Ports & destinations

Galveston Wharves, MSC, Norwegian continue negotiations for 4th cruise terminal

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 24 August 2023 24 August 2023

The Galveston Wharves continues negotiations with MSC and Norwegian cruise lines to develop a fourth cruise terminal at the fourth most popular cruise home port in the U.S.

Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO, said, “We’re excited about the huge potential of this mutually beneficial public-private partnership. Adding MSC to our family of cruise lines would offer our cruise guests an elegant, European-style cruise experience. It would elevate our status as a top U.S. cruise home port, boost the regional economy and allow MSC to reach a new market of millions of cruise passengers in the Central U.S.”

Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees Chairman Harry Maxwell said, “We remain committed to working on a mutually beneficial partnership to bring these world-class cruise lines to homeport in Galveston.”

Jeff Patterson, chairman of the board’s Finance Committee, “I’m strongly supportive of the fourth cruise terminal and am looking forward to finalizing the details so we can move forward together.”

The Wharves Board has already authorized the expenditure of $673,000 for design and pre-engineering cost estimates for the proposed terminal.

Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA, said, “We remain committed to our plans for a new home port in Galveston as part of our ongoing North American expansion. Bringing our modern, glamorous ships to Texas would provide our guests and travel advisors even more opportunities to experience the future of cruising and enjoy our distinctive European style. We’ve had productive discussions with the Galveston Wharves, and we’re continuing to negotiate with them as we chart MSC Cruises’ future in the U.S. market.”

MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest and fastest-growing cruise brand. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the privately held company employs a staff of more than 30,000 globally. It is the market leader in Europe, South America, the Persian Gulf region and Southern Africa, with a strong presence in the Caribbean, North America and Far East markets.

Rees said, “Our popularity as a cruise home port is reflected in the growth of our passenger counts and sailings. In 2023 we forecast a record 362 sailings, the highest in the port’s 22 years as a cruise port. This is great news for the port and our region because our cruise business is a major revenue and jobs generator.”

Regional economic benefits

The local impact of the port’s 2022 cruise activity includes 3,500 jobs, $568 million in local business revenue, and $73.5 million in local purchases by passengers and crew. A fourth cruise terminal is forecast to generate an additional 925 jobs, $177 million in revenues, and $21 million in local purchases.

Rees added that a fourth cruise terminal is included in the port’s 20-Year Strategic Master Plan, designed to guide major capital and maintenance projects to maximize assets; optimize the port’s cruise, cargo, commercial and lay business sectors; and boost the regional economy with jobs and revenues.

The negotiations follow the opening of the port’s third new cruise terminal in November. The $125 million, state-of-the-art terminal at Pier 10 was developed through a public-private partnership.

Haifa Port announces the selection of the designer for Israel's’ first purpose-built cruise terminal

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 31 July 2023 31 July 2023

In a major step, Haifa Port announces that it has selected Bermello, Ajamil & Partners (BA) to design the first purpose-built Cruise Terminal in Israel. Bermello, Ajamil & Partners is the most recognized cruise terminal designer in the world and has successfully executed homeport cruise terminal projects from planning to commissioning in six continents. The firm has designed major terminals in Miami, Seattle, San Francisco, Singapore, New York, Galveston, Mauritius, and many others. The firm is highly acclaimed for its designs that blend into the cities that they reside while providing the highest level of guest services.

Haifa Port has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting and fastest-growing cruise destinations in the post-pandemic era. Previously known for its relatively modest number of passengers, Haifa has experienced an extraordinary surge in popularity, attracting an impressive influx of approximately 380,000 Israeli passengers and 250,000 tourists either calling the port or embarking on cruises. This remarkable growth has been accompanied by the arrival of almost 30 different cruise brands, with 10 of them choosing Haifa as their homeport.

The new cruise terminal is set to become the first significant project of Haifa Port after its privatization earlier this year. Now owned by India's Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (70%) and Israel's Gadot Group, the port views cruises and tourism as pivotal components of its future. The new terminal is poised to elevate Haifa to the next level as a major cruise hub in the Mediterranean.

The design of the new terminal will be especially sensitive to the history and culture of Israel, as well as the planned waterfront development. This commitment to preserving the essence of Israel's heritage and seamlessly integrating into Haifa's future growth highlights the port's dedication to a harmonious and sustainable expansion.

Global Ports Holding taps Andres Villalever as Advisor, Business Development, Retail & OPR

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 02 August 2023 02 August 2023

Global Ports Holding, the world’s largest cruise port operator, has announced the appointment of Andres Villalever as Advisor, Business Development, Retail & On-Property Revenue, reporting directly to the Chairman & CEO,. Mehmet Kutman. With his extensive experience, expertise, and fresh perspectives, Villalever is poised to make a significant contribution to GPH’s ongoing success.

In his new role, Villalever will spearhead the development of top-tier retail and on-property revenue experiences across all GPH ports and other tours & experiences, playing a pivotal role in shaping the company's commercial business.

Mehmet Kutman, Chairman & CEO of Global Ports Holding said: “We are thrilled to have Andres as part of our international team of experts and confident that his exceptional contributions will significantly impact our company's growth and success.”

Prior to joining Global Ports Holding, Villalever served as Senior Director, Retail at Carnival Cruise Lines for 6 years. Andres Villalever brings over 20 years of international experience in retail, business development, merchandising, and partnerships, spanning brick-and-mortar, onboard, and e-commerce domains. His impressive track record in the travel, tourism, and hospitality entertainment industries, including notable contributions to Carnival Cruise Lines' Port Shopping and Xcaret Group's Theme Parks/Hotels, positions him as an invaluable asset for driving our organization forward and achieving our strategic objectives.

Villalever has a proven track record in developing new concepts, stores, products, and negotiating great partnerships. His expertise will play a vital role in expanding our retail offerings and creating memorable experiences for our guests. We are confident that his addition to our team will further elevate Global Ports Holding's position as a leader in the cruise port industry."

Disney Fantasy and Norwegian Sky dock at Antigua during summer season

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 19 July 2023 19 July 2023

Two cruise ships docked at Antigua Cruise Port on Wednesday, a rare occurrence for the summer months in the Eastern Caribbean. Disney Fantasy brought over 3,600 passengers while Norwegian Sky transported over 2,200 passengers and unleashed 1,000s of visitors into Heritage Quay.

Antigua Cruise Port Leasing and Marketing Officer Jessica Russell said, "Antigua has been enjoying an extended season with Norwegian Sky making multiple calls throughout the summer; this is to the credit of Antigua Cruise Port. We’re also happy to have Disney Fantasy.”

Antigua Cruise Port and the Antigua & Barbuda Toursim Authority also collaborated to provide entertainment. The guests enjoyed the sounds of a steel pan orchestra creating a festive Carnival atmosphere. Cultural greeters also posed with visitors generating memories.

The summer months are generally dormant in the Eastern Caribbean as many cruise vessels make their way to Europe. However, this is the second time two vessels have simultaneously docked in Antigua this summer. There are more than nineteen calls booked for this period, more than doubling last year’s figures. The summer visits also surpass 2019 which had 16 calls.

Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez visited the port on Wednesday and said the summer cruise toursim performance is because of the partnership between the Antiguan government and Antigua Cruise Port. He was also impressed that 24 calls are already booked for summer 2024.

The winter cruise season is also expected to be busy with inaugural visits and homeporting.