Ports & destinations

Thessaloniki makes its presence felt as a major cruise destination

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 27 April 2026 27 April 2026

Strategic ambitions, a new terminal and congestion at nearby destinations are all giving impetus to cruise ship business at Greece’s second largest port, according to Cosmatos Group

The cruise sector has become a driving force for the growth of maritime services in Thessaloniki, as a new terminal takes shape at Greece’s second largest port and dredging work continues to support its ambitions to join the Eastern Mediterranean’s major destinations.

In March 2026, Port of Thessaloniki appointed Five Senses Consulting & Development to support the next phase of its cruise strategy and develop homeporting opportunities. The strategy looks to build on the port’s investment in the 'Alexander the Great' Cruise Terminal, which opened in 2023.

Coordinating efforts to add facilities, enhance safety measures and expand port services will be key to maintaining momentum in attracting more cruise lines and ships, including luxury vessels, according to Cosmatos Group – a leading shipping agency service provider based in Thessaloniki.

Continuous investment in infrastructure is improving the port’s ability to serve cruise vessels more efficiently, with a focus on accommodating larger ships and faster turnaround operations, according to Elisabeth Cosmatos, CEO, Cosmatos Group.
“Thessaloniki is relatively new to the cruise map, but it has quickly established its identity as an alternative to traditional destinations that have become congested, not least because it offers guests an equally rich entry point to Greek culture,” she said.

Cultural attractions

Thessaloniki is widely regarded as one of Greece’s top culinary destinations, while also offering a rich historical and cultural appeal. As the closest major port to the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Vergina, the ancient capital of the Macedonian kingdom, visitors can explore the tomb of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. With more than 2,000 years of continuous history, Thessaloniki showcases a blend of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage. An important trading port since antiquity, the city derives its name from the stepsister of Alexander the Great.

Combined with access to destinations such as Mount Olympus, Meteora and the Halkidiki peninsula, the city offers cruise passengers a wide variety of cultural, historical and natural experiences within relatively short travel distances. A vibrant city of just over one million inhabitants, Thessaloniki also has a well-connected international airport a short distance from its port, making it suitable for turnaround calls and homeport operations.

Greece has long been a highly desirable cruise destination but some of the most popular places are beginning to show the strain, as ship calls increase and day visitor numbers climb. Popular destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos and even Piraeus have faced challenges in managing cruise ship port calls in recent times. Callers at Thessaloniki include Costa and Aida Cruises, Celestyal, Celebrity, Silver Seas, Emerald, Crystal, Seven Seas & Azamara.

Andreas Zikos, Cruise Department Head for Cosmatos Shipping Services said the six-strong dedicated Cosmatos agency team handled 53 cruise ship calls at Thessaloniki last year, generally of medium to large size vessels in terms of dimensions and guest capacity. The 90,940 gt Celebrity Infinity, for example, recorded 20 calls in 2025, carrying an average of about 2,100 passengers and 950 crew on each visit. The ship is scheduled to make another 23 calls in 2026, said Zikos.

Cosmatos takes care of berth reservations and port arrangements, vessel and crew clearance, mandatory port reports for a vessel’s approach and departure, arranges sailing permits required for final clearance, and handles all passenger documentation.

“We also coordinate a wide range of shore-based services, including technical assistance, transfers, provisions, concierge support, medical arrangements, deliveries, and crew embarkation and disembarkation,” said Zikos.

Service development

“We have observed a rise in requests for more complex services compared to the past when needs were mostly limited to basic provisions or crew changes. There has been an exponential increase in provisions, large-scale crew changes, personalized transportation and more complex requests driven by specific circumstances. These include large flower orders for occasions such as Valentine’s Day – this year we imported 1000 red roses from the Netherlands and delivered them onboard a Celestyal vessel – as well as floral arrangements for dinners and shuttle service requests.”

“All of these capabilities have proved vital in serving the noticeable increase in luxury cruise business that the port has been experiencing in recent years,” added Cosmatos. “That has also prepared us to take on new challenges. As an example, we successfully handled the first call by a cruise ship at Halkidiki [near Thessaloniki] at the peak of the 2025 tourist season for Crystal Cruises.” In addition, Cosmatos acts as subagents for Inchcape Shipping Services and for Wilhelmsen Port services, supporting their cruise ship calls.

Dealing with last minute changes has also become part of daily routine, she added. “We have leaned into the training for resilience that Cosmatos deploys in its wider logistics business. Good communication skills, procedural discipline and willingness to find solutions are transferrable skills.”

To ensure the highest level of service, the company maintains continuous communication with all relevant authorities combining digital tools with direct personal contact. Digitalisation has made operations more efficient, and decarbonisation and sustainability are increasingly factored in to port operations.

Thessaloniki participates in the Maritime Emissions Portal (MEP) pilot programme, which allows ports and shipping stakeholders to monitor emissions from incoming vessels and better understand their environmental footprint.

Primarily the country’s largest commercial port, Thessaloniki’s administration has traditionally been more oriented toward cargo than passenger services. As cruise call frequency continues to grow, authorities are becoming increasingly responsive to the needs of the sector, said Zikos.

“It is encouraging to see an evolution within the Greek public sector, which was traditionally associated with bureaucratic procedures and a limited customer-oriented approach; that is steadily changing as younger professionals enter the workforce.”
“Other factors also suggest the future is bright for Thessaloniki as a cruise destination,” added Cosmatos. “The growth in tourist numbers visiting the Greek islands can only be in our favour, for example. As well as our natural and cultural advantages, meanwhile, Thessaloniki is also a safe destination on the global map.”

Global Ports Holding signs 24-year concession agreement for Acapulco Cruise Port in Mexico

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 13 April 2026 13 April 2026

Global Ports Holding Limited, the world’s largest cruise port operator, has signed a 24-year operating concession agreement for Acapulco Cruise Port in Mexico, following its selection as the preferred bidder by the Administration of the National Port System Acapulco, S.A. de C.V. (ASIPONA).

Under the concession, Global Ports Holding will operate and develop the cruise terminal within a total concession area of approximately 17,199 square meters. As part of the project, GPH intends to implement phased investments to enhance cruise operations, improve passenger flow, and elevate the overall visitor experience.

The planned developments are expected to upgrade facilities and introduce new commercial and leisure offerings for cruise passengers visiting the destination. In addition, GPH will work closely with cruise line partners and local stakeholders to introduce new destination experiences and shore-side concepts that will further elevate Acapulco’s appeal as a unique port of call along Pacific/Mexican Riviera cruise itineraries.

In parallel with GPH’s planned investment, ASIPONA is expected to construct a brand new 350-meter cruise pier capable of berthing larger cruise vessels, using public resources, which will form part of the concession area once completed. The new berth is currently planned for completion in the first quarter of 2027, further strengthening the port’s capacity to accommodate modern cruise vessels.

Through these combined investments by GPH and ASIPONA, Acapulco is expected to strengthen its position as an important transit destination for cruise itineraries along the west coast of the Americas.

Acapulco is one of Mexico’s most iconic cruise destinations and holds a significant place in the country’s maritime history as its first port. With its rich heritage and strategic location, the destination is well positioned to benefit from increased cruise activity in the region.

Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding, said:
“Being awarded the concession for Acapulco Cruise Port represents an important milestone for Global Ports Holding as it marks our first port in Mexico. Acapulco is a destination with a rich history and strong potential within the regional cruise market. We believe that, through close cooperation with ASIPONA and local stakeholders, we can help unlock this potential and support the continued development of cruise tourism in the region. We look forward to working together with our partners and the local community to enhance the port’s facilities and deliver a high-quality experience for cruise passengers visiting Acapulco.”

Mike Maura, Regional Director Americas of Global Ports Holding, added: “Acapulco represents a strategic addition to our Americas portfolio and a destination with strong potential within Pacific itineraries. Together with ASIPONA and our local partners, we will focus on enhancing operational efficiency and the overall passenger experience, safety and security while supporting the destination’s re-positioning within the regional cruise landscape.”

The Retired Vice Admiral Raymundo Sánchez López, General Director of ASIPONA Acapulco, stated: “Acapulco is opening a new chapter in its development within the cruise sector. This step represents an opportunity to strengthen the destination’s presence in international routes and enhance the quality of the experience for visitors arriving at the port. We are confident that the joint work with Global Ports Holding will improve cruise operations and consolidate the Port of Acapulco as a key destination within Mexican Pacific cruise itineraries.”

By leveraging its global network, commercial expertise, and long-standing relationships with major cruise lines, Global Ports Holding aims to support the continued growth of cruise tourism in Acapulco and contribute to the long-term development of the destination.

GPH aims to commence operations in the second quarter of 2026, working closely with ASIPONA on the planning and technical preparations required for the project. The development is expected to deliver a modern cruise facility where port operations and commercial activities are integrated to support sustainable growth in cruise tourism.

 

Nassau Cruise Port highlights strong Q1 growth, expansion and new guest experiences at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 23 April 2026 23 April 2026

Nassau Cruise Port, the world’s largest transit cruise port, showcased its continued growth, infrastructure expansion, and enhanced guest experience at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026, reinforcing its position as one of the region’s leading and most dynamic cruise destinations.

Held April 13–16, 2026, at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Seatrade Cruise Global provided a key platform for the Nassau Cruise Port team to engage with cruise line partners, industry leaders, and global stakeholders while highlighting its impressive performance and forward-looking developments. Nassau Cruise Port entered 2026 with significant momentum, delivering a stronger first quarter across nearly every key performance metric. Total passenger volumes grew by nearly 15%, increasing from 1.6 million to 1.8 million, while ship calls rose 5.5%, demonstrating sustained demand and confidence from cruise line partners.

“Our performance reflects the strength of our partnerships and the continued appeal of Nassau as a premier cruise destination,” said Mike Maura, Jr, CEO & Director. “At Seatrade, we had the opportunity to build on that momentum, share our progress, and highlight what’s next for Nassau Cruise Port.”

Central to that next phase is the continued expansion of the port’s offerings. The highly anticipated Bahama Bay pool and day club is set to open within weeks, introducing a vibrant, immersive waterfront experience designed to further enhance the passenger journey. This momentum reflects strong growth in shore excursions, supported by an expanded mix of local experiences and enhanced retail and food & beverage offerings that encourage deeper engagement and visitor spend across the local community.

In addition, the recent completion of Nassau Cruise Port’s marina expansion in November has significantly broadened its capabilities, enabling the port to accommodate up to six mega-yachts simultaneously. This development strengthens Nassau’s position as a cruise hub and as an attractive destination for luxury and boutique maritime traffic.

The presence of Nassau Cruise Port at the event also reflected its ongoing collaboration with national partners, including the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, as part of a unified effort to promote The Bahamas on the global stage. Following its transformative redevelopment, Nassau Cruise Port continues to elevate the cruise passenger experience through modern infrastructure, authentic Bahamian retail and entertainment, and a strong focus on sustainability and community engagement.

MedCruise unveils landmark study mapping the real economic footprint of cruise tourism in the Mediterranean

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 01 April 2026 01 April 2026

MedCruise, the largest cruise port association in the world, announces the launch of its Cruise Economic Impact Assessment Study, a major initiative aimed at providing a comprehensive, evidence-based understanding of the economic, social and environmental contribution of cruise tourism.

The project is conducted in cooperation with Professor Thanos Pallis of the Department of Maritime Studies at the University of Piraeus and brings together over 12 MedCruise Port Members from the Atlantic, West Mediterranean, Adriatic and East Mediterranean & Red Sea regions. This broad geographic coverage reflects the diversity of cruise destinations and market dynamics across the wider Mediterranean and beyond.

The participating ports include: Cabo Verde, Cartagena, Dubrovnik, Gibraltar, Kotor, Lavrio, Sardinian Ports, Sibenik, Taranto, Tarragona, Toulon Bay Ports, Volos and Western Sicilian Ports.

By combining robust data collection with in-depth analysis, the study seeks to generate actionable insights for port authorities, cruise lines, policymakers and local communities, supporting informed decision-making and sustainable growth.
Project Objectives

The Cruise Economic Impact Assessment Study aims to:

– Quantify the economic impact of cruise tourism, including direct, indirect and induced effects
– Identify opportunities for sustainable cruise development and enhanced local value creation
– Strengthen engagement with local communities by clearly communicating the benefits of cruise activity
– Provide guidance on increasing added value through employment generation, diversification of port activities and enhanced passenger experiences

Methodology

The study applies a robust, multi-dimensional methodology, combining quantitative and qualitative data to capture the full scope of cruise tourism impacts. Key elements include:

– Analysis of expenditure by cruise companies, passengers and crew members to map economic flows
– Assessment of value added and employment effects, including direct, indirect and induced impacts
– Evaluation of activity types, passenger profiles and port characteristics to better understand market dynamics and preferences

Data collection has commenced and will continue throughout the cruising year, ensuring a complete picture of seasonal and regional variations.

Expected outcomes

The results of the study will be consolidated and presented at Seatrade Cruise Global 2027, providing ports and stakeholders with a strategic roadmap to optimise the economic, social and environmental benefits of cruise tourism.

The study is expected to become a key reference point for evidence-based policymaking, sustainable cruise development strategies and constructive dialogue with local communities.

Voices from the project

Theodora Riga, President of MedCruise and President of Corfu Port Authority, commented: “Robust data is essential, but its true value lies in how it is communicated. Cruise tourism is multifaceted, with many perspectives and only a holistic approach can do justice to its real impact. Through this approach, MedCruise ensures that the entire story is told, enabling informed dialogue and balanced decision-making.”

Lorenzo Vera, Member of the MedCruise Board of Directors and Coordinator of the initiative, added: “This study marks a turning point in how we understand cruise tourism in the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas. By grounding the discussion in solid evidence and shared data, we are building a common framework that empowers ports and destinations to shape a more resilient and sustainable future.”

Professor Thanos Pallis, Department of Maritime Studies, University of Piraeus, stated: “This initiative will advance our understanding of the real impact of cruise activity on Mediterranean ports and destinations, generating valuable information for all. Creating a culture of evidence-based information and providing the framework for similar studies facilitates decision making and the much-needed dialogue between all stakeholders working for sustainable cruise growth”