Ports & destinations

Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore to become new platform for local artists

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 09 October 2026 09 October 2026

SATS-Creuers Cruise Services (SCCS), which operates Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS), one of Asia’s busiest cruise terminals, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Arts Council (NAC) to bring the arts to life within the terminal. The three-year partnership will bring Singapore’s arts into one of the country’s key international gateways. Following MBCCS’s expansion last year, its increased capacity also provides opportunities for Singapore artists to reach a growing and diverse audience of cruise travellers.

Gregory Tan, CEO of SATS-Creuers, said, “MBCCS’s position as Asia’s premier cruise terminal makes it the natural gateway to introduce travellers to Singapore’s unique culture and heritage from the moment they arrive on our shores. Through our partnership with NAC, we hope to broaden the reach of our local arts community and create meaningful opportunities for home-grown talents. We are honoured to showcase the very best of Singapore to all who pass through our terminal.”

“The arts can be experienced in many different places, and partnerships like this allow us to create more opportunities for Singapore artists to share their work with new audiences. By bringing the arts into MBCCS, we hope that more travellers will encounter and connect with the diversity of Singapore’s arts and culture as part of their journey, and discover Singapore through the work and perspectives of our artists,” said Lynette Pang, Deputy CEO of NAC.

Over the three years, performing and visual arts activations will progressively be introduced across MBCCS. Travellers and visitors can expect multicultural musical performances during peak cruise periods that coincide with maiden calls, major festive periods, and local school holidays. New and existing wall spaces across MBCCS will gradually feature contemporary murals, creating a multicultural storytelling experience for terminal visitors.

The partnership builds on arts activations already piloted at the cruise centre, including a new mural, titled Manifest, by local artist Eunice Hannah Lim, which ties together Singapore’s rich maritime history and its cultural heritage. An animated version of Manifest will greet passengers at the newly expanded terminal, leading them towards the full mural, where symbolic sea creatures and maritime and cultural motifs invite visitors to reflect on Singapore’s enduring relationship with the ocean SCCS and NAC envision this to be the first of several collaborations with local artists, with more arts activations to be introduced at the terminal over the three-year partnership.

Madeira set to reach new record for cruise calls in 2026

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 08 October 2026 08 October 2026

Madeira is expected to close 2026 with a new record of 349 cruise ship calls, while also preparing to surpass, for the first time, the 800,000 cruise passenger mark in a single year.

These two milestones, both new all-time highs for the Region, cap an exceptional year for the Madeira Regional Ports Administration (APRAM, SA), with the cruise industry having recorded five consecutive years of growth.

“Based on the latest forecasts and the berth bookings scheduled through to the end of the year, we are expecting close to 820,000 cruise passengers and nearly 350 cruise ship calls (349),” said APRAM Chairwoman Paula Cabaço, noting that 2025 had already been the best year ever for cruising in Madeira, with 746,000 passengers and 331 calls.

If confirmed, these figures will make 2026 a new record year for cruise activity in Madeira, representing growth of almost 10% in passenger numbers and 5.4% in cruise calls compared with 2025. The figures remain provisional and may still change before the end of the year, notably due to weather conditions or possible changes to ships’ itineraries.

The strong activity expected in October is also contributing to this growth, with 33 cruise calls already booked and more than 75,000 passengers expected. “Everything points to one of the strongest Octobers of recent years, which demonstrates the cruise lines’ confidence in Madeira as a destination and is also the result of the work of everyone who contributes, on a daily basis, to the quality of the experience of those who visit us,” Paula Cabaço stressed, highlighting the important role played by shipping agents, shore excursion companies and all the other sector partners who have been fundamental to this continued growth.

Port of Palm Beach to expand cruise facilities

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 28 September 2026 28 September 2026

The Port of Palm Beach is maximizing its existing footprint by moving forward with plans to enhance its cruise facilities. During the monthly Port Commission Meeting on September 24, the Port Commission voted to issue a competitive solicitation for the proposed project, which was identified as a priority in the Port’s 2023 Master Plan.

“This proposed project brings together several critical improvements that will create opportunities for future cruise growth at Port of Palm Beach,” said Port Executive Director Michael Meekins.

The $43M capital improvement project would address several key infrastructure needs at the Port’s cruise terminal and berth, including:
– Constructing a parking garage
– Purchasing a new passenger loading bridge
– Increasing screening capacity and baggage laydown area
– Adding mooring dolphins to accommodate longer ships

For the past few years, the Port has been focused on enhancing the cruise passenger experience and establishing the port as one of the easiest and most convenient ports to sail from in South Florida.

“Our goal is to bring more cruise passengers to Palm Beach County and the City of Riviera Beach, creating greater economic benefits to our community,” said Port Commission Chair Blair Ciklin. “By expanding our cruise offerings, we have the opportunity to encourage longer stays, support local restaurants, and businesses, and continue to contribute to the growth of tourism throughout our region.”

There is currently one cruise ship homeported at Port of Palm Beach. The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is a 1680-passenger vessel that’s been operating at the Port since April 2022.

Ferrol Cruise Port’s new terminal to open in spring 2027

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 29 September 2026 29 September 2026

Ferrol Cruise Port, operated by Global Ports Holding, the world’s largest cruise port operator, expects to have its new passenger terminal operational by spring next year. The announcement was made during a joint presentation by the Port Authority and Global Ports Holding at Seatrade Cruise Med 2026.

José Antonio Álvarez Vidal, President of the Ferrol-San Cibrao Port Authority, said: “Our partnership with Global Ports Holding is a strategic alliance and a strong commitment to both the port and the city. Ferrol Cruise Port will help boost passenger traffic, showcase our region’s tourism appeal and strengthen the connection between the port and the city. Alongside the Abrir Ferrol al Mar project, it represents another important step in Ferrol’s transformation, opening our maritime and historic heritage to citizens and visitors alike.”

GPH Regional Director, West Med, Francesc Grau stated during his remarks: "Ferrol represents an important addition to our West Mediterranean and Atlantic portfolio, strengthening our presence in Spain and expanding our reach across the region. We look forward to supporting the new cruise terminal project as it continues to develop and to the opportunities it will create for both the port and the destination. Our aim is to support Ferrol’s long-term growth as a cruise destination while ensuring it benefits from the experience, standards and connectivity of GPH’s wider regional network."

The Ferrol-San Cibrao Port Authority awarded GPH a 30-year concession to build and operate the cruise terminal at the Port of Ferrol. The project will occupy a total area of 960m2 at the outer quay and will be developed in two phases. In the first phase, a 480m2 terminal will be built, with construction expected to begin this year. Operations are expected to commence during the 2027 cruise season.

Ferrol thus joins GPH’s network of 35 ports worldwide, serving more than 22 million passengers, further strengthening the company’s presence in both Spain and the Atlantic region.

MedCruise concludes a strong presence at Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 in Las Palmas

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 23 September 2026 23 September 2026

MedCruise, the Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports, concluded its participation last week at Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, following two days of meetings, networking, knowledge exchange and industry discussions bringing together the Mediterranean cruise community and the wider international cruise sector.

Seatrade Cruise Med provided an important opportunity to showcase the strength and diversity of the MedCruise network, reinforce cooperation across the sector and contribute to discussions on the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of cruising.

A strong MedCruise presence on the exhibition floor

At the heart of MedCruise’s participation was its 360 m² pavilion, which brought together members from across the Association and served throughout the event as a central meeting and networking point for ports, destinations, cruise lines and industry partners.

MedCruise members were able to participate within the MedCruise space through three different formats, designed to accommodate different levels of presence and business activity during the event. Five members had their own individual booths within the wider MedCruise pavilion, while 13 members participated through dedicated tables reserved for their use throughout the event.

In addition, members without their own booth or dedicated table were able to make use of the MedCruise B2B meeting tables, booking meeting slots to hold business-to-business appointments with cruise lines and other industry stakeholders directly within the MedCruise space.

Across these different participation formats, the MedCruise booth provided a shared platform for members to promote their ports, destinations and services, develop business opportunities and strengthen relationships with key cruise industry stakeholders.

Over 100 B2B meetings were held at the MedCruise booth over the two days, reinforcing one of the Association’s core objectives at Seatrade Cruise Med: facilitating direct connections between its members and the wider cruise industry.

Economic impact in focus at the MedCruise booth

The MedCruise booth also became a platform for knowledge exchange through the 6th Working Group Meeting on Economic Impact Assessments – Expert Panel: Ports of Spain.

Presented by Lorenzo Vera Franco, Member of the MedCruise Board of Directors responsible for Economic Impact Assessments, the session featured Verónica Verdesoto Gómez from Puertos del Estado and provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the economic contribution of cruise activity and the importance of robust and comparable data in understanding its wider impact on ports and destinations.

The presentation formed part of MedCruise’s ongoing work on Economic Impact Assessments, which seeks to strengthen knowledge and provide members with useful methodologies and insights to better understand and communicate the direct, indirect and induced economic contribution generated by cruise activity.

Sharing expertise from across the MedCruise network

MedCruise’s presence extended well beyond the exhibition floor, with 19 MedCruise members and representatives contributing as speakers to the Seatrade Cruise Med conference programme.

Their participation brought expertise from across the MedCruise membership to discussions covering expedition cruising, artificial intelligence and technology, destination management, shoreside infrastructure, responsible tourism, the visitor experience and the future of Mediterranean cruising.

Among the MedCruise members and representatives participating in the conference programme were:
– Stephen Xuereb, Valletta Cruise Port / Global Ports Holding – Cruise Ready: An Introduction to CLIA’s New Masterclass Series for Port and Destination Leaders
– Lorenzo Vera Franco, Member of the MedCruise Board of Directors, responsible for Economic Impact Assessments & Commercial Unit Manager at the Port Authority of Motril – What Defines Expedition Cruising Today?
– Jelka Tepsic, Dubrovnik Port Authority – Smarter Destinations: Can Technology Help Manage Destination Growth?
– Dario Barbarić, MedCruise Director for Health, Safety & Security & Head of the Department for Security, Development and Maintenance of Port Infrastructure and Environmental Protection, Dubrovnik Port Authority – Practical AI in Ports: Cutting Through the Hype
– Francesca Antonelli Ibáñez, Port Authority of Valencia, and Leyla Rojas Osorio, Global Cruises – Beyond the Bucket List: The Art of Destination Storytelling
– Luz Marina Espiau Moreno, MedCruise Director for Digitalisation and Innovation & Commercial & Business Development Manager, Tenerife Ports, and André Velho Cabral, Portos dos Açores – The Atlantic Advantage
– Valeria Mangiarotti, MedCruise Director for Sustainability & Environmental Energy Policies and Marketing Manager, Port Network Authority of the Sardinian Sea – Is Shoreside Infrastructure Ready for the Next Generation of Ships?
– George Spirakis, Intercruises Shoreside and Port Services – Making Every Call Count: Unlocking Longer Stays & Lasting Destination Value
– Anja Wilde, Intercruises Shoreside and Port Services – Leave Something Behind: Responsible Shore Experiences
– Ioannis Bras, Five Senses Consulting and Development, and Miguel Reyna, Cruise Terminals International – The First 15 Minutes Ashore
– Anne-Marie Spinosi, Senior Vice President of MedCruise / Corsica Ports, and Stephen Xuereb, Valletta Cruise Port / Global Ports Holding – 30 Years On... What Will Define the Next 30 Years of Med Cruising?

Together, these contributions reflected the breadth of expertise within the MedCruise community and its active role in conversations around how ports, destinations and industry partners can respond to an evolving cruise landscape.

Connecting the Mediterranean cruise community

Throughout Seatrade Cruise Med 2026, the key message from MedCruise was one of collaboration, knowledge sharing and collective action.

From the conversations taking place at the booth and the B2B meetings between members and industry stakeholders to the contributions of MedCruise representatives across the conference programme, the event demonstrated the value of bringing together ports, destinations, cruise lines and industry partners to exchange experiences and address common priorities.

Discussions throughout the event highlighted several themes central to the future of the sector, including sustainable cruise development, stronger port-city and community relations, digitalisation and innovation, the economic value generated by cruise activity, responsible destination management and the importance of creating meaningful experiences for passengers and
destinations alike.

As MedCruise marks 30 years of activity, its participation in Seatrade Cruise Med 2026 also provided an opportunity to look ahead. Three decades after its creation, the Association continues to bring together the Mediterranean and adjoining seas cruise community while adapting its work to the changing needs of ports, destinations and the wider cruise industry.

MedCruise leaves Las Palmas with renewed momentum to continue strengthening cooperation among its members, representing their interests internationally and supporting the sustainable development of cruise activities throughout the Mediterranean and adjoining seas.