Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2021

1 6 2 FEATURE Istanbul, Turkey Ready to welcome guests in 2021, Galataport Istanbul is a $1.7 billion project that will revive and redefine Istanbul’s historic port as an exciting lifestyle destination that covers about a mile of coastline right by the Bosphorus strait. Galataport Istanbul is home to modern cruise facilities, including the world’s first underground cruise terminal with a special hatch system. This creates a temporary customs area that turns the historic port of Istanbul into a unique promenade, giving access to an area that has been closed to the public for almost 200 years. Galataport Istanbul’s founder, Erkunt Öner, will be truly missed as a leader and an innovator in the cruise industry after his recent passing. He tirelessly promoted homeport cruising from Istanbul and was not only a visionary in the cruise industry, but also a key figure in promoting cruising for the Turkish people. Catania, Sicily The fresh scent of citrus fruits, the mild weather of southern Italy, markets full of people – all of this and more can be found in Catania on the south-east coast of Sicily. When arriving by cruise ship, passengers can admire the large Catania Cruise Port on the city waterfront, which is framed by the imposing figure of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Eurasia. On its slopes, guests can experience a variety of excursions, from extreme trekking to a food and wine experience or skiing. Able to accommodate both transit and turnaround operations, Catania boasts an important tourist harbour, which makes it particularly suitable for pre- and post-cruise packages. Furthermore, its position very close to Valletta, Malta, makes it suitable to be included in both East and West Mediterranean itineraries. San Diego, California, USA The Port of San Diego is a destination where cruise guests can relax in a laid-back atmosphere and experience the friendliness of its residents and the hospitality of its businesses. On offer are a range of options for dining and shopping. Visitors can watch the sunset as they enjoy a San Diego Symphony performance at the new Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, or choose from four different restaurants at Portside Pier. The Seaport Village, meanwhile, offers visitors classic craft beer or cocktails and everything from freshly caught seafood to burgers, along with live music.