Ports & destinations

Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore completes major upgrades, reinforcing Singapore as a Leading Cruise Hub in Asia

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 29 October 2025 29 October 2025

Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS), managed by SATS-Creuers Cruise Services (SCCS), has completed a $40 million upgrade to enhance passenger experience and accommodate the growing cruise travel demand in Asia.

MBCCS has reorganised its passenger flows to efficiently manage simultaneous dual mega ship calls through its existing two berths; a new dedicated check-in hall on Level 1, offering 70 counters and over 500 seats will serve Pier 2, while the existing facility on Level 2 check-in hall will serve Pier 1, ensuring a smoother start to passengers’ journeys. Both check-in halls have VIP lounges that offer comfort and convenience for premium travellers.

The upgraded facilities extend beyond check-in. The new Ground Transport Area (GTA) improves accessibility and convenience for all passengers, featuring widened roadways leading to MBCCS, increased coach bays, and early baggage drop-off, allowing bags to go directly to the ship. This helps travellers move through the terminal more quickly, reduce wait times at the terminal and start their cruise journey with ease. In addition, ride-hailing lots have more than doubled to meet growing passenger demand, while a looped shuttle service on select cruise days links Marina South Pier MRT station to the terminal, making travel to and from MBCCS easier.

For travellers who prefer to drive to MBCCS, the new Advanced Carpark Reservation System, allows parking to be reserved up to 60 days in advance at discounted rates, ensuring a hassle-free start to their holidays. A buggy service is also available to assist passengers with reduced mobility to move between the GTA and the terminal.

New services at MBCCS further improve convenience for passengers. The terminal has partnered with preferred third-party providers to offer baggage transfer services to all Singapore hotels and Changi Airport, as well as shuttle services to popular attractions including Gardens by the Bay and Chinatown on select cruise days. MBCCS has also re-introduced the Cruise-Fly Service for international passengers disembarking in Singapore, allowing them to check-in and tag their baggage for same-day connecting flights. This enables travellers to explore the city baggage-free before continuing their onward journey.

Behind the scenes, MBCCS has deployed an innovative Vehicle Slot Management System that leverages real-time tracking and automated scheduling to streamline provision handling and minimise congestion. The system coordinates deliveries of essential supplies including food, linens, and ship stores, ensuring mega ships carrying thousands of passengers are efficiently resupplied and can depart on schedule, even during simultaneous dual ship calls.

In a first for maritime passenger terminals, MBCCS has also designed and launched the PortDeck, an innovative convertible bench-table system in terminal areas to optimise space, operational efficiency and passenger comfort during peak travel periods.

“The new check-in hall, redesigned passenger flows, and expanded facilities mark a transformative step for MBCCS,” said Gregory Tan, CEO of SATS-Creuers. “By streamlining check-in, introducing early baggage drop-off, upgrading ground transport, and deploying innovative back-end systems, we are improving efficiency and convenience for passengers and cruise operators alike. We invite travellers and cruise operators to experience the ease and comfort of cruise travel at MBCCS.”

Bob Chi, Chairman of SATS-Creuers, said: “This extensive upgrade underscores our commitment to growing Singapore’s cruise industry in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board. Together, we aim to raise service standards, attract leading cruise lines, and unlock greater opportunities for Singapore’s dynamic tourism ecosystem.”

Ong Huey Hong, Assistant Chief Executive, Industry Development Group, Singapore Tourism Board, said: "The enhanced Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore exemplifies our Tourism 2040 ambition of creating an attractive destination by strengthening our tourism offerings. Through our partnership with SATS-Creuers, we are future-proofing our tourism landscape by delivering world-class infrastructure that meets the needs of evolving traveller expectations while reinforcing Singapore’s position as a leading cruise destination in the region. As we chart the next chapter for tourism, these enhancements underscore cruise tourism’s vital role in our broader ecosystem of quality, sustainable growth."
Mehmet Kutman, Chairman & CEO of Global Ports Holding1 (parent company of Creuers), said: "This milestone reflects our shared vision with SATS and the Singapore Tourism Board to make Marina Bay Cruise Centre a benchmark for operational excellence in Asia. As cruise travel continues to expand across the region, this upgraded facility will enhance the passenger journey and exemplify Singapore’s continued leadership in shaping the future of cruise travel across Asia. Global Ports Holding is proud to support this partnership through our shared commitment to innovation and world-class passenger experiences."

Strong cruise season delivers billion-dollar lift to Vancouver’s economy in 2025

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 23 October 2025 23 October 2025

The final cruise ship of the 2025 season, Coral Princess, departed from the Canada Place cruise terminal this week, marking the end of a cruise season that delivered a vital boost to the regional economy amid a year of uncertainty due to U.S. tariffs and the rising cost of living.

The award-winning Canada Place cruise terminal at the Port of Vancouver welcomed 301 cruise ship visits and 1.2 million passengers between March 5 and October 21, 2025, as Vancouver’s cruise sector stabilizes following several record seasons.

“This year’s success underscores the cruise sector’s power as an economic engine,” said Shri Madiwal, Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “Each sailing brings millions of dollars in passenger spending that circulates through hotels, restaurants, attractions, and suppliers, helping to strengthen our regional economy. I want to thank all our partners – SSA Marine, the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, the Canada Border Services Agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the City of Vancouver, Vancouver Police Department, Destination Vancouver, and the entire cruise industry – for their hard work and collaboration supporting this year’s cruise season.”

Cruise activity through the Port of Vancouver contributes more than $1 billion annually to the local economy, with each ship visit injecting an average of nearly $3 million into local businesses and services. Cruise lines spend up to $660 million each year on local goods and services, and passengers spend an average of $450 each on hotels, restaurants, shopping, tours and local attractions, and more.

“On behalf of our member cruise lines, I want to thank the port authority and all our partners and suppliers whose expertise and coordination delivered smooth, reliable operations for cruise guests this season,” said Donna Spalding, Senior Advisor at Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). “Vancouver continues to be one of North America’s premier homeports, consistently attracting cruise travelers from around the globe. This reflects the growing demand for cruise vacations, and we’re excited to build on that momentum in 2026.”

Preliminary bookings for 2026 point to another strong year, with even more cruise ship calls and cruise passenger visits expected at the Port of Vancouver.

“We deeply value our long-standing partnership with the Port of Vancouver,” said Jim Berra, Princess Cruise Chief Commercial Officer. “As a gateway to Alaska, Vancouver offers our guests not only seamless embarkation but also the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and national beauty of this remarkable city. We are committed to strengthening this partnership and delivering unforgettable experiences for our guests.”

“This year’s cruise season again delivered strong results, highlighting the sector’s importance to our regional economy,” said Royce Chwin, President and CEO of Destination Vancouver. “Each sailing delivers measurable benefits supporting local jobs, and visitor spending across restaurants, attractions, transportation, and retail. We’ll continue collaborating with all our industry partners to advance Vancouver’s standing as an exceptional home port.”

As the port authority works with the broader port community to advance environmental practices, it commends the cruise industry for its leadership in sustainability. In 2025, more than 80% of cruise calls at the Port of Vancouver were shore-power enabled. The industry also demonstrated strong participation in the ECHO Program’s voluntary slowdowns to protect at-risk whales in the Salish Sea, with cruise lines achieving an 85% participation rate.

In 2025, the Canada Place cruise terminal was named ‘North America's Leading Cruise Port’ and nominated for ‘World’s Leading Cruise Port 2025’ by World Travel Awards.

2025 cruise season facts and highlights
– The last cruise ship of the season, Coral Princess, is scheduled to depart Canada Place on October 21. It is scheduled to arrive at the west berth at 7 a.m. and depart at 4 p.m.
– The first cruise ship this season was the Disney Wonder on March 5
– Vancouver has been a homeport for Alaska cruises for more than 35 years, acting as the base for one-way and round-trip cruises and offering unparalleled access to the pristine Inside Passage
– Eight vessels made their inaugural call to the Port of Vancouver in 2025: Europa II; Norwegian Jade;
Silver Moon; Ocean Riviera; Seabourn Quest; Viking Venus; Villa Vie Odyssey; Anthem of the Seas
– The Canada Place cruise terminal at the Port of Vancouver welcomed the following cruise lines in 2025: Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Holland America Line, Hurtigruten Expeditions (HX), Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Peace Boat, Ponant, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, Villa Vie Residences
– Facial biometric scanning for passengers embarking on a trip was introduced in 2024, improving the terminal’s ability to seamlessly handle high numbers of cruise passengers and enhance passenger experience. The technology has reduced the time it takes to pass through U.S. border control by up to 94%, with average transaction times dropping from 2-3 minutes (passport kiosks) to less than 10 seconds.
– Shore power technology allows ships to shut down their diesel-powered auxiliary engines and plug into B.C.’s low-emission, hydro-powered electrical grid while berthed at the Port of Vancouver, including Canada Place. The technology has helped prevent more than 50,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) – equivalent of taking about 11,750 gasoline-powered cars off the road for a year.
– The first ever local cruise ship for LNG refueling took place in Vancouver this year. LNG is the first alternative fuel available at the port in significant quantities for the international maritime sector – supporting industry efforts to enhance sustainability and reduce emissions.

Royal Caribbean Group to open Royal Beach Club Santorini next summer

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 28 October 2025 28 October 2025

Royal Caribbean Group is bringing the ultimate day to Santorini. Set to open in summer 2026, Royal Beach Club Santorini will welcome vacationers from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises and combine the breathtaking volcanic beaches of this iconic Greek island with the company’s signature experiences alongside the vibrant Grecian spirit and culture to create the ultimate Santorini experience. The beach club will be part of an Ultimate Santorini Day that will include a day of exploring the sights of the island, from the white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches in Oia, to a stroll through the shops, cafes and art galleries in Fira. Vacationers will have the opportunity to check off these bucket list items while also enjoying the Mediterranean vibes of the beach club.

“Expanding our Royal Beach Club Collection to include Santorini – one of the world’s most popular and beautiful locations – is a bold step forward in growing our vacation portfolio from two to eight by 2028, giving guests more ways to have unforgettable experiences with us,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. "We’re thrilled to connect guests with Santorini’s gems – from its iconic villages to the Aegean Sea’s famous beach club culture – creating a balanced, authentic island experience.”

“Santorini is an incredible destination that our guests love to explore, and with this new beach club, we are able to bring the best of what the island has to offer with the signature service Royal Caribbean is known for,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean.

As Royal Caribbean Group prepares for the beach club’s opening next summer, the company’s ultimate beach club experience will feature a new innovative way to alleviate congestion throughout the island by better distributing guests arriving to Santorini. Vacationers can start their journey in one of three locations, minimizing crowding while maximizing time spent enjoying sights and sounds.

As the first Royal Beach Club experience readies to launch in The Bahamas this December, Royal Beach Club Santorini is the latest in the vacation company’s growing lineup of exclusive land-based destinations, which includes the top-rated Perfect Day at CocoCay, which disrupted the cruise industry and redefined the future of cruise vacations.

Alongside Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas and Labadee in Haiti, Royal Caribbean Group’s pipeline of land-based vacation offerings include Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas (2025), the Southernmost Hotel on Earth The Cormorant at 55 South in Chile (2026), Royal Beach Club Santorini (2026), Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico (2026), Perfect Day Mexico (2027), and Royal Beach Club Lelepa (2028).

Port of Seattle reports record cruise passenger numbers

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 23 October 2025 23 October 2025

The Port of Seattle announced this week the completion of the 2025 cruise season. The record cruise season delivered an estimated $1.2 billion in regional economic benefit, while providing more than 5,120 individuals direct and indirect jobs throughout the season. The season also saw a record number of passengers and sailings, plus significant shore power use by ships in berth:

– 298 total ship calls across 8 home port cruise brands operating 14 different ships
– 1.9 million revenue passengers
– 2025 set a new record with 65% of ships utilizing shore power at berth as the Port approaches the 2027 date for 100% utilization by homeported ships
– The Port supported Carnival Corporation in the first biofuel demonstration project in the Seattle cruise market, testing biofuel bunkering on three Holland America Line sailings
– Cruise ships made 23 sailings to destinations other than Alaska including Mexico, Hawaii, New Zealand, and Asia, plus coastal cruises along the Pacific Northwest

“Seattle set new standards this season on environmental sustainability and economic development by focusing on a shared vision across the Port and our cruise partners,” said Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck. “We are not just preparing for the future – we are building it. With major infrastructure investments we are preparing for the 2027 requirement that all home port ships connect to shore power at the dock. Through our Pacific Northwest to Alaska Green Corridor and partnership work we are advancing market development for alternative maritime fuels such as green methanol and renewable biodiesel. Our cruise line partners are making deeper investments locally as well to expand economic activity, the impact of which we estimate to be worth $1.2 billion each year. We end this season in a very strong position and look forward to an even better 2026.”

During the season, the Port welcomed Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth for its first Seattle home port season. Queen Elizabeth, whose maiden call was on June 12, operated 11 roundtrip voyages out of Seattle and will return in 2026.

“Seattle is a premier home port for unforgettable Alaska cruise experiences, and the cruise industry is proud to bring significant economic impact to the region while showcasing the Pacific Northwest’s beauty, attractions, local businesses, and stunning new Waterfront Park,” said Sally Andrews, Vice President of Communications for Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). “As the 2025 season ends, we celebrate another successful year of collaboration, innovation, and advancing sustainability goals.”

This year also marked the first time shore power was available at all three cruise berths. Sixty-five percent of ships plugged into the shore power, up from 42% in 2024, avoiding an estimated 1.67 tonnes DPM (diesel particulate matter) and more than 6,185 tonnes of CO2e from emissions. This shore power utilization demonstrates how the Port and its cruise line partners are meeting the evolving environmental needs and capabilities of the cruise industry.

Seattle continues its Port Valet program, which transfers bags directly from cruise ships to SEA, giving cruise visitors an opportunity to explore Seattle’s unique sights, sounds, and flavors before they head to the airport. This year, the service handled over 200,000 bags, allowing thousands of cruisers to enjoy the city luggage-free. Looking ahead, the 2026 cruise season will feature two new homeported brands when Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady and MSC Cruises Poesia arrive in Seattle. A preliminary 2026 cruise schedule is available for download from the Port’s website.