Ports & destinations

Construction officially underway for Galveston's fourth cruise terminal

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 21 August 2024 21 August 2024

Construction is underway at the Port of Galveston to convert an existing cargo warehouse into the port’s fourth cruise terminal. The $151 million cruise complex at Pier 16 will include a 165,000-square-foot terminal and a $55 million parking garage. The terminal will be home to MSC Seascape when it opens in November 2025.

Galveston Wharves celebrated the construction start on Aug. 20 at a ceremony with executives from MSC Cruises and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), elected officials, community leaders and other port partners.

During the ceremony, Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO, and Rick Sasso, MSC Cruises U.S. chairman, drew back a curtain to debut a large-scale rendering of the terminal complex with MSC Seascape docked alongside to applause from a crowd of more than 150.

Rees said, “We have so much to celebrate today with this milestone and what it means to our community, cruise guests and port partners. This beautiful new terminal will generate jobs and economic growth for the region, an exciting new cruise choice for our market, and growth opportunities for our port partners.

“We also want to take this opportunity to give a warm, Texas welcome to MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise line. Having a cruise line of this stature homeporting in Galveston says a great deal about our position in the U.S. and global cruise markets.”

With the opening of the fourth terminal, Rees added that he expects the port to reach more than 2 million passengers a year beginning in 2026, which would be a new milestone in Galveston’s 24 years as a cruise home port.

During his comments, Sasso said, “The groundbreaking for Cruise Terminal 16 marks a significant milestone in MSC Cruises’ ongoing U.S. expansion. Adding Galveston as our fourth homeport will make it even easier for travelers from the central and western parts of the country to enjoy our distinctive mix of European style and American comfort.

“This state-of-the-art terminal will set the tone for a memorable cruise experience. We are thrilled to work closely with the Galveston Wharves to shape the future of cruising in Texas, delivering extraordinary vacations and unforgettable moments aboard the beautiful and modern MSC Seascape.”

Vic Pierson, Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees chairman, praised his fellow board members and previous board members.

“Making major capital projects like this cruise terminal a reality takes vision and courage. This terminal is possible thanks to my fellow board members and the previous board members who implemented the port’s bold 20-Year Strategic Master Plan.”

Jason Park, with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), commented, “We are thrilled about breaking ground on this new, state-of-the-art terminal, a direct result of the successful, ongoing collaboration between the Port of Galveston, policymakers, and the cruise industry. The addition of this new terminal will significantly enhance our collective ability to serve cruise guests and reinforces Galveston’s status as a premier cruise destination. We eagerly anticipate continuing our partnership with the port, which benefits both cruise travelers and Galveston residents.”

Park is the cruise line trade association’s senior vice president of Government Affairs and managing director of North America.

A game-changer for the community

U.S. Congressman Randy Weber told the crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony: “I’m thrilled about the groundbreaking of our fourth cruise terminal at the Port of Galveston. This kind of investment is a game-changer for our community, and it’s all thanks to Rodger Rees. His leadership is putting Galveston on the map as a top cruise destination and keeping our port bustling with activity. I will continue to fight for our ports in Congress to ensure they get the support they deserve.”

Building on Weber’s remarks, Galveston Mayor Craig Brown said, “The city of Galveston is so appreciative of the Wharves Board (of Trustees), Rodger Rees, and the port staff for their expert management and success of the Port of Galveston. This new cruise terminal is a shining example of enhancements to our port that benefit our residents and visitors alike.”

State leaders Senator Mayes Middleton and Rep. Terri Leo Wilson also commented on what this growth means to the region and the state.

Rep. Leo Wilson said, "The new cruise terminal at Pier 16 symbolizes not just the growth of our port, but the limitless potential of Galveston. As we embark on this exciting journey, we are investing in our community’s future, creating opportunities and welcoming the world to our shores."

Gina Spagnola, Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, added, “The economic impact of homeporting extends far beyond the port. Local retailers, suppliers, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues all thrive on the continuous influx of cruise passengers and crew members. This growth is driving the expansion of small businesses, boosting our regional economy, and creating thousands of jobs.”

Regional economic benefits

The local impact of the port’s 2022 cruise activity included 3,500 jobs, $568 million in local business revenue, and $73.5 million in local purchases by passengers and crew. The fourth cruise terminal is forecast to generate an additional 925 jobs and $177 million in local business revenue annually.

The city of Galveston will benefit directly with passenger fees and sales tax revenues from cruise parking.

Rees added that, according to the port’s 2019 board-approved 20-Year Strategic Master Plan, the fourth cruise terminal was not anticipated to be needed until 2031.

“We’re able to begin this new project now due to cruise market demand and because Del Monte Fresh Produce Co., a long-standing cargo tenant, outgrew its facilities in Galveston. We are happy to see that Del Monte was able to relocate 30 miles to the south in Freeport, thus retaining its regional economic impact. We leveraged this opportunity based on the unprecedented popularity of the cruise industry and our optimal location in the central part of the United States,” Rees said.

PhilaPort to homeport Norwegian Jewel in Philadelphia beginning April 2026

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 17 July 2024 17 July 2024

PhilaPort has announced that it will commence cruise operations in 2026, welcoming Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Norwegian Jewel, which has the capacity to accommodate 2,330 guests, will homeport from Philadelphia from April 16 through Oct. 17, 2026, featuring 24 calls to the city.

During the summer 2026 season, Norwegian Jewel will offer 7-to-9-night voyages to Bermuda, where the ship will overnight, giving guests more time to enjoy the island’s stunning turquoise waters and pink-sand beaches. When the weather turns cooler, embarking from September 5 through Oct. 7, 2026, Norwegian Jewel will sail 10 and 11-night open-jaw voyages to Canada and New England. The ship will alternate homeports between Philadelphia and Quebec City featuring calls in quainter ports in the region like Saguenay, Charlottetown and Halifax, Canada in addition to well-known ports, such as Bar Harbor, Maine and Boston.

The economic impact from cruise vessels is significant. In launching cruise operations PhilaPort anticipates that if growth continues among this segment by 2028, this industry could generate over 2,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs, and over $40 million in annual county and state tax revenue.

“The Port of Philadelphia plays a significant role in making our Commonwealth an economic leader on the global stage supporting thousands of local jobs and connecting millions of people with the best of what Philadelphia and the Commonwealth has to offer. Now, with the addition of Norwegian Cruise Line coming to the Port in 2026, millions of Pennsylvanians and passengers from across the region will have another reason to visit Philadelphia’s waterfront,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “With all eyes on Philadelphia as we prepare to host our country’s 250th birthday in 2026, the Port will continue to help support and grow Philadelphia tourism to create economic opportunity for our region, workers, and businesses.”

As the birthplace of America, where the country was founded, Philadelphia has a large number of world-class attractions or sights to be seen. In addition, Philadelphia has a variety of ethnic neighborhoods and famous cultural institutions.

“As the first passenger cruise line to homeport in Philadelphia in many years, the arrival of Norwegian Jewel is a key milestone for NCL and our partners at the Port of Philadelphia,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We are looking forward to welcoming guests from the area and surrounding cities starting spring 2026 and offering them the vacation of a lifetime.”

In terms of economic impact, the industries that will gain the most from the new service include hotels and restaurants. Museums, historical sites, zoos and parks will also benefit, as will provisioning companies and transportation services.

“It is tremendous economic news for Philadelphia that Norwegian Cruise Line will begin sailing out of Philadelphia in 2026,” said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “This means tourism travel to our city, jobs for our workers at PhilaPort, and simply put, broader economic opportunity for Philadelphia. We welcome Norwegian Cruise Line to Philadelphia, and thank every individual involved in making this important economic development take place here in our city!”

PhilaPort, The Port of Philadelphia, will be preparing over the next 18 months for this new chapter of cruising from the city. Capital improvements are being made to ensure the seamless transfer of passengers from ship to shore and shore to ship.

“We have been known as the fastest growing cargo port in North America,” said Jeff Theobald, Executive Director and CEO of PhilaPort. “Now we are pleased to add tourism and cruises to our portfolio.”

“Twenty Twenty-Six is going to be a big year for the City of Philadelphia,” said Michael Pearson, Chairman of the PhilaPort Board of Directors. “We are celebrating the United States’ 250th birthday, hosting major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Game, the PGA’s 108th Championship, as well as NCAA March Madness games. NCL’s weekly cruises will add to the festivities and offer its guests a lot of fun things to see pre- and post-cruise!”

The Port of Philadelphia is located in the heart of the richest consumer market in the world. Thirty million people live within 100 miles, or a two-hour drive, of the Port. Now people looking to take a cruise will not have to fly or travel long distances to embark on a voyage. Norwegian Jewel features a variety of accommodations options and amenities for guests to enjoy onboard including 16 dining options, 13 bars and lounges, world-class entertainment, and more. Cruisers will now be able to set sail directly from PhilaPort’s SouthPort Marine Terminal Complex.

Over the coming two years, PhilaPort will be working with organizations across the Commonwealth to rebuild its cruise business and releasing additional details as they become available.

AIDA Cruises returns to Riga

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 28 June 2024 28 June 2024

This season, AIDA Cruises returns to Riga after a five-year break, with nine scheduled calls from three of their ships.

“We, as AIDA Cruises, are happy to be back at this wonderful port, showing our guests the variety of the Baltic. Also, with more calls than before in 2019: expecting nine calls in 2024 and also nine calls for 2025. Our shore excursion programme offers something for everyone: whether it’s a quick overview of Riga or full-day excursions in the surroundings to Kemeri National Park or Jurmala,” says an AIDA spokesman.

Ieva Lasmane, head of the tourism department of the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency, says:”This is an important event for the development of tourism in the city and confirms the attractiveness of Riga as an excellent cruise destination. Tourists from Germany are one of Riga's largest target groups, and the return of such a large cruise line to Riga shows that the negative impact of the geopolitical situation on tourism in the Baltics is diminishing. The beneficiaries will also be the restaurants and cafes of Old Riga, which will be visited by the passengers of the ship, giving an additional impetus to business”.

On average, 40% of AIDA passengers participate in tours, which is a typical attendance rate. These tours include various themed excursions around the capital, such as cultural and local tourism programs and culinary tours. Popular destinations also include the picturesque town of Sigulda and Rundale Palace, and some passengers opt for guided walks along the marsh paths.

"We are one of the most highly rated destinations in the Baltic Sea region. The majority of cruise lines note the high level of satisfaction of passengers after visiting Riga. Cruise passengers appreciate the various offer of Riga tourism products, including UNESCO heritage, cultural and historical pearls, local food and drinks, as well as the excellent location of the port nearby the old town,” says Jelena Burdastova, cruise business support specialist Riga Freeport Authority.

Most cruise tourists arriving in Riga are from Germany. In 2023, German cruise passengers made up 40% of all cruise tourists, totalling 32.7 thousand passengers. This year, with AIDA’s return, the Latvian capital is expecting even more travellers from Germany.

Canada Place cruise terminal implements facial biometric technology for passenger processing

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 30 June 2024 30 June 2024

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has partnered with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to introduce facial biometric technology for passengers embarking on a cruise at the Canada Place terminal.

The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s first seaport to introduce facial scanning for Canadian and U.S. passengers boarding cruise ships, with the technology expected to enhance passenger experience, terminal efficiency and border security.

“We’re excited to partner with U.S. authorities to implement this state-of-the-art passenger processing technology – which will help us provide a fast, secure and convenient experience for passengers embarking on a cruise,” said Peter Xotta, president and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the federal Canadian agency mandated with enabling trade including cruise through the Port of Vancouver. “Our ongoing partnerships with government and industry are crucial to enhancing the award-winning Canada Place cruise terminal and ensuring it can continue to meet growing demand while enhancing the experience of passengers. We want to thank the CBP for working with us to implement facial biometric processing – a Canadian-first innovation for a cruise terminal that will support a more efficient and secure border verification process.”

The facial biometric technology will fully automate manual document identity verification checks for those boarding a cruise that require admission into the U.S., such as trips to Alaska. Passengers will have a photo taken as part of the cruise ship boarding process at Canada Place, which will be compared to the photo from their pre-trip travel documentation within seconds.

“CBP and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority are excited to announce a new identity verification process incorporating facial biometrics that offers a secure, touchless experience at embarkation for cruise passengers,” said Diane Sabatino, acting executive assistant commissioner, office of field operations, at CBP. “This is another example of the value and impact of innovation through public-private partnerships that will enable CBP to reallocate resources to maximize border security while enhancing the overall passenger experience.”

The Canada Place facial biometric program has been customized for the terminal’s operational needs, including supporting open loop pre-inspection for passengers boarding in a Canadian marine environment who will travel on to destinations in the U.S. It replaces the previous automatic passport kiosks introduced in 2015 for Canadian and U.S. travellers.

The technology supporting the new program was provided by Pangiam, a BigBear.ai company, and was developed in close collaboration with CBP and the port authority.

“BigBear.ai is proud to engage with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and CBP for yet another deployment of its secure biometrics,” said Kevin McAleenan, president of BigBear.ai, and former acting secretary of U.S. Department of Homeland Security and former commissioner of the CBP. “BigBear.ai’s technologies being deployed in Vancouver have been purpose-built to enhance passenger experience, terminal efficiency and border security. Our approach uses state-of-the-art computer vision and AI to capture accurate facial recognition in real time, and instantly transmits to secure biometric matching services, ensuring immediate passenger identity verification.”

The new facial biometric program will be operated with support from SSA Marine, which provides operational management at the Canada Place cruise terminal on the port authority’s behalf.

“SSA Marine is delighted to collaborate with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and CBP to introduce facial biometrics technology at the Canada Place cruise ship terminal,” said Elise Ferguson, general manager – Vancouver at SSA Marine. “This innovative system promises to streamline and elevate the passenger experience, offering enhanced convenience and efficiency for travelers visiting the terminal while maintaining the integrity of border security.”

“The cruise line industry values the partnership between the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and U.S. CBP, and their work to further secure and innovate cruise travel,” said Donnie Brown, Cruise Lines International Association’s senior vice president, maritime policy. “Biometric facial comparison technology streamlines the identity verification process and decreases wait times for passengers. CLIA and member cruise lines remain committed to working with our partners to leverage technology solutions to make cruise travel more efficient, safe and secure.”

Anyone who wishes to opt out of the facial biometric process may notify a Canada Place cruise terminal representative as they enter the primary inspection point and will instead be required to present valid travel documents for a manual inspection.

Similar facial biometric technology currently operates at 20 U.S. cruise terminals for passenger debarkation upon return to the U.S. Canada Place is the first cruise terminal where facial biometric technology is being performed on embarkation.

The Canada Place cruise terminal at the Port of Vancouver is one of North America’s premier homeport destinations, with 1.27 million passenger visits expected in 2024. Vancouver has been a homeport for Alaska cruises for more than 30 years, acting as the base for one-way and round-trip cruises through the Inside Passage. As a homeport destination, the Vancouver cruise industry injects an average of more than $3 million into the local economy for each ship visit.

From left: Marc Rowley, Assistant Port Director at U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Mandy Chan, Manager of Cruise Services at Vancouver Fraser Port Authority; and Elise Ferguson, General Manager – Vancouver at SSA Marine

Port of Seattle approves 10-year agreement with Carnival Corporation

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 28 June 2024 28 June 2024

The Port of Seattle Commission has approved a 10-year preferential berthing agreement with Carnival Corporation, which includes Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Cunard brands continuing to home port in Seattle for the Alaska cruise season. The long-term agreement supports the Port’s path to work with partners to achieve its zero-emission sustainability goals, along with providing local economic development opportunities and boosting the economic impact of cruise in the region.

The agreement sets a 10-year term (2024 – 2033), with a mutually agreeable option to extend for five more years (2034 – 2038). This agreement builds on prior agreements between the Port of Seattle and Carnival Corporation, adding ambitious environmental, sustainability, and social dimensions that benefit the greater Seattle region and helping to accelerate work underway.

Key elements of the long-term agreement in support of economic investment and sustainability includes:

– Bringing in an anticipated $186 million in revenue and a minimum 550,000 revenue passengers annually: This would be the total anticipated revenue over 10 years; it could grow to $273 million if extended to the full 15 years.
– Advancing the Port’s 2027 shore power goals: Carnival Corporation has been the leader on shore power in Seattle, having installed the equipment almost 20 years ago. To help the Port realize its ambition to have all ships at all cruise berths plug in by 2027, Carnival Corporation will seek commercial agreements with other cruise companies to plug in their ships to Carnival Corporation's shore power assets at Terminal 91. The company’s vessels represented 100% of the shore power connections at the Port of Seattle in 2023, with 102 vessel calls.
– Piloting the use of biofuel in cruise ship operation: The Port and Carnival Corporation will collaborate on a non-fossil fuel demonstration project and study to identify the end-to-end challenges and opportunities for using sustainable maritime fuels at scale in Seattle. The learnings will support other work in the sector to transition to alternative fuels.
– Developing a responsible sourcing pilot program: Carnival Corporation will accelerate its local sourcing efforts to partner with local suppliers. Working with the Port, it will develop a pilot program for Seattle that promotes and supports small, diverse, disadvantaged, local, and tribal suppliers. Notably, the pilot program will also focus on building the capability of key suppliers to help create benefits beyond cruising.
– Promoting overnight stays in Seattle surrounding cruise reservations: Carnival Corporation’s cruise lines will seek ways to further promote and encourage their guests to stay in Seattle before and after their cruise to help drive greater economic impact for the city and region.
– Supporting educational and workforce development with maritime not-for-profits: Carnival Corporation will build on existing relationships by working with educators to support curriculum development, experiential field-based learning opportunities, and internships where appropriate to help build the maritime workforce pipeline in the region.

“This long-term agreement provides economic certainty for the Port and local businesses who depend upon cruise, while also strengthening our partnership,” said Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck. “Carnival Corporation has been a valuable partner for constant innovation on environmental sustainability and expanding economic opportunity. We appreciate their support for these shared goals and are eager to get to work on the commitments in this agreement.”

“Our guests love Seattle’s stunning natural beauty, urban charm, and eclectic assortment of attractions, and as our gateway to Alaska, one of our top markets globally. The Port of Seattle has long been a valued partner in our mutual ongoing success,” said Josh Weinstein, chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation & plc. “For the past 20 years, we have worked closely with the Port of Seattle to pioneer shore-power and secure the cruise industry’s role as a vital economic engine for the region. We are proud to continue our tradition of teamwork with this new agreement that will help further our economic, social, and environmental contributions to the region.”

In 2006, the Port of Seattle, through investments by Carnival Corporation, became the first home port in North America to offer shore power at two cruise berths, and today 66% of all cruise calls to the Port are equipped to plug in.

The Port continues to work in partnership with cruise ports in Alaska, Victoria, BC, and Vancouver, BC, and the cruise industry to explore the world’s first cruise-focused Green Corridor from Seattle to Alaska, using innovative decarbonization strategies.

As a part of the agreement, Carnival Corporation will provide data that will feed into the Port’s cruise dashboard to track passenger, environmental, and economic impact metrics. That data will be added to the current 2023 information as it becomes available.

In 2023 Carnival Corporation brands brought 140 ship calls to Seattle, representing almost half of the Port’s cruise calls. In 2024 Carnival Corporation has six ships committed to the Seattle market, with the number growing to seven ships in 2025, all shore power capable.