Ports & destinations

Saint Lucia Cruise Port begins demolition work in Castries

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 30 December 2024 30 December 2024

The demolition of the Customs and Excise Department Building on Jeremie Street, completed between December 21 and 22, marked the official launch of the highly anticipated Saint Lucia Cruise Port redevelopment project in Castries. This significant milestone signals the start of a transformative initiative aimed at modernizing and enhancing Saint Lucia’s cruise tourism infrastructure, positioning the island as a premier destination in the global cruise market.

The building was torn down at night to ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding community while prioritizing public safety. All relevant stakeholders and residents in the vicinity were notified well in advance, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

This event marks the beginning of a new era for the Saint Lucia cruise tourism sector. The redevelopment of the cruise port, with its state-of-the-art facilities and expanded capabilities, will enable the island to accommodate larger vessels, diversify its tourism offerings, and enhance the passenger experience. It is anticipated that these changes will aid in increasing passenger spending and driving sustainable economic growth for the nation.

Lancelot Arnold, General Manager of Saint Lucia Cruise Port, expressed his excitement, saying, “This is the first step in fulfilling our commitment to the people of Saint Lucia to transform and modernize the cruise industry. Our goal is to deliver a world-class experience, starting with infrastructure that supports our vision of growth and excellence.”

Further development work will continue into the new year.

Port Of Galveston sets record with 1.5-millionth cruise passenger

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 14 December 2024 14 December 2024

The Port of Galveston, fourth most popular cruise home port in North America, celebrated its 1.5-millionth cruise passenger of the year on Dec. 6, breaking its 2023 record and putting it on track to reach more than 1.6 million passengers by the end of the year.

Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO congratulated Katrular Buchanan and her family of Amite, La., at Cruise Terminal 28 before they embarked on their 4-night Disney Magic cruise.

“We’re very happy for the Buchanan family and thank them for sailing from Galveston. We’re also excited to celebrate this milestone with long-time cruise partner, Disney Cruise Line. Thanks to the support of our cruise partners and loyal cruise customers, cruising from Galveston has never been better!”

Due to Galveston’s growing popularity as a cruise home port, newer and larger ships are sailing to more destinations. The port will open its fourth cruise terminal in November 2025. The $156 million cruise complex includes an onsite parking garage and interior roadway.

Rees said, “The port’s continued growth as a home port is great news for avid cruise travelers, for local people who work in cruise-related jobs, and for the entities that benefit economically, including suppliers, maritime services, hotels, restaurants, shops and other businesses.”

Based on this growth, the port expects to set a new record with more than 380 cruise sailings in 2024, the 24th anniversary of Galveston’s home port operations. In 2025 the port forecasts more than 400 cruise sailings and 1.75 million passengers.

Passengers choose Galveston, the only home port in Texas, for its convenience and great sailing experience to Western Caribbean destinations and beyond, Rees said. More than 30 million people live within a 300-mile radius, making Galveston the prime drive-to cruise market for the central U.S., including Houston, Austin, Fort Worth, Dallas, Oklahoma City and Little Rock.

Prince Rupert Cruise Port celebrates a successful season

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 23 November 2024 23 November 2024

Prince Rupert Cruise Port (PRCP), operated by Global Ports Holding – the world’s largest cruise port operator – successfully wrapped up its 2024 season, welcoming over 59,000 passengers across 43 ship calls. This year, PRCP achieved significant milestones by introducing 12 new excursions and 2 new immersive experiences, enhancing the total shore offerings to 14.

Prince Rupert Cruise Port stood out this season with curated experiences that blend the area’s rich history and cultural heritage. A standout is the Museum of Northern BC, where cruise guests delve into local history and culture. As part of their journey, guests are invited to the Tsimshian Longhouse for an immersive drumming ceremony, greeted in the time-honored tradition of the Northwest Coast. Here, the Gwis'amiilgigohl Dancers, dressed in full ceremonial regalia, bring ancient stories to life through mesmerizing performances of songs, mask dances, and storytelling led by the chief.

Through sustainable cruise tourism and a diverse array of shore excursions, Prince Rupert Cruise Port disperses guests across the region, showcasing the town’s attractions for both independent sightseeing and guided experiences. In collaboration with Indigenous groups and local stakeholders, PRCP launched the Kitsumkalum Glacial Heritage and Gastronomy Trail, offering an immersive journey through the Great Bear Rainforest. Another standout excursion, the "Great Bear Rainforest by Rail & Road" tour, captivated cruise guests and sold out for the entire season.

The "Explore Prince Rupert by Vintage Trolley" excursion, which is also accessible, continues to remain a favorite among cruise guests, providing an engaging introduction to the destination hosted by a local guide. The vintage trolley also serves as a unique local fixture, doubling as special transportation for community events and weddings.

Prince Rupert Cruise Port’s 2024 season success has been recognized by leading cruise brands, with excitement building as PRCP anticipates the arrival of Royal Caribbean in 2025 and Virgin Voyages in 2026.

Kevin D’Costa, General Manager of Prince Rupert Cruise Port, stated, “These experiences of Prince Rupert beautifully combine scenic beauty, cultural depth, and the natural wonders, creating memories that our guests will forever treasure. With 26 excursions available this season, we will continue to showcase the unique offerings of Prince Rupert and look forward to strengthening and expanding our shore excursion capabilities while supporting local entrepreneurs.”

“We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the cruise lines that visited us in 2024. Their key role in our successful season and valuable contributions to our community are greatly appreciated. We look forward to welcoming them back in 2025, including the much-anticipated arrival of Royal Caribbean next year, and Virgin Voyages in 2026, as we continue to build strong and exciting partnerships.” Continued D’Costa.

Nestled along the rugged northern coast of British Columbia, Prince Rupert is a gateway to Canada’s wild beauty, rich indigenous heritage, and captivating maritime landscapes. Prince Rupert offers visitors an authentic blend of untouched wilderness, vibrant arts, and cultural experiences that reflect the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. From whale watching to exploring ancient rainforests and immersing yourself in local Tsimshian culture, Prince Rupert promises an adventure that’s both breathtaking and deeply enriching.

MedCruise participated at AIVP World Conference discussions reaffirming its dedication to sustainable flows between ports and port cities

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 06 December 2024 06 December 2024

A strong MedCruise membership participation, including MedCruise President, Theodora Riga and MedCruise Vice-Presidents, Anne-Marie Spinosi and Laura Cimaglia, joined more than 4oo experts representing ports, port-cities leaders, private operators and academics from 45 countries, confirming the importance of ports and port-cities collaboration in global sustainability and discussing to harmonize the coexistence of port activities with local communities and to embrace growth and change in the future.

During the special sessions devoted to cruise and mobility, MedCruise active representatives had the opportunity to discuss related initiatives, including technologies, innovation, and policies, that foster the collaboration of cruise ports and local and broader communities. MedCruise Senior Vice-President Anne-Marie Spinosi presented the work of the Association in promoting sustainable cruise growth, confirming how necessary it is for ports and port cities to create collaboration formats.

MedCruise and AIVP established in 2021 the Cruises & Port Cities Working Group dedicated to enhancing port & city relations and connectivity. The collaborative efforts of the Working Group have already contributed to the cruise world with Cruise Port City Compass, a publication featuring ports, cities, and cruise lines perspectives and experience in addressing the challenges and opportunities arising from the relationship between ports and port cities. (Link to Cruise Port City Compass)

MedCruise reaffirms its dedication to continue, via this Working Group and other initiatives, to promote, by all available means, the exchange of best practices, the advancement and sharing of knowledge and cooperation at a local and regional level between ports, cruise lines, destinations, and all cruise stakeholders.

“MedCruise intends to continue working with fellow associations representing cruise lines, ports, and destinations, as well as policy-makers, to lead initiatives in the sustainable growth of cruise activities in the Mediterranean and adjoining seas” – Theodora Riga, MedCruise President

SSA Marine expands South Florida cruise operations with Royal Caribbean contract and new General Manager

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 21 November 2024 21 November 2024

SSA Marine, one of the world’s leading independent marine terminal operators, announced that it has been appointed as stevedore for Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) at the PortMiami and Port Everglades, deepening the company’s partnership with RCG and SSA Marine’s presence in South Florida.

This agreement coincides with the appointment of Robert Moroney as General Manager for SSA Marine’s cruise operations in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Moroney brings a wealth of knowledge in port operations to SSA Marine, and previously served as assistant director of operations for the cruise division of Port Everglades, as well as the head of port operations for the Americas for Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services, and director of shore services for Metro Cruise Services’ East Coast and Gulf regions. He also held the position of director of cruise services at Ceres after spending 11 years with Royal Caribbean.

“I am delighted to have Robert join SSA Marine as we continue to invest in and grow our Florida cruise operations, most recently with Royal Caribbean,” said Stefano Borzone, President of SSA Marine’s cruise division. “Robert’s deep leadership and experience in safety and operational excellence, reinforces SSA Marine’s core values. He will be a valuable resource for our customers, partners, and employees, in our growing cruise division.”

“After a thorough review of our stevedoring operations through South Florida, we are reaffirming our commitment to enhancing efficiency, safety, and service quality,” said Bryan Attree, director, worldwide port operations, Royal Caribbean Group. “SSA Marine’s dedication to safety and service excellence for our vessels and guests sets them apart, and we are excited about the growth of our partnership.”