News

27/07/2026

Skagen invests in shore power

The Port of Skagen has signed a contract with PowerCon for the delivery of a new shore power facility for cruiseships. “The facility will be among the most advanced of its kind and will strengthen Skagen’s position as an attractive and responsible cruise destination,” says Willy B Hansen, ceo, Port of Skagen. “The future is electric. We look forward to working with PowerCon, Nord Energi Net and their suppliers. Together, we contribute to ensuring that Skagen and Port of Skagen remain an attractive place for guests, residents, and shipping companies alike.” The facility will be installed at Quay 9, the cruise berth, and will have a capacity of 16 MW. It is expected to be delivered by the end of 2027, ready to supply shore power for the 2028 cruise season. The new installation will be a modern shore power facility incorporating the latest innovations in shore power for cruise ships. Long high-voltage cables on the quay will be avoided by using an energy chain system integrated into the quay structure. Ships will connect via a fully electric cable management system. The solution also supports safe and efficient operations on the quay. By eliminating long cables on the quay area, it becomes easier to manage where guests can move and where port operators and service providers can work. This improves conditions for truck operations, supplies, and overall ship servicing during port calls. The design process has also focused on reducing both electrical noise and cooling noise. This ensures a solution that not only reduces emissions from ships at berth but also considers the surrounding environment and daily port operations. The Norwegian company, Plug – Shore Power, has contributed to ensuring that the Skagen project has the right design and technical solutions. Plug is Northern Europe’s largest provider of shore power for ships and owns and operates several shore power installations for cruise vessels. As part of the preparations, the port’s board of directors and its staff have visited several shore power installations to learn from the experiences of other ports and operators. The investment in the new shore power facility amounts to DKK 85 million (€11.4 million) and is being carried out without European or national subsidies. “The port has chosen to implement the project on its own initiative, as shore power is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for operating a modern cruise port,” says Hansen. Although the facility is being established without financial support, the port believes that the ability to supply shore power will serve as a ‘license to operate’ in relation to the surrounding community and increasingly also a requirement from shipping companies. Kim Brondum Larsen, ceo PowerCon, states: “At PowerCon, we are very pleased to have won the contract to deliver a complete, state-of-the-art shore power facility to Port of Skagen. Most of our projects are located outside Denmark, which makes this assignment particularly special to us, as Skagen is very much our home ground. We appreciate the trust and look forward to a strong collaboration.” The construction phase has begun and is expected to run for approximately 18 months. The work includes upgrading the port’s electrical supply, burying cables, the establishment of new transformer stations by Nord Energi Net, and construction of foundations and cable ducts for both the shore power installation and the cable management system. Once completed, cruiseships at berth will be able to shut down their diesel generators and instead connect to shore-based electricity. This will reduce both emissions and noise in the local area. Port of Skagen expects that the investment will strengthen its position as an attractive destination for international cruise lines. At the same time, the facility supports Skagen’s development as a destination where tourism, local community, and the green transition go hand in hand. The port is one of Denmark’s three largest cruise ports. More than 100 cruise calls a year are expected in the coming years. Up to 250,000 passengers and crew are expected annually. By 2030, almost all cruiseships are expected to be able to connect to shore power. In 2025, 146,293 out of 173,745 cruise passengers went ashore in Skagen. Each cruise guest spends on average DKK 420. Total visitor spending in 2025 in Skagen and the rest of North Jutland amounted to DKK 61 million. This figure excludes revenue from Port of Skagen and maritime service providers.

27/07/2026

Eidfjord quay extension enables shore power facilities

In May the 40m quay extension in Eidfjord was successfully completed. “The new length of 160m allows for improved capacity and operational flexibility” says Inge Tangeras, ceo Visit Eidfjord and Cruise Destination Hardangerfjord. In addition, important upgrades to the onshore logistics have been made. Dedicated areas for both pedestrian movement and bus operations have been clearly defined and marked. These adjustments are designed to enhance the flow of passengers during embarkation and disembarkation, while also ensuring a more structured and efficient use of space. “Safety remains our highest priority. Access to the ISPS area will be supervised and controlled during the entire ship stay,” Tangeras says. The new layout has been developed with a strong focus on minimising interaction between pedestrians and vehicles, contributing to a safer and more comfortable experience for both guests and crew. The platform for the shore power facilities has now been completed as a part of the pier extension. Contract for equipment has been made, with delivery starting in February 2027. Scheduled start up for the 12 MVA shorepower facility is April 2027. In addition, this June the Eidfjord Municipal Council formally adopted Visit Eidfjord's Sustainability Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2030, reaffirming the municipality's long-term commitment to sustainable cruise tourism and responsible destination management. The strategy strengthens Eidfjord's position as a sustainable cruise destinations, by balancing tourism growth with the protection of nature, local communities and cultural heritage, while creating greater value for the local community, visitors and partners. Key commitments include: One-ship policy: one cruise ship per day A maximum of 4,500 cruise passengers a day to ensure a high-quality visitor experience and
 effective visitor management At least 50 percent of cruise calls connected to shore power in 2027, with the ambition of reaching 100 percent by 2030 Continued efforts to attract lower-emission cruise vessels Contribute to reducing local emissions from ships and tour buses Increasing cruise activity during the shoulder seasons to support a more balanced distribution of visitors throughout the year Strengthening cooperation with cruiselines and shore excursion partners to encourage longer stays, more sustainable experiences and greater value creation
 "We believe responsible growth, close cooperation with our partners and measurable sustainability goals are essential to ensuring that Eidfjord remains both a great place to live and an exceptional place to visit," says Wenche Nygard Eeg, chair of the board of Visit Eidfjord.

27/07/2026

Bantry Bay in West Cork focuses on the smaller to mid sector

Bantry Bay Port Company (a subsidiary of the Port of Cork Company) marked the beginning of the 2026 cruise season on April 26, with the arrival of Ponant’s Le Laperouse to Bantry Inner anchorage. She was the first of twelve cruise vessels scheduled to call this year. Across the 2026 season, Bantry Bay will welcome a diverse mix of expedition, luxury and mid‑size cruise ships, bringing visitors from around the world to West Cork. These calls provide a valuable boost for local tourism and businesses, with passengers and crew set to explore Bantry town and the surrounding Wild Atlantic Way coastline. Speaking at the start of the season, Ann Doherty, ceo Port of Cork Company, said: “The 2026 schedule reflects growing interest from international operators in West Cork’s unique offering, and complements the wider cruise activity across the Port of Cork. Together, these calls deliver real economic and cultural benefits for the region, and we’re pleased to see Bantry playing an increasingly important role in Ireland’s cruise tourism landscape.” For those seeking a luxury golf and super yacht experience, Bantry Bay offers both a practical and scenic gateway, with Adare Manor, the chosen venue for the Ryder Cup 2027, just a 25-minute helicopter transfer away. This year’s Bantry cruise schedule extends from April to August and features calls including those from Douglas Mawson, Vasco da Gama, Hanseatic Nature, Deutschland, Spirit of Discovery, Le Champlain, Vista, Europa, Azamara Quest and Insignia, with arrivals from April to August. Bantry Bay Port is the largest long marine inlet in south-west Ireland at 35km. Bere Island and Whiddy Island are the two largest islands in the bay. The Port has recently invested €8.5 million in its marine strategy to aid both existing marine users and new marina facilities. Bantry Bay Port Company is a subsidiary of the Port of Cork Company.

27/07/2026

New associate member: Time Change

As one of Europe’s agencies for shore services, Time Change provides cruiselines with comprehensive and innovative solutions, including shore excursions, hotel programmes, turnarounds, private arrangements and group tours. Across the countries it operates in, the agency handles about 650 ocean calls annually across and about 2,900 river calls for companies such as Viking, Ama Waterways, Avalon, Norwegian, Princess and Azamara. “We recognise the diverse needs of our clients and tailor our services to combine tour management, modern technology, and authentic experiences for both river and ocean - while adhering to the latest safety and hygiene standards,” says Beatrix Pahl, head of ocean cruise Germany at Time Change. “Thank you Bea. We are lucky to know and work with you,” says Christine Andrusyshyn, senior manager destination services at Regent Seven Seas Cruises. With its extensive expertise, the company supports its partners across the German North Sea and Baltic Sea regions, as well as in Denmark, the Benelux countries, and Great Britain, in addition to major European waterways such as the Rhine, Main, Moselle, and Danube rivers. Time Change also designs engaging pre- and post-cruise programmes in key destinations including Prague, Zurich, London, and Munich but primarily Berlin (from Hamburg and Warnemunde). A combination of traditional landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate to more the more unusual such as the Reichstags, these can be mixed with exclusive lunches/dinners in restaurants to historic ballrooms.

27/07/2026

Cruise Europe Lab conclusions from CEC 2026

Following an interactive workshop at the Cruise Europe Conference in Reykjavik, led by the commercial team, Louise Landler and Luis de Carvalho, at Copenhagen Malmo Port, the conclusions to the five initiatives - cruise & community value; winter cruise readiness; cruise rapid response; future cruise experience; and visitor flow coordination - have been sent out to all the attendees. CE managing director, Jens Skrede, was delighted with the outcome and says that the flow charts, which will be uploaded onto the CE website in the next few weeks, will be used as practical guidelines going forward. In each case an emerging approach was highlighted with discussions pointing towards a practical framework but around three interconnected elements. In the case of cruise & community value, these pointed to engagement, visibility and evidence. When it comes to winter cruise readiness, the three elements are preparation, flexibility and collaboration. For cruise rapid response, communication, coordination and contingency are key whilst for future cruise experience, discover, personalise and experience took centre stage. Finally, visitor flow coordination calls for plan, distribute and coordinate.

27/07/2026

CE members attend exclusive Afternoon Tea online

The Cruise Europe (CE) Afternoon Tea series aims to provide a platform for dialogue, bringing together experts from across the maritime sector to exchange ideas and inspire progress. Sharing knowledge, experiences and best practices is essential to build a more innovative, resilient and sustainable cruise industry,” says host Ana Lourenco, chair of the CE sustainability committee and cruise manager at the Port of Lisbon. The most recent edition focused on ‘Smart Ports: The Power of Data and Digitalisation’ took place in mid July. During the discussion, speakers Ingvar M Mathisen, Port of Oslo, Mieke Laethem, Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Mario Spadina from SeaCras demonstrated how data-driven decision-making, digital platforms and innovative technologies are helping ports improve operational efficiency, enhance sustainability, optimise the passenger experience and strengthen cooperation between all stakeholders in the cruise ecosystem. One of the key messages from the session was clear: becoming a smart port is not simply about adopting new technologies, it is about using data intelligently to make better decisions, increase resilience and deliver greater value for ports, cruise lines, destinations and local communities.

27/07/2026

Atlantic Europe: regional meeting

Helena Gomes Fernandes, chair Atlantic Europe region and commercial & marketing manager at the Port of Leixoes (Porto), and Piet Vandenkerhove, vice-chair and Port of Antwerp-Bruges cruise account manager, kicked off the AE regional meeting in Reykjavik in May by highlighting some of the geopolitical concerns. These include the slowly recovering Baltic region, Houthi attacks leading to the cruise abandonment of the Red Sea and Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz/Iran War leading to the cancellation of the 2026-7 Middle East cruise seasons. It was highlighted that the resulting redeployment to the West Med, NW Europe and the Caribbean could open up opportunities for additional calls to the AE region. Key findings from the recent Rotterdam economic impact & sustainability of the cruise industry study were highlighted. These included the fact that The Netherlands generates €1.01 billion in total cruise-related output within the €62.1 billion European industry, that turnaround passengers spend €238 to €250 a day on hotel, transfers, retail etc and that crew spending totals €2.4 to €3.5 million each season. In terms of the port’s decarbonisation strategy, shore power has been operational since March 2025. It is supported by dedicated grid structure, aligned with EU FuelEU Maritime % AFIR regulations and strengthens the business case for cruiseline plug-in under EU ETS carbon pricing. When it comes to alternative fuels, advanced biofuels have already been trialled, LNG is currently being used but the methane slip remains a critical climate concern and readiness is being built for methanol. An update was supplied on the EU Ports Strategy which was adopted by the European Commission in March 2026. Key takeaways included that shore power is now a concrete funded action. Cruise shipbuilding is a named priority segment in the companion Industrial Maritime Strategy. Passenger terminal security was highlighted as being an area that requires attention, such as background for port workers that need more training as partners in fighting crime, cyber and hybrid threats. In this respect a new EU-wide forum for member states’ cybersecurity and port authorities to exchange best practices has been established. In addition, the commission is to carry out a risk assessment to identify pressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities all across all port types. Of note are three key areas which are not covered by the strategy: overtourism/cruise passenger caps; cruise-specific emissions targets; and cruise capacity or route planning. The emerging EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy however is concerned with the above, over tourism being the core concern. In addition decarbonisation expectations will tighten; integrated multimodal ticketing will affect fly-cruise distribution leading to cruise having to plug into single-booking systems; coastal destination management tools will be directed at cruise-heavy ports. Although there will be no direct cruise legislation, there will be indirect regulatory pressure through maritime, environment and transport policy is growing. Updates were provided on onshore power supply and the entry/exit system, both of which are work in progress but have some way to go (for further details see the AE presentation on the CE website).

27/07/2026

Baltic ports: regional meeting

The Baltic ports regional meeting at the Cruise Europe conference in Reykjavik underlined that ports are becoming central actors in shaping the future of cruise tourism. “Their role as facilitators, coordinators, communicators and bridge-builders between stakeholders is more important than ever,” explains Sirle Arro, chair of the Baltic region and head of marketing and communications at the Port of Tallinn. “With transparent communication, responsible growth, and continued investment in sustainable solutions, ports can help ensure that cruise tourism remains a positive contributor to the Baltic region’s economy, identity, and international visibility,” she adds. Discussion took place about the role of ports in cruise tourism and how it has changed significantly. Ports are no longer only infrastructure providers or arrival points for ships. Increasingly, they act as the main facilitators and coordinators of cruise tourism in their destinations, bringing together municipalities, tourism organisations, local businesses, transport providers, politicians, communities and cruiselines. Across the region, cruises are seen not only as a tourism product, but also as a tool for destination marketing, local business development and broader regional visibility. One of the strongest messages from the Baltic meeting was that public perception of cruise tourism is generally positive, not only from communities recognising the benefit but also from the local media and politicians in several ports, particularly where the cruise sector is clearly linked to economic activity, infrastructure development, and destination branding. Turnaround operations, in particular, create additional value through hotel stays, airport use, transport services, provisioning, and new customer flows. Ports noted that cruise passengers can help extend the tourism season, support businesses outside peak holiday periods and introduce visitors to places they may later return to independently. The Baltic region is also investing in the future. Several ports are planning for larger ships, longer seasons, and more calls in the coming years. At the same time, investments in sustainability are becoming increasingly important. Onshore power supply, alternative fuels such as bio-methane and bio-LNG bunkering options, green energy solutions and cooperation around environmental performance are central to the sector’s development. This positive outlook, however, is not without its challenges, such as the common issue of capacity. As ships become larger and call numbers increase, ports and cities must manage traffic, passenger flows, events taking place at the same time, construction works, and limited space in urban areas. In some destinations, the availability of buses, guides, and other transport services is becoming a practical constraint. Another key challenge is responsibility and coordination. In some destinations, it is not always clear who should take the lead on cruise-related matters: the port, the city, tourism organisations, local businesses or municipal authorities. This is where the role of ports has become especially important in connecting different stakeholders, sharing information, supporting destination readiness, coordinating operational issues and helping to ensure that cruise tourism creates value for the whole community. The discussion made it clear that successful cruise development depends not only on ships and quays, but also on trust, cooperation and shared responsibility at destination level. Public perception also requires continuous work. Several ports emphasised the importance of proactive communication. Sharing information with locals about upcoming calls, explaining what cruise tourism brings to the community, working with local media, and educating stakeholders can help build trust. Articles, brochures, public information, and close cooperation with local operators can all contribute to a more balanced understanding of the sector. The meeting also showed that the Baltic region is not one single cruise market, but a network of destinations at different stages of development. Some ports already handle high call volumes and are preparing for further growth. Others are smaller or emerging cruise destinations, using cruise as a marketing tool and aiming to increase awareness. There is also growing interest in year-round cruising, winter calls and new destinations around the Baltic Sea. Looking ahead, the region’s opportunities are clear. Cruiselines are asking for new destinations, seasons are expanding, infrastructure is improving and communities in many places remain positive. At the same time, the sector must continue to address sustainability, capacity, local engagement, and competitiveness.

27/07/2026

CE announces CEC 2027 dates

The Cruise Europe conference will take place in Bergen between May 3 and 6 next year. With the membership continuing to grow in this important cruise region, it promises to be another exciting event in the cruise calendar. Make sure to put the dates in your diary. Bergen is located on the west coast of Norway in the heart of the fjords. As a UNESCO World Heritage City and a European City of Culture, the Bergen region has the ideal combination of nature, culture and exciting urban life all year round.

03/06/2026

Cruise Europe conference 2026 takes place in Reykjavik

Taking place in the stunning HARPA concert hall and conference centre located on the harbour, the Cruise Europe conference (CEC) took on a new level of participation and subject matter. Each year is the best yet! In over three decades of working in this industry, it was a privilege to discover that our conference director was Katrin Jakobsdottir, the former prime minister of Iceland. With great humour and efficiency she kept the timetable on track, interjected with some of her own valuable insights and questions, and ensured the delegates were engaged from start to finish. Conference hosts, Ports of Faxafloi, ably assisted in this by introducing an online facility, www.slido.com, whereby questions could be posed to the panels. These came thick and fast, perhaps giving an opportunity for those to speak up who may not always feel comfortable in taking the mic. It also added a certain speed element to proceedings. With more than 200 port and associate members in attendance, this was the most well-attended conference to date, despite the fact that reaching Iceland from some destinations involved three-plus flights. Jens Skrede, managing director of Cruise Europe (CE), who was clearly delighted with the proceedings, and rightly so, said: “Working with our hosts, Ports of Faxafloi, has been a joy. One of my takeaways is that of Icelandic girlpower. From Katrin as moderator to Tinna Johansdottir [from the port] working tirelessly both back and front of house, to Edda and Kaja at Iceland Innovation Week, what they have delivered has been second to none.”

03/06/2026

CE chair officially opens the conference

Cruise Europe chair, Simone Maraschi, spoke with eloquence about the industry that brings us together. His opening remarks began with highlighting Iceland as a metaphor for the cruise business. “Volcanic, resilient, remote, and yet, connected to the world. A place where the forces of nature remind us, daily, that we are part of something much larger.” He went on to highlight the all-time high the industry is experiencing: that this is not a recovering industry but a thriving industry. Describing Northern Europe as, not a secondary chapter in the global cruise story but a defining one, he said: “This is the region of the fjords, the Arctic light, the medieval Baltic capitals, the wild Atlantic coastlines, the islands that sit at the edge of the known world, like the one we are standing on right now. “These are not interchangeable destinations. They are irreplaceable ones. And that distinction matters enormously in a market where travellers are increasingly looking for authenticity, depth, and experiences they cannot find anywhere else. “The luxury and expedition segments - the fastest growing in our industry - are disproportionately drawn to what Northern Europe offers. Smaller ships. Remote ports. Extraordinary nature. That is our competitive advantage, and it is growing. “And the shoulder season work is paying off. What was once a short, compressed summer window is becoming a genuine year-round proposition. Not despite our climate and our geography, but because of it. Different in every season, extraordinary in all of them. “This is our territory. And we should own that narrative with confidence.” He spoke about the need for resilience in a changed world, an example of which has been how the Baltic members have adapted itinerary offerings in response to shifting geopolitical realities which are uninvited and of which we have no control. Maraschi highlighted a number of challenges which were discussed later in the panel sessions, saying: “We operate in a world where regulatory timelines are accelerating, where new taxes and fees are being introduced across our destinations - some thoughtfully, some less so - and where itinerary decisions are shaped by factors we cannot always predict or control. This is the environment. We don’t get to choose it. We have to operate in it, and we have to do so together.” Collaboration and cooperation were themes that ran through the day, not least when it comes to passenger fees and cruise tax as he explained: “We do not oppose the legitimate needs of governments and communities. We ask for predictability, proportionality, and the willingness to listen. We will always bring the data. We will always bring the economic argument. But we also need to bring the relationship, and that is built over time, in conversations exactly like the ones we will have today.” Cruise Europe is made up of 130 ports and destinations from Lisbon to the North Cape representing different countries, languages and political systems but “working on the same problems, sharing the knowledge, speaking - when it matters - with one voice. In a world that struggles to cooperate, we do cooperate … but it comes with a responsibility. Every one of us in this room … we are not just doing a job. We are ambassadors. Of our ports, yes. Of our regions, of course. But also a set of principles. Friendship. Collaboration. Mutual respect.” Having spent almost three decades in the industry, it is clear that Maraschi is passionate about it and the people who work in it and the increasing need to build and develop partnerships drive the business forward successfully. “This industry runs on relationships. And what Cruise Europe has built - across 130 ports, through every disruption, every transformation - is something rare. A genuine community. Where competitors collaborate. Where the large support the small. Where a handshake becomes a partnership and a conversation becomes a friendship. “And to our friends from the cruiselines - you are not guests in this room. You are part of this community. Your decisions shape the future of every port in this association. We truly value our partnership.”

03/06/2026

Wybcke Meier delivers the opening address

Growing up on the small island of Helgoland (1,500 population and 3,000 daily visitors from May to October) was where CEO of TUI Cruises, Wybcke Meier, learnt very early on “that connection matters, that supply chains matter, that seasons matter and that tourism is not an abstract concept, it directly shapes the life of the community”. It is also a place, like so many CE destinations, where opportunities and limitations exist side by side and finding the right balance is key to everyone’s success. While “cruising is thriving”, it still represents less than three percent of global tourism. With long-term and predictable growth, there is an opportunity to expand in a sustainable way but growth also brings expectations from destinations, communities, policymakers and travellers. “We see increasing scrutiny. And in some places, resistance which leads to a simple truth. Evolution is great, it is successful when it is actively shaped” which has happened in the past 20 years when the global volume of cruise passengers tripled. Joint action is the key and the cruise industry’s capability to adapt is not in question. Meier said: “I believe our future here in Europe is bright – as a source market, as a destination, and again the numbers speak for themselves, Europe is popular, the non-Med part showed stronger growth.” TUI Cruises itself deploys 70 percent of the capacity in Europe, 20 percent in the Med and almost 50 percent in the Northern region. But, she said, that joint success depends on: collaboration and co-creation; and measuring value, not just volume. For the latter, she pointed out that “it was never so easy to make use of all the data and share it, make it visible” because “where facts are missing, perception fills the gap”. The fact that “there is no one cruise, no standard ship, no standard guests and no standard destination” is the reason why, she said, “our products onboard and shoreside must be designed together”. Adding that every passenger wants to have an individual shoreside experience whatever category of ship they travel on: “There is a clear demand, and we can actively shape demand and create the best experiences.” This means, for example, guiding guest flows, reducing pressure on hotspots or opening new destinations. “Cruising does not just react to tourism flows. We can actively steer them,” she said. Planning long-term and providing data well in advance can allow: smarter infrastructure and better joint use of resources; better visitor distribution and stronger destination management. “Data is not just operational, it is a governance tool. And this will help us to unlock new potential destinations and expand seasons”. Meier concluded with a KPI call. “Visibility and transparency are key. And a shared understanding of value is of essence. As an industry we should agree on one common KPI framework that makes the value of cruise tourism in destinations clearly visible … “Because only when value is visible, can we move the conversation from: perception to facts: debate to partnership; acceptance to long-term success. This is not new. It is not complicated. So let’s not wait for playbooks. Let’s write them - together for the best customer experience onboard and shoreside.”

03/06/2026

Global economic impact study, results from Europe

Nikos Mertzanidis, executive director of CLIA Europe, rattled his way through 31 slides in his 10-minute slot which can be found in more depth on the association’s website under Research on the Resources dropdown menu. One of the interesting takeaways was that the projected fleet by the end of 2039 will be split almost equally into three ship-size categories: 33.6 percent up to 1,000 lower berths; 34.5 percent 1,000 to 3,000; and 31.8% 3,000-plus. That the eight ships being delivered to CLIA member cruiselines this year represent 20,561 lower berths, ranging from Emerald Cruises’ Emerald Kaia (128 lbs/$115 million/€99 million) to Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas (5610 lbs/$2.2 billion). Results from a survey show that 89.7 percent of those who have cruised will cruise again and that 75.6 percent are open to taking a first cruise. In terms of those taking a shore excursion, not surprisingly uptake is greater within the older generations but that on average 70 percent went on a shore excursion. And a helpful fact for destinations facing criticism from, for example hotels, six out of 10 cruisers return to destinations first visited via a cruise. In 2025, 37.3 million took a cruises, up 7.7 percent on 2024. Of these 8.9 million were from Europe, up 5.3 percent. The top three source markets for non-Med Europe were Germany (45.7 percent), UK & Ireland (30.4 percent) and USA (9.6 percentOf the global economic output of $198.8 billion, Europe accounted for 35 percent and the US 38 percent. Global average per passenger spend in 2024 was $322 on turnaround and $89 on transit calls.

03/06/2026

Itinerary planning in the CE area

This session, moderated by Captain Steven Young, got off to a cracking start with Nicolai Skogland, director itinerary planning & government relations, Viking Cruises, saying that he had “no issue with port fees as long as they are predictable and reasonable” but that “introducing strange taxes on a short time line is more aggravating and dangerous to some destinations more than others”. Mertzanidis also made reference to this during his talk: “North Europeans budget for holidays and they do not like surprises so sudden increases in varied fees which are not communicated well in advance are a problem.” As a brand Princess Cruises has forecasts and needs to plan ahead as Debbie Holbrook, director deployment & itinerary planning at Princess Cruises which announced its largest North European programme ever for 2028 this Tuesday, pointed out. She also highlighted the value of fam trips, saying that a recent Irish fam trip had given rise directly to a Princess itinerary. Skogland added that Viking actively seeks out new and diverse ports and, with it bringing its first Chinese guests to Northern Europe, it is looking for something different. Marcus Puttich, director destinations at TUI Cruises, mentioned seasonal deployment opportunities but advised that customers in the shoulder and winter seasons can be different from those in the summer which would require extending the product. He mentioned that Christmas markets are very popular amongst TUI guests. He added that reliability, guest experience and partnership become even more important during the poorer weather months. From the destination side, Emma Kjartansdottir, CEO cruise services at Iceland Travel which tries to include as many local people as possible in cruise calls, is keen to see an extended season. This could lessen the burden on ports and destinations during the nine extremely summer weeks. Importantly, she added: “It would also help shift attitudes. One of the criticisms is that cruise has not been part of the extended seasonality.” Skogland was in no doubt that Viking wants to sail year round in Northern Europe. Chris Allen, VP deployment & itinerary planning, Royal Caribbean Group, started by saying what a delight it was to have the new terminal coming on line in Reykjavik and that Celebrity Cruises had eight turns this year. He was not alone in commenting on the “fantastic airlift” to/from Iceland which is a great contributor to round Iceland itineraries. He suggested that flexible port fees and taxes could be influential in driving seasonal deployment interest. He went on to explain that itineraries are being planned up to five years out which may then need to be changed nearer the time due to, for example, geopolitical reasons. “It is very important to have good communication. We are nimble but we have to rely on destinations to help us as well.”

03/06/2026

What ports need from cruiselines and vice versa

Transparency was the word that kept on emerging from these discussions. Alongside collaboration on the ground and with the cruiselines. Chris Martin, director marine & port operations at Holland America Group, started by saying: “The worst thing is to be surprised coming into port, for example, there are not enough buses to get the guests out. Keep us informed, involve us in discussions, for example, on port tariffs and infrastructure plans.” With ship and passenger numbers coming to market growing, there will be capacity constraints in some places, looking at value versus volume could be beneficial. Martin said: “Be realistic about what your port/destination can handle. We see a big increase in port costs in the European sector. We need help to try and address that. Work with us. We want to keep coming but it is getting costly.” On the nutty subject of bookings, there was almost unanimous agreement about getting booking confirmations that are set in stone well in advance. Michael Braathen, director itinerary planning, port operations and land programmes at Mystic Cruises, referenced Iceland’s booking system DOKK (which was later explained in more detail), saying: “If everyone had that it would be very helpful.” He is also a great advocate of first come first served. Costs came up again when it comes to onshore power supply and taxes. Braathen highlighted that the cost of plugging in is about three times the cost of using the ship’s own power which effects the ticket price. Martin added: “We are seeing costs going up considerably and a lot of variable rates. It is cheaper on our own engines. Open dialogue is important”. Gary Hall, chief commercial officer at the Port of Belfast which has invested €90 million in the port and cruise tourism over the years, added: “The biggest requirement is to create a collaborative open approach between the port and cruiselines on challenges, developments and requirements. One of the biggest challenges is around berth allocations, advance bookings, for example we have them coming through now for 2031/32.” He acknowledged the “pain point” when a later booking comes in for the same which would bring in more revenue but highlighted “the need to be able to satisfy the customer [who had booked already]”.

03/06/2026

Beyond the port: rethinking shore excursions for today’s traveller

Cooperating with local communities and suppliers to create new products and services is becoming more important as guests show an increasing interest in maximising the experience and, also, in activities and venues that are less frequented, explained Susanna Capaccio, manager destination experiences at Silversea Cruises. Anticipating trends and finding answers to provide different experiences for different travellers is on the agenda of Maria Tauschke, head of shore operations at TUI Cruises. One of those trends is that of independents booking shore excursions for themselves, which is a topic that is gaining traction. “How do we communicate our added value for guests to book shorex with us,” she asked. While Abigail Crossley, director strategic sourcing at Carnival Corp UK, said that ratings drawn from guest feedback forms show that: “Guests who take excursions tend to rate a destination more highly than those who choose to explore independently.” “Guests have more choice than ever before and we have to meet those challenges and deliver something for them. We need clear messaging and to be positive about why they should come with us,” she added. Which is when Amanda Kordt, director shore excursions, European Cruise Services, mentioned that one solution could be for cruiselines to lower their markup on tours. She also mentioned the need for variety and the need to keep being dynamic as, for example, “middle-class is not necessarily that person any more compared to five/10 years ago”. For Silversea, Carpaccio explained that the challenge is more about the lack of infrastructure (buses/guides etc) than it is about costs. “The solution is to have constant communication with all the stakeholders to find solutions,” she said, while adding: “As demand grows it is important to maintain a standard of quality.” There was some discussion about the use of AI whereby Tauschke explained that TUI was conducting a test pilot on board Mein Schiff 2. Moderator Niamh McCarthy, ceo Excursions Ireland, concluded: “Whilst we are in a world that is changing, the human interaction has to be at the core of the excursion. We have to find that blend”.

03/06/2026

Community value: from port to city

Eva Britt Kornfeldt, manager Oslo Cruise Partners and Svalbard Cruise Forum (SCF), shared some of her experiences on this subject. In particular she mentioned the SCF, which was established in 2023, and puts its efforts into shared responsibility and continuous dialogue with stakeholders. She also mentioned that a pre-season mandatory meeting of the 150 participants is held for those visiting Svalbard about eco-sensitivity and mandatory rules of engagement. Melanie Lewis, director shore excursions & product development at Holland America Group, shares some top tips about what is gaining traction in terms of excursions: meet the makers; community connections/social sustainability; and urban explorer, for example sharing a day with a local. At MSC Cruises, manager community engagement and sustainability, Jon Olav Stedje, highlighted the importance of making sure there is dialogue between the cruiseline and the destination but also in the port/destination itself. He made a request: “We need to have a proactive approach and help where it is needed. Bookings are made so far ahead, so use the time wisely to make it the best you can. We are here to help”. Ceo of Visit Reykjavik, Inga Hlin Palsdottir confirmed that the cruise industry can be unfairly targeted and was keen to highlight the need to “build bridges by having meetings so that everyone can see what is happening”, adding that supplying data and being seen as part of the visitor community, not separately, is important in this respect. She also made the valid point that: “The satisfaction rate of the residents is also important.” Stedje concluded: “There are a lot of false perceptions about our industry. Once again, this goes back to communication in the industry and in the destination to be able to [provide] answers.”

03/06/2026

Three sessions, three topics … increasing understanding

***A morning session on ‘Small ships, different stories: understanding expedition cruising’, moderated by Liz Gammon, Seatrade expedition ambassador, explored the difference between expedition and small ships. Hugues Lamy, director port operations at Swan Hellenic, perhaps solved this riddle with an expedition ship being self-sufficient and able to call anywhere. He went on to say that new destinations can test the industry with expedition ships and see how it goes before accepting small ships. While Kelly Hubbard, director & product development at Windstar Cruises, said: “We need different experiences in the summer and winter and we need more infrastructure in the small ports”, for example making sure attractions, shops etc, are open when a ship comes in. Something as simple as local guides greeting the passengers with their own stories is very welcome. Even here there was a request for confirmed bookings. She said: “I don’t love the message of ‘bumping’ if you get a bigger ship booking. If you say it is confirmed, please keep it confirmed.” Lamy added: “It is better to tell us that a big ship is coming in at the same time than not being able to give us the services we need.” ***Ana Lourenco, cruise manager Port of Lisbon & chair of the CE sustainability group, opened a session on the important subject: ‘The cost of decarbonisation: Who pays and how we stay competitive”. Both Michele Franchioni, chief energy transition officer, MSC Cruises, and Ingvar Mathisen, ceo at the Port of Oslo, discussed the high cost element of connecting and also of installing onshore power supply (OPS). In explaining that MSC Cruises connects where possible, it being an “effective way of reducing local pollution”, he said: “We experience significant high costs of connection depending on the type of port, the ships and the fuel. We can have costs 100 percent higher than running on our own fuel. We need to work together to mitigate the costs.” He also mentioned the technical challenges involved, such as black-outs and incompatibility between the ship and port in some places. In terms of costs, Franchioni explained that the port pays for the shoreside infrastructure and the cruiseline that of the vessels but he said: “Long-term contracts between the line and port should help”. Mathisen pointed out that: “It is crucial to get funding as the investment is significant”. In terms of future regulations making OPS mandatory, he said: “As ports we have to be efficient re use of the grid. We also have to incentivise cruiselines to use it, for example via EPI.” He was keen to add that there has been less negativity about cruiseships from the Oslo community since the arrival of OPS connections. Franchioni concluded: “If we are united in talking to government, we will find some solutions. We must work together.” ***Jakobsdottir introduced the session on ‘EU regulations and their impact on the cruise & port industry’. What can be a somewhat dry subject was certainly given a boost by herself together with Sandra Weir, VP government relations & public affairs, NCL Holdings, and Alessandro Carollo, AVP government relations at Royal Caribbean Group. Carollo kicked off with the EES which is now up and running after a soft launch last year. He made the point that normal disembarkation of a large ship can take anything between three and 10 hours and that it is up to the ports to put on more desks and more staff where necessary. “We have known [this was coming] since 2017 so you could have been prepared,” he pointed out. Costs again came to fore. Sudden increases in port costs, taxes and restrictions coming in after calls have been announced 18-24 months ahead cause problems for cruiselines as, due to regulation, after tickets have been sold to passengers, these cannot be passed on. “We need destinations within themselves to agree a cruise strategy and then come to us with problems to work on rather than we finding, with short notice, that there is, for example, an extra tax”. Weir pointed out that, OPS aside: “We need fuels for when we are at sea. We need EU money to go into port infrastructure re storing fuels in port.” In general, she added that whatever the challenge: “It is all about open and honest dialogue. We can come up with better solutions together for regulations that can be advantageous for both parties.”

03/06/2026

Turning ideas into action

Following last year’s successful Cruise Europe workshop, The Cruise Europe Lab, led by Luis de Carvalho and Louise Landler of Copenhagen Malmo Port (CMP), filled the final spot of the day ensuring a lively interactive session whereby all could participate. There were about 250 participants in the workshop divided into five groups of a total of 20 tables. Each were given a different initiative on which to focus, define and suggest solutions to any challenges. Each was adjudicated by a cruiseline executive who summarised the findings at the end of the proceedings. Initiative 1, Cruise & community value: strengthening local value and transparency, was led by Jonathan Hawkings from Royal Caribbean. Initiative 2, Winter cruise readiness: unlocking year-round cruise potential, saw Marie Blitza of Carnival Maritime at the helm. Initiative 3, When plans change: improving cruise disruption coordination, had Odette McFarlane of Carnival UK listening in. Initiative 4, Evolving guest behaviour: rethinking the cruise experience & revenue model, was overseen by Robert de Bruin of Holland America Line. Initiative 5: Managing guest flows: from congestion to coordination, had Kyle Dunst from Princess Cruises to thank for his input. The room was abuzz with discussion for what is a valuable source of innovative thinking towards future strategies. De Carvalho and Landler are in the process of collecting and assembling the conclusions of all tables into a report/key takeaways document that will be shared will all participants in the next weeks.

03/06/2026

Kicking back and networking events

Hosts Ports of Faxafloi went above and beyond in entertaining its guests during the conference. From the VIP tour to Thingvellir National Park and seat of the oldest democratic parliament in the world, Eyrarbakki and Grindavik, led by Gudni Th Johannessen, former president of Iceland, to the gala dinner and entertainment from Vigdis Haflioadottir and Egill Andrason at Gamla Bio, we were given a flavour of the country’s food, culture, humour and music. With the official opening of the Vor, Reykjavik Cruise Terminal, taking place on Friday May 29, we were give a sneak peak at the informal dinner on the Wednesday night. For some the boat trip over was accompanied by songs from none other than ‘Muggi’, Gudmundur Magnus Kristjansson, former port director of Isafjordur, a well-known member and stage presence on the CE circuit. Managing director of CE, Jens Skrede, also made an appearance with the song “One Frank in Iceland”! Further music from DJ Hermigervill ensued which had the regulars up on the dance floor early on in the proceedings while many were enjoying the exceptional buffet and views. Tolt at The Edition provided a welcome place to take a break between the day and the evening and a chance to establish and renew friendships after a day’s work.

03/06/2026

CEC 2027 goes to Bergen

As Iceland passes the baton to Norway, please mark your calendars for the next Cruise Europe conference which will take place in Bergen. Bergen is the second largest city in Norway and, with a population of about 295,000, is twice the size of Reykjavik, just to give you some idea of scale. Rich in maritime history, known for its colourful waterfront, and with surrounding mountains, Bergen is no stranger to the challenges that can be faced and overcome when it comes to the cruise industry. CEC 2027 promises to be another show stopping event.

28/04/2026

Dover becomes UK’s first net-zero port

On April 14, the Port of Dover announced it had achieved its target of carbon net zero emissions (Scope 1 and 2) for 2025, five years ahead of any other UK port, and 25 years ahead of the UK government’s maritime target. Wendy Atkin-Smith, managing director of Viking UK which has 27 calls to Dover this year, commented: “We offer our congratulations to the Port of Dover for becoming the UK’s first net-zero port, particularly as they have achieved this before the target date. In line with the port’s efforts, as a global leader in experiential travel, we are very mindful of our responsibility to the environment ourselves. Like the Port of Dover, our long-term success depends on our ability to develop programmes that meet or exceed both the global regulatory frameworks and local regulations for each area we visit. From the beginning, our approach has focused on minimising impact through design and technology, including reducing fuel consumption.” The port’s emissions for Scope 1 and 2 have fallen by a huge 98.3% from 2007, with residual emissions being offset through a local regenerative farming scheme issued under the UK Carbon Code of Conduct. The Short Straits counts for eight percent of all UK maritime emissions, so this news is a significant step forward for the future of maritime decarbonisation. Doug Bannister, ceo Port of Dover, said: “We are proud to be celebrating this milestone moment, which has seen our carbon emissions reduce drastically from nearly 14,000 tonnes 18 years ago. We are not stopping here. We want Dover to be a global leader, putting the UK on the global stage as home to the world’s first high-volume Green Shipping Corridor here on the Short Straits. This sustainability drive is an essential part of our Port of Dover 2050 Masterplan, helping to protect the UK’s competitiveness and drive economic growth in an efficient and sustainable manner.” The port’s longer-term ambitions require strong partnerships with industry and government. Its Scope 1 and 2 achievements have, however, been accomplished through its own drive and determination to champion sustainable maritime trade and travel. Examples include: *Purchasing sustainably sourced HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) to operate machinery *Installing 1.5MW of on-site solar generation *General energy efficiency improvements, such as purchasing renewable electricity and using LED lighting and heating controls *Residual emissions being offset through an approved local regenerative farming scheme, which has produced carbon credits under the UK Carbon Code of Conduct The port also recently achieved recertification under the EcoPorts environmental management standard (PERS) for the fourth time, which is the only port-specific environmental management classification. Peter Wright, head of cruise at the port, said: “As a major homeporting and transit destination with passenger numbers growing, delivering our operations sustainably is vital to the continuing success of the Dover cruise business. “Beyond the port’s net zero achievement, we have implemented a range of other environmental initiatives, notably our longstanding Safety and Environment Awareness Award (SEA award) which in its ninth year, has championed improvements in waste management and CO2 emissions by cruiselines.”

28/04/2026

IJmuiden celebrates 25 years of cruising

On March 25, IJmuiden came together to celebrate 25 years aboard Ambassador Cruise Line’s Renaissance. As KVSA and colleagues from the Felison Cruise Terminal and Port of IJmuiden, joined service providers, as well as representatives of the boatmen, tug services, and the municipality, they were able to demonstrate just what a great cooperation between the ship and port can achieve. The first ship to call IJmuiden back in 2001 was Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ Black Prince with the business growing gradually until 2012 with the opening of the Felison Cruise Terminal, a dedicated building for cruise passengers. This paved the way for regular calls from companies such as MSC Cruises, Costa and Holland America Line with 63 calls in 2019, a record at the time. While the corona pandemic brought a stop to calls, IJmuiden was one of a few ports where ships could go for crew changes, necessary resupply and maintenance calls. This year IJmuiden also celebrates its 750th call. Additionally, KVSA (Royal United Ship Agencies), the parent company behind the Felison Cruise Terminals, is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Moreover, a new record is expected for 2026 with 76 calls scheduled. Next year the port expects to reach another milestone, 100,000 passengers. The terminal’s location close to the open sea, means vessels can berth shortly after entering the port, hence reducing sailing time. At the same time, the terminal provides easy access to the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region. Excursion programmes typically include cities such as Amsterdam, Haarlem, Delft and Leiden. Visitors can also travel to well-known attractions including the Zaanse Schans and the Keukenhof gardens during the spring season. 

28/04/2026

Rotterdam releases comprehensive study on economic impact and sustainability

On March 30, a study examining how cruise activity translates into local and regional economic effects for Rotterdam - Rotterdam | Economic Impact & Sustainability of the Cruise Industry – was published. “Every other year a study is commissioned in support of our industry to exchange correct and referenced facts,” explains Nick Hoogeweij, general manager, Cruise Port Rotterdam. The 52-page study focuses on two main factors: expenditure by cruise guests and crew while ashore and the funds cruiselines spend locally. Additionally, it examines sustainability transitions in the cruise segment with a particular focus on ecological sustainability. The comprehensive report provides in depth analysis of both the above factors. Here we highlight a few key points. In 2025, cruise tourism generated significant economic effects across Europe: a total output of €62.1 billion, €28.9 billion in GDP, and approximately 455,000 jobs. Within this European context, the Netherlands ranked among the top ten beneficiary countries, with an estimated €1.01 billion in cruise-related output. In 2025 Rotterdam received 121 calls and almost 500,000 passengers. Assuming that 80% are transit day visitors spending €115 each and 20% are embark/disembark guests spending €250 each, direct passenger outlays would total around €71 million. In terms of crew, with 121 calls and an average of 1,000 crew members per call, with 35% taking shore leave and spending €50 per person, the crew's total spending was around €2.2–3.1 million, depending on the shore leave rate (35–50%). Onshore power (OPS) was activated at the Holland Amerika Kade on March 31 2025 with AIDAnova being the first cruiseship to plug in. Shore power is analysed as a near-term intervention with a significant local impact on air quality, noise, and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction while at berth. This intervention is now supported by EU regulations (FuelEU Maritime and AFIR) and cost signals from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The discussion of alternative fuels evaluates operational trials with advanced biofuels, the status of LNG (including methane slip risks), and Rotterdam’s growing infrastructure for methanol and preparations for ammonia.   The study argues that Rotterdam is a major driver advancing the development of OPS, focusing on the rapid deployment of shore power and the emerging portfolio of alternative marine fuels.