to be inaugurated when Grand Circle’s Clio arrives for a two-night stay and turnaround on June 4 to 6. There will be a cycle and pedestrian walkway at the new pier to connect it to the medieval historic centre. On the Millennium maritime weekend of June 27 to 29, there will be 48 sailing ships visiting the city including the iconic Le Belem.    In addition, it has been possible to increase the navigable width of the Caen canal by 10m width for the end of summer 2026 with the replacement of the Colombelles bridge, which will be welcomed by cruise captains, says Pravos. This will not stop calls for the 2026 season, as the port remains fully open.   The port has a second dedicated cruise pier Quai de Calix for ships up to 175m, which is a second power situation just before the bridge which has an air draught of 33m.   This year, the city will receive five calls, but 12 are already booked for 2027, three short of the port's target of 15 per year. Pravos explains: “We want to provide a personalised experience for all the calls that come to Caen. This includes free shuttle buses, free cycles and tourist kiosk on the pier and a special welcome funded by the cruise club.    Cruise in Caen is all about community : “Investment in the new cruise pier will come from the city because it is important that both passengers and locals be connected to both the port and the city. It's also one of the reasons why we created our cruise club 10 years ago with all the port and tourism stakeholders, to build the perfect experience for cruise guests.” 

29/04/2025

Le Havre prepares for new terminals and OPS connections this year and next

Work on Terminal 2 and 3 at Le Havre is on track for a joint opening in November, while Terminal 1 - which faces the UNESCO World Heritage city - is due to open in spring 2026. Once complete the port will be able to accommodate three ships on three calls with a total of 13,500 passengers. The conjoined Terminals 2 and 3 can cater to 6,000 and 4,000 passengers each for transit and turnaround operations. What is very special about these terminals is that the public will be able to access the open park at the end of the quays and to the Terminal 1 via the roof walkway without straying into ISPS territory. The first onshore power supply connection is currently being tested and will take place at Terminal 2 by June 2025. The first connections at Terminal 1 and 3 are due to take place in mid and late 2026 respectively. Herve Geraud, OPS project manager at HAROPA Port, explained that studies had begun in 2018, prior to any regulatory requirements. Ships of up to 14MW (and a total of 30MW) will be able to connect on each of the three quays. There are four 15kg plugs and a cable management system in place to provide grid electricity which is 67 percent nuclear with the balance being from hydro, solar and wind power, together with a small amount of LNG. The total investment for the terminals, renewed quays and OPS is €120 million which includes subsidies from the French government and the EU and the region of Normandy but primarily comes from HAROPA port for the OPS part and Le Havre Crosieres for the construction of the terminals. Geraud says that OPS is a service rather than a commercial enterprise but that 15,000 tonnes of CO2 each year will be avoided because of it. With mandatory connection due in 2030, those ships that are unable to comply will pay a penalty to the EU if they are not zero-emissions. For further detail please see https://www.cruiseeurope.com/news/news-ce-press-1733929012/

29/04/2025

Tallinn/Estonia is out in force at Seatrade Cruise Global 

Tallinn is just one part of a wider Estonian government vision for both the maritime and tourism industries. The appearance of a large delegation, led by vice-minister for maritime and water affairs, Kaupo Laanerand, to Seatrade Cruise Global demonstrated the country’s commitment to these sectors. Furthermore, Estonia is just about to introduce the €25 million support measure for greening of ships.    “Cruise business is crucial for us. It is great to come where companies have done so much already. Cruise tourists are great ambassadors, even though they are a small part of our tourist numbers. From the government side we are very interested to see big businesses growing more, and smaller players too. We see great potential, also in the maritime sector when it comes to retrofitting the existing cruise fleet to green technologies or to make them more environmentally friendly,” he says.     Onshore power supply (OPS) has been a vital component of its quest to develop different green corridors: starting with Tallinn to Helsinki, a route which carries eight million passengers a year. “Our Port of Tallinn project was the biggest OPS project in Europe when we started. Local company Shorelink is definitely in the top three innovative suppliers of OPS worldwide. We also have large scale automooring systems in the port supporting OPS systems [presently on ropax but will be with cruiseships at the new terminal]. There is also a smart port solution in use for ferries, whereby people with vehicles are directed automatically,” explains Laanerand.     However OPS is not without its difficulties as he pointed out: “OPS itself and the solutions to connect the vessel is easier to make happen. Our biggest challenge is to get the grid strong enough. The connection for cruise needs huge investment. We are looking to the government and the EU for investment. My biggest concern is that, without government support, some ports won’t have the financial capability to do this.”     On the tourism side, Laanerand talks about how Tallinn, in cooperation with Stockholm and Helsinki, is working on how the region can bring back the major cruiselines, with higher passenger numbers, that it had prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “The cruiselines are positive but it takes time.  We are not protesting against the vessels. We are happy to have them. Locals like to see the beautiful white ships and residential areas are not so close to the ports. Estonia is a excellent location to visit.”     On the outfitting side, he says: “We have the full value chain in Estonia to make all interiors required for retrofitting, and in innovative way. We have all the producers and we are already supporting big players such as Meyer Turku.” He cites an example of the new approach, whereby cabins are made from plastic from the sea and there are new innovative light materials that can be used: “We can create a sustainable cabin, but with luxury looks. Our producers have found a way to make each cabin 200kg lighter and, if there are 1,000 cabins to be built, the weight can be reduced by 200t. The lighter the ships, the less fuel, the less port dues, the less CO2 and it is more sustainable.” 

29/04/2025

Niamh McCarthy shares her thoughts on The Cruise Cast

During Episode 4 of Cruise Europe’s The Cruise Cast, Niamh McCarthy of Excursions Ireland discusses the behind-the-scenes minutiae that go into making a successful shore excursion, providing her top tips to colleagues in the industry. She also tells Sonia Limbrick from Dover about her experiences in the cruise industry and the importance of delivering a good product. Tune in now on Spotify or use the following link: https://tinyurl.com/TheCruiseCastEpisode4

29/04/2025

Afternoon Tea for CE members

Cruise Europe is offering its members the chance to tune into its newly-launched Afternoon Teas. These will be online, informal meetings discussing topical subjects with relevant members contributing their expertise. The first one was hosted by Ana Lourenco and CE’s subgroup for sustainability. The topic was onshore power supply (OPS) and 90 persons attended. Port members Aalesund, Aarhus and Amsterdam generously shared experiences on this subject, which continues to gain momentum as regulations come into play.

29/04/2025

CE reception at Seatrade Cruise Global sets the stage for the week

More than 400 people attended the annual Cruise Europe reception on the Monday night in Miami. This year it took place outside in the garden of Santorini Georgios with plenty of room to network and take the weight off your feet.    The atmosphere was lively, the food went down a treat and it is clear that this venue provides an excellent backdrop to the growing success of an association, which is moving on leaps and bounds, both in terms of its business and its members.    During the week a number of CE members took part on conference panels and the CE stand played host to numerous meetings between ports and destinations and cruiseline executives.    Jens Skrede, managing director CE, says: “We will be coming back next year, hopefully with an even larger stand and more partners. We have also rebooked the Santorini by Georgios for our reception, as it turned out to be a perfect venue for us”.

22/04/2025

Port of Tallinn cruise season kicks off – this year from Saaremaa

The 2024 cruise season at the Port of Tallinn officially began on Sunday, April 20, with the arrival of the first cruise ship of the year – Le Champlain – at the Saaremaa harbour. The vessel brought 163 passengers, primarily from France and the United States. Le Champlain arrived from Riga and departed for Helsinki. Today, on April 22, the ship continues its journey with a visit to Tallinn. Operated by the French luxury cruise line PONANT, Le Champlain is part of a new generation of environmentally conscious expedition ships. Launched in 2018, the vessel is 131 meters long and accommodates up to 184 guests. It offers an intimate and upscale cruise experience with a focus on culture, nature, and local discovery. On board, guests can enjoy a restaurant, pool, spa, observatory, and even an underwater lounge called "Blue Eye," offering views of marine life below the surface. During their visit to Saaremaa, passengers took part in excursions organized by Estonian Holidays to the island’s top attractions, including the Angla windmills, Karja Church, Kaali meteorite crater, and Kuressaare Castle. Free time was also provided for exploring the town of Kuressaare independently. Additionally, some guests enjoyed a folklore performance at the Mihkli Farm Museum or visited the Pöide Brewery. A total of six cruise ship calls are scheduled for the Saaremaa harbour this season, with the next one on June 21 and the last on September 15. Today in Tallinn, passengers of Le Champlain have the chance to discover the best of Estonia’s capital. Guided shore excursions take them through the cobbled streets of the medieval Old Town, exploring its Gothic treasures and historical landmarks. Visitors can experience Estonian traditions through a folklore program, walk in the footsteps of tsars at the stunning Kadriorg Palace, and enjoy the elegance of the city’s historic sights. For food enthusiasts, the “Discover Estonian Cuisine” tour offers a delicious dive into local culinary traditions, showcasing authentic flavors and seasonal ingredients. The cruise season in Tallinn runs from April 22 through October 12, with an additional special visit planned for December. Altogether, the Port of Tallinn expects 115 cruise ship calls this year. The busiest day will be May 14, when five cruise ships are set to dock simultaneously, bringing over 8,000 cruise tourists to the city. On 12 occasions, cruise ships will remain in port overnight for two days, and 34 visits will extend until midnight or early morning -– giving passengers the opportunity to explore not only the sights of Tallinn’s Old Town and city centre, but also to discover destinations beyond the capital.

16/04/2025

Foyle Port Anticipates 21% Growth in Cruise Tourism for 2025

The North West region is set for a significant surge in cruise tourism this year, with cruise calls increasing by 21% compared to 2019, reinforcing its growing appeal as a key destination for international visitors. A total of 17 cruise calls are scheduled between May and September, including maiden visits from five vessels. Renowned cruise lines returning to the region include Silversea, Azamara, Mystic Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Noble Caledonia, AE Expeditions, and German-based operators Phoenix Reisen and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Foyle Port estimates combined visiting passenger and crew spend will generate over £0.5 million for the local economy in 2025. As members of Cruise Ireland, a strategic network of Irish port authorities and stakeholders, the Port is committed to growing cruise tourism to the region. The cruise team recently returned from the world’s largest cruise trade show, Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, Florida. Since 1996, representatives from the Port have attended this annual event, continuously promoting Foyle Port as the gateway to Derry-Londonderry and the wider North West region for cruise tourism. Captain Bill McCann, Harbour Master & Operations Director, Foyle Port said, “The consistent return of cruise lines year after year speaks volumes about the reputation of our destination. The feedback we received from cruise lines in Miami was overwhelmingly positive, with particular interest in the port’s strategic location, allowing visitors to experience both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in one day.” He added, “We look forward to working with our strategic partners to collectively welcome over 5,000 passengers and 3,700 crew from all over the world this season.” According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), over 60% of cruise passengers revisit a destination they first discovered via a cruise. At Foyle Port, visitor surveys reinforce this trend, with 100% of guests indicating they would return to the region for a longer stay. Louise Denvir, Cruise Marketing Executive at Foyle Port, highlighted what makes the destination so appealing to visitors. She explained, “When travelling to new countries, guests love to immerse themselves in the history and culture of each destination. Derry offers a truly unique experience, as Ireland’s only completely intact historic Walled City, home to award-winning museums and a vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can enjoy world-class events such as the City of Derry Jazz Festival, Foyle Maritime Festival, and Europe’s largest Halloween festival. Beyond the city, the port serves as a gateway to some of Ireland’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Guests can explore the start of the iconic Wild Atlantic Way in County Donegal, or journey along County Antrim’s Causeway Coastal Route, featuring the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway. With the perfect blend of rich history, lively culture, and stunning scenery, the North West offers an unforgettable experience for cruise visitors.” The first cruise ship, World Explorer, is set to dock on 11th May. To view the full cruise schedule, visit www.foyleport.com/cruise-and-leisure

16/04/2025

Beginning of the 2025 cruise season

Today marked the beginning of the 2025 cruise season as APCL A&P Falmouth welcomed Nieuw Statendam for her inaugural call to Falmouth. The vessel arrived at 7am this morning carrying 2,355 passengers and 973 crew. The first tender of guests arrived bright and early at County Pontoon, where they were warmly greeted by our Falmouth Cruise Ambassadors. Meanwhile a plaque exchange took place onboard with Captain Werner Timmers accompanied by Luke Wills (Port Manager & Harbour Master), Drystan Jones (Director of Port Development), and Ifor Pedley (Harbour Master). Guests enjoyed a variety of adventures — exploring spots including Land’s End, St Ives, St Michael’s Mount and Polperro, to taking scenic coastal treks and enjoying classic Cornish pub lunches. Others hopped on the shuttle to discover the charm of Falmouth town. With 50 more ships expected this season, APCL A&P Falmouth is looking forward to welcoming over 60,000 passengers to Falmouth and wider Cornwall.

14/04/2025

Arcadia cruise ship passengers donate 100 kg of goods to ENTRAJUDA

Lisbon, April 10, 2025 – The Port of Lisbon announces that passengers aboard the Arcadia cruise ship from Carnival UK, currently on a 99-night world cruise, have donated clothing, books, and accessories to ENTRAJUDA - the Association for Supporting Social Solidarity Institutions. This action marks the first donation of goods under the "Cruises for the Community" program, an initiative launched in 2024 by the Port of Lisbon to strengthen the relationship between cruise companies and the Lisbon community. Carnival UK has also been a pioneer in partnering with the Blue Flag Association for Environment and Education (ABAAE) for beach clean-up initiatives in Portugal. In October 2024, crew members of the Queen Anne and Britannia ships took part in a beach clean-up event at Algés Beach, coordinated by the ABAAE. The ‘Cruises for the Community’ program demonstrates how cruise tourism can contribute positively to Lisbon beyond its economic impact, and these initiatives reflect the commitment from port of Lisbon to promote more sustainable tourism, integrated with the needs of the local community The program includes volunteer activities by crew members and passengers in social and environmental actions, showcasing how the Port of Lisbon and its partner companies are working together to create lasting value for the city and its residents. For more information: https://www.portodelisboa.pt/

07/04/2025

Port of Lisbon Welcomes the First Call of the Norwegian Aqua

On March 20th, the Port of Lisbon welcomed the first call of the Norwegian Aqua. Lisbon was chosen to be part of the preparatory voyages leading up to the official inaugural voyage, scheduled for March 28th between Southampton and Boston. "It is a great honor and prestige for Lisbon to be chosen once again as one of the destinations for the inaugural voyages of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, one of the major operators that visits us, which reflects the trust in the Port of Lisbon," said Carlos Correia, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Port of Lisbon Authority (APL). A Benchmark on Environmental Sustainability The Norwegian Aqua stands out as a benchmark in environmental sustainability, being equipped with cutting-edge alternative technologies, including a NOx Reduction System (SCR), which significantly reduces the environmental impact of the ship. Carlos Correia emphasized that "the Norwegian Aqua is proof of the cruise industry’s capacity for innovation, which continues to invest in fleet expansion, improving passenger experiences, and environmental sustainability. Alongside this global industry investment, APL will also continue to develop a series of actions aimed at the decarbonization of cruise activities towards sustainability, as well as actions to foster a positive and collaborative relationship between cruise companies and the community." Exclusive Onboard Experiences The Norwegian Aqua will offer passengers truly unique experiences, with highlights including the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first three-story hybrid water roller coaster, combining dual water slides with a magnetic elevator that propels passengers along two different courses. Visitors can also enjoy an innovative digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor, the Glow Court, and witness the world premiere of the musical show "Revolution: a celebration of Prince." The ship features an impressive artwork on its hull, "Where the Sky Meets the Sea," designed by Filipino American artist Allison Hueman and produced by Goldman Global Arts, evoking modern mythology through colorful representations of the sea and sky. With a 10% increase in size compared to its sister ships, the Norwegian Aqua is the first ship of the Prima Plus Class in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. At 322 meters long and 156,300 tons, it can accommodate 3,571 passengers in double occupancy and 3,424 at full occupancy, distributed across 1,760 cabins on nine of its 20 decks, with a crew of 1,388. The Norwegian Aqua joins its sister ships, Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima, strengthening the excellence of the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet and reaffirming Lisbon as a premier cruise destination globally. To mark Lisbon’s inclusion in the inaugural voyage of the Norwegian Aqua, the Port of Lisbon will continue its tradition by presenting Captain Robert Lundberg with the customary commemorative plaque. The ship was escorted by tugboats from Portugs in a ceremony marking the second of 18 cruise ships expected to make their first call at the Port of Lisbon in 2025.

01/04/2025

2025 gets off to a great start for Cruise in Southampton

After a record-breaking year for the cruise sector at the Port of Southampton in 2024, 2025 is off to an impressive start in the first quarter. With its industry-leading shore power facilities and established cruise hub status, the Port can accommodate cruise vessels year-round. In January, the Port bid farewell to a number of cruise lines as they set off on their World cruises or 35+-day itineraries and continued to welcome cruise line brands AIDA, P&O, MSC, Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, among others. In March alone, the Port welcomed 18 cruise vessels and is preparing for its first 5-ship day of 2025 next month. The Port also celebrated the arrival of its first brand-new cruise ship for 2025 – the Norwegian Aqua, choosing Southampton as a destination for her maiden voyage. During the visit, the ship was commissioned for shore power enabling her to achieve zero emissions when in Port. This Prima Plus-class ship can accommodate over 3,000 guests and features eye-catching attractions such as the Aqua Slide coaster, a hybrid roller coaster and waterslide, the Glow Court sports complex, and new dining experiences. This positive start positions the Port well to showcase its capabilities, partnerships, and infrastructure at the Seatrade Cruise Global exhibition from April 7-10 in Miami. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the event, and ABP Southampton is delighted to participate again alongside its port partners. Rebekah Keeler, Cruise Strategy Manager at ABP, said, "2025 will be another fantastic year. We already have more ship calls planned, and the highest number of shore power connections confirmed. We continue to see growth in the global cruise sector, and Southampton is leading the way for the UK and Northern Europe. As a port city, Southampton has welcomed cruise liners since the 1800s, and we are proud to continue offering cruises from Southampton, maintaining our position on the cruise circuit." Southampton boasts unparalleled sea, land, and air connectivity, making travel to and from the Port effortless. International airports connect Southampton to global passenger markets, while reliable road and rail networks provide easy access. Southampton is ideally situated for a variety of cruise itineraries, whether as a transit point or starting point for routes to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, or other distant destinations.

31/03/2025

Future Cruise Calls

2026: 06.05: Ocan Explorer, Quark Expeditions 23.05: Sea Spirit, Posedion Expeditions 24.05: Greg Mortimer, Aurora Expeditions 25.05: Renaissance, CFC Croisières 30.05: Seaventure, 66 Expeditions 05.06: NG Explorer, Lindblad Expeditions 11.06: Silver Wind, Silversea Cruises 17.06: Rotterdam, Holland America Line 21.06: NG Resolution, Lindblad Expeditions 23.06: Ocean Nova, Adventure Canada 24.06: Artania, Phoenix Reisen 27.06: NG Explorer, Lindblad Expeditions 03.-04.07: Hebridean Sky, Noble Caledonia 09.07: Insignia, Oceania Cruises 16.07: Seven Seas Grandeur, Regent Seven Seas Cruises 21.07: Renaissance, CFC Croisières 22.07: Rotterdam, Holland America Line 28.07: Insignia, Oceania Cruises 05.08: Azamara Journey, Azamara Cruises 10.08: Ambition, Ambassador Cruise Line 14.08-16.08: Nordstjernen, Vestland Classic 16.08: Nieuw Statendam, Holland America Line 21.08: SH Diana, Swan Hellenic 22.08: Seadream II, Seadream Cruise Line 24.08: Amera, Phoenix Reisen 26.08: Rotterdam, Holland America Line 13.09: Ambience, Ambassador Cruise Line 21.09: NG Endurance, Lindblad Expeditions 2027: 01.05: Ambience, Ambassador Cruise Line 19.05: Spitsbergen, HX-Hurtigruten Expeditions 24.05: Greg Mortimer, Aurora Expeditions 27.05: Sea Spirit, Posedion Expedition 02.06: Zuiderdam, Holland America Line 06.06-07.06: Hebridean Sky, Noble Caledonia 15.06-16.06: Ambition, Ambassador Cruise Line 15.06: L'Astral, Ponant 21.06: L'Astral, Ponant 23.06: NG Explorer, Lindblad Expedition 28.06: Ocean Endeavour, Adventure Canada 28.06: Seabourn Venture, Seabourn Cruise Line 05.07-06.07: L'Austral, Ponant 14.07: Zuiderdam, Holland America Line 15.07: Renaissance, CFC Croisiere 08.08: Artania, Phoenix Reisen 12.08: Spirit of Discovery, Saga Cruises 17.08: Borealis, Fred. Olsen Cruise Line 18.08: Renaissance, CFC Crosiere 18.08: SH Diana, Swan Hellenic 18.08: Ambition, Ambassador Cruise Line 19.08: Azamara Quest, Azamara Cruises 24.08: Ambition, Ambassador Cruise Line 25.08: Caribbean Princess, Princess Cruises 06.09: Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Cruise Line 24.09: NG Endurance, Lindblad Expedition 25.09: Spitsbergen, Hurtigruten 2028: 16.05: Ambience, Ambassador Cruise Line 31.05: Zuiderdam, Holland America Line 04.06: Caribbean Princess, Princess Cruises 18.06-19.06: Hebridean Sky, Noble Caledonia 19.06: Ocean Victory, Adventure Canada 21.06: Explora 4, Explora Journeys 21.06: Ocean Victory, Adventure Canada 22.06: Rotterdam, Holland America Line 23.06: Ocean Victory, Adventure Canada 28.06: Ambience, Ambassador Cruise Line 12.07: Zuiderdam, Holland America Line 22.07: Caribbean Princess, Princess Cruises 27.07: Rotterdam, Holland America Line 30.07: Ambition, Ambassador Cruise Line 08.08: Caribbean Princess, Princess Cruises 16.08: Ambience, Ambassador Cruise Line 23.08: Ambition, Ambassador Cruise Line 06.09: Ambition, Ambassador Cruise Line 07.09: Rotterdam, Holland America Line 2029: 30.05: Zuiderdam, Holland America Line 21.06: Rotterdam, Holland America Line 11.07: Zuiderdam, Holland America Line 26.07: Rotterdam, Holland America Line 06.09: Rotterdam, Holland America Line 2030: 29.05: Zuiderdam, Holland America Line 20.06: Rotterdam, Holland America Line 10.07: Zuiderdam, Holland America Line 25.07: Rotterdam, Holland America Line 12.09: Rotterdam, Holland America Line

10/03/2025

Survey Confirms: Tallinn is a Safe and Attractive Cruise Destination

A quick survey conducted among cruise visitors in Tallinn last summer confirms that Estonia’s capital remains a highly rated destination. However, some visitors expressed concerns about prices and ongoing construction. The survey was carried out over four days at the Tallinn Old City Harbour, covering passengers from four different cruise ships. A total of 82 people participated, including 70 passengers and 12 crew members, representing 13 different nationalities. The study explored visitor satisfaction, perceived safety, and spending behavior. Among the respondents, 60% chose the Baltic cruise for the region’s attractive destinations, while 30% were influenced by recommendations from friends or family. The remaining participants cited favorable weather or personal reasons. Satisfaction with both the Baltic cruise experience and Tallinn as a stop was very high, reflected in a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 72%. This indicates that most visitors found the city both memorable and appealing. Tourists praised Tallinn’s charm, accessibility, and high-quality restaurants. However, some visitors voiced concerns about ongoing construction in the city and port area. Additionally, higher prices than expected were noted as a drawback by some guests. Despite this, 88% of cruise visitors made purchases, primarily in shops, restaurants, and attractions. Among the 12% who reported no spending, some still visited cafés and restaurants, suggesting actual expenditure may be slightly higher. On average, visitors spent around €50 each. Half of the respondents explored the city through organized excursions, while the other half ventured out independently. Most visitors spent between four and six hours in Tallinn. A key highlight from the survey was that 100% of respondents felt safe during their visit, reinforcing Tallinn’s reputation as a secure and hospitable destination for international travelers. The survey was conducted by Port of Tallinn on 18th and 23th of July; 1st of August and 5th of September 2024 during the visits of MSC Poesia, Mein Schiff1, AidaDiva and Silver Dawn.

28/02/2025

Klaipeda signs contracts for a new cruise terminal

The Port of Klaipeda has signed a contract for the construction of a €43.9 million cruise terminal.   "The signing of the contract marks the start of a new phase in the transformation of the city. The modern and state-of-the-art cruise ship terminal will not only enrich the infrastructure of the Port of Klaipeda, but will also create a new space where maritime spirit, city culture and recreation will merge,” said Algis Latakas, director general, Klaipeda State Seaport Authority.   A plot of land in the central part of the city and port, near the Winter Harbour, will primarily be used for the reconstruction of existing quays, the construction of new quays, and the adaptation of basin depths to meet new operational needs. All these works will be carried out by the successful tenderer UAB Tilsta and are expected to be completed within three years.   This new cruise terminal area will also become an attraction for Klaipeda residents and visitors to the lagoon. It will include an open amphitheatre oriented towards the water, pedestrian and cycling paths, spaces for recreation and events.   An administrative building is also planned for construction at the new terminal. This will house the Klaipeda port management and control team and the port authority administration. In addition to the office space, the ground floor will include cafe, a conference room and an observation deck on the roof of the building. A new marina for recreational ships is also planned next to the building to address the current shortage of space. Procurement procedures for the contract works are underway.   The design of the new cruise ship terminal was finalised at the end of 2023. The screening procedures for the environmental impact assessment of the potential project were finalised in July last year. The building permit was obtained in October last year.   This year, the port is expecting 63 calls with the season beginning earlier than before with the arrival of Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience on February 24.   "This early start to the cruise season is yet another sign that ports must adapt to rapidly changing market trends. This year’s first cruiseship not only arrives earlier than usual but also challenges traditional seasonality, proving that maritime tourism is no longer confined to the warmer months. These developments reaffirm our commitment to investing in the growth of cruise shipping,” says Latakas.   The first ship of the 2025 season, Ambience, brought 1,289 passengers - mainly British - to Klaipeda. Almost 40 percent of the ships calling will be longer than 290m.

28/02/2025

Belfast is to develop a deepwater quay

Belfast Harbour (BH) has unveiled a five-year strategy, which includes the development of a new £90 million (€108 million) deepwater quay to accommodate some of the world’s largest cruise vessels. The investment, which will also expand the port’s capacity and capabilities for offshore wind turbine assembly and installation, forms part of an ambitious programme to invest more than £300 million in capital projects across the port and Harbour Estate over the next five years. Conor Murphy, minister for the economy, said: “I welcome the plans for investment in the port and the Harbour Estate which Belfast Harbour has detailed in its new strategy. The proposed investments support my department’s strategic objectives of creating good jobs and reaching net zero by 2050 and will provide tangible benefits for the economy. Investment in new facilities that will advance the energy transition, as well as improving the attractiveness of the port as a cruise destination, shows Belfast Harbour’s commitment to generating a prosperous future for all.” Stage one of the deepwater quay build, which will initially support cruise tourism, is expected to be delivered by 2027-28. Through the project, BH aims to boost cruise tourism to the region, currently worth an estimated £20-25 million to the local economy annually. This will also enable the port to further develop as a hub for turnaround cruises, having first welcomed a number of such itineraries from Ambassador Cruise Line in 2023. Since 1996, more than 1,400 cruiseships carrying almost 2.5 million international passengers and crew have called Belfast. In 2024, 60 ships from 35 different cruise lines, brought almost 300,000 passengers and crew to Northern Ireland. The new strategy has four key objectives: to enable economic growth; to develop and improve the port; to create vibrant places to live and work; and to innovate for a better tomorrow, with the overarching objective of accelerating to net zero embedded across all activities, including cruise operations. This is underpinned by Belfast Harbour’s already existing measures towards promoting greater sustainability in its cruise offering, including sourcing zero emissions shuttle buses, significantly reducing waste that is going to landfill from vessels and working with tourism business and cruise stakeholders to measure carbon emissions and develop city decarbonisation plans. Other goals featured in the strategy include increasing engagement with local communities. Joe O’Neill, chief executive of Belfast Harbour, said: “Belfast Harbour’s goal is to drive regional prosperity by developing the port and estate, so that everyone benefits. This strategy will put Belfast Harbour at the forefront of the clean energy transition.” Gerry Lennon, chief executive of Visit Belfast, added: “This transformative project strengthens Belfast’s position as a world-class cruise destination, paving the way for the future of Cruise Belfast by accommodating larger vessels and enhancing the visitor experience. The new strategy strengthens our shared commitment to innovation and sustainability and continues to showcase Belfast and the rest of Northern Ireland as a vibrant, forward-thinking place to live, work, visit, and invest, ensuring long-term growth and opportunity for tourism and the economy.”

28/02/2025

Torshavn begins new terminal construction

An additional new DKK 70 million (€9.4 million) terminal is currently under construction, adding capacity to the current terminal built in the 1980s, following the large port expansion at the Port of Torshavn, which was completed in 2022.   In a change with the past, the new terminal is being built to service both cruise and international, ferry passengers. It is due to be completed in June 2026.    The terminal facilities will be around 2,000 m2, however, the building will measure a total of more than 7,000 m2, and will also have office facilities for one of the Faroese international roro and ropax companies.   “Most importantly, the energy source for heating the building will come from the sea in the form of ocean thermal energy conversion,” comments Hanus Mikkelsen, port director at Port of Torshavn. “We have used the same energy solution with another 7,000m2 office building that the port owns, thus reducing the environmental footprint significantly.”   The terminal is being built in a split-ownership with Smyril Line, which operates roro cargo vessels and a large ropax ferry. International ferry passengers will access the new terminal through a gangway, while the cruise passengers will be using shuttle buses from the shipside to the terminal.    While the Faroes are part of the Schengen agreement, they are not part of the EU. Mikkelsen comments: “Immigration and customs will also have a presence in the new terminal, as the facilities in the old terminal were less than adequate. It will definitely be a huge improvement for the operations, not least when the new enty/exit system is implemented in Europe.”