Valletta Cruise Port reports a record year

Valletta Cruise Port recorded a sharp increase in the number of passenger movements in 2015.

A total of 668,277 passenger movements were recorded on 306 cruise vessels (2015) calling Valletta. This means an increase of 150,683 passengers or a 29.1% increase on the previous year (2014). The previous record was set in 2012, with 608,786 passenger movements being recorded.

As per NSO statistics, which exclude embarking passengers, the 2015 landed passengers amounted to 600,156 (2014: 471,554). This exceeds the previous record year in 2012 (562,812), by circa 6%.

The largest component of cruise operations remains port of call amounting to 79% of passenger movements. Homeport operations amount to 21% of the total passenger movements.

The busiest month in 2015 was October with 105,164 passenger movements equivalent to 15.7% of passenger movements for the year. Several busy cruise days were recorded during the year with the busiest day being the 22nd July with over 13,500 passengers. This was indeed a challenging operation particularly since two ships, MSC Fantasia and Costa neoClassica were berthed at Boiler Wharf and Lab Wharf.

Stephen Xuereb, CEO of Valletta Cruise Port said, “Improving the infrastructure on Quays 4/5 and a proposed extension towards Barriera Wharf is critical to the continued growth of the industry in Valletta. Valletta Cruise Port is currently working on these plans in order to meet the challenges that lie ahead. 2016 is looking very positive and Valletta is expected to welcome an unprecedented 740,000 passenger movements. It is indeed an exciting time for Valletta Cruise Port."

Cruise Canada New England 2015 season recap

Members of the Cruise Canada New England Alliance (CCNE) wrapped up a successful 2015 season that saw over 2.44 million passengers visit the region.

In total, 2,443,833 passengers visited ports between New York and Montreal on 1,554 ship calls bringing an estimated $543 million in direct economic impact to the region.

“The cruise sector is strong throughout Canada New England,” said Amy Powers, Chair of CCNE. “Our ports remain very attractive to passengers and cruise lines alike. The region is known for delivering world‐class experiences for cruisers of all ages and we’re thrilled to be able to introduce so many people to what Canada New England has to offer.”

The 2016 cruise season, which will begin in April, is once again looking strong. Projections for the upcoming season forecast slight growth for the region. Cruise remains among the fastest growing sectors in the tourism industry.

“The growth Canada New England has seen over the past ten years is a sign of the confidence cruise lines have in our ability to deliver quality experiences for their guests,” said Nora Fever, Chair of Cruise Atlantic Canada. “Cruise Canada New England is a great group of partners who work collectively to develop industry‐leading experiences, continuously improved infrastructure, and a world‐class welcome.”

“Based on bookings received to date by our different Saint Lawrence ports of call, we can already confirm that the upcoming season promises to be as good, if not better than the one just ended. This is proof positive that efforts by member ports of call to enhance cruise passenger greeting infrastructure have begun to pay handsome rewards. We aim to pursue efforts in this regard and provide passengers with the best greeting experience in the industry," stated Tony Boemi, President of Cruise the Saint Lawrence.

CCNE is a partnership between ports, tourism and cruise ship interests in Quebec, Atlantic Canada, Maine, Boston and New York. The Alliance works collectively to promote the region as a premiere spring, summer and fall cruise destination. The 18th annual CCNE Symposium will be held June 7‐ 9, 2016 in New York.

Banana Coast hosts first call of 2016 cruise season

After a successful first season, Banana Coast, the newest cruise port in the western Caribbean, hosted its first call of the 2016 winter cruise season at the deep-water Bay of Trujillo, Honduras. P&O Cruises' 30,200-ton Adonia arrived at Banana Coast Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016.

Counting P&O's Adonia, four lines have scheduled a total of 11 calls on four cruise ships in 2016 including Oceania Cruises' 1,250-passenger Riviera, Holland America Line's 1,350-passenger Veendam, and Thomson Cruises' 1,506-passenger Dream. This will be Thomson's inaugural season calling at Trujillo.

"Adonia arrived with 688 passengers aboard, and 395 — more than 57 percent — of them opted to take on organized shore tour," said Randy Jorgensen, general manager of Grande Trujillo Autoridad, which developed the port. "The town showed well, the weather cooperated and all tours ran on schedule. The majority of comments we received revolved around the destination delivering the authentic experience passengers were looking for."

In 2015, Banana Coast received a total of 54,440 cruise ship passengers, who gave the new destination high marks. Passenger satisfaction ratings for Banana Coast Tours was 89 percent, guides and staff received a 94 percent rating, tour sites were rated 94 percent, and 92 percent of passengers said they would recommend Banana Coast to friends and family.

In preparation for a successful second season, the port has been training tour guides, who are licensed by the municipality of Trujillo. All guides are trained in first responder and CPR skills, speak fluent English and have completed a certification course. Training consists of a 40-hour Tour Guide Program that focuses on customer service, storytelling, problem solving and emergency situations.

In 2016 Banana Coast Tours and premier visitor attraction Campo del Mar will offer 22 shore excursions to cruise ship passengers that include snorkeling, kayaking, waterfall explorations, horseback riding, beach breaks, nature expeditions, mangrove boat rides, jungle ATV adventures, zip line tours and a variety of other cultural, historical and gastronomic excursions.

As guests disembark tenders at the cruise terminal, they are greeted by local Garifuna musicians, dancers and performers in colorful native attire. Establishments at the visitor center include a Jade Museum and Jewelry, CocoLoco’s organic frozen coconuts, a duty-free liquor and gift shop, and a variety of kiosks offering refreshments and souvenirs.

Port Everglades welcomes Costa Cruises back to Broward

Costa Cruises returned to Broward County's Port Everglades today with a first call by the 2,260-passenger Costa Deliziosa. An Italian cruise line owned by Carnival Corporation, Costa Cruises has sailed from Port Everglades since the 1960s and is returning for the winter season following a four-year hiatus.

"Costa Deliziosa is a good fit for Port Everglades because it gives our cruise guests the option to cruise aboard a vessel that has a distinct Italian style," said Port Everglades Chief Executive and Port Director Steven Cernak. "Costa Cruises has a long tradition in South Florida, and we are delighted to have Costa Deliziosa join our fleet this season."

Costa Deliziosa entered service in 2010 and features stylish Italian décor such as various types of marbles, granite, mother-of-pearl, and Murano glass. The 92,600-gross-ton ship has four restaurants, three pools, 11 bars, the Samsara Spa and a 4-D cinema.

Port of Hakata expects near fourfold increase in 2016 cruise calls

The Port of Hakata on the Japanese island of Fukuoka commissioned its cruise terminal this year and it anticipates the number of calls to rise nearly fourfold in 2016

“This year, Hakata renewed the record number of cruise ship calls for the first time in 14 years that doubled the previous record number, 131 calls in 2001. The port welcomed cruise ships throughout the year 2015 and it was truly a great year for us,” the port said in a statement.

“We have received more berth reservations for the next year and expect to welcome 400 ship calls that will make the port much busier,’ the port commented.