Ports & destinations

Prince Rupert Cruise Port celebrates a successful season

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 23 November 2024 23 November 2024

Prince Rupert Cruise Port (PRCP), operated by Global Ports Holding – the world’s largest cruise port operator – successfully wrapped up its 2024 season, welcoming over 59,000 passengers across 43 ship calls. This year, PRCP achieved significant milestones by introducing 12 new excursions and 2 new immersive experiences, enhancing the total shore offerings to 14.

Prince Rupert Cruise Port stood out this season with curated experiences that blend the area’s rich history and cultural heritage. A standout is the Museum of Northern BC, where cruise guests delve into local history and culture. As part of their journey, guests are invited to the Tsimshian Longhouse for an immersive drumming ceremony, greeted in the time-honored tradition of the Northwest Coast. Here, the Gwis'amiilgigohl Dancers, dressed in full ceremonial regalia, bring ancient stories to life through mesmerizing performances of songs, mask dances, and storytelling led by the chief.

Through sustainable cruise tourism and a diverse array of shore excursions, Prince Rupert Cruise Port disperses guests across the region, showcasing the town’s attractions for both independent sightseeing and guided experiences. In collaboration with Indigenous groups and local stakeholders, PRCP launched the Kitsumkalum Glacial Heritage and Gastronomy Trail, offering an immersive journey through the Great Bear Rainforest. Another standout excursion, the "Great Bear Rainforest by Rail & Road" tour, captivated cruise guests and sold out for the entire season.

The "Explore Prince Rupert by Vintage Trolley" excursion, which is also accessible, continues to remain a favorite among cruise guests, providing an engaging introduction to the destination hosted by a local guide. The vintage trolley also serves as a unique local fixture, doubling as special transportation for community events and weddings.

Prince Rupert Cruise Port’s 2024 season success has been recognized by leading cruise brands, with excitement building as PRCP anticipates the arrival of Royal Caribbean in 2025 and Virgin Voyages in 2026.

Kevin D’Costa, General Manager of Prince Rupert Cruise Port, stated, “These experiences of Prince Rupert beautifully combine scenic beauty, cultural depth, and the natural wonders, creating memories that our guests will forever treasure. With 26 excursions available this season, we will continue to showcase the unique offerings of Prince Rupert and look forward to strengthening and expanding our shore excursion capabilities while supporting local entrepreneurs.”

“We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the cruise lines that visited us in 2024. Their key role in our successful season and valuable contributions to our community are greatly appreciated. We look forward to welcoming them back in 2025, including the much-anticipated arrival of Royal Caribbean next year, and Virgin Voyages in 2026, as we continue to build strong and exciting partnerships.” Continued D’Costa.

Nestled along the rugged northern coast of British Columbia, Prince Rupert is a gateway to Canada’s wild beauty, rich indigenous heritage, and captivating maritime landscapes. Prince Rupert offers visitors an authentic blend of untouched wilderness, vibrant arts, and cultural experiences that reflect the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. From whale watching to exploring ancient rainforests and immersing yourself in local Tsimshian culture, Prince Rupert promises an adventure that’s both breathtaking and deeply enriching.

Cruise Gate Hamburg provides positive outlook

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 21 November 2024 21 November 2024

In the upcoming year 2025, another increase in cruise ship calls is expected in Hamburg. Throughout the year, the municipal Cruise Gate Hamburg (CGH) anticipates 294 calls (compared to 268 calls in 2024) from 45 different ships and 21 cruise lines. Passenger shipping will thus continue to play an increasingly important role in the Port of Hamburg in the coming season.

A special highlight for cruise enthusiasts will be three inaugural calls: the Star Pride from Windstar Cruises, the Emerald Princess from Princess Cruises, and the Pacific World from Japan Grace. In addition to ocean-going cruise ships, 39 calls from river cruise ships are also planned.

Simone Maraschi, Managing Director of CGH, “We are very pleased with the renewed increase in calls. The commitment of the cruise lines to continue offering year-round voyages from Hamburg – with more than 30 percent of calls occurring outside the peak season – also demonstrates the passengers' undiminished desire to travel. The interest in cruises, particularly among Germans, is high and rising.”

Additionally, the cruise terminal in HafenCity is set to be completed next year. Iris Scheel, Managing Director of CGH, “We are delighted that the new terminal will add a very attractive location to our range of berths for cruise lines. The unique location in the heart of the city, in a vibrant and dynamic district, opens up promising opportunities for our existing and new customers.” Cruise passengers will benefit from the attractive surroundings in HafenCity once the terminal is operational. The future terminal will also feature its own underground connection, making travel to and from the terminal by train and public transport extremely convenient, while also providing quick access to the city centre. The new terminal will cover an area of 10,000 square meters, including two underground levels with bus and taxi terminals and two levels for passenger handling. It will offer two berths, planned to be equipped with shore power connections.

With the new terminal, the economic and tourist significance of the cruise business for Hamburg will be further strengthened. With 4,490 jobs in the service sector and a contribution to gross value added of 419.7 million euros, the cruise industry represents a significant economic factor and is an important component of Hamburg's tourism performance. As a recognized growth industry, the cruise sector will continue to offer diverse economic opportunities for Hamburg in the future.

Regular maritime events in Hamburg also contribute to value creation: In addition to the 836th Hamburg Port Anniversary, during which seven cruise ships are expected in the city from May 9 to 11, 2025, the Hamburg Cruise Days will also take place again next year. From September 12 to 14, Hamburg will celebrate its 10th edition of this event, featuring ten cruise ships, hundreds of thousands of visitors, and impressive stagings of the ship on the water, which attract worldwide attention. Prior to this, Hamburg will host the Seatrade Europe trade fair, which will also contribute to the international visibility of the destination. On an international level, CGH will promote the destination at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, USA, in April 2025, the industry's most important conference and trade fair.

The cruise schedule for 2025 is available at: www.cruisegate-hamburg.de/en/expected-vessels/

A review of the 2024 season will be published in the new year after the season will be concluded.

SSA Marine expands South Florida cruise operations with Royal Caribbean contract and new General Manager

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 21 November 2024 21 November 2024

SSA Marine, one of the world’s leading independent marine terminal operators, announced that it has been appointed as stevedore for Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) at the PortMiami and Port Everglades, deepening the company’s partnership with RCG and SSA Marine’s presence in South Florida.

This agreement coincides with the appointment of Robert Moroney as General Manager for SSA Marine’s cruise operations in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Moroney brings a wealth of knowledge in port operations to SSA Marine, and previously served as assistant director of operations for the cruise division of Port Everglades, as well as the head of port operations for the Americas for Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services, and director of shore services for Metro Cruise Services’ East Coast and Gulf regions. He also held the position of director of cruise services at Ceres after spending 11 years with Royal Caribbean.

“I am delighted to have Robert join SSA Marine as we continue to invest in and grow our Florida cruise operations, most recently with Royal Caribbean,” said Stefano Borzone, President of SSA Marine’s cruise division. “Robert’s deep leadership and experience in safety and operational excellence, reinforces SSA Marine’s core values. He will be a valuable resource for our customers, partners, and employees, in our growing cruise division.”

“After a thorough review of our stevedoring operations through South Florida, we are reaffirming our commitment to enhancing efficiency, safety, and service quality,” said Bryan Attree, director, worldwide port operations, Royal Caribbean Group. “SSA Marine’s dedication to safety and service excellence for our vessels and guests sets them apart, and we are excited about the growth of our partnership.”

Jamaica cruise tourism generates US$197.8 million

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations

Published: 17 November 2024 17 November 2024

Reinforcing its status as a leading Caribbean tourism destination, Jamaica has generated $197.8 million USD from cruise tourism in the 2023/2024 season. According to a recent study by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), sponsored by Jamaica Vacations Limited, passenger and crew visits to Jamaica, along with additional expenditures by cruise lines and the destination such as port services, taxes, and local goods and services, drove the island’s overall cruise tourism expenditures.

The survey reported that during the 2023/2024 cruise year, a total of 1,426,485 cruise passengers arrived in Jamaica aboard cruise ships and an estimated 1,158,240 passengers disembarked to visit the island. In total, passengers spent roughly $136.7 million USD through including accommodations, food and beverage, local goods and shore excursions.

“We have seen tremendous growth in our cruise tourism sector,” said Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica. “In 2023, we welcomed 1.26 million cruise passenger arrivals which was 48.3% above 2022 figures. To keep up with demand, we work diligently to ensure our ports and services remain updated so cruise lines, crew members and passengers have an outstanding experience from arrival to departure – including the enjoyment of our famous beaches, historical sites and adventure experiences in between.”

Onshore, passengers spent 71% of their money on excursions, watches and jewelry. Additionally, more than 3 in 5 (62%) of the passengers reported that their cruise party purchased an excursion. Crew members also showed their love for the “One Love” island, with an estimated 166,790 crew members going ashore and spending nearly $8.1 million USD on excursions, local crafts, food and other purchases.

The survey also found Jamaica the fifth highest destination in the Caribbean and Latin America for cruise line spending during the 2023/2024 cruise year with a total of $49.7 million USD. This includes payments from cruise lines to local businesses for a variety of goods and services, including payments for port fees and taxes, navigation services, utilities and other supplies.

“Cruise lines have expressed keen interest in sourcing more of their global product needs from Jamaica,” continued Minister Barlett. “Therefore, through the Tourism Linkages Network, we are working to increase opportunity for Jamaica’s farmers, manufacturers, artisans, and other enterprises to offer these services.”

The $197.8 million USD in cruise tourism spend also supported direct employment of 3,920 Jamaican residents, paying $36.1 million in annual wages.

“The cruise industry has played a major role in our tourism growth,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica. “We have welcomed over three million visitors this year so far, and that is largely due to our operators, vendors and suppliers who work diligently to ensure the entire visitor experience – for those arriving by air or sea – is smooth sailing.”

Conducted onboard FCCA member cruise ships from October 2023 to May 2024, the survey included passenger and crew responses gathered via QR codes. Passengers and crew were only surveyed once during a cruise itinerary. Of those who completed the survey, 73% stated it was their first visit to Jamaica. Among those surveyed, 32% were from the U.S., 37% Canada and 17% Italy.