Ports & destinations

Baltic ports invest in shore power facilities

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 16 December 2021 16 December 2021

A new study shows that the use of OPS is increasing among the Baltic cruise ports. Some ports in the Baltic Sea region have decided to invest in shore power facilities, but several ports have not decided yet. However, four major cruise lines plan to have at least 56% of their overall fleet shore power ready before 2026.

Sustainability is on top of everybody’s mind, and it is also a matter of discussion among the Baltic cruise ports and major cruise lines. A new study commissioned by Cruise Baltic shows that several ports in the Baltic Sea region have decided to invest in shore power facilities.

Bermello Ajamil & Partners Europe conducted the report and reached out to 50 Baltic ports in 10 countries and four of the largest cruise lines in the world (Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, MSC). The four cruise lines, who represent 83.4% of the global fleet, report full commitment to reduce CO2 emissions and plan to have at least 56% of their overall fleet shore power ready by 2026.

“Investments in OPS help the cruise industry to reduce CO2 emissions, but to really succeed in doing so, ports and cruise lines must strengthen their collaboration. Many of our cruise guests are highly aware of the environmental impacts of travelling the world, and investments in OPS are a good way for cruise ports and the cruise industry to address these concerns as OPS eliminates air pollution and decreases the noise level at the ports,“ says Director of Cruise Baltic, Claus Bødker.

Naturally, cruise ships have an impact on the environment surrounding the ports, and this is in particular a concern for those living closeby. OPS leads to cleaner air and reduces the noise level as the ships can turn off their engines while using the shore power facilities. Alltogether, an increasment in OPS will create better air quality, making it more pleasant to live nearby the cruise ports.

Despite many good arguments for investments in green OPS, such as eliminated carbon emissions and noise reduction, the high investment costs make it challenging for some ports and cruise lines to find the right funding for the investments. 36% of the Baltic Sea ports are still discussing investments in shore power, and 32% of the ports have not considered or have decided not to invest.

The study is commissioned by Cruise Baltic in order to get an overview of how many cruise ports in the Baltic Sea region are considering to invest in OPS as well as to get an overview of of the 4 major cruise brands’ interest and plans to install shore power facilities on existing and future vessels.

Antigua welcomes three cruise ships simultaneously

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 17 November 2021 17 November 2021

Another momentous day to behold with the arrival of Silver Whisper of Silversea Cruises, Sky Princess of Princess Cruises and Britannia of P&O Cruises on Sunday, November 14, 2021, earmarks yet another great day as three cruise ships berthed in the St. John’s Harbour.

The Sky Princess, a brand-new cruise vessel, made its inaugural call to Antigua, while the Silver Whisper, berthed at the Nevis Pier, made its first return to the Caribbean with Antigua being one of its ports of call as part of a special charter. Hon. Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism & Investment gave a warm reception to the Captains and crew to the island. He noted the wonderful return of cruising to Antigua and Barbuda and looked forward to seeing many more return visits of the ships to the port. Dona Regis-Prosper, General Manager of Antigua Cruise Port as well as Management Team, Executive Members of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and the local media were also in attendance to warmly welcome the cruise vessels to the St. John’s Port.

“Sky Princess’s inaugural call to the Caribbean and making Antigua its first call of choice shows the confidence that the cruise line has in Antigua’s protocols and methods of operation,” said Rawle Reynolds, Operation Manager-Pier Services of Antigua Cruise Port. “This has been our first 3-vessel day since the start of the pandemic, and we are pleased with the high disembarkation rate which will in turn greatly benefit Merchants at Heritage and Redcliffe Quay, vendors, taxi drivers and tour operators as well as other businesses. Sky Princess for instance will depart at 10:00 pm, which allows for evening dinning at the various restaurants in and around the port area.”

Today was originally a “day-at-sea” for the Britannia, which was scheduled to called on in Antigua on Tuesday 16th November 2021, but due to weather conditions in the region, the vessel instead requested to be in port today. “The fact that the Britannia could make this request on short notice and be so ably accommodated shows the flexibility of Antigua as a cruise destination.” Mr. Reynolds added. The three ships in port totaled a combination of approximately 2,700 passengers with numerous groups leaving the port for shopping, dining and tour excursions.

Another milestone for St. John's in Antigua

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 11 November 2021 11 November 2021

November 8 marked another major milestone where St. John’s Harbour welcomed two ships in port. The Celebrity Apex of Celebrity Cruises and AIDAluna of AIDA Cruises arrived to a resounding reception from Hon. Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism & Investment, Mrs. Dona Regis-Prosper, General Manager of Antigua Cruise Port and team members, Ms. Maria Blackman and Mr. Shamoi Richards of Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Bryson’s Shipping representatives and the local media respectively.

The Celebrity Apex, which is part of the Celebrity Cruises fleet, is on its maiden voyage to the Caribbean with Antigua being one of its first ports of call. AIDAluna, a German-based brand and part of the Carnival Corporation & plc, has called at St. John’s Harbour numerous times but made its first call to Antigua since the restart of the cruise industry. Both vessels showcased the continuation of premium cruise vessels to the island despite the challenges of the pandemic.

“We are so happy to welcome these cruise vessels to Antigua,” Dona Regis-Prosper said. “And we are confident that the comeback will be much greater than the setback.” She sincerely expressed how much it meant to see the return of cruising and the wonderful benefits that the arrival of these vessels would bestow upon Antigua. Both Ship Captains and crew were receptive to the warm welcome displayed by the island. Sweet steel pan music greeted a combined 2,700 passengers as the cruise vessels berthed at the Heritage Quay pier.

Genting Dream celebrates 100 days of safe sailings in Hong Kong

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 15 November 2021 15 November 2021

November 6 marked Dream Cruises’ milestone of 100 days of safe sailings in Hong Kong with Genting Dream, which began on 30 July 2021. This milestone also coincides with the landmark 800th cruise call at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal with Genting Dream’s arrival on Friday, 12 November marking this impressive record. Since the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal opened in 2013, Genting Cruise Lines has accounted for 50% of all cruise calls to the terminal.

As well, as of 12 November, Genting Dream has welcomed over 65,000 guests who have enjoyed a “Super Seacation” get-away that truly evokes the sense of travel that a regular staycation just cannot capture.

According to a recent survey conducted by Genting Cruise Lines in September this year, respondents who indicated that they would be likely to take a cruise within the next 12 months increased nearly 30% year-on-year for people who had cruised previously and nearly tripled for non-cruisers.

Due to an increased awareness of cruises as a holiday option and stronger market education during the pandemic, bookings for Genting Dream have continued to be strong since the start of operations with an average capacity of over 90% (based on the required 50% reduced capacity) and high demand for upcoming cruises as well. Repeat guests also increased 28% from the same period in 2019, the last time that a similar comparison could be drawn.

“Following on the recent announcement of World Dream completing one year of operations in Singapore since COVID-19, Genting Cruise Lines is doubly proud to have achieved this second milestone for Dream Cruises in Hong Kong. I would also like to congratulate Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on achieving their landmark 800th cruise ship call and we are thrilled to help them realize this milestone,” said Kent Zhu, President of Genting Cruise Lines. “We have been very encouraged by Genting Dream’s first 100 days in Hong Kong providing our guests with a safe and fun space at sea and we have received tremendous feedback from guests of all ages and across demographics. Dream Cruises appreciates the trust that our guests have placed in us, as we provide them with the confidence to savour the feeling of getting away on our Super Seacations and to enjoy all of the activities available on board.”

Added Billy Lam, a cruise passenger on board Genting Dream: “Since Genting Dream resumed operations in Hong Kong, I have already enjoyed a few Weekend Seacations and I find the onboard experience even more enjoyable than before – with better arrangements, great food and entertainment. I hope that Genting Dream will continue to provide the people of Hong Kong with Super Seacations, where we can enjoy a real vacation away from the city.”

Providing the best value for consumers and offering guests new levels of comfort and thoughtfulness, accommodations on board Genting Dream impressively start from Balcony Staterooms providing over 20m2 of space that can comfortably sleep up to four guests and with access to its own private balcony, made possible due to capacity capped at 50% by COVID-19 regulations.

Nearly selling out on every cruise, demand for The Palace has also seen a marked increase with consumers willing to splurge more on their holidays due to the ongoing travel restrictions and also of the outstanding value that The Palace provides.

Providing even more indulgence, The Palace is the “all-inclusive, all-suite” luxury concept on board Genting Dream, featuring the charm of a boutique hotel with the exclusivity of a private clubhouse. Guests can indulge in an unprecedented level of service and comfort, through its space ratio of over 80 gross tons per guest, all-suite accommodations and European-style butler service. With its lavish dining experiences, rich collection of enrichment activities, and all-inclusive privileges, The Palace elevates the luxury cruising experience into an art form.

As a result of international travel restrictions curtailing destination itineraries, a change in consumer behaviour can be seen as activities that were previously popular before COVID-19, such as sightseeing and shopping, are now replaced with on board pastimes with over two-thirds of survey respondents citing entertainment options a top priority, nearly two-thirds interested in spa & wellness and over half looking to participate in enrichment talks and workshops.

Genting Dream offers a full range of recreation and entertainment activities to suit every taste highlighted by fully staged production shows including “Sonio – A Tale of Two Dreams”, Dream Cruises’ signature show, along with live music throughout the ship and blockbuster movies as part of Cinema at Sea. Waterslides, a zip-line and rock-climbing wall await adventure seekers while the arcade and The Little Dreamers Academy will enchant youngsters on board. For the ultimate in pampering, the Crystal Life Spa offers a long list of traditional and progressive body and beauty treatments.

Following on the popular Japanese Festival and Oktoberfest theming, and just in time for the festive season, guests can set sail on “A Nordic Christmas Adventure” from 12 November to 1 January to explore the festive traditions of Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland with friends and family this holiday. Explore the enchanted Nordic village and browse the Nordic market for Christmas goodies or take in the magical Santa Express running through a tasty Gingerbread Town. Partake in a sumptuous holiday feast in the wide range of restaurants on board Genting Dream then take in “VERRY Christmas” the seasonal stage production that will charm guests of all ages with its yuletide spirit.

“With our comprehensive range of onboard facilities, innovative offering and strong booking numbers continuing through the end of the year, Dream Cruises is looking forward to creating even more memorable vacation experiences for our guests in the future,” added Zhu.

Viking begins sailing from Port Everglades for 2021-2022 winter season

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 21 October 2021 21 October 2021

Viking started to sail from Port Everglades for the first time beginning October 20 with the 930-guest Viking Orion. The identical sister ship, Viking Star, will begin sailing from Port Everglades on Saturday, November 6. Both ships will sail on a variety of itineraries in the Caribbean and Central America through 2022.

"Viking's arrival diversifies Port Everglades' fleet with a new brand that focuses on history, culture and exploration for curious travelers," said Port Everglades Chief Executive and Port Director Jonathan Daniels. "We are honored that Viking has selected Port Everglades for their 2021-2022 winter cruise season and wish them great success in the Florida-Caribbean market."