Ports & destinations

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority appoints Zaiton Consultancy to bolster cruise tourism

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 30 April 2022 30 April 2022

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), in partnership with RAK Ports, announces the appointment of Zaiton Consultancy to support the Emirate’s cruise tourism.

Experts in developing and promoting cruise services, Dubai-headquartered Zaiton Consultancy will be responsible for developing and marketing Ras Al Khaimah’s burgeoning cruise sector. The announcement comes as the global industry gathers at the Seatrade Cruise Global event in Miami until April 28, where Zaiton Consultancy is participating as Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority’s representative.

One of the fastest growing sectors in tourism, cruising saw an annual passenger growth rate of 5.4% from 2009 to 2019, with services now close to pre-pandemic levels owing to immediate action and thoughtful planning. In recognition of the importance of cruise tourism, the Authority and RAK Ports have worked together on a number of projects to further develop the Emirate’s offering. This includes the transformation of its old ferry terminal into a modern and efficient boutique cruise passenger terminal and the development of marine transport infrastructure around it. The Authority has also invested in designing bespoke visitor itineraries for arrivals to attract a larger segment of leisure cruise passengers and welcome new audiences from across the world to the destination.

Considered as one of the most diverse and fastest growing destinations in the region, a key part of the Authority’s strategy to attract three million visitors a year by 2030 is to ensure accessibility via all means of transport, including luxury cruise ships. These passengers will be welcomed to the Emirate via the dedicated terminal, which is able to accommodate multiple cruise ships of up to 214m in length docking simultaneously. To ensure a continuation of the service levels luxury cruise passengers expect, the terminal features cutting-edge security measures such as facial recognition CCTV, luggage and personal baggage X-ray machines, delivering a seamless, hassle-free experience.

“We are ready to receive the world’s most elite cruise ships and showcase our beautiful nature Emirate to this growing segment of travellers, comments Iyad Rasbey, Executive Director, Destination Tourism Development & MICE at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. “We’ve seen first-hand the significance of cruises to the destination’s overall tourism eco-system. We also recognize that water transportation is becoming increasingly important in terms of connectivity and will support our aviation strategy in bringing tourists directly to Ras Al Khaimah. He further added: “With its wealth of experience and recognition within the cruise industry, Zaiton Consultancy is the perfect partner to take our strategy to the next stage. We look forward to working with the team to boost cruise tourism in the Emirate and attract new audiences from across the world.”

“It is a huge honour to work with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and RAK Ports to develop and market the Emirate’s growing cruise proposition,” said Executive Director of Zaiton Consultancy, Jasem Zaiton. “With an initial strategy based around smaller passenger ships before moving our focus to mainstream cruise liners, we will bring our global expertise to market Ras Al Khaimah’s truly unique offering and one-of-a-kind experiences to cruise passengers around the world,” he added.

While the port facilities are currently suited to Luxury, Discovery and Expedition cruises, these smaller passenger ships suit the Emirate’s commitment to sustainability, supporting its mission to ensure that every aspect of its travel and tourism sector is developed with environmental protection front of mind. With the aim of attracting 50 cruise ship calls each season, and some 10,000 passengers within the next few years, the focus will be on Explorer/Expedition Cruises, where emphasis is placed on the experience ashore, excursions and ports of call. Ras Al Khaimah is perfectly suited to this segment, offering an experience of a lifetime where travellers can feel the Emirate’s beating heart across a range of landscapes from the sea and beach, desert and mountain range. With over 7,000 years of fascinating history, traditions and culture, Ras Al Khaimah promises an authentic and easily accessible Arabian experience. A haven of year-round sunshine, the Emirate features pristine beaches, lush mangroves and terracotta dunes, as well as the dramatic, awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic Hajjar mountains, including the UAE’s highest mountain peak – Jebel Jais. Named the Gulf Tourism Capital for both 2020 and 2021 by the Gulf Cooperation Council, the destination set a global benchmark in becoming the first city in the world to secure the Bureau Veritas Safeguard Label and World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travel Stamp.

Photo credit: RAK Ports

GPH assumes operation of Tarragona Cruise Port

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 28 April 2022 28 April 2022

Global Ports Holding plc (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator, officially takes over the operations of Tarragona Cruise Port in Spain from the Port Authority of Tarragona. GPH has signed a 12-year concession agreement to manage the services for cruise passengers in Tarragona, Spain on April 1^st, following the announcement of being chosen as the preferred bidder in January, 2022, the company said in a statement.

Global Ports Holding and Port of Tarragona held a joint event on April 26^th, during Seatrade Cruise Global at the GPH booth. Josep Maria Cruset, President Port of Tarragona and H. Emre Sayin, CEO Global Ports Holding, together launched the official project.

In October 2021, Port of Tarragona inaugurated its new cruise wharf, followed by the concession award to Global Ports Holding for the management of its cruise passenger services. GPH plans to invest €5.5m for a new 2200 sqm self-efficient and sustainable terminal as part as its concession. The new terminal which is designed to serve both transit and turnaround calls, will provide cruise passengers with an improved guest experience. The project features retail and F&B opportunities, new coach and car parking facilities which will significantly improve the ports transport infrastructure.

Josep Maria Cruset, President Port of Tarragona, commented: “The partnership with Global Ports consolidates the cruise project in the Port of Tarragona. GPH’s experience and professionalism will help relaunch the cruise activity in Tarragona and recover the pre-pandemic results in two years. We are happy that, from now on, Tarragona will be available to more visitors from all over the world."

H. Emre Sayin, CEO Global Ports Holding said: “We are delighted to be chosen as the operator of a port with such high potential. Tarragona is truly a beautiful destination with great connections. We hope to highlight its history and culture further, all the while building a new and environmentally friendly terminal that will complement the port and the destination.”

Tarragona Cruise Port serves as the main cruise port to the ancient city for both a transit and turnaround operations. With 4 berths and no length & draft limitation, the port can easily handle the largest cruise ships in the world.

Through the strong collaboration between the City & the Port, Tarragona will showcase its diverse touristic offers for cruise guests while creating opportunities to the local stakeholders. Its guests will truly discover a journey in time.

Tarragona is located only 60 minutes away from Barcelona city centre and 45 minutes from Barcelona International Airport. and is a destination of history. Declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, the city rises on an ancient Roman Site.

Port Canaveral welcomes Carnival Freedom to its new homeport

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 23 April 2022 23 April 2022

Port Canaveral welcomed Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Freedom on her first call to the Port at a dockside ceremony as the ship prepared for her inaugural sailing from the Port’s Cruise Terminal 6. The Carnival Freedom, which will be homeported at Port Canaveral, will offer 4- and 5-night itineraries to The Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean, with stops in Nassau, Princess Cays, Bimini, Freeport, Amber Cove, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay.

“We’re excited to welcome Carnival Freedom to the fleet of Carnival cruise ships homeported at Port Canaveral,” stated Capt. John Murray, Port CEO. “Her arrival adds even more quality cruise sailings available from our Port. We’re very proud of our longstanding partnership with Carnival Cruise Line, and our collective efforts to provide an exceptional cruising experience.”

"Having Carnival Freedom join Mardi Gras, Carnival Liberty and Carnival Magic sailing from Port Canaveral to The Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean offers yet another option for our guests to enjoy all the fun a Carnival cruise offers from one of our most popular homeports,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “This is an exciting time for Carnival, as we just reached the milestone of our biggest booking week ever and the celebration of our 50th birthday. Our return to full guest operations continues to be successful thanks to our loyal guests and valued partners, like the team at Port Canaveral."

In keeping with tradition, Port executives presented Carnival Freedom Capt. Josip Mladina with a plaque marking the cruise ship’s first visit to Port Canaveral.

The 110,000 gross ton Conquest-class cruise ship has a guest capacity for approximately 3,000 passengers double-occupancy, and joins three of her sister ships that call Port Canaveral home, the Carnival Mardi Gras, the Carnival Magic and the Carnival Liberty.

Northern France regions prepare for 80th anniversary of Normandy landings

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 26 April 2022 26 April 2022

The Normandy region and the Var department in northern France are jointly preparing large events to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy. “These events with successive and complementary developments will punctuate the summer season in 2024,” they said in a joint statement.

In Normandy, on June 6 1944, the Allied Forces of over 150.000 soldiers from Britain, America, Canada, and France attacked German forces and gained a victory that became the turning point for World War II in Europe.

In the Var, where the Second World War landing is lesser known worldwide, troops representing 94.000 soldiers disembarked on August 15 during the operation « Dragoon », aiming to liberate Toulon, major navy port in France, and Marseille with success.

“These events will raise much attention and attract cruise passengers to choose an itinerary in one or both destinations, to participate and pay tribute to the men and women who have fought, and many sacrificed their lives for freedom,” the two regional organisations said.

The Normandy region and Var department are already working on the program of events which will be held during summer 2024.

Port of Seattle kicks off 2022 cruise season today

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 23 April 2022 23 April 2022

The Port of Seattle welcomed its first cruise ship of the season today, Saturday, April 23 with Norwegian Cruise Line’s Bliss at Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal at Pier 66. The arrival marks the return of cruise season at the Port of Seattle with an expected 1.2 million revenue passengers and 296 ship calls. Cruise in Seattle provides nearly $900 million in economic benefit supporting 5,500 jobs and is an important component of the Port’s strategy to expand economic opportunity.

“The Port of Seattle is excited to welcome cruise back to our region for the first full season since 2019,” said Steve Metruck, Port of Seattle Executive Director. “As we provide vital support for Seattle’s maritime, tourism, small business, and supplier sectors, we also are leading the industry in environmental excellence.”

“We are working every day to ensure Seattle is a welcoming, safe, and vibrant place for residents, visitors, and tourists,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell.

"The return of cruise season gives us another exciting channel to share what we love about Seattle and highlight the things that make this region special, all while creating good jobs and boosting our economy.”

“Norwegian Cruise Line is thrilled to kick off the 2022 Alaska season in Seattle, and especially at Pier 66, where our partnership with the Port began over 20 years ago,” said Harry Sommer, President and CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line. “After restarting our return to service from the U.S. last year from Seattle, it’s great to be back in our ‘second home’ and start a new full season of showing guests from around the world the beauty and splendor of Alaska, Canada, and Washington State, while contributing to the economic recovery of those local businesses that make cruise possible in this region.”

Photo: John Boesche, SVP of Tourism, Visit Seattle; Christine Da Silva, SVP of Branding and Communications, NCL; Tyler Hickman, SVP, Icy Strait Point; Harry Sommer, President and CEO, NCL; Emily Bishop, Director of ESG, Strategy & Reporting, NCLH; John Binkley, President, Ward Cove Dock Group