The number of cruise passengers at member ports of the 17 strong Atlantic Alliance will hit 2.5 million this year, an increase from 2.2 million in 2012 and from 2.3 million the Alliance had forecast for this year, figures released by the organisation say.
"The successful cruise season of 2013 with approximately 2.5 million cruise passengers for the Atlantic Alliance member ports has nearly come to an end. Though, some member ports are awaiting a few special cruise calls in December solely focusing on the festive season. These ports look forward to welcoming passengers longing to experience the festive atmosphere of the cities," the Hamburg Cruise Center said in a statement issued on behalf the Alliance.
"Christmas Cruises as theme cruises enable cruise lines to see Northern Europe as a year-round destination and extend the season in Northern Europe also in winter. This is a chance for cruise lines to reduce the need for repositioning cruises," it pointed out.
The Alliance comprises Amsterdam, Antwerp, Bordeaux, Bremerhaven, Cherbourg, Cork, Dover, Hamburg, IJmuiden, La Rochelle, Le Havre, Nantes, Portland, Rotterdam, St Malo, Santander and Vigo.
