Ports & destinations

NYCEDC signs new agreements with Carnival, Norwegian, MSC Cruises to sail from Manhattan and Brooklyn Cruise Terminals

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 30 September 2023 30 September 2023

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) this week announced new usage agreements with Carnival Corporation & plc brands, including Princess Cruises and Cunard, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), and MSC Cruises for future sailings from the Manhattan and Brooklyn Cruise Terminals. These new agreements prioritize emission reductions, educational partnerships, investment in New York City businesses through local provisioning, and creates a community benefit fund to address neighborhood priorities.

The cruise industry creates an economic impact of nearly $420 million per year in New York City and spending related to cruise passengers and crew supports approximately 2,667 jobs across New York City, with over 2,000 of those jobs representing tourism-adjacent industries including hotels, food and beverage, shopping, transit, and entertainment. NYCEDC anticipates over 1.3 million passengers will travel through the Manhattan and Brooklyn Cruise Terminals this year, a record-high, that signals cruising and tourism have strongly rebounded in New York City.

“The cruise industry is a massive driver in New York City's economy, generating thousands of good-paying jobs for New Yorkers and helping fuel the tourism and hospitality industry,” said NYCEDC President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “It is essential to ensure that these large-scale industries remain focused on sustainability and working alongside the community in all aspects, which is exactly what this agreement does.”

“New York City – in addition to being my hometown – is an iconic destination beloved by our brands and their guests, and we're honored to be a part of this vibrant community,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO and Chief Climate Officer, Carnival Corporation & plc. “We're excited to be partnering with NYCEDC to design an agreement that sustainably supports our operations while also investing in the community that makes New York so special.”

“This agreement represents NCLH’s long-term commitment to New York City, its residents and visitors. We are extremely pleased to have identified, along with the NYCEDC, impactful mechanisms to support local economic growth, climate action and sustainable development throughout the term of our partnership,” said Daniel S. Farkas, General Counsel, EVP and Chief Development Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

“We look forward to a bright future in New York City, bringing thousands of guests from around the world to experience the sights and sounds of the Big Apple before and after they depart on a dream vacation at sea,” said Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA. “Since we started sailing from New York City in April, MSC Meraviglia has given guests and travel advisors more access to a wide variety of itineraries, including The Bahamas, Florida, Bermuda, and our seasonal sailings to Canada and New England which began this week. MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest and fastest-growing cruise line. New York City is an important contributor to our growth in North America and we look forward to bringing more international visitors and economic stimulus to the region for years to come.”

Each of these new agreements are designed to increase economic inclusion and sustainability of the cruise industry through expanded community benefits and emissions reduction. This includes:

Establishing a Community Priority Fund: $1 per passenger will be added to a new fund, managed by NYCEDC, to directly address community priorities in the neighborhoods surrounding the cruise terminals. Over the next 10 years, NYCEDC estimates this groundbreaking fund will generate approximately $14 million that will go directly to the Red Hook and Midtown Manhattan communities.

– Ground transportation planning: Partnering with cruise lines to track and improve the ground transportation and travel experience, to maximize public transportation options, reduce vehicular traffic, and improve the travel experience in the terminals and for the nearby communities.

– Reducing emissions: Tracking and implementing measures to reduce emissions where commercially and operationally feasible.

– Connecting to shore power: When feasible, cruise ships will connect to shore power to reduce emissions and ensure that all ships calling in New York City be equipped with shore power connections by 2028.
Increasing local provisioning: Develop a local provisioning plan with the prioritization of outreach going to registered Minority Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs).

– Developing educational partnerships: Create new and expanded relationships with New York City based educational institutions and participate in at least one career fair and one networking event per year.
Additionally, each cruise line is required to submit an annual report to NYCEDC showing their progress and commitment to each of the community benefits.

Term lengths for the new usage agreements range from three to fifteen years and each of the agreements has the option for five-year renewals. The new usage agreements replace the current agreements with each respective cruise line.

In 2017, the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal became the first port on the east coast to have shore power and remains the only one to this day. NYCEDC is committed to expanding shore power across both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Cruise Terminals and is currently securing additional shore power infrastructure for the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal to allow more ships to connect.

At Pier 90 at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, our operator, Ports America, is actively working on an apron extension to allow for additional ships to dock and unlock the full potential of the pier.

The cruise industry is an integral part of New York City’s tourism sector, bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city each year, and each of these agreements are designed to further ensure a sustainable and equitable future for New Yorkers while ensuring the industry continues to thrive. NYCEDC is committed to finding additional ways to ensure the longevity of the cruise industry while prioritizing workforce development and local sourcing to benefit New York City.

“The cruise industry brings millions of people into New York City who spend millions of dollars in our local economy. NYCEDC’s long-term agreements will help ensure much of this spending will be directed to our local restaurants and bars, supporting our small businesses and workers, and further cementing New York City as the global culinary and hospitality capital of the world,” said Andrew Rigie, Executive Director, NYC Hospitality Alliance.

“Attracting tourists is vital to the city’s ongoing economic recovery from the pandemic. This agreement strengthens the city’s position as a tourism hub and moves us in the right direction on meeting our environmental goals,” said Kathryn Wylde, President & CEO, Partnership for New York City.

“NYC has always been a port city, and having an infrastructure in place to provide support to the growing cruise industry is good for our local economy,” said Randy Peers, President & CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. “We applaud EDC for undertaking these three long-term lease agreements that will provide the cruise operators with operating stability, while ensuring that investments are being made to locally support small businesses, schools and workers.”

“This is an absolute win for New York,” said Jessica Walker, President and CEO, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. “Not only will this agreement help to increase tourism, but it is also filled with meaningful benefits for local communities.”

Silver Nova makes maiden call in Toulon, the port provides update on its upmarket strategy

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 12 September 2023 12 September 2023

While all the cruise community was gathered at Seatrade Europe in Hamburg, Silver Nova was visiting Toulon Bay for the very first time.

"Despite every brand and every ship calling in Toulon Bay is considered as very special, this 9th maiden call, over the 15 maiden calls scheduled in Toulon Bay this year, will be remarkable. Firstly, because it will be the very first scheduled call of a Silversea's ship over a long period of time, and secondly, because with such a luxury and a highly environmental conscious ship, the call of Silver Nova is completely aligned with the marketing positioning and development strategy for cruise activity around Toulon Bay, based on two main pillars: upmarket strategy and sustainable development," the port said in a statement.

Although Toulon Bay can accommodate the biggest ships currently deployed in the Med (up to 340 meters long), over the years, Toulon has gained recognition towards the premium and luxury segments who are appreciative of the quality of experience on both guests’ satisfaction and operational easiness. Indeed, most of the luxury and premium brands now consider Toulon Bay as a “boutique port”, at a human scale, and they represent today more than a half part of the cruise calls scheduled every year in Toulon Bay!

With the ability of accommodating only two to three ships simultaneously (only one in La Seyne sur Mer and a maximum of two small/medium ones opposite side of the bay, downtown Toulon), whether they are luxury, premium or contemporary brands, all appreciate the fact that being in a “medium” port not congested nor overcrowded, where they feel special and exclusive.

Toulon Bay is cold ironing ready for both ferries and cruises. Works are currently under completion so the ferry and cruise ships can plug at the port (Toulon Downtown Passengers Terminal). OPS dedicated to cruises will deliver a high voltage connection throughout a mobile crane (6.6 kV -11 kV, 12 MVA, 50 - 60 Hz) provided by a quite unique energetic mix coming from various sources; Local grid, hydrogen fuel cell with hydrogen produced from a local photovoltaic farm, plus energy from solar panels implemented at the port Terminal.

Moreover, the port and destination are working together to promote “local” tours toward the cruise lines, so transportation from the port to any tours can be reduced as much as possible, and consequently, the footprint of the activities ashore (which are also a part of the impact of the overall cruise activity). Green tours in a 25 kms perimeter are more particularly promoted in that way. This also allows to work on the acceptability issue; by working more locally, cruise lines are also more sustainable and actively participate to improve the acceptability of the cruise industry at a local and regional scale.

Brightline opens train service between Miami and Orlando

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 23 September 2023 23 September 2023

September 22 marked the official start of Brightline’s passenger rail service between Orlando and Miami. The first train, Bright Pink, arrived in Orlando at 11:05 a.m. and was greeted by more than 500 elected officials, business leaders, community partners and company leaders from across the state. The celebration put an exclamation point on the boldest private infrastructure project in the nation and marks the revitalization of Henry Flagler’s original vision for the Florida East Coast Railway. A decade in the making, Brightline’s launch is poised to reinvent train travel in America and offers a blueprint to connect city pairs that are too short to fly and too far to drive.

The start of service was celebrated at the Brightline Orlando station with guests who joined Brightline’s Founder Wes Edens, CEO Mike Reininger and President Patrick Goddard. Upon the train's arrival, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer greeted guests on the platform and presented the Key to the City to Edens who was joined by Reininger, Goddard and other Brightline representatives. Officials from the Federal Railroad Administration, the Florida Department of Transportation, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority and more, were present to greet the first train.

Brightline launched operations in South Florida in 2018, connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Stations in Boca Raton and Aventura opened last year. Construction on its 170 mile extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando began in 2019. The $6 billion project has generated substantial economic benefits in Florida creating 10,000 jobs and approximately $6.4 billion in direct economic impact to the region. Construction teams worked more than seven million hours over the course of four years to complete the project.

Brightline covers 235 miles between Miami and Orlando and the new route will take between 3 and 3.5 hours depending on South Florida station stops.

Brightline trains and stations

Brightline has quickly become known for its guest experience, innovative station design, spacious lounges and comfortable train sets. Designed by The Rockwell Group, and set with Brightline’s signature yellow, the stations are meticulously built through the lens of today’s modern traveler. All stations and trains are packed with amenities including Starlink Wifi, chargers and outlets at every seat, and a selection of food, beverage and cocktails available for purchase for SMART and complimentary for PREMIUM. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of light bites, beverages and cocktails throughout the day at one of Brightline’s signature in-station Mary Mary Bars or pick up last-minute gifts, sundries and refreshments at one of the MRKT shopping retail locations.

The new Brightline Orlando station in partnership with Orlando Health, is located at MCO’s 37,350 square foot Train Station adjacent to its new Terminal C. This is the only intercity passenger rail station of its kind to be located in a U.S. airport and stands three-stories tall, including a 72,000 square feet platform area, making it the company’s largest train station. The Train Station connects directly to the airport’s Parking Garage C, which will have more than 350 parking spaces marked for Brightline guests. The Train Station provides direct access to the other airport terminals A and B via the airport Terminal Link (automated people mover) in under five minutes.

MiamiCentral is strategically located on an 11-acre complex in downtown Miami and represents Brightline’s southern flagship terminus. MiamiCentral is a unique live-work-play destination featuring luxury rental residences, commercial offices and dynamic retail and entertainment space. Guest’s looking to connect have a number of options including Brightline+, the Miami Metromover and Metrorail which are both connected to the station.

Brightline trainsets were made in partnership with Siemens Mobility in Sacramento, Calif. The stainless-steel coaches are made with components from more than 160 suppliers across 27 states. They are designed for luxury and comfort, featuring special ergonomic seating, contemporary communication systems and enhanced Wi-Fi. Thanks to wide aisles, wheelchair storage and fully accessible restrooms, the Venture trainset exceeds ADA requirements from end to end.

The construction of Brightline Florida

Brightline’s Orlando extension showcases engineering skill, cutting edge technology and design to create a transportation system that redefines intercity travel.

The Orlando expansion project included 56 bridges, including 18 new bridges, three underpasses, drainage installations, track and signalization installation and 60 track miles of new rail. Over the four years of construction, upgrades and improvements were made to three underpasses and 156 railroad crossings. Engineering of double track under active airport taxiways and tug roads and a new 35-mile rail alignment along the Beachline Expressway/SR 528, were also made.

The expansion to Orlando also included the development of Basecamp, a $100 million state-of-the-art train maintenance facility situated on 62-acres south of Orlando International Airport (MCO). The facility operates 24/7, servicing trains with skilled engineers, conductors, technicians and inspectors.

Innovative technology and mobility options

In 2022, Brightline launched a concierge service to connect guests to and from stations with Brightline+. The mobility service, powered by the Brightline app, makes planning a trip with Brightline from start to finish seamless through its add-on options available within the booking platform. Ground transportation and mobility options at the Orlando Station will cater to the unique needs of the Orlando visitor with new Brightline+ products including MEARS shuttles, Uber rideshare and car rental options through Avis. Upon booking a Brightline ticket, guests will receive confirmation email and instructions on how to add extras, such as parking, checked baggage, and Brightline+ mobility options available closer to their trip date.

Brightline recently unveiled a new digital experience for guests featuring a redesigned website and native mobile app available for iOS and Android devices. The enhanced guest journey is driven by a cutting-edge backend system, modern and intuitive design, and multiple additional upgraded features. Introduced ahead of expanded service connecting Miami and Orlando, the new digital journey transforms the booking process into a fast, dependable and frictionless system.

Global Ports Holding grows network in Northern Europe with Bremerhaven Cruise Port

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 06 September 2023 06 September 2023

Global Ports Holding Plc (GPH), the world's largest independent cruise port operator, has announced that, it has been awarded a 10-year port concession agreement, with a potential 5-year extension option, by bremenports GmbH & Co. KG (bremenports) on behalf of the city of Bremen regarding the operations at the Cruise Terminal Columbusbahnhof Bremerhaven (Bremerhaven Cruise Port). The start date of the port concession agreement is January 2025 when Bremerhaven Cruise Port is expected to join GPH’s network.

The addition of this port to GPH’s network marks an important step in GPH’s planned expansion into the Northern Europe cruise market, the location of the port means it is ideally located for Scandinavian and Baltic Sea itineraries. The cruise facilities at Bremerhaven Cruise Port are currently undergoing a multimillion-euro investment by the local authorities, which once completed will expand and renew the port facilities. In 2022, Bremerhaven Cruise Port welcomed over 230k passengers, with over 90% of these being homeport passengers.

The award is the result of a transparent and open tender process run by bremenports in accordance with EU tender rules.

Experienced operator

"GPH has significant experience of operating cruise ports to global best-practice standards and has unrivalled knowledge and understanding of the equipment and infrastructure requirements for transforming cruise ports to meet the needs of the modern cruise industry. GPH focuses on creating the best bespoke operating model for each port, utilising our proprietary GPH operating framework to deliver global best practices to every cruise port it operates.

Our ‘all stakeholder’ approach ensures the thoughtful development of cruise ports and destinations by addressing the needs of passengers, cruise lines, crew, ports, regulators and destinations. We look forward to working in partnership with local stakeholders to promote the attractiveness and connectivity of Bremerhaven Cruise Port and surrounding attractions to cruise lines and cruise passengers," GPH said in a statement.

Global Ports Holding Chairman/CEO, Mehmet Kutman said: “I am delighted that bremenports has awarded GPH the cruise port concession for Bremerhaven Cruise Port. This concession represents another significant step in our ambitions to grow our global cruise port network and to expand our operations in Northern Europe. The award is a further endorsement of our operating capabilities and the benefits our stakeholder partnership approach can bring to cruise destinations, passengers and the local population. The GPH team look forward to working with all stakeholders to build further on the success of Bremerhaven Cruise Port.”