1 9 9 Cruise line and media delegates at the 60th MedCruise General Assembly were treated to a visual and gastronomic feast of pre- and post-conference excursions curated to showcase the very best that Costa Brava has to offer visiting cruise passengers. Palamos is well suited for cruising with gorgeous beaches, a stunning coastal walk, thrilling water sports and much more. Importantly, the city also provides access to compelling out-of-town excursions. Girona, set amidst four rivers and in the shadow of the Pyrenees, is less than an hour by coach from Palamos. First inhabited by the Iberians, the city was a natural location for Game of Thrones. The ancient cathedral, old Jewish Quarter and aged fortifications are among the main sights. Located 40 miles up the coast, Roses is a beautiful port of call for small luxury ships and provides easy access to many of Costa Brava’s highlights including Port Lligat, one of Catalonia’s most famous coastal villages. Spanish artist Salvador Dalí and his wife Gala once lived here and stories of their life together are told in their former home, which is now a museum. Costa Brava Cruise Ports positively influenced many old and new friends during the week, demonstrating efficient port operations and showcasing a memorable shore product. Their stock is high and still rising. Celebrating Costa Brava Cruise Ports for our guests – when they book a cruise, they’ll go on a cruise.” But there are still issues that need to be overcome. Groothuis referenced the challenge of recruiting high-calibre crew and both he and Pendola expressed concern about fuel supply and pricing. On this topic Pendola highlighted the Mediterranean’s edge: “Fuel is giving a monetary reward for itineraries that are more efficient, and this gives the Mediterranean an advantage.” Smaller and boutique ports got a boost from Ferla as he speculated that passengers will be looking for “more off-the beaten track destinations with more open-air activities” after the pandemic. Filling ships at a good yield is a priority and Pendola provided an overview of Costa Cruises’ solution. “We have worked a lot on the food, entertainment and land experience. We’ll have longer stays and greater focus on quality. We have diversified a lot and will visit as many new ports as possible each year.” Groothuis shared sage advice with MedCruise member ports: “You should look at our itineraries and see what you think we’re missing.” The ‘Fit for 55’ session (referring to the European Union’s goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 55 per cent by 2030) proposed a series of priority actions, including: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, removing greenhouse gases, renewable energy, energy efficiency, alternative fuels and shore power. With the possibility of shore power becoming mandatory in the future, operators recommended that ports develop into sustainable energy hubs. But with the timeframe for implementing shore power Conference panellists discussed trends in the Mediterranean Sea, the ‘new normal’ and sustainability issues
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