The port is set to welcome major cruise lines to the Atlantic Spain seaboard in 2018
By
Rebecca Gibson |
This article was first published in Spring/Summer 2018 issue of the International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
Spain’s Port of A Coruña has experienced a sharp hike from 54,000 passengers per year in 2009 to more than 180,000 annually by the close of 2017. This impressive growth comes partly as the result of the port authority’s increased commitment to attracting cruise business.
These results have firmly positioned the Port of A Coruña as a leader on the Atlantic Spain seaboard, between Le Havre, France and Lisbon, Portugal. The port boasts a consolidated leadership in terms of both passengers and calls, ahead of other major ports with a long-standing tradition in the cruise sector.
Highlights of 2017 included 22 days where the port hosted simultaneous calls from two or more cruise ships, while several vessels that debuted in 2017 made maiden calls in the city, including Silversea Cruises’ Silver Muse. The port also welcomed five maiden calls from large vessels, including AIDA Cruises’ LNG-powered AIDAprima.
The 2018 schedule indicates that this positive cruise growth will continue at the Port of A Coruña, thanks to calls from major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean International, P&O Cruises, AIDA, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, TUI Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line. Faced with rising demand and the need to sustain future growth, the port authority has made considerable investments to improve passenger and ship infrastructures and services.
The results in the cruise sector, combined with the port authority’s continued presence at international trade events and other cruise sector meetings, have transformed the Port of A Coruña into a destination with tremendous potential for Atlantic routes.
Passenger and crew surveys reveal ‘outstanding’ scores for the port’s services and facilities, as well as the many tourist attractions the city of A Coruña has to offer. The proximity of the cruise terminal to the city centre and the easy access to tourist attractions, shops, bars, restaurants and leisure areas are just some of the most highly rated aspects. The Marina-Parrote area connects the Old Town and Quayside Promenade. The opening of the tunnel and the conversion of the Marina area into a pedestrian-only zone is an added advantage for passengers visiting the city.
Top of the visitor attractions is the Tower of Hercules, the world’s oldest working lighthouse and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Miles of conveniently located city centre beaches and the region’s gastronomic offerings are two of the other visitor attractions that have contributed to making A Coruña a favourite cruise destination with many cruise companies and their guests.
According to the daily expenditure estimates for passengers and crew disembarking in the port, the influx of cruise tourists generates revenue of around €15 million (US$18.7 million) for the city of A Coruña, which receives more foreign visitors by sea than any other means.