Ports & destinations

Antarctica21 opens first-of-its-kind Private Club for fly-and-sail expedition guests

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 09 January 2024 09 January 2024

Antarctica21, the adventure travel specialist that pioneered fly-and-sail expeditions to the White Continent 20 years ago, has opened its new Explorers House in the historic center of Punta Arenas. Explorers House is a first-of-its-kind facility designed for guests preparing to fly to Antarctica, skipping over the notoriously rough seas of the Drake Passage to join their ship directly at the White Continent. With amenities that include a restaurant, bar, coffee station, library, and presentation space, it functions as an Antarctic-themed private club, providing guests with an inspiring environment where they can relax and meet fellow travelers, as well as attend pre-departure briefings.

More than just a starting point, Explorers House is a gateway to the entire Antarctic experience – a space that encapsulates the spirit of Antarctica21's expeditions, that tells a story beginning in Punta Arenas and stretching to the icy landscape of the White Continent, that brings together guests from around the globe on a journey to one of the most remote and untouched places on Earth.

During the austral summer, this port city on the Strait of Magellan gets very busy as adventurers on their way to Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, Cape Horn, and Antarctica fill hotels, restaurants, and cafes. Before Explorers House, Antarctica21 guests competed for access to the city’s limited resources. Now, they have a private gathering space where they’re greeted by members of the Antarctica21 team and enjoy the same service quality they receive aboard the company’s ships, Magellan Explorer and Ocean Nova.

“As Antarctica21 grew, we began thinking of a space in Punta Arenas where we could welcome our guests in a way that matched the feeling and elegance they would experience on our ships in Antarctica. That’s how we decided to create a space of our own,’’ said Jaime Vásquez, Co-founder and President of Antarctica21.

Explorers House is a former warehouse that processed and exported wool in the early 20th century. Antarctica21 decided to rescue the building in 2019, buying it because of its historical significance. Prestigious and renowned Chilean architect Pedro Kovacic and designer Enrique Concha led the conversion project, infusing it with the spirit of Patagonian pioneers and Antarctic explorers while incorporating contemporary elements.

“There is history behind Explorers House, experiences I lived my whole life,” said Vásquez, who is from a ranching family in Chile’s Magallanes region. “Now, the building has a new life, and its spirit is shared with visitors.”

Originally made almost entirely of wood, the 21,500-square-foot building is now covered in an insulated shell of corrugated iron to protect it from the elements. Inside, the frame of the original structure, reinforced with new metalwork, remains visible as an homage to the building’s history. Warm materials and textures invite relaxation, and turquoise-colored floors evoke Antarctica’s icebergs. A skylight along the peak of the roof and large windows let in an abundance of natural light, and rich illumination provides accents.

Furthering Antarctica21’s commitment to sustainability, many of the building’s original materials were reused, much of the upholstery is made of recycled industrial fibers, a solar panel system produces electricity and heat through radiant floors, and rainwater is harvested for use in the restrooms.

Photo credit: Tere Pérez

Lisbon Cruise Port declares 2023 as its best year ever

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 08 January 2024 08 January 2024

Lisbon Cruise Port declares 2023 as its best year ever, achieving a remarkable milestone with a record-breaking 758,000 passengers — an impressive 33% increase compared to 2019. This accomplishment reaffirms Lisbon's status as a premier cruise destination, attracting a growing number of visitors from around the world.

The substantial increase in passenger numbers, reaching more than 758K, showcases the enduring appeal of Lisbon as a preferred cruise destination. The 33% surge from 2019 demonstrates the city's ability to captivate and enthrall cruise enthusiasts, offering a memorable experience that goes beyond expectations.

Among the 347 calls received in 2023, Lisbon Cruise Port hosted 130 turnaround calls, constituting 40% of the total annual calls. This highlights the trust and confidence cruise lines place in Lisbon as a key embarkation or disembarkation point for their journeys. Lisbon Cruise Port's strategic importance in the cruise sector is evident through this significant achievement.

In addition to the impressive passenger and call numbers, Lisbon Cruise Port expanded its range of services in 2023. The port focused on delivering enhanced services, catering to the diverse needs of each vessel and ensuring an exceptional experience for passengers and crew members alike. The commitment to excellence in service has undoubtedly contributed to the record-breaking success achieved throughout the year.

Lisbon Cruise Port also announced its ninth win of the Europe's Leading Cruise Port prize by World Travel Awards for the year 2023. This prestigious recognition underscores the port's outstanding service provision and world-class infrastructure, solidifying its reputation as a leading cruise port in Europe.

Expressing gratitude to the cruise lines that selected Lisbon as their destination in 2023, Lisbon Cruise Port extends a warm invitation to others to explore this wonderful city. The port remains dedicated to providing an unforgettable experience, combining rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmospheres that make Lisbon a standout cruise destination.

A special appreciation is reserved for the incredible work done by all teams closely involved in Lisbon Cruise Port´s activity. Their unwavering commitment and exceptional work ethic played a pivotal role in achieving the unprecedented success of 2023. The teams´ passion and dedication have set the standard for excellence in the cruise industry, contributing to Lisbon's reputation as a must-visit destination.

As Lisbon Cruise Port reflects on the triumphs of 2023, it looks forward to building on this success, strengthening partnerships with cruise lines, and continuing to offer unparalleled experiences. The record-breaking achievements and prestigious award serve as a testament to Lisbon Cruise Port's position as a global leader in the cruise industry.

Photo below: Silver Moon departing Lisbon in 2022. Credit: Teijo Niemela

Nassau Cruise Port confirms record-breaking 4.4 million passengers

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 08 January 2024 08 January 2024

The Nassau Cruise Port team closed 2023 with a record-breaking year, welcoming 4,490,802 passengers aboard 1,210 vessels. This figure represents a 14% increase over the previous record set in 2019, highlighting the impressive growth of the port and its vital role in the growth of the Bahamian tourism industry.

Mike Maura, Jr., CEO of Nassau Cruise Port Ltd., thanked key players for their support while expressing anticipation for further growth.

“A huge thank you to the cruise industry and its passengers, the travel agents championing The Bahamas, our government partners, the Nassau Cruise Port businesses, the entire community here in New Providence, and of course, our incredible team at Nassau Cruise Port. Each of you make a difference every day, owning your share of this success. And remember, the newly revitalized Nassau waterfront offers unique finds, fantastic entertainment, and delicious food and drinks, with even more on the horizon for 2024."

Nassau Cruise Port scored a steady stream of record-breaking achievements in 2023. In March, the team shattered its one-day passenger record by welcoming 28,554 visitors, only to surpass it again on December 27th with a remarkable 29,316 passengers. This momentum culminated in not only exceeding the annual passenger target of 4.2 million guests, but also in setting a brand-new record of 4,490,802 visitors for the year.

This figure contributed significantly to the historic nine million plus visitor arrivals that The Bahamas recorded last year, according to a recent statement made by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, I. Chester Cooper. Once confirmed, the nine million visitor figure will be some one million above 2023 projections for the destination and 12.5% of the original projection made by tourism executives. The Minister emphasized that the arrivals increase is estimated to have generated more than $6 billion in visitor spending which has directly impacted the Bahamian economy.

Driven by this success, the port team is already setting ambitious goals for 2024, aiming to welcome a staggering 5.6 million passengers. With its dedication to providing an exceptional, Authentically Bahamian experience for all visitors, Nassau Cruise Port is poised to continue this impressive growth trajectory and solidify its position as the premier cruise travel destination in the region.

Record Christmas season calls at Hamburg

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 21 December 2023 21 December 2023

Hamburg’s cruise industry closes the 2023 season with a special highlight: Two calls in a row by a fully booked AIDAnova make for an impressive passenger turnaround. The Christmas holiday voyages on December 22 and December 29 will set a new record of passenger turnaround per day at Hamburg’s cruise terminals operated by Cruise Gate Hamburg (CGH). In addition to the thousands of guests disembarking and embarking the ship on these days, staff will unload and load some 8,800 suitcases and accept 16 truckloads of food and drinks per each voyage.

Simone Maraschi, Managing Director of CGH said, "Ending this eventful cruise season with such a highlight is noteworthy on two counts. On one hand, it shows just how attractive and sought-after cruise trips departing from Hamburg are, even in winter. On the other hand, the logistics achievements of the employees are outstanding. Our well-practised processes at the terminal and the excellent co-operation of all parties involved make it possible to ensure efficient luggage services and smooth provisioning operations even on extremely busy turnaround days such as these. We want our guests to have the very best experience here, and we will do our utmost to make sure that they can set off on their Christmas holiday cruise carefree and relaxed.”

Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises, “We are delighted to see so many guests wanting to spend Christmas and the New Year with us. Since 2016 when we launched our AIDAprima we, in conjunction with the city and CGH, the terminal operator, have been putting a lot of effort into making Hamburg a year-round destination. Roughly half of all cruise ships calling at Hamburg are AIDA ships, and we offer a wide range of cruise options from the Hanseatic city throughout the year. At the same time, we are one of the key drivers of tourism in the city; more than every second cruise passenger is an AIDA guest.”

Hamburg has been AIDAnova’s home port for the winter season since 11 November 2023, a first for the ship. Up until 4 May 2024 she will sail 26 times to major west European cities as well as Norway and Denmark on an alternate weekly schedule. The ship is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and has the required equipment to run on shore power while docking at Cruise Center Steinwerder. Apart from Altona, the terminal in Steinwerder is Hamburg’s second cruise centre with shoreside power infrastructure. Cruise Center HafenCity, which is currently under construction, will also sport a shore power facility. As ships can use shore power while at the berth in the Port of Hamburg, their emissions will be cut to almost zero.

The 2023 cruise season in Hamburg started on January 1st; the last ships will be turned around on December 31st. Hamburg is a year-round destination that offers season-independent cruise trips to attractive places.

At the moment 268 calls are scheduled for the 2024 season, of which nine cruise ships will sail to Hamburg on their maiden voyages, among them the Azamara Onward, Costa Favolosa, Mein Schiff 7, Ocean Albatros, Queen Anne, Seabourn Quest, Sirena and Sky Princess – as well as one ship from Disney Cruise Line whose Disney Dream is scheduled to call at Hamburg for the first time on 3 September 2024.

(Photo credit: Cruise Gate Hamburg)