Ports & destinations

U.S. Virgin Islands makes a bold impression at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 16 April 2025 16 April 2025

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism concluded a highly successful week at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, the cruise industry’s leading annual event, held in Miami, Florida. With a focus on strengthening partnerships, showcasing the territory’s unique offerings, and elevating its cruise tourism strategy, the USVI delegation left a lasting impression on global cruise leaders, stakeholders, and attendees.

The U.S. Virgin Islands delegation began the week with a welcome reception – a Caribbean BBQ hosted by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. at the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) headquarters. The event, sponsored by the Department of Tourism, set the tone for a week of connection and collaboration. Cruise executives, partners, and media were treated to authentic Virgin Islands hospitality and cuisine in a festive atmosphere that celebrated the territory’s vibrant culture and growing role in the global cruise industry.

Throughout the conference, Governor Bryan and Commissioner Boschulte held a series of high-level, productive meetings with leading cruise lines, including Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International. Discussions centered around itinerary planning, infrastructure improvements, guest experience enhancements, and sustainability efforts—all aimed at expanding cruise offerings and increasing calls to St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John.

Cruise tourism to the U.S. Virgin Islands continues to grow, with passenger arrivals reaching 1.7 million in 2024 – up 90,000 from the previous year. Projections indicate 1.8 million arrivals in 2025 and 1.9 million in 2026. St. Thomas and St. John led the way with 542,071 passengers at Crown Bay and 983,862 at WICO, while St. Croix welcomed 169,228 at the AAMF port. The Department of Tourism remains focused on sustaining this momentum through strategic planning and strong industry partnerships.

“Seatrade Cruise Global provides an unmatched platform for dialogue with our cruise partners,” said Commissioner Boschulte. “We came to the table with a clear vision for growth and innovation in cruise tourism, and the interest and enthusiasm from our partners have been extremely encouraging.”

In addition to leadership meetings, the Department of Tourism team was active on the tradeshow floor, where they conducted dozens of industry engagements and introduced attendees to the authentic spirit of the USVI. The USVI booth became a standout attraction, buzzing with cultural energy thanks to live performances from steel pan musicians, Moko Jumbies, and traditional dancers. Staff also distributed branded giveaways that kept the USVI top of mind for potential visitors and industry representatives alike.

The USVI’s presence at Seatrade underscored its commitment to balancing economic development with cultural integrity. From infrastructure investment to community-based tourism experiences, the territory is focused on delivering a cruise product that is both competitive and uniquely Virgin Islands.

“We’re not just selling a destination – we’re sharing our story,” adds Commissioner Boschulte. “Our islands offer unmatched beauty, but it’s our people, culture, and authenticity that truly make us a world-class destination for cruise travelers.”

With momentum from Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, the USVI is poised for continued growth in cruise tourism, fueled by cross-industry thought strategy, strong partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

San Juan Cruise Port highlights $42 million in recent infrastructure improvements at Seatrade Cruise Global

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 13 April 2025 13 April 2025

San Juan Cruise Port (SJCP), operated by Global Ports Holding (GPH), reaffirmed its status as the Caribbean’s leading cruise port during Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami. The dynamic port operator hosted a special press conference for key stakeholders at the Global Ports Holding booth, promoting recent developments at SJCP including key investments in operational and infrastructure needs. SJCP was also featured prominently at the GPH booth and earned the cover story of GPH News Spring 2025 magazine for the second consecutive year.

SJCP continues to demonstrate strong upward momentum, making measurable strides in increasing both cruise line activity and passenger volume. Early 2025 figures show a 10% increase in passenger traffic, with 2025 projections indicating a further growth of nearly 20%. This growth reflects the port’s strengthened partnerships with cruise operators, improved operational capacity, and a renewed focus on San Juan as a key embarkation point in the Caribbean, also highlighting the port’s growing relevance in the regional cruise network and its capacity to scale as demand increases.

Among the key updates shared at Seatrade was the near completion of Phase 1 of the Panamerican Piers modernization project, in which $42m has been invested as of last month. This phase represents a significant step in SJCP’s broader infrastructure plan, aimed at elevating safety standards, improving operational efficiency, and preparing the port to receive the newest generation of cruise vessels.

In addition to the Panamerican upgrades, repair work at Pier 3 is progressing steadily. Replacement of the mooring dolphin on the west side of the Pier is underway, as part of the strategy to strengthen maritime infrastructure and ensure full compliance with evolving technical requirements by regulatory authorities.

The port’s progress reflects the strength of its collaboration with public and private stakeholders. During the presentation, notable leaders joined SJCP and GPH in highlighting these efforts, including Clarisa Jiménez, President & CEO of the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association (PRHTA) and Crystal Bell, Director of Air and Cruise Access, Puerto Rico Tourism Company.

This event was a testament to the power of a strong public-private partnership, where government, industry, and community work hand in hand in a unified alliance to achieve outstanding results for Puerto Rico. The presentation closed with “coquito” tastings and a vibrant live performance by local “pleneros”, highlighting San Juan’s rich cultural heritage and reinforcing the port’s deep local roots.

Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding, commented on the positive, expanding relationship between San Juan Cruise Port and its key partners. "Under the leadership of our General Manager, Clarivette Diaz, San Juan Cruise Port's growth and expansion exemplify the power of collaboration between the private and public sectors. By working together, we can unlock unparalleled opportunities that drive economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and foster a sustainable and thriving tourism industry. This partnership is essential to ensuring that San Juan becomes a leading destination, meeting the needs of our passengers, local communities, and stakeholders."

With major infrastructure milestones on track and projected passenger volume increase, SJCP is positioned for long-term growth. Upcoming phases of development will further expand capacity and support the arrival of larger, next-generation cruise ships – securing San Juan’s role as a significant player in the Caribbean cruise market and a driver of economic opportunity for Puerto Rico.

General Manager Clarivette Díaz stated: “This transformation is not only about modernizing San Juan Cruise Port – it’s about reinforcing Puerto Rico’s standing as a strategic port of call in the global cruise industry. The economic impact will be significant and lasting and we’re just getting started.

MedCruise presents its members record figures in Miami

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 10 April 2025 10 April 2025

Theodora Riga, President of MedCruise and President of the Corfu Port Authority, delivered the Trends in the Med keynote presentation on April 8 during this year’s Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami. Her presentation offered a comprehensive overview of the latest developments shaping the cruise industry, with a focus on global, Mediterranean, and MedCruise-specific trends.

A standout insight from the presentation was that MedCruise ports account for 21.6% of all global cruise sailings. Additionally, it was revealed that 52% of cruise ships scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2036 will be powered by alternative fuels — a strong indicator of the industry's commitment to sustainability.

Turning to the Mediterranean region, The President noted that out of the 461 cruise ships expected to operate worldwide in 2025, 183 will be sailing in the Mediterranean — an increase of 11 ships from 2024.

MedCruise ports, in particular, have experienced a notable rise in activity. Cruise passenger movements grew by 9.23% from 2023 to 2024 and by 15.5% compared to 2019. Cruise calls also saw an upward trend, increasing 7.94% from 2023 to 2024 and 16.37% over the five-year period since 2019.

The President also shared detailed data on regional and national trends within the MedCruise network, highlighting the West Med as the top-performing region in both passenger numbers and cruise calls.

In addition, she outlined MedCruise's strategic initiatives since the beginning of her mandate in September 2024. These include two upcoming General Assemblies — one in Cartagena, Spain this June, and another in Šibenik, Croatia in September. She also introduced projects such as the MedCruise Insider and highlighted the association’s growing visibility through increased communication efforts in international media and on social media, as well as MedCruise’s active participation in major cruise industry events.

SATS-Creuers to expand the Marina Bay Cruise Centre

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 11 April 2025 11 April 2025

Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS) will undergo its most extensive upgrading works since it opened in 2012, which will see a new check-in area for cruise passengers, updated amenities and a larger Ground Transport Area (GTA) with more bus parking bays and ride-hailing lots.

SATS-Creuers Cruise Services Pte Ltd (SATS-Creuers), the current terminal operator, will spearhead the nine-month upgrade, starting from the first quarter of this year. In view of the significant investment, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has extended SATS-Creuers’ operator agreement for MBCCS for eight years, with the option to extend for another two years. The extension, which could potentially run from May 2027 till March 2037, was formalised when both parties signed a revised management and operator agreement on 18 December 2024.

The refurbished cruise centre, with upgrades costing approximately S$40 million, will be better equipped to handle an increased passenger volume and facilitate dual ship calls associated with the trend of larger cruise ships. MBCCS’ capacity is anticipated to grow from 6,800 to 11,700 passengers following the upgrade. The enhancements will focus on improving passenger experience, with additional lounge facilities, larger seating areas for embarkation and disembarkation, and check-in stations that can accommodate two larger cruise ships concurrently.

The vacant land in front of MBCCS, which will be converted into a GTA, will significantly improve passenger access to and from the terminal. Traffic accessibility will also be enhanced, with the widening of a part of Marina Coastal Drive. The new GTA will increase the number of coach bays and more than double the number of ride-hailing lots. This, in turn, will increase the number of pick-up and drop-off points for buses and passengers, enhancing ground transportation accessibility at MBCCS.

Additionally, a portion of the current GTA will be transformed into a new check-in area, providing each cruise ship berthed at MBCCS with a dedicated check-in area for embarking passengers during dual ship calls. Upgrades will be carried out in phases to ensure minimal disruption, and the cruise centre will continue to operate on ship call days.

SATS-Creuers, a joint venture between SATS and Creuers del Port de Barcelona S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of Global Ports Holding (GPH), began operating MBCCS on 21 May 2012, leveraging SATS’ extensive experience in airport ground services. Since then, MBCCS, which is designed to accommodate large ships and high passenger volumes, has handled more than eight million passengers from over 2,000 ship calls, strengthening Singapore’s position as a regional cruise hub and a gateway to the region.

Bob Chi, Chairman of SATS-Creuers, said: “This terminal refresh underscores our intent to make Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore one of the best stopovers for cruise ship passengers. The upgrade is timely as the facility gears up for more intensive operations in the future, including welcoming two mega cruise ships on dual operation. The upgrade will deliver a better visitor experience while improving efficiency for cruise ship operators. We would also like to thank STB for their trust in SATS-Creuers for this extension of our partnership to grow the cruise industry in Singapore and the region by uplifting service levels and attracting major cruise lines to homeport or call at MBCCS - one of the world’s most important destinations for cruise passengers.”

Mehmet Kutman, Chairman & CEO of Global Ports Holding (parent company of Creuers1), said: “Singapore is a key hub for the cruise industry, and SATS-Creuers’ commitment to upgrading Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore highlights its dedication to delivering world-class passenger experiences. As the world’s largest cruise port operator, Global Ports Holding brings extensive expertise in sustainable cruise port operations. This upgrade will not only enhance capacity but also align with our shared vision of creating future-ready cruise ports, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a leading cruise destination in the region. Together with SATS, we combine our expertise to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional outcomes for the cruise industry.”

Ong Huey Hong, Assistant Chief Executive, Industry Development Group, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “Singapore’s cruise industry is projected to grow steadily with year-round sailings, seasonal homeporting, and a robust calendar of transit calls from a diverse range of international cruise lines. Recognising the global trend towards larger ships, STB is collaborating with SATS-Creuers Cruise Services to enhance MBCCS. These improvements will solidify Singapore’s position as a leading cruise hub, offering world-class facilities that cater to the evolving needs of cruise lines and passengers.”

Olympic champion Julien Alfred joins Saint Lucia Cruise Port to promote tourism upgrades at Seatrade Cruise Global

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 09 April 2025 09 April 2025

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Saint Lucia’s Olympic Women’s 100m Champion, and the world’s fastest woman, Julien Alfred, participated in a press conference at Seatrade Cruise Global to promote the growth of cruise tourism in Saint Lucia. The event was a collaborative effort between Saint Lucia Cruise Port (SLCP) and its parent company Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator, which highlighted the multi-million-dollar cruise port upgrades currently in progress and the strategic initiatives being created to elevate the Saint Lucian cruise tourism experience.

The Saint Lucia Cruise Port team emphasized its commitment to enhancing port infrastructure to accommodate more cruise calls, providing a richer experience for visitors and boosting the local economy. The transformative SLCP cruise port project is slated for completion by October 2026. The multi-million-dollar investment includes major upgrades to Port Castries, Pointe Seraphine, and Soufriere, encompassing berth enhancements at Port Castries and Pointe Seraphine; a new boardwalk linking the cruise terminals for seamless passenger flow; the creation of a Fishermen’s Village at Banannes Bay; a new tender dock and upland facilities in Soufrière.

In recognition of Julien Alfred’s exceptional contributions to sports and her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact, Saint Lucia Cruise Port also announced that it recently made a $10,000 donation toward the launch of her upcoming charitable foundation. This significant contribution underscores the port’s dedication to supporting local athletes and empowering youth in Saint Lucia. Through the foundation, Julien aims to provide resources and opportunities for the next generation of athletes, ensuring that her legacy extends beyond the track to inspire future leaders and changemakers.

“We are thrilled to partner with Julien in our mutual desire to champion societal progress in Saint Lucia through this donation,” said Lancelot Arnold, General Manager of Saint Lucia Cruise Port and Director, GPH Eastern Caribbean. “These kinds of donations can make a huge difference in people’s lives, and we want to be a part of any effort that helps Saint Lucians advance, especially our youth.”

He added, “Through our collaboration with Julien, we also aim to increase awareness of the groundbreaking changes to Saint Lucia's cruise port facilities, which will greatly enhance the growth and potential of our cruise industry.”

Saint Lucia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Dr. Ernest Hilaire, also expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "The modernization of our cruise facilities is a game-changer for Saint Lucia. These upgrades will allow us to cater to an increasing number of cruise visitors while enhancing the island's reputation as a top- tier destination. The involvement of global figures like Julien Alfred underscores our commitment to driving tourism forward.”

Alfred, who is also an official tourism ambassador of Saint Lucia, shared her excitement about the donation and her role in the growth of the island’s tourism sector. “I am very thankful to Saint Lucia Cruise Port for supporting the launch of the Foundation. Collaboration with corporate partners will be instrumental to our success, and we applaud their commitment to invest in our youth.”

“As a proud Saint Lucian,” she continued, “I’m excited to see how the development of our cruise industry will bring more visitors to our shores, creating opportunities for locals and showcasing the beauty of our island. I’m honored to be part of this momentous occasion.”

As part of its commitment to enhancing community partnerships and positioning the company as a key advocate for community development, SLCP launched the Saint Lucia Cruise Port Scholarship in February 2025, aimed at supporting local students pursuing higher education. By investing in these scholars, the port is committed to developing a skilled workforce that will drive the future success of Saint Lucia. To date, the program website has received over 3,200 views and over 700 application page views, demonstrating strong interest and potential among Saint Lucia’s youth to contribute to the island’s expanding opportunities.

The multi-million cruise port development project is expected to generate long-term value for local businesses and stakeholders, offering economic growth and an elevated cruise experience for travelers. As Saint Lucia continues to position itself as a leading destination in the Caribbean, the reinforcement of strategic partnerships between Saint Lucia Cruise Port, Global Ports Holding, and key industry partners will ensure the island nation remains at the forefront of cruise tourism.

Photo: Julien Alfred makes a special appearance as Tourism Ambassador for Saint Lucia at Seatrade Cruise Global in partnership with Saint Lucia Cruise Port. (L to R) – Lancelot Arnold, Director of GPH Eastern Caribbean & General Manager, Saint Lucia Cruise Port; Dr. Sean Matthew, Business Development Coordinator, GPH Americas; Mehmet Kutman, Chairman, Global Ports Holding; Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture, and Information, Saint Lucia; Julien Alfred, Olympic 100m Champion and Saint Lucia Tourism Ambassador; Dhalia Guard, CEO, Community Tourism Agency; Dexter Percil, Head of Marketing, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority; Louis Lewis, CEO, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority; and Gasper George, Director of Operations and Product Development, GPH Eastern Caribbean & General Manager, Antigua Cruise Port.