Ports & destinations

Le Havre to invest 90 million euros for the development of cruise terminals

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 19 April 2022 19 April 2022

The Le Havre Seine Métropole Urban Community and the Haropa Port port authority have been committed since 2018 to a partnership approach to develop cruise activity and redevelop the Pointe de Floride site, in line with the urban development works carried out on the waterfront. The objectives pursued are to develop the economic impact of cruises and to offer a better service in order to make the port of Le Havre a benchmark for cruises. These objectives involve making new investments and setting up a new operating framework. The works program includes the construction of three cruise terminals, replacing the existing facilities and to offer shore power atthe three berths.

In total, 90 million euros will be invested in the Pointe de Floride site, just for cruising.

Quayside electricity supply systems will be installed on the three cruise dedicated quays. Works will begin next winter.

Two new terminals will be built, starting with the South quay, with the complete renovation of two existing facilities, connected by the center. The North Terminal, opposite the city center, listed as World Heritage by the Unesco, will benefit from new construction.

Works have already been carried out and are continuing, such as the stabilization and renovation of the quays and their equipping with new defenses. New covered gangways, equipped with a middle podium, making it possible to reduce the inclination due to the tides, are under construction.

The development project also includes parking spaces and a landscaped promenade.

The works will be carried out from 2023 to 2025 in such a way as to disturb cruise activity as little as possible.
Le Havre currently welcomes 350,000 to 400,000 passengers per year. The Cruise Vision project sets the objective of reaching 600,000 passengers by 2030.

The Le Havre Cruise Club gathers 50 members around its founding members (the port of Le Havre, Urban District Council, the Le Havre Town Council and Chamber of Commerce and Industry). It has been coordinated by the Cruise Department of the Le Havre Tourism Board since 2012. The Cruise Club’s Missions: reception, organisation, shopping, training, monitoring, development.

Qatar Tourism steers the country’s cruise sector towards recovery

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 05 April 2022 05 April 2022

In response to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Qatar Tourism (QT), in cooperation with its national aviation partner Qatar Airways, the Port Authority, Mwani, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), and other public and private sector partners, took several steps to effectively resume cruise tourism.

Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, said: "Thanks to the remarkable efforts of all our partners, we managed to successfully and safely resume cruise tourism, which is a crucial subsector that helps us showcase our authentic experiences to a large number of visitors within a short period of time.

“The role of Mwani Qatar is highly commendable, as they helped position Qatar as a popular destination for marine tourism in the region, within a short span of just six seasons. We are now gearing up to witness a growth in passenger numbers, particularly in the lead up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, with the opening of a permanent passenger terminal at Doha Port this summer.”

By implementing the latest travel safety regulations in coordination with stakeholders, Qatar Tourism successfully welcomed almost 58,000 passengers and crewmembers in the first half of the 2021-2022 cruise season, which started in early December and will run until June 2022. At mid-season, a total of 18 cruise ships have docked at Doha Port, with 12 additional cruise calls expected by the end of the season. The Port also received four maiden calls and four luxury ships during this season. This is the second season with overnight stay itineraries for cruise passengers, including a total of 13 turnarounds – during which passengers began and ended their journey in Qatar.

In the first three months of the current cruise season, QT identified among the top nationalities to arrive at Doha Port, including Belgium, Brazil, France, India, Italy, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. The number of visitors from the GCC countries has also grown in the current cruise season and is expected to increase further next year, in-part through Qatar Tourism’s recent partnership with Emerald Cruises to introduce new superyacht luxury cruises that offer eight-day itineraries with stops around the GCC region.

Local destination management companies such as Discover Qatar, Qatar International Tours, and Al Tawfeeq Travels have been working closely with the arriving ships and travel agents to market tourism products, provide exceptional tours, and secure transportation for passengers.

In addition, Qatar Tourism’s ‘Tour Guide Training Programme’ provides training designed for local tour guides that work with cruise passengers to ensure they are equipped to guide shore excursions, which are often condensed in a day and include large groups. The initiative is part of Qatar Tourism’s Service Excellence programme which aims to enhance the visitor experience at every touchpoint.

The cruise sector’s growth serves as an economic boost for Qatar through increased visitor spending and the creation of job and business opportunities. Incoming visitors at the new temporary passenger terminal receive the same level of service delivered at the World’s Best Airport, Hamad International Airport, including its seamless immigration and customs, foreign exchange counters, and taxi platform. Other sought-after offerings include a Qatar Duty Free store, waiting area for passengers and staff, along with a range of city tours services.

Since the establishment of the cruise sector in 2015, Qatar Tourism has led sector partners to ensure Qatar emerges as a luxurious cruise destination. The Doha Port sits at the heart of Qatar’s cultural district, minutes away from leading national and cultural sites, and the Corniche promenade which serves iconic views of Doha’s skyline. Furthermore, this blooming interest in Qatar’s shores has also increased connectivity within the GCC, making it an integral shipping hub in the region.

In 2021, Qatar Tourism partnered with CLIA UK & Ireland, a division of CLIA-Cruise Lines International Association, to boost Qatar’s tourism sector via CLIA’s community of cruise companies (members), stakeholders, and travel agents. Qatar Tourism has also launched several initiatives and programmes to welcome global visitors for a safe experience, furthering its efforts to continually promote tourism. These efforts include the Qatar Clean programme, which promotes a healthy and safe environment in hospitality; an extensive Service Excellence programme to elevate the tourism experience at every stage of the visitor journey; the entity’s digital transformation including its Visit Qatar website and mobile app; and the recently launched international promotional campaign, “Experience a World Beyond”.

All in all, Qatar’s cruise tourism is reviving despite the challenges it faced over the last two difficult years. It has met many milestones in its growth, including the number of ships and passengers docked at Qatar’s shore increasing more than six folds in less than five seasons.

This current year has been the most exciting so far, as the country is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, a first in the region, which is a significant event for the national cruise sector. The grand terminal at the Doha Port, planned to open ahead of the tournament, will have the capacity to host two megaships at the same time. It will also offer various attractions, including an aquarium and art gallery. Additionally, in efforts led by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, Mwani and Qatar Tourism; Qatar is set to introduce a unique cruise tourism experience during the tournament, offering two cruise ships from MSC Cruises as floating hotel accommodations for visiting fans during the month-long tournament.

Broward approves Disney Terminal design contract at Port Everglades

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 05 April 2022 05 April 2022

Transforming Port Everglades' Cruise Terminal 4 into a second home for Disney Cruise Line received the green light today as the Broward County Commission approved Bermello, Ajamil & Partners, Inc. for design and consulting services.

"Disney is known for its remarkable creativity worldwide. I'm sure this new terminal will reflect the magical Disney experience for travelers. We are certainly very happy and complimented that Disney Cruise Line will be sailing from our Port Everglades," said Broward County Mayor Michael Udine.

Improvements to Cruise Terminal 4 and the adjacent berth will begin once the interior and exterior designs are complete. The entire project must be completed by Fall of 2023 when Disney Cruise Line sails for the first time from Port Everglades.

"Our Seaport Construction staff has been working closely with teams of Imagineers and other creative groups to brainstorm designs and ideas to maximize guest flow and efficiency. I am excited to see the final product," said Port Everglades Chief Executive and Port Director Jonathan Daniels.

Adding Port Everglades as a second homeport gives Disney a dedicated terminal in a market with direct highway access and one of the nation's fastest growing airports, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Disney's original homeport is Port Canaveral, located in Central Florida.

"We continue to make progress on our specially-designed Disney Cruise Line terminal, which will allow us to provide the outstanding experience our guests have come to expect from us, along with that special touch of Disney magic," said Disney Cruise Line SVP and General Manager Sharon Siskie.

The family-favorite cruise line is bringing its magic to Broward County's cruise port under a 15-year partnership that includes one ship to be homeported in Port Everglades year-round beginning Fall 2023, joined by a second, seasonal ship in 2025. The agreement supports an estimated 1,111 direct local jobs generating $31.6 million in wages and $12.3 million in state and local taxes, according to a study by nationally recognized maritime research company Martin Associates.

First cruise ship calls in La Goulette after seven years

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 28 March 2022 28 March 2022

La Goulette Cruise Port welcomed Spirit of Discovery, its first ship of the season, as well as its first ship in seven years to call the port.

Spirit of Discovery, from Saga Cruises, began its journey from the UK and visiting different Mediterranean destinations. La Goulette Cruise Port welcomed its 724 passengers with a celebratory parade of eagle handlers, national band & the traditional camels. As part as their shore excursions, the passengers visited La Medina, Sidi Bou Said, Carthage, Sousse and Kairouan.

La Goulette Village at the port was full of spirit with the shops filled with variety of local products that reflects the Tunisian culture. The restaurant and cafes that offer the local Tunisian gastronomy was filled with the visiting passengers.

Sami Debbich, GM of La Goulette Cruise Port, along with the attendance of the Minister of Tourism, Minister of Transport, Secretary of State for Maritime Affairs, Governor of Tunis, Head of Customs, Head of Police, the Ambassador of England, presented the “Plaque” at the traditional welcome ceremony to the Captain of the Spirit of Discovery.

Debbich commented: “We are delighted to once again see cruise passengers at our port. This is truly a reflection of our hard work. We look forward to a blissful season with 40cruise ships expected for 2022. As La Goulette Cruise Port, we will continue to offer the best services with all necessary health & safety measures to ours business partners.”

La Goulette is located in a coastal area that includes the ruins of ancient Carthage and the picturesque suburb of Sidi Bou Said, places that attract more visitors than Tunis itself. Home to several UNESCO Heritage sites, the city is a masterpiece of historical and cultural art.

La Goulette Cruise Port operated through a joint venture between Global Ports Holding Plc and MSC Cruises S.A. has started its operations in May 2019. The Port features berths with a total of 657mtr which enable the port to receive the mega ships such as Oasis, Excellence and Meraglivia-plus class cruise ships. The ISPS compliant port, offers services to cruise passengers with enhanced security operations. With two terminal buildings, La Goulette Cruise Port can easily handle the operations of the cruise ships.