Ports & destinations

Port of Seattle postpones construction of new cruise terminal

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 29 April 2020 29 April 2020

The Port of Seattle will postpone work on the proposed Terminal 46 cruise terminal. The Port needs to better understand the market impact of COVID-19 before proceeding. The Board of Commissioners have also directed staff to present an evaluation of the Alaska homeport cruise industry and recommendations concerning the resumption of the project as part of the upcoming capital budget process. The analysis will consider impacts of COVID-19 on the industry’s 2020 cruise season, health and safety regulatory requirements, industry and market forecasts, and economic benefit.

“The last twenty years proved the demand for the Alaska cruise market, which we believe is resilient and will return,” said Executive Director Steve Metruck. “With global cruising on pause right now, it’s appropriate that we consider coming back to this project in the future when we have a clearer picture of the market.”

Singapore provides economic relief to passenger shipping

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 02 April 2020 02 April 2020

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will provide economic relief to passenger vessel owners and operators, as well as passenger terminal operators, who have seen a drop in passenger volumes due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) outbreak. This was announced on March 26 by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Mr Heng Swee Keat, as part of the Resilience Budget.

In February 2020, MPA announced a 50% port dues concession to passenger vessels[ from 1 March to 31 August 2020. MPA will now extend the concession for another four months till 31 December 2020. This will be on top of all existing port dues concessions.

MPA will work with passenger terminal operator, Singapore Cruise Centre Pte. Ltd. (SCCPL), to provide support to regional ferry operators. SCCPL has given a 15% rebate to regional ferry operators to offset their monthly rental fees for overnight berthing of vessels and counter rental at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal for three months from March 2020. MPA will provide an additional 35% rebate to these operators, bringing the total rebates to 50%.

MPA will grant passenger terminal operators, SCCPL and SATS-Creuers Cruise Services Pte. Ltd., a 100% waiver of their public licence fees for one year (FY 2019).

Bergen city council bans cruise passengers from going ashore

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 12 March 2020 12 March 2020

The city council of Bergen in Norway has decided to ban passengers from cruise ships going ashore in the city in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.

Ships can take onboard provisions in the port that is owned by the council and the council is in talks with the port about how turnaround calls of companies like Hurtigruten and Fjord Line.

The aim is to agree on procedures how turnaround calls could continue, the city council said in a statement

Players in the Québec tourism industry stand united and mobilized in the face of COVID-19 crisis

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 22 March 2020 22 March 2020

On March 19 the Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec and Cruise the Saint Lawrence issued a status update concerning the progress of the impact of COVID-19 on this industry.

"Every day, tourism professionals adjust to this changing situation, which remains unprecedented in both modern society and the tourism industry in Québec. The Alliance, along with all regional and industrial partners, empathizes with the concerns raised by this pandemic and the significant impact of the current crisis on businesses, workers, and students in our economic sector," they said in a statement.

Currently, the Alliance is working on a daily basis in conjunction with regional and industry tourism associations, in a coordinated, coherent, and responsive manner, focusing on the following three areas:
– Assisting, equipping and supporting companies.
– Preparing for the relaunch.
– Supporting the government in managing this crisis.

Public health first and foremost

"Public health remains the top priority and we obviously hope that Québec will remain a safe destination. The approach currently being implemented shows the very high level of alertness of the Government of Québec and we applaud the measures put in place over the past few days.

Everyone must participate in protecting the economic, tourist, and social frameworks by following the recommendations issued the government, which is managing this public health crisis as an absolute priority. The Alliance and Cruise the Saint Lawrence invite professionals in the various industries to be patient, to take care of themselves and their loved ones, and to follow the recommendations regarding public health."

Supporting partners in tourism

All regional and tourist industry associations, along with the Alliance de l’industrie touristique du Québec, are also working to support the Government of Québec, while hoping that all decisions will lead to a return to normalcy.

Closely collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism, the Alliance:
– Coordinates its actions while considering their impacts.
– Ensures an open and continuous communication between its members.
– Shares information, practical guides, and useful tools to support companies in their management of the current crisis.
– Recommends to the government financial measures to be put in place in order to support the companies and workers of the tourism industry.
– Tourist companies are asked to visit the special COVID-19 page on the Alliance’s website to access various information and references made available to them by the Alliance, as well as other regional and industry associations in the tourism industry.

Additionally, in an effort to unburden all tourism association partners and allow them to focus on supporting other businesses who are members of their respective organizations, it was decided among them that the Alliance would act as the sole representative of the tourism industry in Québec, for all areas beyond Montréal and Québec City.

To conclude, it should be noted that all marketing materials available, both outside as well as within Québec have been updated in real time over the past few days. A collaborative team, including the Alliance, and regional as well as industry partners, is currently dedicated to planning and effectively preparing the actions necessary for a successful relaunch when the time is right.

Royal Caribbean signs agreement with Antigua for first Royal Beach Club

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 16 February 2020 16 February 2020

Royal Caribbean International and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, along with the assistance of the Consulate General of Antigua and Barbuda, have signed an agreement for the company’s first Royal Beach Club. The agreement marks the start of the planning and development for the Royal Beach Club scheduled to break ground later this year.

Created exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests, the Royal Beach Club at Antigua will sit along more than a half-mile of pristine beachfront and combine the island’s striking beaches with the cruise line’s signature service and amenities. The ultimate beach club experience will offer guests exceptional views from private cabanas and a stunning pool with a swim-up bar, complemented by locally inspired experiences. Featuring regional fare, island-style BBQs, live music, along with thrills such as jet skis, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and a family splash pad, the beach club will make for an unforgettable day at the beach.

“The Royal Beach Club will deliver a memorable beach day to our guests,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Together with the government of Antigua and Barbuda, we will bring to life an experience that will bring more visitors to these idyllic islands and create significant economic benefits and opportunities. In addition, we are looking at ways for the local community to also enjoy the beach club on days our ships are in other destinations.”

The cruise line has also committed to bringing Symphony of the Seas to the island nation with a call on November 3, 2020. Docking at the island capital of St. John’s, guests on board Symphony will have the opportunity to experience the rich culture and heritage of the island, delectable delicacies and some of the world’s best beaches.

The Honorable Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Economic Development and Investments, Government of Antigua and Barbuda, said: “The government of Antigua and Barbuda is truly grateful and appreciative that Royal Caribbean’s first Royal Beach Club will be in Antigua, which confirms confidence in our twin island state. We are also excited to share our beautiful island with guests sailing aboard Royal Caribbean ships when they begin calling to the island later this year.”