Ports & destinations

Tortola Pier Park wins Port of the Year award

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 02 October 2017 02 October 2017

Tortola Pier Park in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) through the BVI Ports Authority received the prestigious accolade of “2017 Port of the Year” awarded earlier this month by Seatrade Cruise Global, the port said in a statement.

Since opening, Tortola Pier Park has morphed into a popular multifaceted lifestyle center featuring a unique experience for visitors and residents alike to enjoy the shopping, dining and entertainment offerings. With this great accomplishment the Management of Tortola Pier Park found it fitting to enter the awards programme offered by Seatrade in hopes to achieve the esteemed recognition of Port of the Year. Through this entry Tortola Pier Park made the shortlist along with Port of Akureyri - Iceland and Port of Olden-Nordford - Norway and in turn became the victor, achieving the title of Port of the Year.

“We are honoured to have received this title of Port of the Year as we have worked tireless since opening to constantly provide an exceptional customer experience through our daily interactions, product mix and services. Winning this award comes at a time when the BVI has been affected by a devastating category 5 hurricane. While we are currently working on rebuilding and restoring the island and our award-winning cruise pier, this award serves as a reason for hope and strength and provides added impetus to become a stronger cruise facility and in turn a stronger destination. We will carry this title with pride as we work towards a better tomorrow, with renewed passion," said Dona Regis, CEO of Tortola Pier Park Ltd.

After every storm comes a beautiful story of hope, resilience, and strength. As the BVI regroup and rebuild, Tortola Pier Park will continue their story of growth. Get ready to once again experience Tortola Pier Park – the premier choice for shopping, dining and entertainment, for locals and visitors in the BVI!

Port of Seattle surprises its one-millionth cruise passenger with impromptu celebration

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 27 September 2017 27 September 2017

Two cruise passengers on Holland America Line’s Eurodam found themselves at the center of an impromptu party this Saturday as the Port of Seattle celebrated its one-millionth passenger to pass through Seattle’s cruise terminals during the 2017 season.

This is the first year the Port of Seattle reached the million-passenger milestone. Port of Seattle Commissioner John Creighton and Holland America Line CEO Orlando Ashford greeted the couple and presented a gift basket stuffed with goodies to mark the day.

“Congratulations to our millionth cruise passenger this season. Passengers like Ted and Linda from Alexandria, Louisiana and points all across our country come here for a unique Pacific Northwest/Alaska experience that drives half a billion dollars in annual business revenue,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner John Creighton.

“Congratulations to our ms Eurodam guests Linda Ellis and Ted Finn for being selected for the port’s one millionth guest celebration on Saturday,” said Orlando Ashford, president, Holland America Line. “Holland America Line is thrilled that for more than 30 years we have been a partner with the Port of Seattle in building a robust gateway cruise port and an important contributor to the economic impact in the this region.”

Seattle’s cruise business – currently leading all cruise homeports on the U.S. west coast in passenger volume – is responsible for over $500 million in annual business revenue, providing more than 4,000 jobs and $18.9 million in state and local taxes, with each homeported vessel generating $2.7 million to the local economy.

Dubai's Meraas to build new cruise terminals

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 16 September 2017 16 September 2017

Meraas has announced that Dubai Harbour will have a second cruise terminal in addition to the one already revealed in January 2017. Dubai Harbour will be the first cruise destination to build two terminals simultaneously which when completed will accommodate 1,200,000 passengers annually.

The announcement was made during Cityscape Global 2017, where visitors have been able to see the upcoming destination for the first time through a model at the Meraas stand located at S2F10 in Saeed Hall 2. The addition of a second terminal is intended to build on Dubai’s reputation as a leading tourism destination, while capitalising on strong growth in the cruise industry globally. Industry data suggest that over 40 million people will travel by cruise annually by 2030, up 40 percent from 24 million in 2017.

His Excellency Abdulla Al Habbai, Group Chairman at Meraas, said: “Dubai Harbour connects some of Dubai’s most vibrant neighbourhoods and reflects a culture of innovation envisioned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for the emirate. The project also reaffirms our commitment to expanding on Dubai’s rich maritime heritage and tourism profile, while supporting the continued diversification of the national economy.

By creating a world-class destination that appeals to people around the globe, Dubai Harbour represents an opportunity to achieve economies of scale and drive growth in the maritime tourism sector. It will also help maintain Dubai’s status among the world’s top tourism destinations for generations to come.”

Each terminal will be approximately 14,000 square metres in size with one single apron of 900-metres. While other ports have multiple terminals, none have so far built more than one at any given time. Meanwhile, in addition to serving the cruise ship industry, Dubai Harbour will feature the largest marina in the MENA region. Once complete, the marina will have 1,100-berths capable of accommodating some of the world’s biggest private yachts.

Dubai Harbour was officially unveiled by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in January 2017, and will be developed by Meraas. The masterplan for the unique waterfront destination extends over 20 million square feet and includes an 875,000 square-foot shopping mall, an events arena, luxury residences, restaurants, cafes, hotels and a yacht club. It will also feature the Dubai Lighthouse, an architectural marvel stretching 135 metres into the sky with an observation deck offering stunning panoramic views.

Dubai Harbour will also integrate Skydive Dubai, Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) and Logo Island into a single integrated community. Ground has been broken and 130,000 square metres of land has been reclaimed. The contractor for the cruise terminal will be appointed once the land for the terminal is ready, with Dubai Habour being constructed in phases.

Located on King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, between Jumeirah Beach Residence and Palm Jumeirah in an area also known as Mina Al Seyahi, Dubai Harbour will boast an advanced multi-modal transport infrastructure comprising an excellent road network in addition to air and sea connectivity. There will also be a futuristic public transport system, water stations, pedestrian bridge, jogging and cycling tracks. The new development will offer unparalleled views of Dubai’s skyline, the clear waters of the Arabian Gulf and ‘Ain Dubai’, the world’s tallest and largest observation wheel.

The project will create synergies with some of Dubai’s other iconic projects located in the area, including Palm Jumeirah and Meraas’ modern, family-oriented island neighbourhood at Bluewaters.

Bremerhaven enjoys busy autumn

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 21 September 2017 21 September 2017

Columbus Cruise Centre Bremerhaven (CCCB) in Germany is enjoying a lively autumn, the terminal operator said in a statement.

“The 2017 cruise season is drawing to a close. This year's highlight was the arrival of four vessels on 7 September, with ms Amadea, ms Albatros ms Artania and ms Costa Magica all berthed at the Columbus Quay at the same time. The Amadea was the first to arrive at 06.45, followed by ms Costa Magica at 07.30. ms Albatros and ms Artania completed the quartet at 08.15 and 09.00,” CCCB said.

Of a total of almost 8,000 passengers, 2,800 were transit passengers from ms Costa Magica who had booked excursions to Bremen and Bremerhaven, while the remaining 5,400 either embarked on their cruise or ended it in Bremerhaven.

As well as several single arrivals before October, CCCB is also expecting three vessels on one day. “On 23 September, ms Amadea of the Bonn-based tour operator Phoenix Reisen, ms Astor of Transocean Kreuzfahrten as well as the American luxury cruise vessel ms Seven Seas Navigator of the Regent Seven Seas Cruises line will all call at Bremerhaven,” the terminal operator said.

Antigua open for business – excursions, tour operators, restaurants and hotels are operating

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 14 September 2017 14 September 2017

Antigua is back to offering excursions and adventures across Antigua. Popular activities in Antigua, from Stingray City to zip-lining adventures to safari land tours to cruises, sea circumnavigation and snorkeling tours are available once again. Tour operators have re-opened after Hurricane Irma and are providing visitors with new experiences.

Restaurants and bars have re-opened including popular beach establishments such as Beach Limers, Coconut Grove, Sheer Rocks, Turners, Darkwood Beach Bar and Restaurant, Trappas, Le Bistro, and the over 150 dining options to choose from in Antigua.

Close to 2000 of the country’s hotel room stock will be available by the end of October for the start of the peak winter season following traditional summer upgrades and renovations throughout resorts. Some of these resorts include Cocobay, Jumby Bay, Curtain Bluff, Carlisle Bay, Hawksbill by Rex Resorts, Heritage Quay Hotel, St. James’s Club, The Inn at English Harbor, and Nonsuch Bay. The first properties opening post-upgrades are Pineapple Beach Club and Blue Waters Resort and Spa opening on September 14th and September 21st respectively. Hotels and resorts that are open year-round are happily welcoming and hosting visitors to Antigua.

Antigua’s new, state-of-the-art, VC Bird International Airport and cruise ship berths are welcoming passengers from across the US, Canada, UK and Europe, and Caribbean.