Ports & destinations

Madeira Ports help secure EU derogation benefiting Madeira and the Azores

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 28 July 2026 28 July 2026

Cruise ships operating on routes between Madeira and other European Union outermost regions will now benefit from the derogation provided for under the FuelEU Maritime Regulation (EU) 2023/1805, following Portugal's official implementation published by the European Commission.

The derogation, officially published in the Official Journal of the European Union at the end of June, applies retroactively from 1 January 2026 and will remain in force until the end of 2029. It is the result of the efforts led by APRAM – Ports of Madeira, under the Regional Secretariat for Economy, in close cooperation with Portugal's Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services (DGRM).

"The approval of this derogation is the outcome of extensive technical and institutional work carried out by APRAM, in close collaboration with DGRM, with both the Portuguese authorities and the European institutions," said Paula Cabaço, Chairwoman of APRAM.

"We were able to demonstrate that the specific characteristics of the EU's outermost regions require a differentiated approach, ensuring that the energy transition does not undermine the competitiveness of our ports or the continuity of essential maritime connections."

The derogation significantly reduces the compliance costs for shipping companies operating on the affected routes under the FuelEU Maritime Regulation. At the same time, these services also benefit from the specific provisions established under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), helping to safeguard the competitiveness of outermost region ports throughout the energy transition. Under the EU ETS, shipping companies are required to purchase emissions allowances corresponding to the greenhouse gas emissions generated by their vessels.

As a result of this derogation, cruise voyages between ports in Madeira and other EU outermost regions are exempt from the FuelEU Maritime requirements concerning the energy used during those voyages and while ships are berthed in the ports covered by the measure.

"This is an important achievement that strengthens Madeira's competitiveness as a cruise destination, while also benefiting the Azores, since the derogation covers Portugal's two outermost regions," Paula Cabaço added. "It clearly demonstrates how the technical work carried out by APRAM, together with DGRM and the Portuguese and European authorities, can deliver practical solutions with tangible benefits for the maritime and port sector."

The European Commission has also published, under the same timetable, equivalent derogations for regular passenger ferry services operating between Madeira and Porto Santo, as well as for inter-island passenger services in the Azores. This regulatory framework also creates favourable conditions for the future development of regular passenger connections between Madeira and the Azores.

Port of Galveston’s newest cruise terminal earns LEED Silver certification

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 13 July 2026 13 July 2026

The Port of Galveston’s Cruise Terminal 16 has been recognized for meeting high standards for environmentally sustainable design, construction and operations with Silver certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.

The port also announced that Green Marine, a voluntary environmental certification program for the maritime industry, recently recertified the port for environmental performance for the fifth consecutive year, reaffirming the port’s commitment to environmental stewardship and continuous improvement in sustainability in its maritime operations. The port first achieved certification in 2021 and has successfully maintained the rigorous environmental certification annually since then.

Cruise Terminal 16 embodies those efforts. Opened in 2025, the port’s newest terminal was developed with a focus on environmental responsibility, energy efficiency and long-term sustainability. Features include energy-efficient building systems, water-saving fixtures, environmentally responsible construction materials, a reduced parking footprint, reduced outdoor lighting impacts, and water-efficient landscaping.

By converting decades-old warehouses into a state-of-the-art,165,000-square-foot terminal, the project reused approximately 85 percent of existing structural elements, significantly reducing materials consumption and other environmental impacts associated with new construction.

Galveston Wharves Port Director and CEO Rodger Rees said, “We’re especially proud of this award because it’s another milestone in our progress as a Green Marine-certified port to improve air quality, reduce waste and take other steps to reduce environmental impacts on the waterfront.”

Rees noted that this is the second cruise terminal at the port to earn LEED certification. Cruise Terminal 10, home to Royal Caribbean International, boasts LEED Gold certification, as well as LEED Zero Energy and LEED Zero Carbon certifications.

The LEED rating system is the world's most widely used green building certification program. LEED-certified buildings are designed to reduce energy and water consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, improve indoor environmental quality and support sustainable construction practices.

“Working with long-time port partners architectural firm Bermello Ajamil & Partners and construction contractor Hensel Phelps, the port delivered a beautiful, environmentally sustainable cruise complex on time and on budget,” Rees said. “It also allowed us to welcome two of the world’s major international cruise lines – MSC and Norwegian, giving our 46-million-person drive market two more great cruise vacation options. It meets cruise industry needs for future growth and the port’s mission of being a major economic engine for business and jobs growth.”

In April, Houston Business Journal recognized the Cruise Terminal 16 as one of the best real estate projects in greater Houston with a Landmark Award for design, economic impact and environmental sustainability.

Zadar Cruise Port hosts Ferrari Cavalcade Cruise 2026

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 04 July 2026 04 July 2026

Zadar Cruise Port today welcomed one of the world's most prestigious ultra-luxury automotive experiences as “Ferrari Cavalcade“ arrived at Zadar Cruise Port, further reinforcing Zadar's growing reputation as a destination for world-class luxury events. The event brought together nearly 300 of Ferrari's invited collectors and clients, who arrived aboard the ultra-luxury cruise ship Explora II, while more than 120 Ferrari automobiles were staged at Zadar Cruise Port in preparation for the Croatian leg of the journey.

Reserved exclusively for Ferrari's most valued clients, “Ferrari Cavalcade” is one of the brand's most prestigious invitation-only experiences. Since its inaugural edition in 2011, the event has visited globally renowned destinations including Tuscany, Venice, Monaco, Dubai, Kyoto, San Francisco and Patagonia. The 2026 edition introduced a unique cruise-based format, seamlessly combining Ferrari's renowned driving experience with the luxury of cruising the Adriatic and Mediterranean aboard Explora II.

The 2026 edition placed Zadar Cruise Port at the heart of the Croatian leg of “Ferrari Cavalcade“, serving as the operational centrepiece for one of the event's defining Adriatic experiences. As guests disembarked Explora II at Zadar Cruise Port, they were reunited with their Ferraris before departing in a spectacular procession through Zadar's historic peninsula, creating one of the most significant gatherings of Ferrari automobiles ever seen in the city. Framed by the peninsula's centuries-old architecture and waterfront, the convoy then continued south along some of Croatia's most spectacular coastal roads.

Behind the scenes, delivering an event of this calibre required close collaboration between Zadar Cruise Port, Ferrari, Canossa Events, local authorities and partners. More than 120 Ferrari automobiles were transported overnight to Zadar Cruise Port, where they were carefully staged along the cruise pier ahead of guests arriving aboard Explora II. The seamless coordination of vehicle logistics, guest movements and vessel operations highlighted Zadar Cruise Port's capability to deliver complex international operations while meeting the exacting standards of one of the world's most recognised luxury brands.

"Hosting Ferrari Cavalcade is the latest recognition for Zadar Cruise Port and a reflection of what can be achieved through strong collaboration between our team, our partners and the wider community," said Rebeka V. Pevec, MBA, General Manager of Zadar Cruise Port. "Delivering an event of this complexity required meticulous planning and seamless coordination, and we are proud to have demonstrated the operational excellence of Zadar Cruise Port while showcasing the very best that Zadar has to offer to one of the world's most exclusive audiences."

Beyond its operational success, the event provided exceptional international exposure for both Zadar Cruise Port and the city of Zadar. Ferrari Cavalcade attracts an influential audience of business leaders, entrepreneurs and collectors from around the world, with extensive coverage shared across Ferrari's official media channels and global digital platforms. The event showcased Zadar's historic waterfront, maritime infrastructure and cultural heritage to an international luxury audience, further reinforcing Zadar's growing reputation as adestination capable of hosting world-class luxury events.

MSC Cruises launches digital remote check-in embarkation experience in Seattle

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 09 July 2026 09 July 2026

MSC Cruises has successfully launched a new Digital Remote Check-In solution in Seattle, designed to further streamline the embarkation process and deliver a seamless end-to-end experience to guests.

Introduced during the inaugural MSC Poesia’s inaugural Alaska, the innovative service enables guests traveling on MSC Cruises’ official airport transfers to complete their cruise check-in at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport prior to arriving at the cruise terminal, allowing them to skip the traditional document verification and check-in steps at the port.

Having completed all required formalities in advance, guests can then proceed directly to security screening and boarding upon arrival at the terminal, bypassing the check-in desks and significantly enhancing embarkation speed, allowing them to start their cruise even sooner. This innovative solution will be also extended to general airport arrivals, hotels and other selected locations where guests begin their journey.

Following the successful launch in Seattle, MSC Cruises plans to progressively roll out Digital Remote Check-In across additional ports throughout its global network.

This latest industry-first initiative underscores MSC Cruises’ continued commitment to leveraging smart technology and integrating operations to elevate every stage of the guest journey, from arrival to embarkation and beyond, further strengthening efficiency, accuracy and the overall quality of the guest experience.

Vancouver's summer cruise boom supports B.C. businesses and tourism operators

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 03 July 2026 03 July 2026

B.C. businesses and tourism operators are set for a welcome boost in coming months, with July and August on track to be the busiest months ever for the Canada Place cruise terminal.

A record-breaking 290,000 passengers are expected to pass through Canada Place in July – the most ever for a single month – with similar passenger numbers also anticipated in August.

The strong cruise volumes will provide a significant boost for the local economy with new passenger survey data revealing cruise visitors spend an average of more than $1,100 each locally on hotels, restaurants, shopping, tours and local attractions, and more.

“The Canada Place cruise terminal at the Port of Vancouver continues to demonstrate its importance as a vital driver for Canadian tourism year-over-year,” said Chance McKee, Senior Account Representative at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.

“We are seeing these strong cruise volumes translate into ongoing meaningful benefits for local and regional businesses and communities. The continued success of Vancouver’s cruise sector reflects strong collaboration and shared local commitment to ensuring Vancouver remains one of the best and most sustainably managed cruise ports in North America.”

Vancouver is also increasingly becoming an added destination on many cruise passengers' travel itineraries, with more than three-quarters of travellers spending time locally before or after their cruise (up from 70% in 2023), according to the 2025 Cruise Passenger Survey by the Pacific Rim Cruise Association. The same survey found average local spending per cruise passenger had grown to $1,144.

The growing popularity of the Alaska cruise market has helped Vancouver cruise to thrive in recent years, with upwards of 1.2 million passenger visits and 300-plus ship calls a year the new post-pandemic normal for Canada Place. In 2026, there will be an estimated 1.4 million passenger visits and 360 cruise ship calls – a 30% increase in passenger volumes compared to 2019.

The Port of Vancouver is a full-service homeport where cruise lines base their ships for the Alaska season, with passengers embarking and disembarking, and ships re-stocking between sailings. Each cruise ship visit to the Canada Place cruise terminal injects about $3 million into the local economy as cruise lines, such as Carnival Corp.’s brands Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line, look to local goods and services providers to keep their operations running smoothly.

“As we reach the heart of summer cruise season, we’re once again reminded what makes sailing from Vancouver so special,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. “We’re proud to introduce guests to the wonders of Alaska, Hawaii, the South Pacific, Asia and beyond, all from Canada Place – while also supporting local businesses and Vancouver’s vibrant tourism economy. And we look forward to celebrating our milestone 80th year visiting Alaska with our partners at Port of Vancouver next year.”

“Vancouver plays an important role in Seabourn’s Alaska season, and we’re pleased to have Seabourn Encore sailing from this beautiful city for the first time this year,” said Mark Tamis, president of Seabourn. “As one of the more spacious luxury small-ship vessels in our fleet, she allows us to give more guests immersive Alaska experiences in both popular destinations and towns, as well as in lesser-known ports and hideaways, connecting them more closely to the region’s landscapes and communities, and supporting local businesses.”

“Princess Cruises will deliver its largest Alaska season ever in 2026, with seven ships visiting Vancouver, including our newest ship, Star Princess,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Princess Cruises. “Whether guests begin or end their journey in Vancouver, they’ll have access to unforgettable Alaska experiences – from breathtaking glacier viewing to our immersive North to Alaska program – designed to connect guests more deeply with the region’s natural beauty, rich culture and iconic wildlife.”

Strong cruise volumes and ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 festivities mean those planning to visit downtown Vancouver and Canada Place should plan for increased crowds and traffic.