By
Cherie Rowlands |
Cruise Baltic officially launched the industry’s first interactive pier-by-pier information tool at Seatrade Med in Marseille, on 27 November.
The ‘Port Service Standards Working Tool’ – which was developed by the Cruise Baltic Working Group in collaboration with the industry – allows cruise lines to assess berth suitability for their ships. Once the dimensions of an individual vessel’s length and draft are entered into the programme, berths able to accommodate that size are highlighted, along with specific details and ratings of the facilities and services at each pier.
Cruise Baltic Director Bo Larson said: “In close dialogue with the European Cruise Council’s (ECC) Port Sub-Committee, cruise lines and project consultant Luis de Carvalho, the Cruise Baltic Working Group has created a practical and effective ‘overview’ rating system, which allows cruise line operators to access information related to every single pier at each of our Baltic ports. After considerable discussion we have evaluated the key data needed in order to build a platform that would be useful not only for cruise line operators, but also to function as a benchmark and motivational tool for ports within Cruise Baltic.”
The new programme is also expected to simplify itinerary planning for cruise companies. ECC Ports and Infrastructure Sub-Committee chairman and MSC corporate operating officer Neil Palomba said: “This Port Service Standard system set up by Cruise Baltic is a truly innovative initiative and I am confident that it will ease and improve itinerary planning for cruise lines. Even in its early stages, it already represents an invaluable tool for itinerary planners who need to deal with hundreds of ports all around the globe every year.”
Cruise Baltic will continue to develop the programme with customer-orientated content updated regularly. To access the Port Service Standards Working Tool, visit www.cruisebaltic.com – Professionals/Port Service Standards.