News

15/01/2026

Princess Cruises expands Northern Europe portfolio for 2027

Princess Cruises is launching an extended Northern Europe programme for 2027, offering 48 voyages to 54 destinations across 18 countries. With Regal Princess joining Majestic, Sky and Caribbean Princess, the brand’s Europe 2027 programme now exceeds 250 voyages to more than 115 destinations across Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. "Princess is sailing Northern Europe like never before, presenting our most comprehensive programme yet," says Jim Berra, Princess Cruises’ chief commercial officer. "With enriched itineraries, broader destination choices, and more opportunities for guests to personalise their ideal 2027 summer getaway, this Northern Europe programme is more varied, more flexible, and more inspiring than ever.” Highlights include combinable routes from Southampton and Copenhagen, plus overnights in Stockholm and Cobh. New for Princess are turnarounds in Reykjavik and Helsinki, which is also introducing the 64‑day ‘Ultimate European Journey’ - its most immersive European voyage to date - and a 49‑day ‘Northern Europe Explorer’. In a statement the brand states that the scale, the overnights, and the flexibility to create multi‑segment ‘coolcation’ adventures truly set this programme apart. Debbie Holbrook, director - deployment & itinerary planning, Princess Cruises, comments on what drives these programmes: “Industry collaboration matters. Conferences such as the Cruise Europe Conference advance destination planning and sustainability, directly supporting our deployment strategy. Engaging with partners gives us insight into new infrastructure and shoreside experiences that guests will soon enjoy.   “Industry FAM trips have been invaluable: they put us on the ground with local stakeholders and sharpen our understanding of what our guests value at each port. That firsthand learning is reflected in the port‑intensive itineraries we’re bringing to Northern Europe.”   Gisli Johann Hallsson, harbour master Faxafloahafnir, says: “This is an important development for both Reykjavík and Iceland and is fully aligned with our long-term strategy. Welcoming another Princess ship turning in Reykjavik is a strong endorsement of the port, the destination, and the services we provide. As part of our continued efforts to support turnaround operations and improve the experience for both passengers and cruiselines, we are currently building a new, purpose-built cruise terminal in Reykjavik.” This is just one more step in the port’s aim to increase the percentage of turnaround calls to 70 percent of the total by 2030. Niamh McCarthy, managing director, Excursions Ireland: “It is truly exciting to see Princess’ continued commitment through the expansion and increase in port calls planned from 2027, with even greater growth anticipated in 2028. This expansion is a clear testament to strong demand, as well as to the high level of service and exceptional guest experience delivered throughout the British Isles.” As Princess’ shorex handler across the Republic and Northern Ireland, EI is actively creating and designing new tours with increased capacity while broadening its overall range of offerings. “The inclusion of overnight calls in 2027 means we can generate additional revenue through some excellent night time exclusive experiences,” adds McCarthy.   Gary Hall, commercial executive, Belfast Harbour, adds: “The announcement underlines the strength and longevity of the relationship between Princess Cruises and Belfast Harbour and reaffirms Belfast’s place within Princess Cruises’ Northern Europe deployment. Princess has been calling at Belfast since 2001… and has played an important role in the development of Belfast as a cruise destination. “Around one in three cruise passengers who have ever visited Belfast have arrived on a Princess vessel, highlighting the scale of their contribution. Cruise tourism now delivers close to £25 million (€28.9 million) annually to the Northern Ireland economy. Continued commitment from global cruise brands such as Princess Cruises ensures these benefits are sustained and that Belfast remains firmly positioned as a key port of call in Northern Europe.” When it comes to the Baltic, Sirle Arro, head of marketing & communication at the Port of Tallinn speaks for the region when she says: “Princess Cruises’ decision to deploy additional capacity and introduce the larger Regal Princess to the Baltic Sea region in 2027 clearly demonstrates that our region is once again emerging as one of the most attractive cruise destinations in the world. Already in 2025, we saw a strong rebound in demand, with the number of cruise passengers from the United States doubling year-on-year. This growth has not gone unnoticed, and leading American cruiselines are keen to be part of a region with such strong long-term potential.” Holbrook concludes: “We’re expanding because interest for Northern Europe travel continues to grow, and ports are investing in the future. Our guests love Northern Europe and our 2027 programme delivers it.”

15/01/2026

Portsmouth delivers Sea Change and sustainability

After signing the Portsmouth Green Partnership Charter in November 2022, delivering the Sea Change project reaffirms the port’s commitment to play its part in a sustainable future for the city and to reduce its impact on the local community. This project will design, build and operate a shore power system across the three busiest berths at Portsmouth International Port. “Sea Change has the potential to revolutionise the UK’s maritime sector, and further establish Portsmouth International Port’s [PIP]reputation as a living laboratory of green technology with industry-leading sustainability credentials,” explains Andrew Williamson, head of cruise & ferry, PIP. Brittany Ferries is already running two new LNG-electric hybrid ships, shore power-ready ships to and from the port. With shore power available at the port, they will be able to charge their batteries and run on battery power when manoeuvring through Portsmouth harbour, improving air quality and supporting the industry-wide shift to zero-emission shipping. Providing shore power will reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality around the port. PIP estimates that the system will avoid up to 20,000 tonnes of CO2e per annum from 2027, the equivalent to the annual carbon footprint of around 2,500 UK households or making 11,111 round trips by plane from London to New York.  When it comes to cruiseships, onshore power supply will be available at berth 2, with a mobile cable management system enabling connections for all shapes and sizes. A consortium of academics, marine specialists and some of the UK’s most exciting technology SMEs have been brought together alongside Portsmouth International Port and Brittany Ferries to deliver the project. Sea Change has great potential, and project partners plan to share learnings and collaborate with ferry ports across the UK to encourage further emissions reduction. This will help the industry reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by or around 2050, a target declared by the International Maritime Organisation. Alongside this, the project will help develop the necessary skills for green shipping and infrastructure, design, manufacturing and maintenance capability. Working alongside the Solent’s industry clusters, it will support education initiatives and help grow skills across the Solent, safeguard existing jobs through upskilling and create new high-skill opportunities, driving growth and investment across the region. Sea Change is part of the Zero Emissions Vessels and Infrastructure competition (ZEVI), which was announced in February 2023, funded by UK Government and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. This year marks 50 years since Portsmouth City Council created the international port in 1976. Celebrations will begin with a launch event in Westminster presenting the latest economic impact report. On Saturday 13 June the port will host an open day so residents can see behind the scenes and find more out about all the activities at their port. Councillor Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “The port is widely regarded as the UK’s most successful local authority owned port, the anniversary offers the opportunity to celebrate the progress and the important role it plays as a city-owned port on a local, national and international level. “The 50th anniversary year is a chance to put the spotlight and showcase roles at the port, highlighting the range of varied and interesting positions in the maritime industry as a future career for young people. Increasing local knowledge of what happens at the port, and an understanding of how it contributes to the city, is extremely valuable to the port to maintain our licence to operate from our most important stakeholders, our community.” 2026 also marks Portsmouth’s centenary, with many events and celebratory moments taking place to mark 100 years of city status. The port will be featuring in the city’s Wild Art Trail, which involves specially-commissioned sculptured lions positioned across the city, one of which is in the terminal building.

15/01/2026

Skjolden: growth but not without planning

Skjolden has gone from 22 calls in 2024 to 44 this year with bookings through into 2032. This year call numbers remain the same, but passenger numbers will be up by 7,000 due to the size of the ships. Understanding the pitfalls of growing too fast, privately-owned Skjolden Port is putting in place all that it needs to make sure it can deliver on its promises. This includes investment in port facilities, transport, guides and shore excursions. Christian Hellumsand was taken on as head of shore excursions & logistics at the port in April 2025. His role and passion is to ensure that cruise in this western Norwegian port is delivered well for both the cruiselines and the community. He says: “It is very nice to see this growing interest in Skjolden. We want to grow but we want to grow healthily. When we get trust from our clients, we want to deliver the product and the service.” To this end local entrepreneur, Oddvar Roysi, is not only investing in the port facilities and nearby restaurant and service station but is also actively involved in the building and delivery thereof. A 900m walk will bring passengers to the new restaurant and bar, The Wharf House, in one of the oldest buildings in the town, which is next door to a new service station being fitted with 16 toilets, a large souvenir store and outdoor serving area. Although the 127.5m pier (with no limitations to ship size) remains the same length, it has been widened to provide improved logistics for the passengers. In addition a part of the pier in front of the terminal will be filled in to provide space for a new market place that passengers can access as they enter/exit the terminal. At the northern end of the pier, extra parking will be available for buses to take passengers directly on to shore excursions. In addition, a sheltered area will be built early this year to protect passengers who may be waiting in poor weather. These will be within the port perimeter and directly connected to tours bought on board, but co coordinated with Skjolden Explore. This local guide company, delivering shorex for all tour operators, goes into operation for the first time this year. Local dispatch manager, Christian Hellumsand, will not only coordinate guides but timed meeting points and turn-times to ensure calls run smoothly. The idea is to have one command chain from ‘pier to peaks’, whilst preserving a strict local-vendor policy. To address the number of guides available to cater to the increase in passengers, Hellumsand says there has been a big push to recruit more with 30 lined up to join this year. These are made up from a combination of locals and those studying at the nearby mountaineering school. Supplying buses has also been a problem in the past, with some being sourced in southern Norway which is up to nine hours’ drive away. This is all set to change as Hellumsand explains: “Together with our investor we have decided to make our own bus company. We have bought 10 buses for about 45 passengers each, but also three smaller buses to allow us to create new tours.” The latter are small enough to legally access the Tindevegen Mountain Road and hence go over the mountains to neighbouring Ardal, providing a unique chance to see the mountains by road one way and the fjords by catamaran on the other. These buses will also be able to take passengers to the Unesco World Heritage Urnes Stave Church. When it comes to shorex a new and rebranded manual has been been put together by the locals and, new for this year, passengers will be able to meet ‘The last Viking’, death-diving icon, Ken Stornes. He is moving to Skjolden with his ship, Maria Suden, and sidekick, David R Berg/‘Swamp man’, to become a symbol of Skjolden, meeting and greeting, helping tie the bowlines in full Viking regalia and also hosting a family-friendly Viking training and saga experience. Skjolden is setting itself up to be a force on the cruise map, understanding that this comes not with numbers but service and product delivery.

15/01/2026

The Baltic Sea is not an alternative: it is part of the future of cruising

Cruising is entering a new phase. As travel trends shift toward authenticity, sustainability and emotional value, Northern Europe - and the Baltic Sea in particular - is increasingly aligned with the expectations of tomorrow’s cruise passengers. Across the travel sector, demand is moving away from overcrowded destinations and toward places that offer cultural depth and a sense of genuine discovery. In this context, the Baltic Sea stands out not because it is spectacular in scale, but because it is coherent in character. Its destinations share a broadly similar planning culture, social stability and relationship with nature. For cruise operators, this creates itineraries that are efficient to operate yet rich in content, without the growing friction associated with over-tourism. One of the Baltic’s defining strengths is easy access. Many ports are located close to city centres or directly integrated into small towns, allowing passengers to explore on foot rather than through long transfers. This reflects passenger preferences identified by Cruise Lines International Association, which show growing satisfaction with ports offering walkability, easy access and authentic local environments. Whether in larger cities such as Helsinki, Tallinn or Stockholm, or in smaller destinations like Kotka and Kalmar, proximity and immediacy play a central role in shaping the shore experience. The evolution of shore excursions further reinforces the Baltic’s relevance. Today’s passengers are less interested in ticking off landmarks and more interested in understanding where they are. They seek context, stories and a sense of everyday life. Smaller destinations are particularly well-suited to this shift. In places such as Saaremaa or Visby, heritage, landscape and contemporary life are closely interwoven, while in ports like Gdansk or Klaipeda, natural settings and industrial history sit side by side. These environments make it easier to offer excursions that feel grounded rather than performative, whether focused on history, gastronomy, nature or local society. Sustainability has become a defining commercial factor in cruise planning. Passengers increasingly evaluate destinations through ethical and environmental lenses, and cruise companies are expected to demonstrate responsible choices. Across the Baltic Sea region, many ports and municipalities are actively managing visitor flows, investing in greener infrastructure and prioritising long-term liveability. In Northern European ports, such as Copenhagen, particular attention has been given to how cruise tourism integrates with everyday urban life, focusing on dialogue with local communities, distribution of visitors and the use of public space. Smaller destinations, in particular, highlight the importance of balance: cruise calls are integrated into the rhythm of local life rather than dominating it. For operators, this enables partnerships based on predictability, trust and shared responsibility. The Baltic’s appeal is especially strong for experienced cruisers who have already visited the Mediterranean or Caribbean multiple times. As the cruise industry redefines what success looks like, destinations that offer balance, clarity and depth will become strategic assets. The Baltic Sea is one of them. It does not promise more. It promises better.

15/01/2026

CE at Sea takes place in February

Cruise Europe (CE) is taking to the sea on board MSC Splendida on February 7, providing its members with a four-day immersive educational on both the cruise business and experience. Embarkation takes place in Barcelona where members will be able to join a tour of Barcelona port before setting sail for Marseilles and a guided tour of the city, the basilica, the palace and the old port. As well as regional meetings on board, there will be a visit to Costa Cruises’ offices in Genoa to meet president Mario Zanetti and the itinerary planning, tours and development team. After a stroll around the port city, MSC Cruises’ Svetlana Cuk, Linden Coppell and Jon Olav Stedje will be conducting a workshop onboard focusing on community engagement, shorex and sustainability. Before disembarking in Naples at lunchtime, general secretary of Cruise Lines International Association Europe, Nikos Mertzanidis, will give a presentation on ‘Defending the cruise ecosystem in Brussels: the value, infrastructure and the road to net-zero’. To be followed by EPI ambassador, Annfinn Helm, on ‘Environmental Port Index: With EPI towards a greener future’. This is a first for the association and already has 100 members signed up for the carefully-curated programme.

27/11/2025

Bilbao starts engagement to design a new and sustainable facility in Getxo

The Bilbao Port Authority (BPA) is working on the design of a new sustainable and participatory management model for the Getxo marina and cruiseship terminal, in line with the metropolitan strategy and the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This initiative is supported by the UN Local2030 Coalition Secretariat for the implementation and development of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a view to making Bilbao an example for other ports around the world. The Getxo Town Council and other stakeholders will be actively engaged in this process, which will include a period of active listening and public participation to collectively draw up the best possible plan for the future.   The design of the new model provides for an open, modern and sustainable area, fully integrated into urban life in Getxo and looking to further strengthen the role of the port as a driver of the economy and social development through cooperation and dialogue. Within a wider context, this strategic transformation is in keeping with that of the Bilbao metropolitan area itself over recent decades, forming part of a vision of local development in which the transformation of the port is catalytic and contributes to the transformation of the entire province of Bizkaia.   The roadmap, entitled Getxo/Bilbao Sustainable Port-City: An Integrated Approach 2030, covers the area of the Getxo marina and the current cruiseship terminal, both of which form part of the Spanish State Ports Authority (Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda of the Spanish Government). The port authority is thus ushering in a new era for the port. The project is expected to be structured and defined within a maximum period of two years, though the institutions involved are keen to present it sooner. As Amaia Agirre, mayoress of Getxo, explains: “We are working together as institutions to protect our common heritage and to ensure a stable and shared future for the marina and its surroundings. Getxo is now embarking on an exciting new chapter: a more open, more sustainable and better integrated marina that will be a source of pride for all the people of Getxo.”   Ivan Jimenez, president BPA, emphasised that “this process, in collaboration with Getxo Town Council, marks the beginning of an ambitious transformation, rooted in institutional cooperation and a strong commitment to the people of Getxo and the province of Bizkaia. “The port authority is fully involved in the design of a new model of green port that is of use for society, combining nautical activity with environmental, economic and social sustainability within a project that aims to be an international benchmark in port-city integration.”   For his part, Sebastien Vauzelle, head of the UN Local2030 Coalition Secretariat for the implementation and development of the SDGs, stated: “The Getxo/Bilbao Sustainable Port-City project is an inspiring example for ports and cities around the world through the Local2030 Hub Euskadi.”

27/11/2025

Cork is planning for onshore power

The Port of Cork is actively progressing plans to introduce onshore power at its cruise berth, marking a significant step toward more sustainable cruise operations. Feasibility studies have been completed and the planning and design stage is underway, with the aim of offering shore-side electricity to visiting vessels in the near future.

This initiative aligns with broader EU sustainability goals and reflects the Port’s commitment to reducing emissions and improving air quality in the harbour area. In July 2024, the Port of Cork was awarded €38.4 million in EU funding through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), which includes investment in infrastructure for onshore power supply (OPS) at Ringaskiddy’s new deepwater berths. While the cruise berth is not yet equipped with shore power, the port’s leadership has confirmed that the cruise sector is part of the long-term strategy, and the planning and design stage is already in motion.

The economic impact of cruise tourism in Cork continues to grow, with thousands of passengers and crew contributing to local businesses, transport services, and cultural attractions. Enhancing the sustainability of cruise calls through onshore power will not only improve the environmental footprint of the port but also strengthen its appeal to cruiselines seeking greener destinations. This development positions Cork as a forward-thinking port in the European cruise network, balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility. The final call of the 2025 season was made by Ambassador Cruise Line’s (ACL) Ambition, closing a year that saw 90 calls and over 170,000 passengers visit Cork and Bantry Bay. ACL coo, Nick Hughes, says: “Cobh and the wider Cork region have once again given our guests the warmest of welcomes, and it’s always a highlight of our sailing calendar to call here. As the final ship to close the Port of Cork’s 2025 cruise season, Ambition’s visit underlines the strong partnership we’ve built with the Port of Cork Company and the appeal this destination holds for both first-time and returning guests.   “Cork offers everything our guests look for in a port of call – a vibrant town, easy access to unforgettable experiences, and the genuine hospitality that makes Ireland such a special place to visit. We’re proud to contribute to the local economy and look forward to our second lady of the sea returning to the region seven times next year as part of another exciting season of sailings.”

27/11/2025

Oslo plans OPS on the Filipstad quay as tourism partners increase product

Cruise traffic flows through two separate terminals in the Port of Oslo: Revierkaia and Filipstad. Onshore power supply is tentatively scheduled to be operational in the third quarter of 2026. It will have the following capacities: 6,6kV/11kV; 50/60Hz; 16MVA at 11kV; and 9,6MVA at 6,6kV. Meanwhile VisitOSLO and the Oslo Cruise Partners goes from strength to strength with the latter adding new members, most recently Roald Amundsens Home and the Hard Rock Cafe, on a fairly consistent basis. The VisitOSLO website provides comprehensive information on activities and experiences, that are available for both passengers and crew, in the form of a Cruise Manual and Crew Manual. Cruise partners from Scenorama to the Fram Museum to the Pilgrim Center Oslo are constantly updating their offerings. The latter, for example, is walking distance from both piers and offers guidebooks and information on pilgrim trails in Norway. In addition, the re-opening of the Museum of the Viking Age in 2027 is eagerly awaited. The world’s largest preserved Viking ship, Gokstad (built around 890 AD), and also Oseberg (discovered in 1903), have been relocated to this new museum: the latter after 10 years of planning. Eva Britt Kornfeldt, cruise manager VisitOSLO/Oslo Cruise Partners, says: “New signage is planned on both cruise piers, Filipstad and Revier, which are centrally located and within walking distance from Oslo’s main street. The souvenir shop, Oslo Cruise Terminal, is established at both piers, and is always open when cruiseships call, providing free city maps, free WiFi and also tax refund processing.” Oslo Cruise Partners will, for the fourth time in 2026, invite all cruise agents working with Oslo to a cruise agent fam trip in Oslo in February 2026 with the goal of updating them on all the latest news.

27/11/2025

New member: Helsingor

As the home of UNESCO World Heritage Site Kronborg Castle (the castle from Shakespeare’s Hamlet), Helsingor offers a blend of world-famous history and modern Scandinavian design. Its intimate, walkable town centre and proximity to North Zealand’s top attractions make it a captivating addition to Baltic itineraries. Helsingor is a strong tender destination. A secure, sheltered anchorage lies just 0.3nm southeast of the port entrance with 20m+ depth and no vessel size limit. Passengers arrive via a modern, ISPS-approved floating tender pier (90m x 6m) that accommodates four tender boats simultaneously. A tender ride takes only five to 10 minutes, and then passengers are right in the middle of the historic town centre, having a great view of Kronborg Castle while entering the port.  
In addition, Royal Quay sits almost right in the town centre and accommodates vessels up to 150m length overall with 6.8m depth. The quay provides essential services, including fresh water and comprehensive waste disposal. The port is well-sheltered with minimal tide (maximum 0.3m) and typical north-going currents of one to three knots. Pilotage and tugs are available but not compulsory. 
“What truly differentiates Helsingor is the Lite Call Concept, offering cruise lines lighter logistics, a lighter time commitment, and a lighter price tag,” says Mathias Monrad Bruun, cruise manager in Port of Helsingor, who explains that a Lite Call works in two directions: *A ship approaching Copenhagen anchors at Helsingor, tenders passengers ashore to explore the area, and continues to Copenhagen without re-embarkation. Passengers rejoin the ship in Copenhagen later. *A ship calls Copenhagen first, and guests travel by bus/train to Helsingor. A welcome hub can be arranged, and the ship later picks up the guests in Helsingor.   Lite Calls include a fixed reduced port fee and require operations to be a maximum of three hours and only include either embarking or disembarking guests, not both. The sailing time to Copenhagen is just 1.5 hours, and land transfers between the cities take about 45 minutes.   “The Lite Call concept is a way for Helsingor to turn its proximity to Copenhagen into an advantage. Many of the cruise guests calling Copenhagen already tour North Sealand and visit Helsingor, why not make it even more accessible for cruise lines and even more memorable for cruise guests,” adds Bruun. Passengers are greeted with tourist information and maps on arrival. Within minutes, they can explore: Kronborg Castle; M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark, the architectural reconstruction of an old dry dock into a modern museum; The Culture Yard, a reconstructed shipyard turned into a culture house, maritime workshop and street food market; the historic Renaissance town centre of Gothic townhouses, churches and cobblestone streets; and North Zealand highlights within 30 minutes: Frederiksborg Castle, Fredensborg Palace, and Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.  
 After hosting two to three cruise calls annually in recent years, Helsingor is strengthening its position, now joining Cruise Europe, and hiring Bruun who was a key organiser of the Cruise Europe Conference in Copenhagen in May this year.  

27/11/2025

CE members join ICS panel sessions in Madrid

The International Cruise Summit was held in Madrid for the 15th year this November. Cruise Europe members were featured in a number of panel sessions during the two-day event. Speaking as chair of the sustainability committee of Cruise Europe, Ana Lourenco from the Port of Lisbon, joined a panel on: cruise destinations - the real economic impact & the blue economy. Fellow speakers included Anne-Marie Spinosi from Corsica Ports, Omar Al Jaber from Qatar Tourism and Ceylan Erzi from Global Ports Holding. Amongst other things, she highlighted the data-driven collaboration in building a more resilient and responsible blue economy. Morgan Pravos, cruise manager at Caen-Ouistreham, took part in the New ports and destinations, discovering the potential of cruise tourism season, alongside Elizabeth Moreau of the Port of Baie-Comeau and Marcus Puttich of TUI Cruises. And last but not least Nick Hoogeweij, general manager Cruise Port Rotterdam and chair of CE’s marketing committee, contributed his insights to The great debate, a live-voted session exploring the most pressing topics in today’s cruise industry. He joined industry leaders from Intercruises Shoreside and Port Services, TUI Cruises, Mystic Cruises and the Port of Valencia discussing topics ranging from market shifts to guest expectations, sustainability and operational resilience.

27/11/2025

Reykjavik hosts the Cruise Europe conference next May

The chance to attend the Cruise Europe conference (CEC) and visit Iceland next May (26-29th) is not one to be missed. Hosts Faxafloahafnir/Faxaports have already uploaded details on to the CE website and are encouraging members to sign up early as Iceland is a popular destination at this time of year. Special rates are available for those attending the conference. The conference itself will be held at the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre which is within 10 minutes’ walk of the four partner hotels: Parliament Hotel, Hotel Reykjavik Saga, Exeter Hotel and City Center Hotel Reykjavik. The Reykjavik Cruise Terminal at Skarfabakki will host delegates to an informal dinner on the first evening but an invitation has also been issued to everyone to stay on for the official opening festival on the Friday night. I am sure many of us will be keen to not only extend our stays for this but also to see more of Iceland. The gala dinner will take place at Gamla Bio, a historic cinema established in the early 20th century with preceding drinks at the rooftop bar.

27/11/2025

New associate member: MTC Hamburg

Established in 2009, MTC Hamburg has become a leading provider of world-class maritime training, renowned for its certified programmes, highly qualified instructors, and advanced simulation facilities in western Hamburg. MTC offers comprehensive training, consultancy, and assessments for bridge and engine personnel, safety and leadership development, and advanced simulator courses: all fully aligned with STCW, the IGF Code, and international standards. For cruise operators, the portfolio includes POD courses as well as Train the Trainer and Conventional Ship Handling courses for several large cruiselines. Each year, more than 4,500 of maritime professionals enhance their practical skills in realistic environments with experienced instructors. Furthermore, MTC is developing new modules tailored to cruise-specific challenges, such as sustainability and safety at sea. Each vessel is precisely modelled and implemented into our shiphandling simulator, which comprises more than 200 different vessel types. Heinz Kuhlmann, managing director, says: “At MTC, we deliver professional cruise training: made in Hamburg”.

27/10/2025

Community engagement: Tallinn turns ideas into action

During the Cruise Europe Conference in Copenhagen this May, Maria Tauschke of TUI Cruises took part in a panel discussion about community engagement, sharing inspiring examples, such as providing learning opportunities and lectures in local schools and donating surplus food and other items to local communities. She also encouraged ports and destinations to take initiative and propose community engagement projects together with cruiselines. At some point after the conference, the Estonian Food Bank - a non-profit organisation dedicated to reducing food waste and supporting vulnerable communities across Estonia - reached out to Sirle Arro, head of marketing & communication department at the Port of Tallinn, and asked whether it might be possible to cooperate with cruiselines. Remembering Tauschke’s words, Arro got in touch and proposed a pilot project for donating surplus food from TUI Cruises’ vessels: food that is still perfectly safe for consumption but would otherwise go to waste. “It seemed like an ideal opportunity to connect the cruise industry with the local community in a way that delivers both environmental and social impact,” says Arro. With welcome input from Victoria Muller, sustainability manager of TUI Cruises, four successful deliveries were coordinated in Tallinn this season, resulting in 207.1kgs of baked goods being donated to those in need. Piet Boerefijn, founder and ceo of the Estonian Food Bank, highlights what such donations mean for the community: “The Food Bank gladly accepts every kilogram of food donated to us. We see that socially responsible behaviour is part of the cruise operators’ ethos - in fact, such cooperation with local food banks exists in many ports where cruiseships call. Now, through our partnership with TUI Cruises and Port of Tallinn, this surplus food will be redirected to those who need it most. We believe this cooperation will continue in the coming seasons, allowing us to jointly combat food waste.” Arro shares some top tips with fellow ports and destinations which may want to do set up something along the same lines: “First of all be patient. There are several practical and regulatory aspects to consider.” Food safety and regulations: the kind of food that can be donated must be clarified. This must be discussed with both the cruiseline and the local Agriculture and Food Administration. In Tallinn’s case, it was identified that the cruiseline could donate ready-made food that had been prepared but not served yet. Documentation and customs: certificates and declarations may be required by customs and tax authorities. For example, after contacting the Customs and Tax Board, the port learned that written documentation was needed to obtain tax exemption for food donations, which required a formal agreement between the cruiseline and the food bank, along with relevant certificates. Logistics: once the paperwork is ready, coordination on the ground is crucial. Packaging, transportation (thermal or regular boxes), and delivery procedures all need to be agreed, as well details about the vehicle and person entering the port area provided. Crew members at the ship’s entrance might not always be informed about such arrangements initially so be prepared. Arro says: “We are very grateful to TUI Cruises for their patience, openness, and willingness to go through all these steps with us and the Estonian Food Bank. It’s been a valuable learning process, and we’re thrilled that TUI is ready to expand the cooperation next season: both in terms of food types donated and number of ship calls involved. “We also hope other cruiselines will join this meaningful initiative. In fact, we have already received a positive response from MSC Cruises: a great sign that community engagement is truly gaining momentum across the industry.” The Estonian Food Bank was established in March 2010 to alleviate poverty and fight food waste in Estonian society. The network today consists of 16 food banks operating in regional centres across the country. In 2024, the Food Bank distributed 4.4 million kilograms of rescued and donated food: a six percent increase compared to the previous year.

27/10/2025

Greenock inspires the next generation

To mark the final cruise call of the 2025 season, Greenock Cruise Port (GCP), operated by Global Ports Holding, welcomed pupils from Port Glasgow High School and Inverclyde Academy aboard Regal Princess. A total of 32 students, currently studying languages, travel, and tourism, were invited to step on board for an immersive educational experience. The visit included a guided tour of the vessel, lunch on board, and a lively Q&A session with the ship’s officers and crew, which gave the students a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a modern cruiseship and the varied career paths the industry has to offer. “The day sparked huge enthusiasm among the pupils, with several immediately asking how they could apply to work onboard,” comments Allison McGuire, head of operations GCP. “It was such a success that we will develop a schools programme over the winter months in time for the next season. “I’m planning to meet with the Inverclyde Schools liaison officer to see who we can capture and what opportunities we have to take this forward. I’ll also reach out to more cruiselines over the next few months to see if we can get more onboard.” The event underscored Greenock Cruise Port’s ongoing commitment to fostering strong relationships between the cruise industry and the local community. “Welcoming these local pupils on board was more than just a ship visit, it was an opportunity to open their eyes to a world of possibilities. Many of these young people are beginning to think about their future career paths, and experiences like this can truly broaden their horizons,” says McGuire. “It’s easy to forget that the cruise industry isn’t only about life at sea; it brings together countless professions, from hospitality and engineering to logistics, marketing, and language skills. By giving students, the chance to speak directly with crew members and see behind the scenes, we’re helping them understand how their studies today can translate into exciting and fulfilling careers tomorrow. “We’re proud to partner with local schools to build these connections. Initiatives like this strengthen our ties with the Inverclyde community while inspiring the next generation to see that global opportunities can start right here on their doorstep.”

27/10/2025

OPS will be operational in Narvik in late 2026

The Port of Narvik has announced the upcoming launch of its on shore power (OPS) facility, set to be operational in the third quarter of 2026. This milestone marks a significant step toward a greener and more sustainable future for maritime operations in Northern Norway. “This is a transformative initiative for both the port and the city,” says Borge Edvardsen Klingan, port director at Narvik Havn. “By offering shore power, we are not only improving air quality and reducing noise but also supporting the global shift toward low-emission maritime transport.” The new facility will enable cruiseships to connect to the local power grid while docked, reducing emissions and noise pollution in the harbour area. Developed in collaboration with Plug Narvik and with a total investment of NOK 93 million (€8 million), of which NOK 10.7 million is funding from Enova, the project reflects Narvik’s commitment to environmental innovation and regional cooperation. The facility will include both high-voltage and low-voltage systems, allowing it to serve a wide range of cruise vessels. It is designed to supply one ship at a time and is expected to deliver over 2 million kWh annually, potentially reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 0.8 kg per kWh delivered. Narvik’s shore power initiative is part of a broader strategy to position the port as a hub for sustainable energy and transport. “We are building the infrastructure necessary for a cleaner future,” says Maria Bos, ceo of Plug Nord. “Narvik’s leadership in this area sets a strong example for other ports in Norway and beyond.” The shore power facility is expected to be fully operational by late 2026, aligning with Norway’s national goals to reduce emissions from domestic shipping by 50% by 2030.

27/10/2025

Kristansand plans to extend berth to improve its OPS offering

Earlier this year Kristiansand was chosen as the location to test and commission the on shore power system (OPS) installed on board NYK Cruises’ Asuka III. After the tests were completed, the ship remained connected to shore power for 11 hours until departure. Repeated on/off cycles took place to ensure all the components were functioning correctly.   Fredrik Auestad, cruise operations manager at the port, said: “It’s important to note that the innovation here lies, not in Kristiansand’s infrastructure, but in the ship's new onboard system.” Kristiansand’s shore power facility for cruiseships is located at Berth No 10, which is the primary berth for cruise calls. The facility was delivered by PowerCon and has a capacity of 16 MVA. It has been in operation since 2018 and sources 100% of its energy from hydropower. Up until now a number of vessels have experienced difficulties utilising the port’s IKS's OPS due to the current berth length but that’s about to change. To better accommodate the growing cruise industry and ensure all visiting cruise vessels can benefit from shore power, the port is planning to extend the 150m-long berth by a minimum of 15m. Construction is expected to start around this time next year. Auestad says: “We are currently reviewing various design options, and we refer to the extension as part of our shore power adaptation project.”

27/10/2025

Eidfjord waterfront development is partly completed

A project to make the Eidfjord waterfront more attractive and accessible is underway. The plan is to improve on the current layout which connects the Sjobua (Sea House) and the beaches with the town centre. In addition, the area around Sjobua will be enhanced, including seating steps by the beaches and a walkway around the entire building. Phase 1 was completed in May. This included the expansion of the quay and promenade, with an emphasis on ensuring everyone can walk along the promenade with easy access to and from the town square, Sjobua, and the existing path along the main road, without needing to take long detours. Phase 2 envisages a larger gathering space/town square in the centre of Eidfjord. This could be used for selling food and various goods, as well as for different events. A design has yet to be determined. This year, there were 87 calls, bringing 175,229 passengers. Ships range in size from 125,572 AIDAprima to 47,842gt Viking Sky to 28,890gt Europa from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

27/10/2025

New member: Grundarfjordur

Grundarfjordur is a transit port on the rise. In 2019 it received 52 calls and 17,681 passengers, increasing to 75 and 69,500 respectively this year. There are two berths: Nordurgardur 1 (135m long with 9.5m depth at lowest tide) and 2 (220m long with 8m depth at the first 100m and then 6.5m at the lowest tide). The width of the pier is 40m. The maximum ship length permitted at berth one is 240m and, at berth 2, 170m. There is the possibility to have two ships at anchor at the same time. It is 0.5nm from here to the Midgardur tender dock which is 30m long and 4m wide and can accommodate four tenders. The two berths are 600m and 450m from the city centre respectively. Tourist information is provided at the harbour by port employees. There is a toilet 50m from the tender pier and there is free wifi at the port. Plans are in place to build a new tender dock next to the existing one. A link is available to the port calendar. Shore excursions, such as the most popular tour of the Snaefellsnaes Peninsula taking in the glacier, birdlife and points of historical and cultural interest, are operated by third party companies and can be prebooked and on location. Kayak tours can be prebooked but also booked on location, as can a shuttle to the Kirkjufell waterfall and Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum. Private tours are available on demand.

27/10/2025

New associate member: E-L-S

E-L-S (European Land Excursion Services), based in Hamburg & Warnemunde, specialises in designing, organising and operating shore excursions and other land activities for German and international cruise calls in all German ports. More than 30 years of experience in designing and operating land arrangements for the cruise industry in three countries - South Africa, Namibia and Germany - has lead to E-L-S “becoming one of the leading incoming tour operators & destination management companies in Germany specialising in this market with a network of contacts on an international level,” says managing director/owner Bianca Els. “The wealth of experience and the unflagging passion of the E-L-S team for the demanding cruise industry, lead to an extensive repertoire with a diverse range of products. In addition, E-L-S spear-head innovative tour ideas and are known for their committed and unparalleled level of service, always exceeding the cruiselines’ growing expectations and continuously enriching guests’ land activity experience,” she adds. E-L-S prides itself on “consistently designing and providing fresh, rare, innovative and unique tours to share the rich history and the exciting presence that Germany offers and to bring the destination alive.”

27/10/2025

Cruise Cast episode 8 on EES is a must listen

Cruise Lines International Association's executive director for Europe, Nikos Mertzanidis, talks to Sonia Limbrick about the introduction of the Entry & Exit System (EES) and what this means for ports in Europe. The importance of collaboration between ports and the consequences for the cruise operations are vital. Of the first week, Mertzanidis says: “So far so good. Not because everything works perfectly but because people are very well co-ordinated and ready to react in case there are bottlenecks, in case systems don’t work. We are doing a much better job than the airports at this moment.” Limbrick says: “This is a very serious subject that we are talking about. It can have a massive impact on what we like to have, which is a seamless operation that we are proud of in our port areas. So it is key that we get this right.”   Tune in on the following link: https://tinyurl.com/TheCruiseCastEpisode8

21/09/2025

CE chair joins cruiseline heads on state of the industry panel

Hamburg not only pushed out all the stops to host Seatrade Europe this September but is also a major port in terms of the German market. More than three million Germans now take cruises, with many ports benefiting from more ships being based in the region year-round. The trend for year-round cruising, whether in the region, or as far afield as the Caribbean, is on the rise as Felix Eichhorn, president AIDA Cruises, explained: “Out of 11 ships, four are sailing year-round. There are many more ships in Northern Europe now than in the Mediterranean [compared to 10 years ago].” But he was keen to point out that: “Our challenge is to make sure we balance ships in ports”. Simone Maraschi, chair Cruise Europe and managing director Cruise Gate Hamburg, said: “Almost all our ports are working year-round. Winter cruising is no longer a niche.” Community engagement has become a hot topic recently and was also addressed by the panel. Wybcke Meier, ceo TUI Cruises, which is also building the German market exponentially, said: “We need the ports to tell the local communities what is the local contribution. We want them to say yes, we want the ships,” but she added: “Too big ships should not call too small ports.” Maraschi said: “I think the level of transparency is crucial to building trust. The majority of our members are actively working with local stakeholders, not just on sustainability but guest value and experiences. Communities want to see now how each call contributes socially, environmentally and sustainably. Dedicated staff in cruiselines working on community engagement is new and good.There is still a long way to go to reach everyone in the industry.” With the theme of this year’s conference being Future Forward, it is clear that everyone working together, from the stevedores to the cruiselines, is the answer to the industry’s expansion. This it can only do with the full understanding and acceptance of the destinations visited. One standout comment from Eichhorn was that one week on a new ship compares to a four-hour flight. AIDA Cruises later confirmed:"A week's vacation from Hamburg to Norway on a modern ship like AIDANova, causes emissions of around 300kgs of CO₂ per person. This corresponds approximately to a one-way flight from Hamburg to a European city such as Palma de Mallorca or Lisbon, depending on the airline and its capacity [ie a flight time of three to four hours.” Another topic that came up is that of funding. Meier said: “We need to make sure the funds we are paying are used to build infrastructure [for OPS, alternative fuels etc].” With Maraschi adding: “The ports are heavily investing in OPS but these costs cannot be funded by ports alone.”

21/09/2025

Alternative fuels and OPS outlined in keynote

In his keynote speech at Seatrade Europe, president and ceo Cruise Lines International Association, Bud Darr said that the industry’s 2050 target for net-zero emissions stands irrespective of regulations. He talked about the emergence of alternative fuels, the delivery of the first tri-fuel ship this year and that “fossil LNG is a bridge not a destination, and that methanol is promising but is also fossil-based”. Green methanol, bio-LNG and synthetic methane are the most promising but, as yet, are in short supply. He added: “Hydrogen may be good for short durations and maybe for onshore power supply. Nuclear may be a good source of renewable power onshore. Ammonia, I don’t see it.” He put some numbers on the number of ships being OPS-ready in 2018 at 55 (25 percent of the fleet) rising to 165 (58 percent) this year and 273 (85 percent) in 2036. He also pointed out that the total European economic impact of the industry is €55 billion.

21/09/2025

Association collaboration focuses on community engagement

The Strategic Alliance of European Cruise Ports Associations came together for the panel session - European port & destination associations: community engagement in port cities - at which they presented the main findings of a joint survey of more than 140 member ports. This seeks to better understand the challenges posed by increasing tourism pressures on infrastructure, the environment and local communities across Europe. The objective was to gather insights from member ports and destinations, identify best practices, and advocate for policies that support both the tourism sector and community well-being. Simone Maraschi, chair Cruise Europe, said: “The most striking result is that cruise tourism is less than 10 percent of total tourism in a destination but still we see a lot of finger pointing acting negatively. I think this survey is very significant to put a context behind the volumes. Also that the majority of our members actively engage with numbers and cruiselines to enhance, adapt and bring more value for cruise guests.” Whilst Kay Greenway, director Cruise Britain, said: “It is about keeping a sense of perspective. About 97 percent of the communities within 140 port cities are feeling positive about cruise. It is easy to use cruise as a poster child. For the first time we have some data on that.” Speaking as director of Cruise Baltic, Klaus Bondam added: “I think it is important that the topic of cruise tourism is part of the tourism debate. In Copenhagen cruise is less than 10 percent but it still takes up a lot of space.” He pointed out that cruise tourists can be controlled much more easily than those on land: “Cruise is able to separate and disperse tourism, for example to smaller ports.” Monica Berstad, managing director Cruise Norway, added: “These facts will help us to show that cruise is not a threat, it is an opportunity. The message needs to go out that cruise brings value to the community”. Whilst Theodora Riga, president MedCruise, stressed that: “Community engagement is the most important thing. Socio economic studies are really, really important.” To this end, MedCruise announced that during 2026 all member ports will collect data in this respect. Maraschi called for a shift in the dialogue away from responding to negative complaints to preparing a destination prior to ships arriving for what cruise can bring. He stated the example of Cruise Gate Hamburg which began talking to the local community and politicians 20 years ahead of the arrival of HafenCity. “We have always had a focus on sharing and telling the community what we are doing.” In this way, it has received great support on the recent opening. Greenway added that bringing people into the process, from politicians to residents, about what cruise can do and what it can bring to communities is key. In terms of cruiselines, she cited an example of politicians being mesmerised by waste management and recycling whilst on a ship visit, in contrast to what is done on land. In terms of destinations, she said: “Where the port and destination work together is the best. Not everyone does this but we think they should.” Bondam cited an example of the ReThinker volunteers in Aarhus, urging others to do the same. Driven by VisitAarhus, this diverse, dedicated group welcome all visitors to the city, providing not only a genuine welcome but a social benefit to the volunteers themselves. With the final results due to be presented in the coming weeks, this pan-european approach can be “a voice for good”, said Greenway. Sharing best practices, from onshore power supply to security, across different cultures can only be cohesive for an industry that is intent on securing its place favourably on the tourism stage.

21/09/2025

Year-round cruising is on the rise

On a panel to discuss year-round cruising, Luis de Carvalho, cruise commercial director at Copenhagen Malmo Port (CMP), explained that Copenhagen’s “proximity to Germany had been a huge factor in year-round/winter cruising”. He went on to explain how the loss of St Petersburg had forced CMP to look at its value proposition generally but also beyond the summer season. “We wanted cruiselines and guests to see Copenhagen in a different way. We had to look outside the box. We wanted to start creating a product that was authentic. We worked with the city, local stakeholders, guides had to be trained for a winter product, etc. Everybody had to be aligned so that we had something cruiselines could sell during the winter.” The numbers speak for themselves. From October 2018 to April 2019 CMP received 46 calls and 78,000 passengers. This compares with October 2024 to April 2025 when there were 84 calls and 225,000 passengers. He highlighted one of the benefits to come out of this growth: “This has been good news for many of our suppliers that struggle during the winter months”. Elisabetta De Nardo, vp port development MSC Cruises, pointed out some of the operational challenges that have to be addressed: “Icy roads, cancelling/delaying tours, finding guides in multiple languages, being commercially viable”. While Marcus Puttich, director destinations/incident commander TUI Cruises, explained that winter cruising attracts a different kind of guest when it comes to shore excursion offerings and that relevant airlift can be a challenge.