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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.

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.”

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.

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.

Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines and Xiamen deliver next-level cruise infrastructure and support measures

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 08 April 2025 08 April 2025

Growing opportunities for elevating cruise programmes in Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines and Xiamen were laid out to excite global cruise companies in the industry luncheon held on the opening day of Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 yesterday.

Themed “Connect & Discover • Asia’s Destinations Await”, the highly anticipated annual gathering for industry leaders and media highlighted the enormous resources of the four prominent cruise destinations to enrich cruise programmes, as well as supportive measures including favourable visa policies and seamless processes to smooth cruise visitations.

From UNESCO-honoured gems in Hong Kong to K-culture in Korea, new cruise attractions in the Ilocos Region of the Philippines and the imminent launch of new theme park and cruise terminal in Xiamen, these leading cruise destinations continue to enrich destination offerings and collectively empower cruising with a difference.

Hong Kong mesmerises with hidden gems and new development near cruise terminal

In Hong Kong, cruise visitors are spoilt for choice for onshore experiences, from city charm to UNESCO-honoured historical buildings and landscapes, and from greeting six pandas including the twin cubs born at Ocean Park Hong Kong to feeling the magic through the 20th Anniversary extravaganzas at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

The neighborhood around Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is increasingly vibrant, with the recent launch of Kai Tak Sports Park, designed to stage world-class events like Hong Kong Sevens and world tours at its magnificent 50,000-seat stadium. Cruise passengers can also immerse in novel “sportainment” shopping in the adjoining retail hub, or take a stroll in the Kowloon Walled City Park to see relics of the famed Walled City, and explore mindfulness at Buddhist sanctuary Chilin Nunnery and the adjacent classical Chinese garden, Nan Lian Garden.

Joanne Chu, Deputy Commissioner for Tourism from the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said, “Beyond enhancing visitor onshore experiences, the HKSAR government is committed to expediting the adoption of shore power and green maritime fuels. This dovetails with the future-proof directions and long- term sustainable growth of the global cruise trade.”

Korea unveils “K-Harmony Wave” and enhanced tourism convenience

Blending tradition with modernity, Korea delivers a wave of K-culture in harmony – from K-Tradition embodied in grand palaces and traditional markets, to K-Modern converging trendy lifestyles and innovative technologies, K-Gourmet presenting the essence of Korean cuisine, and K-Wellness offering mental and physical rejuvenation.

While Korea is gearing up to host the 12th Asia Cruise Forum, to be held in Jeju from 10 to 12 July, Jeju cruise port will be the first port in Korea to adopt 38 units of new unmanned immigration checkpoints this year, enabling smooth and comfortable immigration procedures to maximise cruise experience. Korea also plans to renovate the Busan Yeongdo Cruise Terminal to significantly enhance convenience for cruise visitors and operational efficiency..

Jae Min Park, Deputy Director, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea, said, “We will continue to improve port facilities and systems so that tourists visiting Korea can enjoy cruise travel more conveniently in the future. We strive to ensure all cruise visitors enjoy a special cruise trip that combines Korea's unique vibe, living traditions and modern charm..”

The Philippines woos luxury cruise lines and expands available destinations and cruise infrastructure

The Philippines is gearing up for regional cruise tourism development. With the Ilocos Region in the north of the archipelago rapidly becoming a key cruise tourism destination, the Philippines is ramping up the region’s ports, including Salomague, Currimao, and Hundred Islands National Parkas major gateways to attract luxury cruise lines. Already, the region received over 6,000 international passengers in the first two months of 2025.

In the south of the multi-island country, following the recent the completion of the US$10.57 million Jubang Port cruise ship terminal in Dapa in Surigao del Norte last year, new terminals are under development in Alegria, Coron, Puerto Galera and Balbagon, to boost the capacity for welcoming international cruise ships.

Dr. Paulo Benito Tugbang, Director for Product Development, Philippine Department of Tourism, said, “Cruise tourism has achieved remarkable growth, with 300% increase in cruise passenger arrivals in the first five months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.The government has introduced a cruise visa waiver program, allowing foreign tourists arriving via cruise ships to enter the country without a visa for a limited period, as an initiative to streamline entry processes and attract more international cruise lines.”

Xiamen presents immersive cultural theme park and new cruise terminal

Showcasing immersive Minnan culture indigenous to Xiamen, “Time Meets Island” within the cruise terminal zone is the world’s first cultural theme park to take visitors on a journey through the thousand-year history and culture of the region. Themed areas showcasing Minnan history and culinary culture are complemented by museum-style performances and a stylish night market. The theme park is set to open in the first half of this year.

Meanwhile, the new Xiamen International Cruise Terminal 2, opening in April this year, will offer seamless security screening that will clear passengers within an average of about 10 minutes. The Xiamen International Cruise Homeport is conveniently located in the bustling heart of the city, offering cruise visitors easy access to city attractions, airport and the high- speed rail station to enjoy richer shore experiences.

Wang Guodi, Deputy Director of Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism said, “We have implemented a 144-hour visa-free transit policy, offering visa-free treatment to nationals from 54 countries and eligible tourist groups arriving in Xiamen via cruise ships. Cruise passengers can enter China visa-free through Xiamen and stay for up to 10 days, providing ample time to explore cities across the country.”

The synergy between the four key destinations in Asia – Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines and Xiamen, complete with conducive measures to deliver seamless experiences and logistics for global cruise companies and their passengers, promises diverse culturally rich experiences to make every cruise journey a once-in-a-lifetime expedition.