News

01/10/2026

New member: Port of Kemi

As the northernmost cruise port in the Baltic Sea and Lapland’s only cruise harbour, the Port of Kemi provides cruiselines with a strategic and flexible option for itinerary planning in Northern Europe. Located on the island of Ajos, just 15 minutes from Kemi’s compact city centre, the port enables efficient cruise calls and has the capability to support turnaround operations with short transfer times and clear passenger logistics. Its location offers direct access to Sea Lapland and the wider Lapland region, making Kemi well suited for both summer and winter season. Cruise traffic has been growing with interest particularly coming from expedition, luxury and boutique cruiselines. This year there are 10 calls and 7,000 passengers scheduled with Plantours and Oceania Cruises both making maiden calls and Hanseatic nature calling September 26. This compares with four/2,000 in 2022 and seven/4,800 in 2024. The port has six berths ranging in length from 160m (berth 6) to 420m (berth 7) and depth from 9.1m (berths 4 and 5) to 13.5m (berth 7), permitting the accommodation of a wide range of vessels. LNG and biofuel bunkering capability is available at berth 7. At present, there is not a permanent dedicated cruise terminal. The port continuously maintains and develops its quay infrastructure to support both cargo and cruise operations, is fully ISPS-compliant, provides vessel waste reception services in accordance with Finnish and international environmental regulations. Environmental responsibility is a key priority for the Port of Kemi, which operates under certified management systems: ISO 9001 Quality Management; ISO 14001 Environmental Management; and ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety. The port is located in the sensitive ecosystem of the northern Gulf of Bothnia and actively promotes sustainable operations, energy efficiency, waste recycling and environmental awareness. The changing scenery due to upthrust, the low salinity of the sea water and the vulnerability of the Northern nature create an unique operating environment, which the port wants to preserve. “The Port of Kemi strives to provide high-quality services to fulfil the customer's needs while respecting nature. The port constantly monitors and develops its activities and operational systems and is committed to follow the legislation and regulations of authorities,” explains Ritva Torikka, development director, Port of Kemi. “In accordance with the occupational health and safety standards, the port emphasises safety in all its activities, as well as the prevention of injuries. With the environmental quality standards Port of Kemi aspires to prevent harmful environmental impacts of the operational activities and to improve the environmental awareness of its employees, stakeholders and interest groups.” Kemi’s location offers direct access to Sea Lapland and the wider Lapland region, making it well suited for both summer and winter season. As interest in northern routes continues to grow, the port offers cruiselines a ‘Lapland by the sea’ experience and is a northern anchor point for innovative seasonal and Arctic-focused itineraries. Light and darkness define the rhythm of life in Lapland. During the winter season, Kemi experiences kaamos/the polar night when the sea and surroundings are wrapped in a calm, blue twilight. Icebreaker Sampo is an iconic attraction giving visitors the chance to experience the Arctic ice and frozen sea. Around midsummer, the Midnight Sun/yoton yo lights the sky almost around the clock. Long days invite leisurely walks, island cruises, and relaxed moments by the sea. Whether visiting in winter or summer, Kemi offers cruise travellers an authentic and memorable introduction to life in the Arctic right from the harbour.

01/10/2026

Keflavik welcomes first turnarounds

This summer saw the first turnaround operations at Keflavik, marking an important milestone for the port and demonstrating its ability to offer cruiselines a practical, new turnaround option in Iceland. Of the eight calls, four were turnarounds: two from Adventure Canada’s Expedition, one each from Polar Latitudes Expeditions’ Ocean Victory and Grands Espaces’ Heritage Discoverer. "For Keflavik, the turnarounds represent much more than individual cruise calls. They show the potential for the port to develop into a new gateway for Icelandic cruise itineraries, particularly for smaller and medium-sized vessels. They also create opportunities for cruise guests to spend time in Reykjanes rather than simply travelling directly between the ship and the airport,” says Linus Mattson, managing partner and co-director Nordic Port Group. The port’s location, only around 5km from Keflavik International Airport, creates particularly favourable conditions for passenger transfers, luggage handling and crew changes. The turnarounds also allowed the port and its partners to test the complete passenger journey in a live operational environment. This included coordination with the airport, baggage handling, border control and other local services. Among the solutions introduced were onboard check-in and the possibility of delivering boarding passes directly to the ship, helping to make the transfer between the vessel and the airport as smooth as possible. “The first operations provided valuable experience and identified several areas for continued improvement. The next steps include enhanced facilities for passport and border control, better weather protection for passengers, expanded baggage-handling areas and further development of the passenger flow between ship, port and airport,” explains Mattson. Reykjanes offers a destination experience in its own right, including volcanic landscapes and geothermal areas. The port itself is located within the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark. The ambition is therefore to combine efficient turnaround operations with pre- and post-cruise stays and local excursions. The port is continuing its phased development. The first phase is intended to accommodate vessels of up to approximately 200m, while a later phase includes dredging and infrastructure development for vessels of up to approximately 240m, together with improved terminal facilities.

01/10/2026

CE ports learn from each other, on site and in practice

The Cruise Europe (CE) Port Exchange 2026 has just wrapped up in IJmuiden and Amsterdam, bringing members together for two days of knowledge sharing, port visits and first-hand insights into cruise operations. The programme included a visit to Passenger Terminal, Cruise Port Amsterdam (CPA), and its shore power facilities introduced by Frank Schoenmaker, sea cruise & facility manager CPA, as well as a ship visit onboard P&O Cruises’ Ventura. That evening the group visited Haarlem, Jopenkerk, a local brewery, and ended the evening on the terraces behind Bavo Cathedral. The next morning started with a tour through Felison Ferry Terminals, using IJmuiden as an example of an EU external border where visible physical modifications to the terminal demonstrate the impact on space, passenger flow, etc. A key part of the programme was the exchange between participating ports themselves, sharing experiences, challenges and solutions around everything from cruise operations and terminal infrastructure to EES, border requirements and the realities of managing cruise alongside other maritime activities. The exchange concluded with a lunch at the cruise terminal, where Felison is celebrating the parent company's 150th anniversary, 25 years of cruise operations in IJmuiden, and a record year for cruiseships, highlighted by Alexander Coesel, manager operations, Felison Terminal. “I would like to thank Amsterdam and IJmuiden for being very professional hosts. The objective of the port exchange programme is to learn from each other with a focus on operational topics. All delegates contributed brilliantly to this. The Cruise Europe Port Exchange & Educational Programme is here to stay,” commented Jens Skrede, managing director CE.

01/10/2026

CE members take part in Porto Maritime Week

CE chair and managing director of Cruise Gate Hamburg, Simone Maraschi, joined Porto Maritime Week in mid September for a conversation around ‘The public value of ports: building the port city culture’ and, in particular, a session dedicated to cruises: ‘Cruises and communities: from acceptance to partnership’. The event provided a valuable platform for discussing the future of the maritime and port sector, bringing together national and international experts to exchange perspectives on innovation, sustainability, port-city relations and territorial development. Maraschi was happy to bring Hamburg’s perspective to Porto and, just as importantly, hear how other port cities are approaching this relationship. “It’s a topic that resonates strongly with me and with Hamburg. Our maritime history is deeply woven into the identity of the city, and the port continues to be an important part of how people experience, understand and connect with Hamburg. “That relationship with the local community is something we value greatly. As ports continue to evolve, so does our responsibility to keep strengthening that connection, creating dialogue and ensuring that the port remains relevant and valued by the people who call the city home.” Representing Copenhagen Malmo Port (CMP) in both panel discussions was Luis de Carvalho, cruise commercial director, who cited one of the key takeaways as being: “A strong port-city relationship is not only built on agreements. It is built on understanding”. Amongst the conclusions reached were that cruising is the most organised and predictable type of tourism there is, allowing and requiring better planning with regard to visitor flows, mobility, capacity and local benefits before challenges arise. In addition the importance of making cruise part of any destination management plan is critical. Ports, cities and destination organisations need a shared understanding of what kind of tourism they want, to define their expectations and also their realistic capacity. That the ‘more the merrier’ approach, accepted for decades, is no longer suitable. Carvalho also highlighted the need to make public value tangible in terms of ensuring that the people living in the destination understand the value created by jobs, infrastructure, tourism income, connectivity and sustainability investments. Whilst ports, municipalities, communities and cruise lines operate with different priorities, pressures and planning horizons, understanding the other side of the table is important. Carvalho said: “We don’t always have to agree - but we do have to understand each other’s reality and together work on solutions that ultimately work for everyone.”” Ana Lourenco, cruise manager, Port of Lisbon, added: “It is key to establish good communication channels with all the different stakeholders, which must include the local community, to build trust. Initiatives like ‘all aboard’ can help to build this trust. Informal contact with the community remains a very powerful engagement method, which can complement more formal campaigns.” Discussing CMP itself, Carvalho commented: “An attractive city and a productive port are not mutually exclusive. The key is creating value and making sure that value is visible, tangible and felt by the community”. And last but not least, Helena Gomes Fernandes, head of commercial, marketing & communication, Port of Leixoes, which hosted the event, said: The Port of Leixoes played an active role throughout the event, sharing the port authority strategic vision and highlighting initiatives designed to strengthen its connection with the cities of Matosinhos and Porto, enhance its cruise, nautical, research and events capabilities, and reinforce the port’s contribution to economic, social and territorial development.”

01/10/2026

CE members hit the top sustainability spots

The top three positions of the 2026 GDS-Index Report, published this September, are held by Helsinki, Gothenburg and Copenhagen, which have maintained these positions since 2024.

CE members also recognised in the top 20 out of 40 are Aarhus, Glasgow, Belfast, Reykjavik, Bilbao and Stockholm.

Destinations in the GDS-Index are committed to continually improving the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of their destinations through tourism and events benchmarking. They span 25 countries and four continents, and they are co-creating the global journey towards regeneration through measurement and management.

Co-founded in 2016, the GDS-Index is a global benchmarking and performance improvement programme that helps destinations measure, manage, and improve their sustainability performance through a structured, data-driven framework. Since its inception 167 destinations have completed a benchmarking submission.

Read the full report here: LinkedIn

01/10/2026

One global framework to measure and reward cleaner ships

From January 2027, the Environmental Port Index (EPI) and the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH)’s Environmental Ship Index (ESI) will operate as complementary modules under the IAPH umbrella. Thanks to an agreement signed between EPI and OceanScore (the administrator of ESI) in September, this combination will give ports and shipowners a more coherent way to measure and reward cleaner shipping, via OceanScore's shared and scalable technical platform. The framework is anchored in an operating agreement between EPI and OceanScore and a cooperation agreement between EPI and IAPH. “This agreement brings together two complementary approaches and creates a stronger foundation for port-based environmental incentives worldwide,” says Patrick Verhoeven, managing director of IAPH. ESI reflects a vessel’s overall environmental profile, while EPI uses actual operational data to measure its performance during individual port calls. Together, the two modules will give ports a broader basis for environmental incentive schemes and provide shipowners with a more consistent reporting framework. “Bringing this methodology into a global framework will give ports and shipowners a unified, common solution to reward cleaner performance,” says Even Husby, ceo of EPI.  While all the current EPI ports are members of CE, only a few of them are members of the IAPH and their ESI programme. Husby says: “We aim at providing ports a more holistic view of emissions, not only from cruiseships, but for all ship segments. Furthermore, by working under the IAPH umbrella, we definitely aim at diversifying the member ports to a global scale within the next couple of years. By adding more ports, we will then be able to build better products thus creating better tools for ports and lines, benefiting the environment.” Meanwhile, Ralf Garm, managing director of OceanScore, says: “A shared platform for ESI and EPI will give ports better access to consistent, data-driven insights into vessel environmental performance. This will support better-informed decisions and smarter incentives, helping ports reward cleaner shipping while strengthening their environmental performance and competitiveness.”

01/10/2026

CE members take home Seatrade Cruise Awards

Three Cruise Europe (CE) members took home major awards from Seatrade Cruise Med in Las Palmas in mid September, showing the increasingly significant and successful region CE represents. Stavanger, Region Stavanger Visitors & Convention Bureau, Norway, were awarded Destination of the Year. Skjolden was named Port of the Year and the Port of Dover, England, received the Sustainability Initiative of the Year award. Line Murphy, cruise manager, Region Stavanger, comments: “Receiving this award really goes to show that others have recognised our values and what we believe are important in creating a better cruise destination. We believe a good cruise destination is not made up of piers, buildings, nature or ships. We believe people are what create good destinations. “We are especially happy to see our Crew Project receiving so much amazing feedback, from cruiseline executives, other ports and destinations from the whole world and from crew themselves. We are thrilled, and this gives us motivation to continue our work, together.” Dover’s carbon net-zero campaign saw it reach its ambitious goal to become the first net-zero UK port (for Scope 1 and 2 emissions) by the end of 2025. Peter Wright, head of cruise, said: “As a major homeporting and transit hub with passenger numbers growing, delivering our operations sustainably is vital to the continuing success of the Dover cruise business. Congratulations to all our teams across the Port of Dover, particularly our environment team led by Megan Turner.” For Skjolden, a village of about three hundred people at the head of the Sognefjord, the port of the year award is proof that a small community can run cruise on its own terms. Viggo Sundvold, port director, Port of Skjolden, says: “It belongs first to Oddvar Roysi, who had the vision and the nerve to build a private cruise quay here 20 years ago, and to the owners and board of Skjolden Cruisekai, who have kept investing ever since”. “The owners have trusted our small company, Berserk, to run the port day to day. We wanted the jobs here to be guides, drivers and people on the quay, not heavy administration. To manage that with a very small team, we have had to put AI to work and build our own software, so every call, coach and guest runs with real precision. It also lets us show how much of the value stays in the valley. “For all of us, it is a strong confirmation that this is the right way to work. We think the question for our industry is shifting, from how many ships a place can take to how much it keeps when they come.” Congratulations to all three for well-deserved awards, which also demonstrate the diversity and strength of what the CE region has to offer.

01/10/2026

Long-term cooperation in Riga fuels growth

August was a particularly significant month for cruise tourism in Riga, with the Latvian capital welcoming a strong line-up of calls, including three luxury and expedition vessels (Scenic Eclipse II, Seven Seas Grandeur and Explora III) making their first-ever calls, explains Jelena Burdastova, cruise business support specialist at the Freeport of Riga Authority. Throughout the month, 18 calls brought around 25,000 passengers to Riga, adding another busy chapter to what has been a strong cruise season for the city. By the end of July, Riga had already welcomed approximately 90,000 international cruise passengers, with Germany, the US and the UK among the leading source markets. August also showed how varied Riga’s cruise season has become. Some ships visited Riga more than once, while on five days two cruiseships were in the port at the same time. The largest cruise ship to visit during the month was 115,875gt Sapphire Princess the smallest was expedition vessel, 3,504gt Clio. By the end of the month, calls were up 15% on the corresponding period of the previous year. The continued growth is the result of long-term cooperation between the Riga Freeport Authority, the Municipality of Riga, the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency and industry partners, says Burdastova. “Together, they are promoting Riga internationally as an attractive cruise destination in the Baltic Sea. A big part of this work is being present where the international cruise industry meets. We regularly take part in major cruise exhibitions, conferences, workshops and other industry events, where we present what Riga has to offer and build new connections and partnerships.”   Familiarisation trips for cruiseline representatives and other industry partners are also organised, giving them a chance to experience Riga for themselves and get a better feel for what Riga can offer. “Cruise tourism is about much more than impressive ships arriving in our port. It is the result of many years of work and cooperation, and it brings real benefits to Riga’s economy. Every cruiseship that calls at Riga brings international visitors who discover our city’s culture and architecture, visit museums and galleries, buy local products and souvenirs and use the services of local guides. This means additional income for local businesses, more activity in the city and new opportunities for the hospitality and tourism sectors.   “Even a short first visit can inspire people to come back and spend more time here in the future. Being part of a cruise itinerary is also a great way to promote the city. If we make a good impression and give visitors a reason to enjoy their time in Riga, they will hopefully share their experience with friends, family and colleagues - and perhaps return for a longer stay themselves.” This year’s cruise season in Riga started on May 3 with the arrival of Hamburg and will conclude on December 26 with AIDAprima staying overnight in the city. In total, Riga is expecting 98 calls this season. According to the latest data and forecasts, the number of cruise passengers visiting Riga is expected to be around 30% higher than last year, highlighting the continued growth of cruise tourism in the city.

01/10/2026

Bodo continues to improve its cruise offering

Cruiselines visiting Bodo during the first half of 2026 gave the destination an overall satisfaction score of 9.4 out of 10. Among the qualities highlighted were the flexibility of the port, the friendly atmosphere in the city, easy access to the city centre and shore excursions, and clean, well-maintained port facilities. The port and Visit Bodo have strengthened their cooperation, established structured cruise planning and customer follow-up processes, invested in new cruise infrastructure, and intensified dialogue with cruiselines and local tourism providers. The port’s new cruise portal is now live, bringing together port information, shore excursions, destination information, turnaround opportunities and practical resources for cruiselines, itinerary planners, agents and other cruise partners in one place. Improved facilities at the cruise quay include a showroom container offering facilities for security personnel, city maps for guests and facilities for turnaround checkin for expedition cruise vessels. A new and larger gangway has recently been introduced to provide greater operational flexibility and to accommodate a wider range of cruiseships, as well as improve passenger flow between ship and shore. In addition, a hydrogen factory is under construction close to the port that will offer hydrogen to ferries and other vessels in the future. Meanwhile, ongoing work is focused on developing more year-round shore excursions and tourism products, for example, a new adventure hub established only a few steps from the main cruise quay.   A key priority for the coming years is the development of turnaround operations. A modern airport located just minutes from the cruise port, and the city's location at the gateway to the Arctic, create new opportunities for cruise operators seeking attractive turnaround and expedition cruise solutions. “Bodo has an exciting future ahead. We are working closely with our partners to create a sustainable, guest-friendly and operationally efficient cruise destination that will play an increasingly important role in Arctic cruise tourism,” says Marthe Andersen, commercial manager, Port of Bodo. 

01/10/2026

Portsmouth launches shore power white paper

On September 23, Portsmouth International Port hosted industry leaders to the launch of its white paper ‘Plugging in: Portsmouth’s shore power journey and the future of clean ports’. They also witnessed the simultaneous plugging in of two Brittany Ferries and one cruiseship, Phoenix Reisen’s Amadea, to the UK’s first HV multi berth, multi-use shore power installation, as well attending panels on the port’s onshore power delivery journey and the future of OPS and electrification in the UK. In a video message, Keir Mather, MP, minister for aviation, maritime and logistics, said: “This project marks a major milestone in our transition to a more sustainable maritime sector … As we work towards our climate goals, it is vital that maritime remains competitive while becoming cleaner and greener than ever before. That is why the government is investing £448 million [€521 million] in sustainable innovation through our UK shore programme … Just last month we published a response to our call for evidence on net zero ports which made it clear that energy demand is set to increase significantly. To help meet this, government will work with industry to unlock opportunities for port electrification and shore power use.” In terms of the white paper, Stephen Watkyns, technical director PIP, called it “an honest approach and [demonstrates] the candid lessons learnt. We want to help our fellow ports how to practically deliver shore power”. Capital projects programme manager PIP, Anisa Koci, said: “Pre-planning is key. Working with partners closely together [also].” Both were topics that were highlighted by almost everyone involved, from the council to ABB Marine, as vital to the successful outcome. Ed Jowett, portfolio director at Balfour Beatty, said: “I would have added another six to eight months at this stage on paper. There were lots of challenges throughout the project. The collaboration, trust and honesty were second to none here.” What also came across loud and clear and was highlighted by Mike Sellers, port director PIP: “In reality it [shore power] doesn’t stack up financially.” In part this is due to electricity costs as Cllr Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, explained: “The cost of electricity remains too high. We are working actively with the government to address this.” And it does need addressing as Samantha Stimpson, chief executive of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, highlighted: “Cruiseships are movable so if the infrastructure is not there to support us we will go elsewhere. If it is three times more expensive to plug in here, we will move the ships. The reality is we have shareholders, staff to pay.” Looking to the future, Frans Baartmans, manger projects & engineering, ABB Marine & Ports, said: “We want to show the impact of what we have done. How the operation is having a positive benefit on the port and the city. What else can we electrify and make the most of what we have done here? How we make sure that we have a business case that works. What can we do when the shore power is lying idle?”

01/10/2026

New associate member: BusTravel Iceland

BusTravel Iceland is an Icelandic tour operator and destination management company, providing shore excursions, ground handling and destination services for cruiselines calling at ports around Iceland. Its operations stretch well beyond Reykjavik. The company works across Iceland’s main cruise ports, including Akureyri, Isafjordur, Grundarfjordur, Seydisfjordur, Djupivogur, Husavik and Vestmannaeyjar, as well as a growing number of smaller ports visited by expedition ships. In BusTravel Iceland’s three main cruise ports - Reykjavik, Akureyri and Isafjordur - the company is active on approximately 80 percent of summer days. In addition, it typically provides services on around 20–30 days each in four other Icelandic ports, as well as one or two calls in Husavik. The exact number varies from year to year depending on cruise schedules, but this gives a good indication of the scale and nationwide coverage of our operations. The company's shore excursions range from Iceland’s natural highlights to smaller experiences developed together with local communities, farms, food producers and other regional partners. Depending on the call, the company can arrange anything from a single vehicle or specialist excursion to a large-scale operation involving multiple coaches, guides and departures. Beyond shore excursions, BusTravel Iceland provides tailored DMC and port-related support to help cruise partners ensure smooth and efficient port calls. This support includes itinerary development, transportation, guides, dispatch and pier coordination, hospitality services, logistical support, and solutions for turnaround and special-interest operations. As an Icelandic company with roots dating back to 1960, BusTravel Iceland understands the practical challenges of operating around the country. Weather moves quickly, road conditions can shift, distances are often greater than they appear on a map, and infrastructure becomes more limited once you leave the larger towns. Experience here is not only about knowing where to take people; it is about knowing how to make things work when circumstances change. For cruise partners, the aim is simple: to have one experienced local point of contact across Iceland. For passengers stepping ashore, it is to make their time here feel genuinely Icelandic - shaped not only by the landscapes they have come to see, but also by the local guides, businesses, and communities they meet along the way. After all, that is what BusTravel Iceland hopes to share: not simply a visit to Iceland, but a real connection with the country and the people who call it home.

30/08/2026

Sikuki Nuuk is the first Greenland port to join Cruise Europe

Sikuki Nuuk is strategically well-placed on the West Coast of Greenland, an ice-free part of the Arctic open for all year operation. The cruise business in Greenland plays a significant part in the overall foreign tourism impact, accounting for DKK765 million (€102 million) of the total DKK1.9 billion turnover or 40 percent, according to an independent study undertaken for Visit Greenland by Ramboll. The expedition sector accounted for DKK501 million and conventional cruise DKK264 million. Those numbers are set to rise following the opening of the Nuuk International Airport in November 2024 and Sikuki Nuuk Harbour receiving its first turnaround calls into a newly built turnaround terminal in 2025. John Rasmussen, ceo Sikuki Nuuk Harbour (SNH), says: “The new airport, which is built nearby, has definitely created a new activity of turnarounds as we didn’t have them at all before”. The airport offers direct year-round service to Copenhagen (Air Greenland) and Reykjavik (Icelandair), plus a seasonal United Airlines service from Newark, USA. Of the 78 calls (43,670 passengers) handled that year, 27 were turnarounds from companies such as Viking and Hurtigruten. In 2024 calls numbered 62 (37,574 passengers). Although numbers have dropped this year to 48 calls of which 27 are turnarounds, next year shows a rise back up to 70 and 45 respectively. While the majority of calls are from expedition ships carrying up to 600 passengers, the port has also welcomed conventional cruiseships from brands such as AIDA Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises. In 2025 cruise accounted for around 38 per cent of vessel-related income at the port - the largest single category - and some 6 per cent of Sikuki's total turnover, which is dominated by the long-term container terminal lease. Rasmussen comments: “The economical benefit has increased immensely over the years. Cruise is becoming more than icing on the cake for us. It is comparable with the fishing industry for port revenue but fishing brings a lot of work into the community. Cruise is increasingly doing the same - several analyses point to it generating real growth in the town - and that is something we want to build on further.” The quays primarily used for cruise are Atlantkaj. With a length of 100m and depth of 10m, it can handle ships up to 300m length overall. The nearby Feederkaj has a length of 40 m length and depth of 6.5m, being well suited to the smaller/expedition ships. Both are about 1km from the city centre and shuttle buses can be laid on if required. Also in this location is the new turnaround terminal facility which is capable of handling passport control, entry/immigration and baggage handling, with direct coordination with the airport. In addition there is an information centre with small local shops (souvenirs), as well as toilet facilities. A harbour extension totalling 350m of new quay is underway which, when opened in 2028, will remove all commercial ships away from the above quays, making them cruise dedicated. Anchorage is also available just outside the harbour, in Malene Bay, about five minutes by tender to a dedicated quay next to the Feederkaj. Bunkering and potable water are available but, when it comes to waste disposal, Rasmussen says “We would actually prefer it if the vessels would take their waste out of the Arctic. I know we have obligations but we don’t have incinerator facilities large enough to take large amounts of waste.” In terms of on shore power which is all hydro-generated, it will be considered for the future but he says: “It’s not a priority for the coming years for the cruise industry, although we do provide it for some of the commercial vessels already. It will eventually come.” When it comes to port agents, Rasmussen explains that there are currently two agents, Eimskip and Blue Water Shipping, representing the vessels. On the tour operator side, the main players are DMC Nordic, Tupilak Travel and Greenland Excursions. The most popular shore excursions from Nuuk are: boat trips in the Nuuk fjord, including sailing towards the ice fjord and the Sermitsiaq massif; whale watching in Nuup Kangerlua (typically humpback, fin and minke whales in season); and Nuuk city and culture tours, centred on the Greenland National Museum (home of the Qilakitsoq mummies), the colonial harbour district, Nuuk Art Museum and Katuaq Culture House. Hiking on Store Malene and Ukkusissat is growing with the expedition segment. Excursions are coordinated locally, largely through Visit Nuuk and the local operators. In addition, compliance manager Mikkel Nonboe Sorensen, explains: “Nuuk is very easy to explore on your own. The quays are roughly one kilometre from the city centre, an easy walk, and the town has a local bus network. Museums, cafes, restaurants and shops are all within the centre. Going further afield is a different matter as there are no roads between Greenlandic towns, so anything beyond Nuuk and its fjord means either a boat charter or a flight.” Joining Cruise Europe is part of the harbour’s desire to further develop the cruise industry in Greenland. Rasmussen says: “We feel that cruise is a growing industry and growing in importance for Greenland. Being alone, you have to invent everything over and over again, but being part of a network you can both learn and teach.” SNH has attended Seatrade Global in Miami in the past and there are plans to go again next year as well as to attend the Cruise Europe Conference in Bergen in May. It is also part of the Cruise Islands of North Atlantic (CINA) which holds a well-attended annual breakfast during Seatrade.

20/08/2026

Portsmouth shore power system goes live

On July 19, Portsmouth International Port’s onshore power system (OPS) went live with Aida Cruises’ AIDAsol becoming the first cruise ship to plug in at the dedicated cruise berth, Ayrton Berth, which can accommodate ships up to 300m in length, as part of the test phase. The official inauguration takes place on September 23. The mobile shore power delivery unit is manufactured by Zinus and can provide 12.5MVA at the berth. Supplier Bryt Energy has issued a certificate to confirm that it is 100 percent renewable electricity sourced solely from solar, wind and hydro. Since then every ship with the capability of connecting has done so which accounts for 20 of the 32 calls scheduled for the 2026 season and includes Phoenix Reisen’s Amadea. Of note is that when Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady plugged in on August 5. PIP is striving to become the UK’s first zero-emissions port by 2050 with OPS playing a major part in the progress. Funded with £19.8 million (€23.1 Million) from the Department for Transport and £4.6 million from Portsmouth City Council, it is the UK's first high-voltage multi-berth, multi-user, multi-frequency shore power system that is being offered on three berths, two of which are frequented by Brittany Ferries' hybrid-electric ships, St Malo and Guillaume de Normandie. Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said: “Backed by almost £20 million in government funding, this is a major milestone in decarbonising UK shipping, placing Portsmouth firmly in the future as it celebrates 50 years in operation. Nationally, shipping is the backbone of the economy, and government is playing its part, investing £448m to drive innovation in clean fuels and technologies, creating skilled jobs, cutting emissions, and driving long-term growth.” As well as improving air quality for Portsmouth residents, the system is projected to help avoid emissions of around 20,000 tonnes of CO2e from 2027, aiding in the goal to become the country's first emissions-free port by 2050. Mike Sellers, PIP director, said: “This is a huge moment not only for us, but also for the UK ports industry as a whole. The clean electricity will have a big benefit to air quality in the city, and it also helps to future-proof Portsmouth port, aligning us with international moves towards electrification for all of our customers, meaning we can continue to be profitable and provide for essential services in the city.” It is not all smooth sailing though as Sellers explained: “There are still challenges we’re facing around the cost of electricity, and we’re continuing to lobby the government hard to ensure they address these and make electrification a more attractive business proposition for us and for ports across the country.” Christophe Mathieu, chief executive at Brittany Ferries, said:“We’re grateful to everyone who’s worked so hard to make this a reality: the teams at Portsmouth International Port, Portsmouth City Council, the Sea Change partners, and the UK government. Portsmouth is a city that has always thrived on its sea links, and together, we’re making a difference that people who live in it can breathe." In addition to the funding for construction of the system, Portsmouth City Council also provided £3 million to secure the power that was needed from the grid. Cllr Steve Pitt, leader of the council, said: “As the first mover in electrification, we have had a number of challenges to get to this point, but the team at the port and all of the partners have been absolutely determined to make this work, for the industry but primarily for the people of Portsmouth. Our priority with the shore power system has always been helping to improve air quality in the city, for those who live and work here.” The shore power system, also known as the Sea Change project, is the result of the work of a number of partners, including Barter 4 Things, Brittany Ferries, MSE International, Swanbarton, and the University of Portsmouth. As part of its green credentials, the port can also facilitate LNG bunkering which it has been doing on a biweekly basis to two Brittany Ferries ships for the past 18 months. Although the port’s existing cruiseline customers do not have LNG-powered ships, the company is in discussions with those that do which is an added string to the UK port's bow.  Andrew Williams, head of cruise and ferry PIP, says: “The shore power project has been the biggest we’ve ever undertaken, as we seek to support all of our customers in their sustainability ambitions, and while we also strive to meet our own aim of being the first zero-emissions UK port by 2050. At Portsmouth, we endeavour to stay at the forefront of the UK’s maritime decarbonisation journey, and so we were keen to be early movers in berth electrification and further enhance the attractiveness of the UK as a whole for cruise operators.   “The system is proving to be a success with three cruiselines already having connected, and one of those, Virgin Voyages, plugging in for the first time in Europe. We have more customers lined up for the rest of this year and into the next, and look forward to welcoming many more shorepower-ready ships well into the future.”

20/08/2026

New member: Tvoroyri

Tvoroyri is situated on Sudoroy, the southernmost island of the Faroe Islands. The spacious fjord, established port infrastructure and surrounding landscape provide an ideal setting for cruise calls. From the port, passengers have access to Tvoroyri and the whole of Suduroy, with its sea cliffs, mountains, valleys, villages, hiking opportunities, maritime heritage and distinctive local culture. Tvoroyri developed as an important trading centre in the 19th century. On August 15 1924, it opened what is regarded as the first purpose-built modern harbour in the Faroe Islands. The inner harbour has undergone considerable modernisation and enhancement in recent years, while further opportunities for development remain around the fjord. Today, the port also encompasses the harbour at Drelnes and the quay at Hvitanes. Although cruiseships have been calling for years, there is a new ambition to develop the business in a more structured and strategic way, according to harbour master Rogvi Thorsteinsson. Recognising the different needs of both varying sizes of ships and multinational passengers, he says: “The landscape around Trongisvagsfjordur provides a spectacular natural setting, while the size and characteristics of the fjord provide favourable conditions for visiting vessels. At the same time, the local community has a great deal to offer visitors through its culture, history, nature, hospitality and local knowledge.” As part of this next phase, Tvoroyri Municipality has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Nordic Port Group (NPG) to represent and promote it internationally as a cruise destination and support the port with cruiseline relations, destination development, operational advice, international marketing and long-term strategic planning. Sustainability will be central to the development. For the municipality, one of the most important ambitions is that local people and businesses have the opportunity to become part of the cruise industry and benefit from its development. Rather than introducing a standardised cruise model, the intention is to begin with the destination itself: its people, infrastructure, environment, capacity and opportunities. “We want development to take place at a scale and in a manner that respects our nature and local environment while at the same time creating meaningful economic opportunities within the community. The ambition is therefore not simply more cruise tourism, but better-managed cruise tourism,” says Thorsteinsson. “Tvoroyri is not a place created for tourism, but a living maritime town with its own history, economy and everyday life. Our objective is to develop carefully and over the long term. Joining Cruise Europe and entering into the partnership with NPG are important steps in increasing international visibility and building relationships within the cruise industry,” he adds. Historic buildings, colourful wooden houses, the distinctive Norwegian-built church and a working harbour all form part of Tvoroyri’s identity. At Drelnes, visitors will find the cultural venue, SALT, created in a former salt silo, which hosts concerts, exhibitions and cultural events. This year the port received four calls with six booked next year, seven in 2028 and four in 2029, bringing a total of about 5,000 passengers over the years. Customers include Ponant and Seabourn. The harbour has several quays with a combined length of 450m, including two designated cruise quays. The first is Hvitanes Quay, an 180m-long quay located in the town, just 20m from the town centre. It can accommodate ships up to 220m in length. Vessels over 300m may also be accepted following an assessment by the harbour pilots. The water depth alongside the quay is 10.3m. The second is Drelnes Quay, a municipal quay situated at Drelnes on the southern side of Trongisvagsfjordur. It provides an alternative location for alongside cruise calls and is conveniently located in direct connection with the SALT cultural venue. Calls at Drelnes Quay are assessed and approved individually.

20/08/2026

Bilbao establishes dedicated coach stops to support traffic flow

This year, it is estimated that Bilbao Port will welcome over 100 cruise calls and around 250,000 passengers. It has been working with city regulators to help maximise the smooth flow of traffic into the city centre and around the main tourist attractions. With this in mind, five new designated areas for discretionary coach stops have been established, all located near Bilbao’s main tourist attractions. One is in front of the Guggenheim Museum, another two being close to the Euskalduna Palace and Performing Arts Center. In addition, two new pick-up and drop-off points have been created for coaches heading to Bilbao’s famous Old-Quarter. Every designated area has room for a number of coaches. The creation of these areas is for excursion coaches. In addition, the port provides shuttle buses to take passengers to the nearby Bilbao Metro at Getxo which is an increasingly popular, cheap and efficient method for guests to travel into Bilbao City Centre. The Bilbao Bus Stop Project is funded by the Basque Government Department of Tourism and has been developed by drawing on experiences of other cities such as Barcelona, which already has similar systems in place. The council is finalising the network, which is expected to become operational later this summer.

20/08/2026

The first quays of the new cruise terminal in Klaipeda are completed

Construction of the new cruiseship terminal at the Port of Klaipeda has picked up speed and is moving forward rapidly. Work on the first quays, where construction began in 2025, has already been completed. With some works progressing ahead of schedule, the outlines of the newly-built quays are becoming increasingly visible. “Just over half a year since the first works began, the reconstruction of the first two quays has already been completed, and the remaining parts of the terminal are taking shape. This is truly a space worth waiting for,” says Algis Latakas, ceo, Port of Klaipeda.   This is all part of the conversion waterfront project. The new cruise terminal is being constructed in the former soviet ship repair yard terminal. The new terminal will be able to accommodate more than one cruiseship at a time, as it  will have two quays - one of 369m and one of of 222m in length - as well as onshore power supply and spacious and convenient areas for busses and passengers. Alongside new modern cruise facilities, the project includes an open-air amphitheatre facing the Curonian Lagoon, event spaces, leisure zones, pedestrian promenades, cycling paths and a marina for pleasure boats and yachts. The terminal will function both as port infrastructure for maritime tourism and as an open public waterfront space for residents and visitors. The project represents one of the most important recent port-city integration initiatives in Lithuania. The €50.3 million terminal, designed to integrate naturally into the emerging central city spaces, is scheduled for completion in 2027.

20/08/2026

New member: Esbjerg

Esbjerg is situated at the gateway to the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised as one of the world's most important tidal ecosystems having vast tidal flats and hosting rich birdlife. It is overlooked by the Man Meets the Sea sculpture which has become synonymous with the city. Founded in 1868, Port Esbjerg has developed into one of Northern Europe's most important maritime gateways. Sustainability is deeply embedded in both the port and the destination. “As Europe's leading offshore wind port, Esbjerg is at the forefront of the green energy transition and offers visitors a unique insight into the future of renewable energy,” explains Karen Sandrini, eco system relationship manager, Port Esbjerg. The port provides MARPOL-compliant waste reception facilities, flexible waste sorting solutions tailored to cruise line requirements, biodiesel, methanol and LNG. To further support the green transition, a new microgrid at Berths 401-402 is currently being developed and is expected to be operational in 2027. Cruiseships can come alongside Berths 401-402, each being 160m in length and having a depth of 7.6m. The approach channel depth is 12.5m and the depth of the turning basin is 12.2m. For vessels at anchor, anchorage positions are located approximately 2nm northwest of the pilot station, with a distance of 14-15nm to the tender berth. Masters should be aware of tidal and current conditions in the approach channel. Local expertise is available to support safe and efficient voyage planning. New security plans for Berth 401 are currently being implemented. Where security clearance is required, this can be coordinated through Esbjerg Airport. Esbjerg is increasingly being recognised as an attractive homeport. Billund Airport, Denmark's second-largest international airport, offers connections to a large number of European destinations and is just 60 minutes from the port. Esbjerg is Denmark's youngest city but also a dynamic maritime destination. Visitors can enjoy a welcoming mix of culture, shopping, gastronomy and authentic West Jutland hospitality. The Fisheries and Maritime Museum is located in the town whilst excursions include Scandinavia’s oldest town of Ribe with its ancient cathedral and Viking Centre. In contrast, and just a 12-minute ferry crossing away is Fano offering sandy beaches and seafarers’ villages. The FLUGT Refugee Museum is yet another option as is Legoland. This year the port has had 10 calls so far with Fred Olsen Cruise Line’s Bolette being the largest vessel to call at the port to date. Last year there were four calls.

20/08/2026

North Cape fam trip successfully focuses on a niche

In early August Ports of North Cape organised a fam trip focusing exclusively on the expedition, luxury and small-ship cruise segment. Hosting cruiseline representatives and destination management companies, sustainability & marketing coordinator Emmi Inch said: “Our goal is to open new doors to expedition cruising and help spread tourism to more remote communities.” The small communities chosen - typically between 1,000 and 2,300 residents - can genuinely only welcome smaller groups of visitors. Inch says: “All of our ports are not intended for large cruiseships, and that's part of their appeal. They are designed for smaller vessels whose guests are looking for meaningful encounters, local stories and access to places that remain largely undiscovered.” Judging by cruiseline feedback, the trip achieved its aim. Simona Reiprichova, manager, expedition production & destination development, Silversea Expeditions, said: “This fam trip gave us a unique opportunity to experience a part of Northern Norway that remains largely undiscovered by the cruise industry. Visiting these remote communities firsthand showed the true expedition potential of the region, from authentic cultural encounters and Arctic landscapes to passionate local storytellers and small-scale experiences that feel genuinely connected to the destination. “What stood out most was the enthusiasm and commitment of the local communities, who are eager to welcome expedition guests while preserving the authenticity that makes these places so special. Considering the remoteness of the destinations and the limited existing tourism infrastructure, Emmi and the local partners did an outstanding job showcasing both the opportunities available today and the long-term potential of the region.” Visits were made to the fishing village of Gjesvaer, with its new ISPS-approved landing facilities; the fishing community of Kjollefjord; Lakselv with its Silfar Canyon and turnaround possibilities; and Karasjok, the cultural heart of the Norwegian Sami. Inch says: “One experience stood out above all others. The cruise representatives unanimously highlighted Davvi Siida's Sami cultural dinner in Kjollefjord as the most memorable experience of the itinerary. They appreciated the honest, heartfelt storytelling and the opportunity to meet a modern Sami family in an authentic setting.” Deborah Eccles, manager destinations management at Swan Hellenic Cruises, comments: “It was fantastic to have the opportunity to experience parts of Norway that we wouldn’t normally get to see and, most importantly, to meet local people who are so passionate about what they do and sharing their traditions with visitors. The trip was extremely well organised, and it was clear that a lot of thought had gone into selecting the places and people we visited. “I was also really impressed by how well the local partners had been briefed on our product and the type of experiences we are looking for, which made the visits particularly relevant. I definitely came away with some exciting ideas, and there are several ports and experiences that I’d really like to explore further and potentially develop for our guests.”    Dario Papa, itinerary planner at Mystic Cruises, sees fam trips as a great opportunity, especially for smaller or lesser-known destinations, to give cruise companies the chance to explore the area, experience its offerings firsthand and assess whether it could be a good fit for their operations. Specifically, he says: “I think these locations have strong potential to deliver exclusive and unique experiences. Of course, both the destination and the itinerary should be tailored to the specific needs of each cruise company, and additional resources may be required to ensure that everything runs smoothly for all parties involved.” But he was keen to point out: “At the same time, it is essential to preserve the authenticity of these places. Mass tourism should be carefully managed and avoided where possible, so as not to compromise the character, traditions, culture, and way of life that make these destinations so special.” Inch is delighted with the outcome. Having recognised the untapped potential in the region, she realised a tailor-made Fam trip was the only way to showcase the ports/destinations. “We wanted to introduce expedition cruiselines to the opportunities beyond the North Cape. The response confirmed exactly what we hoped, that there is genuine interest in our region. All in all, I'm incredibly happy we decided to do this, and I already can't wait to organise the next one.”

20/08/2026

New associate member: Iceland Port Services

Iceland Port Services (IPS) is a stevedoring company that offers luggage handling, provision loading, waste offload and management for cruise ships calling to Reykjavik. More recently it has been managing stevedoring requests in Akureyri and Isafjordur where there is growing demand. The company was started in 2019 by ceo Jon Thorir Sigurdarson who had noticed the difficulties of luggage loading in Reykjavik, as a then port agent, due to the extreme tidal differences. He came up with the idea of commissioning a custom-made conveyor belt and began offering the service. Since then the company has grown but always with an eye on improvement. “This has always been in my DNA, thinking critically about any process, spotting where things can run better. To this day it is a core value for IPS. We are relentlessly looking for ways to meet our customers' demands, improve what we already do and add new services using new techniques and technologies,” he explains. The company now handles about 130 calls a year which shows the steady increase since 2019 when there were 25. Sigurdarson says: “We work with cruiselines both through established port agent partnerships and directly, with several cruiselines who have a consistent presence and operations in Iceland now choosing to contract with us independently. We want every call to go as smoothly and efficiently as possible, for the passengers, the crew and the cruiseline. We are always committed to learning. We have visited peer companies to understand how the best operations in Europe are run, and those exchanges have shaped how we work. Joining Cruise Europe is a natural next step for us to be part of a wider community.” The company also manages expedition gear rentals in partnership with Ship to Shore Traveler, as well as handling luggage delivery and collection in partnership with Luggage Forward. Sigurdarson says: “Currently, we are also in the process of expanding into hull maintenance services for the local fleet and cruiseships calling in Iceland.” To demonstrate IPS’ versatility and ability to cater to unusual requests, the following example has been highlighted. A logistics partner IPS works with had eight pallets of fresh produce scheduled to be loaded onboard a vessel during its call in Reykjavik but, due to unforeseen circumstances, the shipment was delayed and the ship set sail. Creative thinking was required. As it happened, a small charter plane had been arranged to fly a handful of passengers from Keflavik airport to join the vessel in Greenland. The logistics partner was able to book the produce with that flight. Due to limited space, the pallets had to be broken down in order to fit into the cargo hold, empty seats and overhead compartments! Sigurdarson explains: “The pallets came to our warehouse and the team got to work breaking them down completely. As it was almost only boxes of fruits and vegetables, which were all open top, we had to wrap each box in plastic film, partly for protection and partly to make sure no cabbage heads would go flying around the cabin in turbulence. The produce made it to Greenland, and made it onboard.” Job done.

20/08/2026

Greenock comes together to welcome Valiant Lady

Greenock Cruise Port (GCP) welcomed Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady to the Clyde for her inaugural visit on August 8. Representatives from the port and the local community joined the captain and crew onboard for the traditional plaque ceremony Allison McGuire, head of operations GCP, told Cruise Europe: “The visit was a good example of how we are trying to bring together port operations, our local partners and the wider community together to create something more than simply a vessel call.” From an operational perspective, the call involved close coordination between GCP, Peel Ports’ marine and operational teams, Mirren Marine’s mooring team and OCS Security, alongside the ship’s own onboard team. With Valiant Lady being one of Virgin Voyages’ larger Lady Ships, the arrival and departure required the usual detailed planning around berthing, mooring, gangway operations, passenger movements and waterside activity. “For the inaugural visit we also wanted the departure to feel particularly memorable. Coordinating the marine movement with the shoreside activity gave us a fairly spectacular send-off and something quite different for guests to experience from the ship,” says McGuire. Inverclyde Pipe Band played from the quayside as guests gathered on the open decks, while a Svitzer tug provided a water-cannon escort as Valiant Lady left Greenock and headed down the Clyde.  “The local community also plays a very practical role in our cruise operation. Members of the Inverclyde Tourist Group are present during calls to welcome visitors and provide local information, helping guests who want to explore Greenock and Inverclyde independently rather than travelling straight into Glasgow. Local businesses and suppliers are increasingly becoming involved too, which is something we are actively developing as the port grows,” she explains. “One of our main aims at Greenock is to make the cruise call feel connected to the destination. We want guests to know they have arrived on the Clyde and in Inverclyde from the moment they step ashore, rather than the port simply being viewed as a gateway to elsewhere. Valiant Lady’s visit probably captured that better than most. There was a serious port and marine operation happening behind the scenes, but on the passenger side it felt welcoming, local and quite a lot of fun.”

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.