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Liverpool Cruise Port joins Global Ports Holding network

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 03 April 2024 03 April 2024

Global Ports Holding Plc, the world's largest independent cruise port operator, has announced that it has signed a 50-year agreement with Peel Ports Group’s subsidiary, The Mersey Docks and Harbour Company Ltd, to operate cruise services at Liverpool Cruise Port.

In the picturesque setting of Liverpool, a symbolic moment was held at the Cruise terminal, bringing together leaders from Global Ports Holding, Peel Ports Group, and Liverpool City Council, marking a significant milestone in the port's journey.

Investing in excellence

Recognizing the port's immense potential, GPH plans to invest up to £25 million into infrastructure enhancements, subject to the granting of the appropriate permits and licenses. This investment will include the addition of a new floating dock that will increase capacity and allow for the simultaneous berthing of two 300-metre ships and over 7,000 passengers a day. This investment will also see the construction of a new terminal building that will enhance the passenger experience at the port, featuring waterfront retail and hospitality offerings that will cater not just to cruise passengers, but also to land-based visitors and local residents.

In 2023 alone, Liverpool Cruise Port welcomed 102 cruise ships and over 186,000 passengers, with this number expected to increase to over 200,000 passengers in 2024. Upon completion of infrastructure upgrades, annual passenger numbers are anticipated to surpass 300,000, signalling a promising trajectory for the port's future.

Liverpool: A vibrant cruise destination

Liverpool, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant maritime legacy, is set to become an even more enticing destination for cruise enthusiasts worldwide. It offers significant opportunities for tourists to engage in the arts, music, architecture, and its historic football teams.

Liverpool Cruise Port is well-positioned to participate in the growing Northern European and British and Irish cruise markets. It has good airport connectivity, with two international airports within an hour's drive, providing significant potential for the port to act as a gateway to the Northern European and Round Britain Cruise Markets for American and European passengers, as well as being well-positioned to act as a home port for the domestic passenger market. This strategic collaboration opens a new chapter of possibilities, promising enhanced experiences for travellers and bolstering the city's position as a premier cruise hub.

Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Global Ports Holding commented; "The addition of Liverpool Cruise Port, our first cruise port in the British Isles, to our network marks another important milestone in GPH's ongoing development and growth.

I would like to thank Liverpool City Council and Peel Ports for their support throughout the process. Liverpool boasts a rich maritime heritage, and the GPH team looks forward to working with all stakeholders to further enhance the success of this remarkable destination.”

David Huck, Chief Operating Officer at Peel Ports Group; “We are proud to be embarking on a new strategic partnership with Global Ports Holding (GPH) as it takes over operations at the Liverpool Cruise Terminal.

Liverpool City Council’s stewardship of the Terminal over the last two decades has truly transformed the City into a thriving cruise tourism destination. We see this new chapter as an opportunity for us to honour that legacy.

We look forward to making that vision a reality alongside GPH through a strategic partnership and our combined maritime and cruise expertise, as well as to exploring other potential opportunities as part of the wider Peel Ports Group portfolio.”

Andrew Lewis, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council; “Liverpool City Council is delighted to have helped enable this historic agreement between Peel Ports and Global Ports Holdings plc.

Responsibility for Liverpool’s cruise operations now passes to a world-leading operator, with ambitious plans to grow Liverpool’s position as an excellent cruise and tourism destination. We look forward to working closely with GPH to support their ambitions, and to extending a welcome to many more visitors to Liverpool.”

Genting Dream welcomes aboard MBCCS’ 2 millionth passenger

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 18 March 2024 18 March 2024

Resorts World Cruises welcomed aboard Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore’s (MBCCS) 2 millionth passenger for this cruise season from April 2023 to March 2024 on the Genting Dream departing for a 2 Night Cruise to Kuala Lumpur. To commemorate this joyous occasion, Octaviana Tasik and her family, who is MBCCS’ 2 millionth passenger was specially greeted aboard the ship by the President of Resorts World Cruises, Michael Goh; MBCCS terminal operator - SATS-Creuers Cruise Services CEO, Lionel Wong; Genting Dream Hotel Director Jarwin Peralta and Captain Robert Bodin, together with the ship crew.

In conjunction with this, Octaviana Tasik and her family were treated and pampered to a special luxurious cruise vacation on the Genting Dream, receiving a special upgrade to the Palace Suite – a luxury ‘ship-within-a-ship’ private all-suite enclave. As a Palace guest, Tasik and family got to enjoy one of the finest cruise experiences with Resorts World Cruises, including priority service throughout the cruise voyage, complimentary and exclusive access to various speciality restaurants, performances and onboard packages; private amenities, sundeck, gym and other facilities, as well as the Palace’s very own signature 24-hour European style butler service.

“Resorts World Cruises launched its brand two years ago in Singapore, welcoming its first passenger from the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS) on the Genting Dream. Today, we are delighted to be part of this celebration to welcome MBCCS’ 2 millionth passenger for this season aboard the Genting Dream,” said Michael Goh, President of Resorts World Cruises. “We had just launched our new season and we are excited to have both our ships, the Genting Dream and Resorts World One meet at MBCCS in June 2024 to offer new sailing destinations to Ko Samui, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Con Son Island and Redang”, he added.

“SATS-Creuers is proud to have served two million cruise passengers at MBCCS this season. This marks a significant milestone and demonstrates that cruising in Southeast Asia has become an attractive option for holiday makers. We are happy to welcome the two millionth passenger and we look forward to welcoming many more passengers at MBCCS in the future,” said Lionel Wong, CEO of SATS-Creuers Cruise Services.

As part of Genting Dream’s new season itineraries from Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore, vacationers can enjoy the 2 Night Weekend Getaway Cruises departing every Friday; 2 Night Kuala Lumpur* Cruises every Sunday and the 3 Night Phuket Cruises or Penang-Kuala Lumpur* Cruises every alternate Tuesday.

Also, for a special limited time only, Resorts World One will be joining Genting Dream in Singapore for the upcoming local school holidays with three special sailings from MBCCS. These include the 6 Day / 5 Night Vietnam Cruise to Ho Chi Minh City (via Phu My) and Con Son Island departing on 30 May 2024, as well as the 6 Day / 5 Night Thailand Cruise to Bangkok (via Laem Chabang) and Ko Samui departing on 4 and 9 June 2024. Both cruise itineraries will also feature a third destination to Redang Island in Malaysia.

Cruise travelers embrace Brightline and connect to South Florida ports

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 19 February 2024 19 February 2024

Brightline, the nation’s only provider of modern, eco-friendly intercity passenger rail, is catching the 2024 WAVE season. WAVE season, the January through March booking period, is historically when cruise lines offer savings and deals, giving travelers a chance to jump on their cruise plans. Since launching service in South Florida in 2018 and expanding to Central Florida in 2023, Brightline continues to be a preferred mobility solution for travelers connecting to their cruise port to set sail on their vacation.

Brightline’s From Station to Vacation cruise offer connects cruisers to Florida’s top cruise ports in style. When reserving a PREMIUM ticket, complimentary Brightline+ ride is included so the vacation can begin at the door, by getting picked up from home or hotel, and to the cruise port all in one ticket. The PREMIUM ticket also includes access to exclusive station lounges, priority boarding, extra space, as well as complimentary drinks and snacks along the way. Cruise Ports near Brightline stations include Port Miami, Port Everglades and Port of Palm Beach. Cruisers sailing from Port Canaveral can connect to cruise line transportation available at Orlando International Airport.

For a limited time, family cruisers can take advantage of savings as kids between two and 12 can ride free on select trains (noted with an icon) between South Florida and Orlando with the purchase of an adult SMART fare. Groups of four or more can use the ALLABOARD code at checkout to save 25 percent on select SMART fares, with a maximum of 29 per reservation.

Brightline’s Travel Professional Program is offering travel advisors commissionable bookings connecting clients between the ‘Theme Park Capital of the World’ and “Cruise Capital of the World.” Qualified U.S and Canadian advisors can now book clients’ travel on Brightline between Orlando and South Florida (Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach) with access to the lowest published fares and earn commissions of up to 20 percent for both PREMIUM and SMART services on bookings through February 29, 2024.

Brightline is running a full schedule of 32 trains daily with 16 roundtrip departures between Miami and Orlando.

Port Charlottetown sets sail into 2024 with unprecedented cruise figures

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

Port Charlottetown has announced a remarkable and record-breaking surge in cruise activity for the 2024 season, with a staggering 96 ships, bringing in over 165,000 passengers and employing a dedicated crew of over 74,000. There will be 18 double cruise ship days, 3 triple cruise ship days, and 1 four ship day on October 1st. This sets a new benchmark for the Island, showcasing a thriving cruise sector that continues to elevate our status as a premier destination for cruise.

"We are thrilled to unveil the 2024 cruise schedule, marking a historic milestone for Port Charlottetown. The impressive increase in ship visits and passenger numbers underscores the growing appeal of our destination," stated Mike Cochrane, CEO of the Charlottetown Harbour Authority. "The infrastructural enhancements, including a second berth, reflect our commitment to providing an unparalleled cruise experience."

2024 has Port Charlottetown breaking records by welcoming a record breaking number of anticipated cruise ships and passengers to beautiful PEI. Charlottetown’s walkable downtown, proximity to central PEI, and diverse attractions make it an ideal stop for an immersive and memorable experience three seasons of the year.

"Cruise passengers consistently rate Port Charlottetown among the top ports of call in Canada, and this year's extensive schedule offers an array of experiences for every traveler," emphasized Kelly Murphy, Director of Marketing & Cruise Development for the Charlottetown Harbour Authority. "Our waterfront and historic downtown, just steps away from disembarkation, provide an authentic taste of our vibrant city. Paired with high-quality excursions, passengers can truly savour the best of the Island in their short visit."

In the year 2023, the positive economic impact generated by cruise visits surpassed an impressive milestone, contributing over $21.5 million dollars in direct economic impact to the Island. Minister of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture Corey Deagle, commented, “The cruise industry has been a great companion to the Island’s tourism sector for many years. I am thrilled to hear Port Charlottetown is looking forward to another very successful season. The economic impact that cruise visitors bring to PEI is a testament to all the hard work done by the team at Port Charlottetown. Congratulations on helping make PEI a world-class destination for a cruise experience.”

In addition to the impressive numbers, six ships will make their inaugural calls, marking their first visit to Port Charlottetown. As the Port embraces this record-breaking season, they are incredibly grateful for the partnerships that have been built.

"One thing that truly distinguishes PEI is the collaborative spirit among our tourism partners and operators, combined with an innovative approach to product and experience development," noted Murphy. "This collective effort ensures that as a premier cruise destination, we continue to grow and provide unforgettable experiences for all."

The 2024 cruise season promises to be a testament to our Island's captivation and commitment to excellence, further establishing Port Charlottetown as a remarkable destination in the global cruise industry.

Port of New Orleans cruise passenger numbers back to pre-pandemic levels

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 10 February 2024 10 February 2024

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) finished calendar year 2023 with nearly 1.2 million cruise passenger movements and renewed commitments to the New Orleans cruise market from both oceangoing and river cruise lines.

“The cruise business has rebounded in New Orleans and cruise line partners are confident in our Port NOLA cruise market,” said Port NOLA President and CEO Brandy D. Christian. “This is really encouraging as our cruise business drives tourism and contributes significantly to the hospitality industry. We want to thank all our cruise line and hospitality partners as we work together to make cruising out of New Orleans two vacations in one.”

“New Orleans is one of the most popular pre-and post-cruise destinations in the country, which is a tribute to our excellent partners at the Port of New Orleans as well as the work of our team at New Orleans & Company,” said Walter J. Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company. “Travel drives our economy, but visitors don’t just show up. In a highly competitive marketplace, travelers have choices, and we have to earn their business through aggressive sales and promotion. We are pleased to work closely with the Port, the cruise lines and travel advisors to ensure that extremely loyal cruise passengers are selecting to sail from New Orleans instead of competitor cities.”

Carnival Cruise Line homeports two year-round vessels from Port NOLA, and in 2024 Carnival celebrates its 30th year of cruising from New Orleans. Norwegian Cruise Line will also renew for five more years with additional sailings and a new ship, Norwegian Getaway, to replace the Norwegian Breakaway starting in October 2024.

Disney Cruise Line also returned to the Big Easy with the Disney Magic in January, while Royal Caribbean returns with a new vessel, the Brilliance of the Seas in November 2024. Port NOLA is also seeing record growth in river cruises, with nine homeported vessels including America’s first Viking Cruise that began sailing in 2022. That vessel was built in Louisiana.

Port NOLA set a passenger record in March 2023 for oceangoing and river cruises, topping pre-pandemic levels with 155,225 passenger movements and 39 cruise vessel calls at the Port.

The Port’s previous monthly high was set in February 2020 with 154,409 passenger movements and 31 vessel calls just prior to the entire cruise industry coming to a complete halt in March of that year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At Port NOLA, 90% of cruise guests travel from out-of-state with 73% spending one or two days in New Orleans either before or after their cruise. That generates more than 300,000 hotel room nights in New Orleans and more than $125 million in local spending each year.