PortMiami reports busiest cruise year in its history

PortMiami, the Cruise Capital of the World, welcomed 7,299,294 passengers and set a new record-breaking year in cruise activity for Fiscal Year 2023, which started October 1, 2022 and ended September 30, 2023. The Port experienced a 6.97% increase in cruise passenger totals compared to its previous record of 6,823,816 passengers in Fiscal Year 2019. On the cargo side, the Port recorded 1,098,322 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), surpassing the one million TEU mark for its ninth consecutive fiscal year.

“Congratulations to the entire PortMiami team and its partners on its busiest cruise year ever,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “PortMiami continues to drive our economy forward, creating opportunities for residents and businesses across our county. The Port is an industry leader, which is future ready and committed to innovative, efficient, and sustainable growth.”

The 2024 Fiscal Year season is already an exciting one. Among the new lineup of ships which began departing from PortMiami are the Oceania's Vista, Carnival Cruise Line's Costa Venezia, Scenic's Eclipse II, Crystal Cruises' Crystal Serenity, MSC's Explora I, Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Viva; and Regent Seven Seas Grandeur. In January 2024, Royal Caribbean Group’s Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, will set sail from the port.

Dedicated partnerships and the development of new business have contributed to PortMiami’s post-pandemic recovery. Since the pandemic, the port opened three new cruise terminals: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Cruise Terminal B, the Pearl of Miami; Carnival Corporation’s Cruise Terminal F; and Virgin Voyages’ Cruise Terminal V, the Palm Grove. Currently under construction are MSC Cruises’ Terminals AA/AAA, which will open in 2024. Recently, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners approved Royal Caribbean Group’s new Cruise Terminal G, which is expected to open in late 2027.

Shore power – a partnership between PortMiami, its cruise partners (Carnival Corporation, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Group, and Virgin Voyages) and Florida Power & Light Company – is under construction at the Port. Upon completion in 2024, shore power capability will be available at five cruise terminals with the ability to plug in three ships simultaneously. Shore power will allow a cruise ship to turn off their primary engines while docked, resulting in reduced air emissions.

Valletta Cruise Port integrates shore power

Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world's largest cruise port operator announced, that Valletta Cruise Port, its subsidiary, has integrated shore power. On December 01, 2023 Viking Saturn has achieved the historic feat of becoming the first-ever cruise vessel to be fully energized through the Onshore Power Supply (OPS) system at Valletta Cruise Port's facilities. On the following day, Viking Venus berthed on Boiler Wharf, joined Viking Saturn in the historic port, and was also simultaneously provided with shore power, with both Viking ships successfully powered through the OPS.

This achievement holds immense importance for both Valletta Cruise Port and GPH, representing a groundbreaking moment as the inaugural instance of shore-to-ship connectivity within the extensive GPH port network.

Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and CEO of Global Ports Holding, expressed his gratitude, stating, "This accomplishment underscores our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation. I extend my sincere thanks to the Maltese Government and Infrastructure Malta for their pivotal role in bringing this project to fruition. Special appreciation goes to the Valletta Cruise Port team for their persistent efforts and coordination."

Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding and GM of Valletta Cruise Port, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing, "The successful integration of shore power at Valletta Cruise Port stands as a testament to our dedication to eco-friendly initiatives. We prioritize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations, and this achievement aligns with our commitment to advancing green energy solutions across all GPH facilities."

This €49.9 million initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, Infrastructure Malta, and Transport Malta, and supported by Valletta Cruise Port, provides shore power on the 5 main cruise ship quays of Valletta’s Grand Harbour. This initiative results in major air quality improvements with drastic emission reduction. The shore supply powers up cruise ships with the much-needed energy and shuts down the onboard generators, meeting stringent environmental regulations. The shore connection for berthed ships offers a fast, simple, and flexible connection to the ship, supporting the maritime industry’s sustainability efforts.

During a recent visit to the Valletta Cruise Port, Prime Minister Robert Abela voiced strong support for the initiative, characterizing it as a crucial undertaking. He underscored the government's dedication to fostering sustainable practices within the maritime industry. Recognizing the environmental challenges at hand, he emphasized the project's role in not only addressing these challenges but also presenting a significant economic opportunity. Prime Minister Abela stated, "This project, among many others, showcases the Maltese government's commitment to leading the way in implementing changes essential for a robust and sustainable economy."

This milestone not only marks a historic first but also signifies a strategic step towards the broader implementation of sustainable practices across Global Ports Holding's entire port network.

Global Ports Holding is committed to prioritizing ESG initiatives, paving the way for further advancements in green energy solutions. The company looks forward to playing a leading role in contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future for the cruise industry and the communities it serves.

Port Everglades welcomes Celebrity Ascent home

Yesterday, Port Everglades welcomed Celebrity Cruises' newest Edge-series ship Celebrity Ascent, which is one of six Celebrity homeported ships to sail from Port Everglades this cruise season.

In a plaque-and-key ceremony onboard Celebrity Ascent, Port Everglades CEO and Port Director Jonathan Daniels presented a plaque to brothers and Co-Captains Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis and a special gift to Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge. Port Everglades Deputy Director Glenn Wiltshire bestowed the co-captains and Hodges Bethge with challenge coins, which is a military tradition that symbolizes unit pride, camaraderie and excellence.

The port leaders were joined by Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy, who presented a plaque to Co-Captains Kafetzis; Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Steve Glassman, who read a proclamation for Hodges Bethge; and representatives of the port's law enforcement partners, including the U.S. Coast Guard, the Broward Sheriff's Office and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Also in attendance to extend their well-wishes was Port Everglades Association Executive Director Lori Baer, International Longshoremen's Association President Johnnie Dixon and Seafarers' House Chaplain Father Sanford "Sandy" Sears. The co-captains of the fourth ship in Celebrity's Edge Series also presented attendees with a token of appreciation. In exchange, the brother duo doled out tokens of appreciation to the attendees.

The celebration of Celebrity Ascent's debut will continue this week with a naming ceremony on Dec. 1 at her Port Everglades homeport presided by the ship's godmothers Captain Sandy Yawn, from Bravo TV's Below Deck, and her sister Michelle Dunham, founder of the Jacksonville School for Autism. Celebrity Ascent will then embark on her inaugural Caribbean season with alternating 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.

MedCruise appoints Anja Lohrum as Interim Secretary General

MedCruise has appointed Anja Lohrum as Interim Secretary General, effective December 1st, 2023. Lohrum is a dedicated professional who has served as the Secretariat Advisor responsible for Marketing and Events for nearly six years.

MedCruise President, Figen Ayan, states: “In my capacity as President of MedCruise, our Board of Directors, our Secretariat, our Port members, and Associate members, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for the excellent work and dedication that Nicky Guerrero has carried out in his position as Secretary General. We wish Nicky Guerrero all the best in his new endeavours, including his role as Deputy Mayor of Gibraltar, where we know he will continue reflecting his great professionalism.

Since 2018, in her capacity as Secretariat Advisor, Lohrum has been instrumental in navigating MedCruise through the dynamic landscape of online marketing. Over the years, her responsibilities have spanned a wide array of projects, including managing social media accounts, promotional campaigns, website development, graphic design and content creation. In the realm of event organisation, she has actively participated in 12 General Assemblies across seven different Mediterranean countries (Bulgaria, France, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Spain and Turkey).

Anja Lohrum, who has been working at the heart of the association with several Presidents and management, was a natural and perfect fit to lead the largest port association globally. “I am confident in Ms. Lohrum’s ability to guide the Secretariat team through its continued growth and success, wishing her and the Secretariat Team all the very best," said Figen Ayan.

Anja Lohrum, short biography

Anja Lohrum studied a degree on ‘Science in Administration and Business Managements’, adding one academic year in Germany at HTW Berlin – University of Applied Sciences.

She finished her master’s degree in ‘International Business’ at the end of 2015 and moved to Germany to work on the Economic and Commercial Office of the Spanish Embassy in Düsseldorf as an Export Manager of Foreign Trade together with ICEX, where she carried tasks as: Attraction of potential companies from strategic sectors to be established in the Canary Islands, Networking with sectoral business associations, Consultancy for entrepreneurs with export issues to the European market, etc.

She has a great experience on the Marketing and E-commerce field, as she has been working in several marketing departments as Digital Marketing Manager. She has a long experience in trade Fair and Conventions being part of the staff and organisation of many international trade Fairs in Europe.

Antigua Cruise Port conducts simultaneous turnarounds

Antigua Cruise Port successfully conducted two homeporting operations on Saturday, November 18, 2023, as the company dives deeper into homeporting.

Arvia docked at the fifth berth and brought near her maximum capacity of 5,200 passengers to the destination. In a well-executed exercise, over 700 passengers ended their itinerary in Antigua, while another 700 boarded the P&O Cruises' vessel.

At the Nevis Street Pier, Emerald Sakara did a full turnaround with over 80 passengers starting their journey in Antigua. It was also the first time the 100-passenger capacity super yacht visited the country.

Meanwhile, Artania and Marella Discovery were berthed at Heritage Quay making it the first time four vessels have been in port for the season.

Antigua Cruise Port Officer-in-Charge Cynthia Jacobs-Browne said, "Today's success indicates our capacity to manage homeporting. We had four vessels in port, and operations were smooth, so guests had a pleasant experience at our port.”

Arvia began homeporting in Antigua in January and will make a total of nine turnaround calls this season, while Emerald Sakara will make 13.

Royal Clipper and SeaDream II will also homeport at Antigua Cruise Port.