Ports & destinations

Seven Chinese cities to form cruise alliance

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 27 November 2014 27 November 2014

Seven Chinese cities operating eight state-of-the-art cruise terminals have proposed to set up a port alliance akin to the ones found in Europe. Alan Lam reports.

Following the examples of such organisations as MedCruise and Cruise Baltic, Shanghai, Tianjin, Xiamen, Sanya, Zhoushan, Qingdao and Hong Kong have agreed to cooperate and jointly promote cruise business development in China’s coastal regions. The cities are in talks with major international cruise lines such as Costa Crociere, Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Star Cruises, Bohai Ferry and HNA Cruises.

This is the latest in a series of alliance development in the region. Only recently CLIA established two branches in Asia, and the Asia Cruise Fund welcomed Hainan and the Philippines as its newest members. These are sure signs of the region’s cruise business maturing. Asia Cruise Fund is actively seeking new partners.

The new cruise port alliance has been proposed at the time when the newest Chinese cruise terminal, Shanghai’s Baoshan International Cruise Homeport, is reportedly to have become the first terminal in the country expected to show a small profit in 2014.

MedCruise promoted region for Asians at Hong Kong event

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 24 November 2014 24 November 2014

Senior representatives of Med Cruise promoted cruise activities in the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas during the Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific, that was held in Hong Kong.

MedCruise President Carla Salvadό was the guest speaker during the Travel Agents Training, a comprehensive education programme that helps agents in Asia better understand the cruise industry, the organisation said in a statement.

Salvadό invited travel agents to cruise at the magic world of the Mediterranean Sea and its adjoining seas that offers- among others- a great opportunity to discover the history, the architecture, the culture, the gastronomy, the sightseeings of 19 countries around Mediterranean.

Τhe MedCruise delegation updated cruise lines, travel agents, and other stakeholders on the facilities offered by our cruise port members and the prospects of cruising in one of the most interesting regions of the world.

MedCruise was the sponsor of the Travel Agent Training programme, with all delegates receiving the 2013-14 MedCruise Yearbook and the Cruise Activities in MedCruise Ports 2014 on e-format. The programme was attended by travel agents from different regions of Far East, who had the opportunity to discuss with the MedCruise team on the richness of the destinations of the Med, the facilities available for cruise, and the opportunities offered by the region.

This is the second successive year that MedCruise promotes the attractiveness of its members in Far East, in a strategy aiming to transform Asia to a key passenger source market for Cruises in the Med.

MedCruise member ports further benefit from the work of the Association by expanding their professional network with key travel agents around the globe.

Port Everglades celebrates four million passenger mark

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 13 November 2014 13 November 2014

Passenger moves at Port Everglades topped 4 million in FY2014, with a record number 3.88 million multi-day moves and 121,321 daily moves, according to preliminary fiscal year 2014 statistics. Port officials attribute the increase to more cruise ships sailing during the summer and the cruise lines offering more 4- and 5-night sailing itineraries.

“Port Everglades celebrated a record fiscal year with $153 million in revenue, one-million TEUs and 4-million passenger moves,” said Port Everglades Chief Executive and Port Director Steven Cernak. “These are terrific milestones. The key now is to continue moving forward with our infrastructure plans since we know that ships are only getting larger and facility needs are greater.”

The South Florida cruise port, consistently ranked among the top three in the world, also bested the 4 million mark in 2004 with 4,075,406 passengers, but with fewer multi-day passengers at 2,675,296. In 2004, several ships were diverted to Port Everglades from other ports that suffered hurricane damages.

The Port’s 20-Year Master/Vision Plan estimates that Port Everglades will reach 5.6 million cruise passenger moves by the year 2033. The cruise industry at Port Everglades accounts for more than 5,000 direct jobs and nearly $1.7 billion in annual economic activity.

Eight cruise lines, one ferry and more than 40 cruise ships sail from the South Florida seaport including: Balearia’s Bahamas Express, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises. The Port's wide-ranging fleet of cruise ships provides guests with an array of cruise vacation choices from the sunny Greater Fort Lauderdale area, including the cities of Hollywood and Dania Beach. Port Everglades, where the best cruise ships launch and the greatest getaways begin.

Cruise season ends in Baie-Comeau

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 16 November 2014 16 November 2014

The international cruise season ended in Baie-Comeau on a positive note. A total of nine vessels docked in the port in 2014, making a best season ever. The Pearl Mist, Seabourn Quest, Balmoral, Crystal Serenity and Silver Whisper did stopover more than once this season.

The port of Baie-Comeau did welcome more than 4,500 cruise passengers and 2,700 crew members. Most of the visitors were coming for United Kingdom & USA. Last september 25th, we did receive our 25,000th cruise passenger Mrs. Magdalena De Vlieger who was accompanied by her husband. Traveling with the Seabourn Quest, the Belgian couple chose to cruise the St-Lawrence for the vibrant fall colors. They had a great surprise disembarking the vessel: limousine, Champaign, private tour and signature of the Gold book at the town hall were part of the program.

"The weather was on our side this summer it helped the disembarkation rate to an average of 90%, 10% more than 2013! Over 1300 tours were sold, the visitors did enjoy Baie-Comeau’s attractions; the favorite one has been the Garden of the Glaciers. A walk through Baie-Comeau & the Manic 2 dam have been really popular as well," the port said in a statement.

Next year looks promising as well, as Baie-Comeau will welcome at least seven vessels. The season will start on september 5th 2015 with the Seabourn Quest. Cruise Lines are already booking their passage in Baie-Comeau for 2016, eight vessels are already scheduled.

Enric Noguer takes charge of Intercruises North America & Caribbean

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 11 November 2014 11 November 2014

Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services, an experienced global business offering ground handling and port agency services to the ocean and river cruise industry, has announced the appointment of Enric Noguer as President North America & Caribbean, with Celeste Gladstone, VP Client Relationships resuming her international role with Intercruises.

Enric will work alongside Celeste during a transition period until February 2015, at which time he will assume responsibility for the combined operations of all Intercruises businesses across North America, East and West coast, as well as the Caribbean. In her international role, Celeste will continue to support Intercruises’ industry partners and the North America & Caribbean team, but will now focus on business development at a global level, working closely with the Intercruises Board of Directors.

“Sixteen months ago Celeste took additional responsibilities for the North America & Caribbean region and I personally thank her for successfully leading the team during this period. I now look forward to working with Celeste at an international level, in which her valuable industry experience will benefit the entire Intercruises business. Celeste will impart some of her knowledge while working with Enric, an experienced travel industry professional that will guide Intercruises North America & Caribbean to a successful future.” Said Mark Robinson, Intercruises Managing Director.

Enric recently held the role of Regional Managing Director The Americas for Hotelbeds, part of TUI Travel PLC, where he was responsible for online distribution and developing the regional strategy. He also held senior management positions in the hotel sector and in destination services at TUI, where he developed extensive knowledge of inbound operations and the online world.