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Port of New Orleans breaks cruise passenger record

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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.

Mindelo, Cabo Verde joins Global Ports Holding

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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 Turku to start international cruise season in May

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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.

Porto Cruise Terminal sets new cruise records in 2024

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 25 January 2025 25 January 2025

Cruise activity at the Porto Cruise Terminal (Port of Leixões) continues its remarkable growth of recent years, reaching new historical highs in 2024. Last year, the port welcomed 152 cruise ship calls, 15 of which were new to the port, 1 new cruise company and 6 turnaround operations, bringing 196,000 visitors to Porto & Northern Portugal.

These numbers consolidate 2024 as the best year ever for cruise activity at the Porto Cruise Terminal. Compared to the previous year, there was a 32% increase in the number of passengers and a 31% increase in the number of cruise calls.

The United Kingdom remained the largest source market for passengers with 34%, followed by the United States of America (24%) and Germany (23%). The average size of ships calling at Leixões also increased significantly, reaching a record value of 8.9 million gross tons, which represents a growth of 28% compared to 2023.

The seasonality of cruise activity on the Atlantic Coast continues to be a challenge. However, cruise activity at the port was constant from April to November, with the exception of June. September was the busiest month, with 30,409 passengers, while May had the highest number of calls with 28 cruises.

This growth is due to the joint work of the different players in the cruise industry, including the port operations and Porto Cruise Terminal teams, local authorities and economic agents. The continuous promotion of the activity with the main cruise companies has strengthened the position of the Port of Leixões and Porto Cruise Terminal as a key destination on the Atlantic Coast.

João Pedro Neves, President of Leixões Port Authority stated that “these numbers reflect the growing demand for Porto & North of Portugal by an increasing number of cruise passengers and major cruise lines worldwide, who continue to choose Leixões for their itineraries”.

João Pedro Neves also highlights that “the Region is one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe, as also proven by the record numbers registered on the Douro Waterway, which grew 11% in the number of passengers compared to 2023.”

Commitment to sustainability

APDL (Leixões Port Authority) is committed to continuing the investment that has been made in last years in port infrastructure, namely with the implementation of Onshore Power Supply (OPS) by 2030, allowing cruise ships to turn off auxiliary engines while docked, significantly reducing carbon emissions and promoting a greener and more sustainable port.

As part of the Roadmap for Energy Transition Towards Carbon Neutrality in the Port of Leixões, since the beginning of 2024, passengers and crew transportation within the Port of Leixões has been carried out using a 100% Electric Bus (Eco Bus) and towing operations for cruises are carried out by new generation tugboats, which are safer and less polluting.