October 2 marked the busiest cruise ship day for Cruiseport Boston since 2005. Four cruise ships were in port for a day-long visit for the first time in six years, said the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport). The four ships – Carnival Glory, Crown Princess, Crystal Symphony and Seabourn Sojourn – bring more than 7,000 passengers to Boston.
The last time four ships were in port simultaneously was on October 6, 2005 which was also the same day Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 came to Boston for the first time. The other ships that day were Crystal Symphony, Enchantment of the Seas, and Golden Princess.
"September and October are our busiest cruise months," said Mike Leone, Port Director for the Massachusetts Port Authority. "Boston is increasingly becoming a desired port of call on many cruise lines’ itineraries which provides good opportunity for local businesses."
The 450-passenger Seabourn Sojourn was anchored in Boston’s inner harbor while the other three ships were docked along Cruiseport Boston’s 3,000 foot pier. Those aboard Seabourn Sojourn were “tendered,” or brought to shore by small boats, getting off at Commonwealth Pier located at the World Trade Center in the Seaport District.
"Cruiseport Boston continues to be one of the fastest growing visitor economic engines for our region," said Pat Moscaritolo, President & CEO, of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau. "As a result of investing in our cruise facilities and marketing, several thousand visitors from four cruise ships arrived October 2 to spend their vacation dollars at shops, attractions and restaurants in Boston and Cambridge. In addition to generating tax revenues for Boston and Massachusetts, the short visit will generate a desire to return for a longer stay."
Recently, Massport in partnership with the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) created a new Cruiseport Boston map designed specifically for the cruise passenger. The map shows walking routes to Boston’s popular destinations and the ease of access to downtown shops, restaurants, and other attractions from the cruise terminal.
Cruiseport Boston serves as an economic engine for the region. According to a 2011 report by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), cruise industry spending generated about 7,521 jobs and $429 million in income for Massachusetts’ workers through direct, indirect and induced impact. It is estimated that passengers and crew spend $26 million in Boston last year Massachusetts accounted for more than $492 million in cruise industry direct spending in 2010, a seven percent increase over 2009.
For a fourth consecutive year, Cruiseport Boston set a new passenger record in 2010 with more than 300,000 travelers coming through the port. So far this year, 2011 is on pace to eclipse that record, which was a seven percent increase over 2009. Last October officials unveiled the $11 million makeover of the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal, transforming it from a vintage World War I military warehouse, into a hip new point of departure for ocean-going vacationers. The critical renovations were needed to keep pace with Boston’s growing cruise industry and to ensure the continued economic benefits that cruising brings to the region.
Cruiseport Boston’s Black Falcon Cruise Terminal is located just 10 minutes from the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) and Routes 1 and 93. It is also conveniently located just 10 minutes from Boston Logan International Airport and downtown Boston. Cruiseport Boston offers an attractive mix of cruises to Bermuda, Canada & New England, Europe and the Caribbean. Each year more than a 300,000 passengers use Cruiseport Boston. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/cruiseportboston or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/cruiseboston.
The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) owns and operates Boston Logan International Airport, public terminals in the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field and Worcester Regional Airport. Massport is a financially self-sustaining public authority whose premier transportation facilities generate more than $8 billion annually, and enhance and enable economic growth and vitality in New England. No state tax dollars are used to fund operations or capital improvements at Massport facilities. For more information please visit www.massport.com
