By
Rebecca Gibson |
Le Havre Cruise Club was officially launched on 14 March 2013 to improve the French port’s terminal and welcome facilities. Founded by the Greater Le Havre community, the Port of Le Havre Authority, the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Le Havre, the initiative will also enhance the passenger and crew experience by developing shore-organisation procedures. It also provides a strategy for economic development in the region.
Musicians will supply entertainment in the terminal to celebrate the season’s first and last calls, any maiden visits, turnarounds and triple calls, as well as the 100th visit and Christmas calls. Passengers will also be offered confectionary, flowers, hot chocolate and spiced wine.
The club’s strategic board has also created a Cruise Welcome scheme in partnership with the Lycée Jeanne d’Arc, a local high school. As part of this project, 11 tourism students will welcome cruise passengers in different areas of the city, from March to May. Three trainees will then provide the service until the end of June.
A Shopping Welcome project will also boost the region’s economy, with 250 shopkeepers agreeing to open shops during their lunch breaks and offering passengers and crew member a commercial discount.
The Port of Le Havre expects to receive 124 cruise calls and around 240,000 passengers between March and December 2013, including 20 double calls, seven triple calls, six overnights and 13 turnaround visits. This indicates an increase on the 108 calls and 221,000 passengers recorded in 2012.
AIDA Cruises’ AIDALuna will visit Le Havre on 21 March, marking the beginning of the port’s cruise season.