Ports & destinations

Galveston Port moving forward with Master Plan update

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 07 February 2025 07 February 2025

The Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees voted on Feb. 6 to invest in the port’s future by funding an updated 20-Year Strategic Master Plan and by continuing to support development of additional cruise infrastructure.

As the nation’s 4th-ranked cruise port, Galveston saw a record 3.4 million passenger movements through its three terminals in 2024. It will open its fourth cruise terminal in November to homeport MSC and Norwegian cruise lines. This year, the port forecasts more than 400 sailings and almost 3.6 million passenger embarkations and debarkations.

The current master plan, adopted by the Wharves Board in 2019, includes plans to double the number of cruise terminals from two to four, to build an internal roadway to accommodate more port traffic, and to expand its cargo complex. These major projects are either completed or in various stages of construction.

“Our updated master plan will look at growth opportunities in all of our business lines – cruise, cargo and commercial,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves Port Director and CEO. “The board’s unanimous vote to support cruise infrastructure growth reflects the economic benefits that our cruise business provides and allows us to continue to invest in our cargo business.”

Galveston’s cruise industry is a major economic engine for local and regional businesses. In 2023, cruise operations generated 4,547 jobs for Galveston area residents, $733 million in business revenues, $291 million in personal income, and $25 million in state and local taxes.

Master Plan a roadmap for future growth

Rees said, “The updated master plan will evaluate all that we’ve accomplished to date and lay a foundation for continued growth based on new cruise and cargo forecasts and port and community goals.

“The master plan has served us well. It’s been our roadmap for major capital projects to grow our business and maximize port assets while managing potential community impacts.”

Much has changed in the last five years. For example, the cruise business is growing faster than forecast, construction costs continue to rise, and the port received state funding to jump-start cargo expansion.

“A big focus in the master plan update will be how we can continue to efficiently manage traffic on and around Harborside Drive as our cruise, cargo and commercial businesses grow. Our current master plan includes a 2.25-mile-long internal roadway, cueing lanes at cruise terminals and on-site parking garages.”

Rees said that the port wants the updated plan to consider locations for the USS Texas, public areas on the waterfront, and safely connecting the port’s waterfront commercial areas to downtown.

Several items in the current plan will be addressed, including dock and wharf improvements, development potential for port acreage on Pelican Island, drainage improvements, and a public boardwalk, to name a few.

Master plan consultants from Bermello Ajamil and Partners Inc. will evaluate these projects, update cost estimates and identify new opportunities. Consultants also will hold workshops and public meetings to gather input from Wharves Board members, port partners and the community.

Rees said, “Armed with this information, we’ll be prepared to continue to maximize our port assets and remain a strong community asset.”

Photo: Galveston, the only cruise home port in Texas, has three cruise terminals, with a fourth opening in November 2025. The fourth most popular cruise port in the U.S. set a new record of 3.4 million cruise passenger embarkations and debarkations in 2024. Galveston Wharves courtesy photo. By Robert John Mihovil.

Port Everglades cruise operation sails into a solid first quarter

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 05 February 2025 05 February 2025

Port Everglades' cruise business line is on course for a buoyant fiscal year based on double-digit growth during the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2025 (Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024).

Multi-day cruise ship calls increased by 25%, with 235 calls compared to 188 calls in the same period of the previous year. The wave of growth is also seen in the port's cruise passenger traffic, which is up by 27% to 1,349,313 guests versus 1,064,998 compared to the same period in FY24. The uptick in ship calls and guests resulted in part from Disney Cruise Line establishing homeport operations at Port Everglades, joining industry leaders Celebrity Cruises, Crystal, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Royal Caribbean International, Silversea Cruises and Viking Cruises.

"While we continue to navigate the year ahead, this strong first quarter is a promising indication of smooth sailing for our customers and the broader economy," said Port Everglades CEO and Port Director Joseph Morris. "These numbers not only highlight our steady course of growth but also position us to achieve new heights this fiscal year."

The port anticipates setting a new cruise passenger record in FY25 with a forecasted 4.4 million guests.

Mindelo, Cabo Verde joins Global Ports Holding

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 29 January 2025 29 January 2025

Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator, has announced that Mindelo Cruise Port in São Vicente, Cabo Verde, has joined its expanding network, marking it the second GPH port in Africa, following La Goulette Cruise Port in Tunisia.

The partnership with ENAPOR (National Company for Port Administration in Cabo Verde) includes a broad scope of work aimed at supporting the terminal’s development, management, and operational success. GPH will offer consultancy expertise to ensure the terminal operates in line with global best practices. This includes operational support during the initial phase, under an agreement spanning around three and a half years with the option to extend for an additional two years.

A key aspect of this collaboration is the Cruise Destination Development Program (CDDP), aimed at enhancing Cabo Verde’s appeal through marketing strategies, stakeholder training, and sustainable tourism practices aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Strategically positioned off the northwest coast of Africa, Cabo Verde’s Mindelo Cruise Port serves as a gateway to the Twin Island Destination of São Vicente and Santo Antão. Positioned at the crossroads of major Atlantic maritime routes, the terminal’s location complements GPH’s Canary Islands ports, strengthening regional connectivity and unlocking new opportunities for collaboration. Set to become a key port on global cruise itineraries, it connects Northern Europe, transatlantic voyages, and West African destinations. This development is expected to boost passenger traffic while promoting economic growth and tourism opportunities in the region.

Mehmet Kutman, Chairman & CEO of Global Ports Holding: “We are delighted to collaborate with the ENAPOR on this transformative project. Our expertise in cruise terminal operations and sustainable development aligns perfectly with Cabo Verde’s vision to elevate its standing in the global cruise industry. Together, we aim to create a world-class destination that celebrates the unique charm and vibrancy of São Vicente and Santo Antão.”

Ireneu Camacho, Chairman & CEO of Ports of Cabo Verde; “It is with great pleasure and satisfaction that I express our enthusiasm about the partnership between Ports of Cabo Verde and Global Ports Holding. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in supporting the development, management, and operational success of the Mindelo Cruise Port.

We are confident that this partnership will bring mutual benefits, enhancing the infrastructure and services of one of the most important maritime gateways in Cabo Verde, while contributing to the continued growth and prosperity of our country, mainly at the cruise sector. We look forward to working closely with Global Ports Holding to achieve new milestones and elevate the Mindelo Cruise Port to new heights of excellence.”

Port of New Orleans breaks cruise passenger record

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 03 February 2025 03 February 2025

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA), the 6th largest U.S. cruise port and the only port in the country that offers both ocean-going and river cruising, recently announced a record-breaking year with more than 1.2 million cruise passenger movements in 2024. Port NOLA’s two cruise terminals at Erato Street and Julia Street are located within the heart of the city, just steps away from the historic French Quarter, world-renowned restaurants, and unique cultural heritage.

“We are grateful to our cruise and hospitality partners, including New Orleans & Company, for their role in helping Port NOLA achieve a record-breaking number of passengers,” said Port NOLA President & CEO Beth Branch. “These valued partnerships continue to drive strong demand and promising growth projections for both ocean-going and river cruising from Port NOLA. We look forward to building on this momentum for another successful year in 2025.”

Port NOLA’s cruise business contributes significantly to the state and local economy. Ninety percent of cruise guests travel from out-of-state - 70% of those guests spend one or two days in New Orleans either before or after their cruise - generating more than 300,000 hotel room nights and upward of $125 million in local spending each year.

“Our team at New Orleans & Company works daily to ensure New Orleans remains a highly popular cruise destination for both travelers and the cruise lines,” said Walt Leger, III President and CEO of New Orleans & Company, the official destination marketing and sales organization for the New Orleans tourism industry. “We salute our partners at the Port of New Orleans for a second consecutive year of passenger growth. These results, like tourism, do not just happen. It is the result of innovative strategies and years of relationships. We work to ensure that New Orleans remains the most remarkable, unique, and welcoming city in the world, and we are pleased that visitors from around the world continue to honor us by choosing our city as their top destination for cruising, leisure visits, meetings, and major events.”

In 2024, there were continued commitments from Port NOLA’s cruise line partners. Carnival Cruise Line finalized a five-year agreement for two year-round vessels, currently “The Valor” and “The Liberty” and celebrated their 30th year of cruising from New Orleans. Royal Caribbean returned with the “Brilliance of the Seas,” and Port NOLA continues to offer sailings on six homeported river vessels, including American Cruise Lines and North America’s first Viking Cruise that was built in Louisiana and began sailing in 2022. Norwegian Cruise Line is continuing with their five-year agreement with Port NOLA and added sailings for the “Norwegian Getaway.”

Port NOLA will also bring port calls to New Orleans in 2025, with vessels that come to New Orleans for cruise guests to enjoy the city and its many attractions. On January 16th, Port NOLA welcomed the inaugural call of MSC’s Explora II, a luxury cruise line. Also, this year, Port NOLA will welcome P&O’s Ventura, a Carnival Corporation Subsidiary as well as Saga Cruises Spirit of Discovery.

Port of Turku to start international cruise season in May

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 27 January 2025 27 January 2025

Turku, Finland is an attractive destination port for international cruise ships, standing out especially for its beautiful archipelago and diverse range of activities. Turku complements the capital-centric Baltic Sea cruises by offering an appealing destination where cruise ships are welcomed with tailored services. Located on the dock, the Visit Turku Archipelago service point provides assistance and guidance regarding Turku’s attractions. The service point also offers free Wi-Fi provided by the Port. In addition, cruise guests can use a free shuttle bus between the port and the city center throughout their visit.

The cruise season opens on June 16th, when Hapag Lloyd’s Europa arrives at the port. Built in Finland, the ship, which began operating in 1999, has visited Turku several times already.

This upcoming summer, five international cruise ships will visit Turku, one of which will be visiting the city for the first time. The small but high-quality Seadream II will make its first call on July 17th, offering an ultra-luxurious travel experience. Normally cruising in the Caribbean, the ship is exploring northern cruise routes.

The Port of Turku and Visit Turku Archipelago are working closely together to increase cruise traffic. However, the city itself is also doing its part: Seven Seas Splendor, which made its first visit last summer, will return to Turku this summer; the cruise guests’ admiration for Turku’s archipelago and authentic experiences along the Aura River led to the cruise line’s decision to return.

In addition to Turku Castle and other regular attractions, cruise passengers can explore the city through guided tours. Options include themed walking tours, river cruises on the Aura River, and electric bike tours. Known as a vibrant cultural city and the food capital, Turku offers international travelers authentic experiences and new culinary delights with a relaxed touch.