News

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.

27/07/2026

Cruise Europe Lab conclusions from CEC 2026

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

27/07/2026

CE members attend exclusive Afternoon Tea online

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

27/07/2026

Atlantic Europe: regional meeting

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

27/07/2026

Baltic ports: regional meeting

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

27/07/2026

CE announces CEC 2027 dates

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

03/06/2026

Cruise Europe conference 2026 takes place in Reykjavik

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

03/06/2026

CE chair officially opens the conference

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

03/06/2026

Wybcke Meier delivers the opening address

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

03/06/2026

Global economic impact study, results from Europe

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

03/06/2026

Itinerary planning in the CE area

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

03/06/2026

What ports need from cruiselines and vice versa

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