Ports & destinations

GPH to operate Tarragona cruise facilities, terminal to be built

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 01 February 2022 01 February 2022

Global Ports Holding Plc (GPH), the world's largest independent cruise port operator, said that the Tarragona Port Authority has awarded it a 12-year concession, with a 6-year extension option, to manage the services for cruise passengers in Tarragona, Spain. A modular cruise terminal would also be built in the port, GPH said in a statement.

 Late last year, a €30 million investment into the port infrastructure in Tarragona Port was completed. This investment programme included a new cruise pier in the "moll de balears" which can now handle the world's largest cruise ships, while berth capacity has been doubled to four ships at any one time. In addition, as well as expanding the general area available for cruise operations, the Port Authority has invested in the provision of shore power, which will significantly reduce the CO2 emissions from cruise ships while they are in port.

 Under the terms of the agreement, GPH will invest up to €5.5 million into building a new state of the art modular cruise terminal, which will utilise solar power to ensure the sustainable provision of the terminal's energy needs. The new terminal will provide cruise passengers with an improved port experience, including retail and F&B opportunities, while new coach and car parking facilities will significantly improve the ports transport infrastructure. The innovative modular design of the terminal will provide maximum flexibility to adapt the terminal to meet future capacity needs and to provide a vibrant and exciting event space in Tarragona.

 In 2019, prior to the increase in berth capacity, Tarragona cruise port welcomed about 130,000 cruise passengers. A World Heritage Site, the city of Tarragona is situated less than an hour's drive from Barcelona airport and the recently completed investment into the port infrastructure and the planned new terminal will significantly improve the port's attractiveness for turnaround operations in the region which offers a mild Mediterranean climate.

 Josep M. Cruset, President of the Port of Tarragona, commented: "The award of the new cruise terminal in the “Moll de Balears” represents a great additional boost for a project that the Port shares with the City of Tarragona, tourist agents and companies of our territory and of the “Costa Daurada".

 "From now on, we have a partner like Global Ports Holding to give the final push to the cruise project thanks to its excellent position in the market, its track record, its experience and its professionalism."

 Emre Sayin, Chief Executive Officer, said: "Tarragona Cruise Port is an important addition to our cruise port network, strengthening our growing presence and capabilities in the Iberian Peninsula and the West Med.  We are very grateful to Tarragona Port Authority for placing their trust in GPH as the operator of Tarragona Cruise Port and we very much look forward to working with all stakeholders to grow cruise passenger volumes in Tarragona sustainably and responsibly."

 The addition of Tarragona to GPH’s cruise port network means than upon the successful conclusion of all outstanding and previously announced concession agreements, the total number of cruise ports GPH operates and manages will rise to 23.

Photo: a CGI of the future cruise terminal at the Port of Tarragona

Antigua Cruise Port projects busiest month since cruise restart

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 21 December 2021 21 December 2021

Antigua Cruise Port (ACP) is set to record its busiest month, with over 65 calls expected during the month of December 2021, which includes the achievement of a notable milestone of having five (5) vessels in port.

Since reopening the cruise port, ACP has welcomed 76 Cruise calls surpassing projections by 4.1 %. Saturday, December 18th the Antigua’s cruise industry had yet another reason to celebrate as they welcomed five vessels in port for the very first time. Amongst those five vessels was the brand-new Spirit of Adventure operated by UK- based Saga Cruises which was berthed at the 5th berth for the first time. Minister Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism and Investment, Antigua Cruise Port’s representatives along with officials from the Tourism Authority, Meridian Construction and other local stakeholders welcomed the Captain and crew with a Plaque Exchange ceremony at the 5th berth.



“We reopened the cruise port almost 5 months ago with a very modest restart and we are pleased with our performance thus far. Saturday was very special for us as the completion of the 5th berth earlier this year allowed us the capacity to now be able to receive more vessels in port and seeing those five (5) ships perched so beautifully at the cruise port was definitely a captivating sight,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, General Manager. “Recognizing that we are still within an active pandemic we continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health and Wellness in the execution of protocols to ensure safety of our guests, service providers and residents. While still not back at 2019 levels, we are looking forward to a continued trajectory of growth.” continued Regis-Prosper.



2022 is set to be very promising with over 200 bookings thus far . Upgrades to Heritage Quay Shopping Center have started with health and safety fixes while works on the upland development is expected to start by the second quarter of 2022. This development is expected to increase the retail and food and beverage footprint of Antigua Cruise Port while increasing the entertainment offerings in the destination. ACP will hold a series of stakeholder consultations with the Port Community in 2022.

Double boost from Viking for Lerwick's cruise activity

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 24 January 2022 24 January 2022

The rebuilding of Lerwick Harbour's important cruise traffic in the aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions will potentially receive extra impetus next month with the earliest start yet to the annual season.

Viking Cruises has booked five visits with its Viking Venus in the first quarter 2022, starting with its maiden call on Thursday 3 February and due to berth at Mair’s Pier.

Previously, there have been rare industry arrivals in late February and March, with the main season usually beginning in April.

For the second year running, Lerwick will be the first port of call in the Scottish cruise season, after the reopening last July following the 17-month Covid-related suspension.

With accommodation for 900 guests, the 229-metre-long Viking Venus will be undertaking 12-day ‘In Search of Northern Lights’ cruises, departing Tilbury, England, via Lerwick, to Bergen, Norway, taking in that country’s far north regions.

In a second boost, Viking Cruises have booked 20 calls at Lerwick this season, the highest number by a single operator in decades of the Shetland port servicing the sector.

“We see the Viking programme, with its early start and high number of bookings, as a vote of confidence in the harbour and Shetland, including the way the restart was handled through 2021,” said Melanie Henderson, Lerwick Port Authority Cruise & Marketing Manager.

“It gives great encouragement to everyone involved to see the recovery in our overall bookings for 2022 and that activity is on the way back, albeit with some Covid measures still in place, such as shore excursion “bubbles” in the short term.

“Interest from the industry to develop Scotland’s cruise potential adds to our hopes that February and March sailings can be built into an annual winter cruising itinerary, extending the established window for visits to Lerwick.”

With schedules for this year subject to finalisation, there are currently more than one hundred ships lined up to call at Lerwick, which could mean record numbers of passengers, vessels, and tonnage of shipping.

Photo: Viking Sea at Lervick. Photo credit: John Coutts

St. Kitts’ ports to see busiest week since 2020

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 16 December 2021 16 December 2021

This week will be the busiest day for cruise travel to St. Kitts since the island reopened its borders to international visitors. Across the island’s four ports – Port Zante, Basseterre Harbour, Deep Water Harbour and South Friar’s Bay – 21 cruise ships will arrive throughout the week. Among the ships arriving include the Enchanted Princess, Seabourn Ovation, Viking Sea, Allure of the Seas, and the third visit of Explorer of the Seas. Thursday marks the first day with five ships in port.

“This week comes as an optimistic sign that the cruising industry is making an unstoppable comeback in St. Kitts. We see the number of ship arrivals growing weekly,” said Lindsay F.P. Grant, Minister of Tourism, Transport and Ports. “Our commitment to safety paired with our exceptional tours and on-island experiences are driving high demand for the destination on cruise itineraries, and we expect this to continue well into 2022.”

This record number of ship arrivals comes in conjunction with changes to the destination’s arrival requirements. As of December 11, Port Zante is completely free-flow, enabling cruise passengers to seamlessly integrate into the Federation and providing nationals and residents with access to the port. Travel Approved tours, attractions, restaurants and bars are now open to all fully vaccinated travelers, nationals and residents.

“This busy cruise week shows that demand for our destination continues to grow,” said Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “The reduced travel restrictions make it easier for cruise and international air travelers to engage their senses and seamlessly immerse themselves in our quintessential Caribbean escape.”

After pausing cruise travel when borders closed in March 2020, St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed back its first ships last July. Since then, the twin-island federation has hosted a steady increase in ship arrivals and has allowed for passengers to explore the destination via “Travel Approved” tours and attraction sites.