Ports & destinations

Exceptional year for Valletta Cruise Port

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 24 January 2024 24 January 2024

Valletta Cruise Port has reported an exceptional 2023, recording close to 900,000 passenger movements, an impressive increase of more than 65% over 2022, which compares very well with 2019 which was a record year.

These details were announced in a press conference by the Minister for Tourism and Public Cleanliness, Clayton Bartolo and the Chief Executive Officer of Valletta Cruise Port and Chief Operating Officer of Global Ports Holding, Stephen Xuereb.

The cruise industry in Malta has left €85 million in the Maltese economy of which €32 million in spending by cruise passengers with the other €53 million in spending by the cruise lines.

It is estimated that the outlook for the cruise industry during this year will remain positive with over 900,000 passenger movements for 2024.

The Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo expressed Malta’s commitment to the cruise industry particularly fly and cruise. "As a country, we will continue working to have more cruise companies homeporting in Malta. We are committed to support the fly and cruise sector to see it grow further. It is important that we continue to work so that the industry remains based on sustainable foundations," stressed Minister Clayton Bartolo.

The Chief Executive Officer of Valletta Cruise Port and Chief Operations Officer of Global Ports Holding Stephen Xuereb highlighted how Malta's central position in the Mediterranean means that Malta welcomes ships sailing to both the West and East Mediterranean and is a perfect location for cruise ship repositioning. "This industry leaves a substantial impact on the Maltese Islands in economic terms: services to ships and services to passengers; flights to and from Malta with an impact on airlines and the airport, with passengers also having the option of spending several days in our country before or after their cruise. Of note is that the industry has not only achieved full normality post-pandemic, but is expanding with more than 50 brand new ships on the orderbook by cruise lines within 2028, with 11 entering the supply market during 2024. Locally prospects for 2024 are extremely positive and we believe that we will comfortably surpass the 900,000-passenger movement mark," concluded Xuereb.

MedCruise kickstarts the year with a training program for its members

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 15 January 2024 15 January 2024

MedCruise activity starts today with the first Professional Development Course of the year. 42 Port and destination members will embark at the Port of Genoa on board the MSC Fantasia for a three-day training focused on environmental and social sustainability, as well as circular economy in the cruise sector. This training has been made possible thanks to the collaboration and sponsorship of MSC Cruises and 26 port professionals, 6 cruise related associate members from 11 countries will further familiarise with the topic of environmental and social sustainability in the cruise industry. The training will last three days, including a call in La Spezia where delegates will be able to experience a sustainable-friendly visit to the destination kindly organised by the Port Authority of the Eastern Ligurian Sea, a member of MedCruise.

The MedCruise Professional Development Course marks a significant step towards fostering a more sustainable and responsible cruise industry, and MSC Cruises' commitment to supporting such initiatives underscores the collective dedication to positive change within the sector.

Michele Francioni, Senior Vice President MSC Cruises, Ivana Melillo, Head of Energy Efficiency and Funded Projects, MSC Cruises and Marieta García, President of GEA, Gestión y Estudios Ambientales, will be the lecturers for this three-day professional development course. For a detailed overview of the programme, please visit the following link: Professional Development Course 2024 • MedCruise

MedCruise President Figen Ayan, emphasised that: “The great challenge facing the cruise industry in the future will be to combine the ever-growing market demand with products that meet the expectations of an increasingly diverse public, while appealing to new generations. All of this, supported by strong collaborations between all stakeholders and including environmental objectives or legislation to go beyond through technological development and innovation to make this important economic sector more and more sustainable”.

Francesca Antonelli, MedCruise Senior Vice President and Professional Development director, and Cruises Manager of the Port Authority of Valencia, addressed the media on a press conference held in Genoa on January 15th, 2024, unveiling the details of the training program. Specialised technicians from MSC will take the delegates on a tour of areas of the ship not accessible to the public, engaging in discussions on repurposing, waste reduction, water conservation, advanced wastewater treatment systems, and energy consumption monitoring. Participants will also join workshops organised in small groups, focusing on vessel efficiency, fuel flexibility, exhaust gas cleaning systems and other recent measures adopted by cruise ships for increased efficiency. To inspire immediate action upon their return to ports and destinations, a dedicated session will raise awareness of the social and environmental significance of selective waste separation and recycling, responsible water and waste food usage, fostering a sustained commitment to these practices in daily life and the work environment.

Photo: Press conference at the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority before the Professional Development Course. (L-R) Michele Francioni, Senior Vice President MSC Cruises; Francesca Antonelli, MedCruise Senior Vice President and Cruises Manager of the Port Authority of Valencia; Antonella Granero, Chief Director of the Human Resources and Public Procurement, Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority-Ports of Genoa; Anja Lohrum, MedCruise Interim Secretary General ; Cristina De Gregori, MedCruise Director PR, Communication & Marketing; Ms Marieta García, President of GEA, Gestión y Estudios Ambientales

Antarctica21 opens first-of-its-kind Private Club for fly-and-sail expedition guests

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 09 January 2024 09 January 2024

Antarctica21, the adventure travel specialist that pioneered fly-and-sail expeditions to the White Continent 20 years ago, has opened its new Explorers House in the historic center of Punta Arenas. Explorers House is a first-of-its-kind facility designed for guests preparing to fly to Antarctica, skipping over the notoriously rough seas of the Drake Passage to join their ship directly at the White Continent. With amenities that include a restaurant, bar, coffee station, library, and presentation space, it functions as an Antarctic-themed private club, providing guests with an inspiring environment where they can relax and meet fellow travelers, as well as attend pre-departure briefings.

More than just a starting point, Explorers House is a gateway to the entire Antarctic experience – a space that encapsulates the spirit of Antarctica21's expeditions, that tells a story beginning in Punta Arenas and stretching to the icy landscape of the White Continent, that brings together guests from around the globe on a journey to one of the most remote and untouched places on Earth.

During the austral summer, this port city on the Strait of Magellan gets very busy as adventurers on their way to Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, Cape Horn, and Antarctica fill hotels, restaurants, and cafes. Before Explorers House, Antarctica21 guests competed for access to the city’s limited resources. Now, they have a private gathering space where they’re greeted by members of the Antarctica21 team and enjoy the same service quality they receive aboard the company’s ships, Magellan Explorer and Ocean Nova.

“As Antarctica21 grew, we began thinking of a space in Punta Arenas where we could welcome our guests in a way that matched the feeling and elegance they would experience on our ships in Antarctica. That’s how we decided to create a space of our own,’’ said Jaime Vásquez, Co-founder and President of Antarctica21.

Explorers House is a former warehouse that processed and exported wool in the early 20th century. Antarctica21 decided to rescue the building in 2019, buying it because of its historical significance. Prestigious and renowned Chilean architect Pedro Kovacic and designer Enrique Concha led the conversion project, infusing it with the spirit of Patagonian pioneers and Antarctic explorers while incorporating contemporary elements.

“There is history behind Explorers House, experiences I lived my whole life,” said Vásquez, who is from a ranching family in Chile’s Magallanes region. “Now, the building has a new life, and its spirit is shared with visitors.”

Originally made almost entirely of wood, the 21,500-square-foot building is now covered in an insulated shell of corrugated iron to protect it from the elements. Inside, the frame of the original structure, reinforced with new metalwork, remains visible as an homage to the building’s history. Warm materials and textures invite relaxation, and turquoise-colored floors evoke Antarctica’s icebergs. A skylight along the peak of the roof and large windows let in an abundance of natural light, and rich illumination provides accents.

Furthering Antarctica21’s commitment to sustainability, many of the building’s original materials were reused, much of the upholstery is made of recycled industrial fibers, a solar panel system produces electricity and heat through radiant floors, and rainwater is harvested for use in the restrooms.

Photo credit: Tere Pérez

AD Ports Group and Red Sea Port Authority to boost cruise tourism in Egypt

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

AD Ports Group, a leading facilitator of global trade, logistics, and industry today initialled a 15-year concession agreement with the Red Sea Port Authority (RSPA), to operate and manage three cruise terminals at Safaga, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh ports. The agreement also encompasses the renovation of the Sharm El Sheikh terminal, with the ultimate aim of enhancing the cruise tourism experience in Egypt. A definitive concession agreement is expected to be concluded in the first quarter of 2024, subject to regulatory approvals.

The concession agreement was initialled in the presence of His Excellency Lieutenant-General Eng. Kamel El Wazir, Egypt’s Minister of Transport, by Major General Mohamed Abdel Rahim, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Red Sea Ports Authority and Ahmed Al Mutawa, Regional CEO, AD Ports Group, at the Egyptian Ministry of Transportation in New Capital City – Cairo.

The collaboration will see AD Ports Group investing USD 3 million over 15 years in the management and operation of the three cruise terminals to provide new services, improve access for cruise operators and add new itineraries through the Group’s cruise terminal network in the red sea. This will in turn strengthen AD Ports Group’s cruise business in the Red Sea region, supporting volumes of cruise passengers and elevating passenger and cruise experiences.

Ahmed Al Mutawa, Regional CEO, AD Ports Group, said: "This agreement is a testament to our commitment to fostering tourism in the Red Sea region, as well as strengthening the existing ties between the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. With an investment of USD 3 million, AD Ports Group is poised to boost cruise tourism in the Red Sea, bringing world-class services and facilities to these ports, whilst supporting economic growth for Egypt."

This latest partnership comes in the wake of the signing of a definitive concession agreement between AD Ports Group and RSPA for the development and operation of a multi-purpose terminal at Safaga Sea Port. This collaboration will see an investment of US$ 200 million over 3 years, aimed at developing a state-of-the-art facility within the strategic location of the Red Sea and will be the first internationally operated port serving the Upper Egypt region.

In 2023, AD Ports Group inaugurated the Aqaba Cruise Terminal, the first-of-its-kind facility in Jordan. This new addition to the Group’s red sea portfolio forms part of its cruise expansion strategy aimed at elevating passengers’ cruise experience, globally.

Nassau Cruise Port confirms record-breaking 4.4 million passengers

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 08 January 2024 08 January 2024

The Nassau Cruise Port team closed 2023 with a record-breaking year, welcoming 4,490,802 passengers aboard 1,210 vessels. This figure represents a 14% increase over the previous record set in 2019, highlighting the impressive growth of the port and its vital role in the growth of the Bahamian tourism industry.

Mike Maura, Jr., CEO of Nassau Cruise Port Ltd., thanked key players for their support while expressing anticipation for further growth.

“A huge thank you to the cruise industry and its passengers, the travel agents championing The Bahamas, our government partners, the Nassau Cruise Port businesses, the entire community here in New Providence, and of course, our incredible team at Nassau Cruise Port. Each of you make a difference every day, owning your share of this success. And remember, the newly revitalized Nassau waterfront offers unique finds, fantastic entertainment, and delicious food and drinks, with even more on the horizon for 2024."

Nassau Cruise Port scored a steady stream of record-breaking achievements in 2023. In March, the team shattered its one-day passenger record by welcoming 28,554 visitors, only to surpass it again on December 27th with a remarkable 29,316 passengers. This momentum culminated in not only exceeding the annual passenger target of 4.2 million guests, but also in setting a brand-new record of 4,490,802 visitors for the year.

This figure contributed significantly to the historic nine million plus visitor arrivals that The Bahamas recorded last year, according to a recent statement made by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, I. Chester Cooper. Once confirmed, the nine million visitor figure will be some one million above 2023 projections for the destination and 12.5% of the original projection made by tourism executives. The Minister emphasized that the arrivals increase is estimated to have generated more than $6 billion in visitor spending which has directly impacted the Bahamian economy.

Driven by this success, the port team is already setting ambitious goals for 2024, aiming to welcome a staggering 5.6 million passengers. With its dedication to providing an exceptional, Authentically Bahamian experience for all visitors, Nassau Cruise Port is poised to continue this impressive growth trajectory and solidify its position as the premier cruise travel destination in the region.