Portsmouth International Port has had its most successful year for cruise operations, hosting a record number of day calls and maiden visits despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. The port is expected to host over 130 days of ships alongside by the end of 2021, a rise from a previous high of 65, and has also welcomed maiden calls from eight cruise ships. The port also hosted its first naming ceremony in July with the christening of Saga Cruises’ Spirit of Adventure, and managed three cruise ships at once across multiple berths for the first time in August. Portsmouth International Port celebrates most successful year Cruising reopens between Greek and Turkish ports San Francisco receives first cruise call following pandemic Cruise operators can begin sailing itineraries between Greece and Turkey now that the Greek Government has lif ted Covid-19-related restrictions on ships calling at the Turkish ports of Galataport Istanbul and Kusadasi. Following communication with the two ports which was facilitated by cruise industry association MedCruise, the Greek authorities judged that both have established and maintained a public health emergency contingency plan based on European standards and have the capacity to provide an appropriate public health emergency response. Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess has made its maiden call to San Francisco, California, becoming the first cruise ship to visit the US city since the pause in operations caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Guests on the ship were able to go onshore during a port call on a sevenday ‘Classic California Coast’ voyage, sailing roundtrip from Los Angeles, California. “The return of cruise is an important milestone for San Francisco’s economic recovery and will support our small and family-owned waterfront businesses,” said Elaine Forbes, executive director of the Port of San Francisco. DID YOU KNOW? 45% of people selected the Caribbean as their ideal winter destination in a poll of 900 cruise passengers by cruise.co.uk 1 8 MARKETWATCH
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