THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO CRUISE ROUTE DESIGN WONDERS OF THE CAPE Discovering beauty and adventure on cruises to Cape Town and the Western Cape ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT Conrad Combrink of Silversea Cruises discusses the magic of expedition cruise itineraries ELEVATED APPEAL Ports from across the world share their strategies for successfully standing out as cruise destinations 2025
For information on transiting the locks and channels of the St. Lawrence Seaway or other Great Lakes destinations, contact:
3 Follow Cruise & Ferry: While the primary objectives of itinerary planners remain to fill ships safely and profitably and deliver high passenger satisfaction rates, there are now countless factors and processes to negotiate in pursuit of these ambitions. To navigate these challenges and deliver unforgettable moments of discovery that exceed guest expectations, itinerary planners must collaborate with stakeholders across the industry. “Guests want once-in-a-lifetime experiences that can only be delivered through years of expertise, solid partnerships and collaborations with communities around the world,” says Conrad Combrink of Silversea in our keynote on page 6. In addition to working closely with port authorities to ensure seamless embarkation and disembarkation experiences, cruise lines must join forces with reputable tour operators who can create compelling shore excursions. Claudine Pohl of hospitality and consulting firm Lemoneight explains how cruise lines can pick the right partners in our shore excursion feature on page 62. Cruise lines must also capitalise on the power of the local community to drive successful itineraries. Both Holland America Line’s Robert de Bruin and Swan Hellenic’s Hugues Lamy explore how a welcoming community can entice cruise visitors in their Planner Perspectives on pages 47 and 60 respectively. The impact of the local community is evident in the Florida-Caribbean region, which continues to attract more cruise visitors than anywhere else in the world. “The people are the Caribbean’s strength,” says Michele Paige of the FloridaCaribbean Cruise Association in our regional spotlight on page 76. This issue offers multiple insights into the collaborative spirit of the industry in action, championing the well-travelled community of itinerary planning, port operations and shore excursions experts for their role in delivering thoughtfully curated itineraries and onshore experiences. Jon Ingleton Executive Editor, Cruise & Ferry Itinerary Planning The power of partnership Foreword 2025 Executive editor Jon Ingleton Head of editorial Rebecca Gibson Editor Alex Smith Editorial team Alice Chambers, Amber Hickman, Richard Humphreys, Laura Hyde Head of media sales Shelly Palmer Publication manager Kimberley McLean Account manager Benedict Pask Publisher Toby Ingleton Production manager Stuart Fairbrother Design Bruce Graham, Libby Sidebotham, Dhanika Vansia Cover image Wesgro Website development Chris Jackson Circulation Sophia Brinkley Advertise info@cruiseandferry.net Subscribe subscribe@tudor-rose.co.uk www.cruiseandferry.net/subscriptions £24.00 Published by Tudor Rose Tudor House, 6 Friar Lane Leicester LE1 5RA Tel: +44 116 2229900 www.tudor-rose.co.uk ISSN 1367-2657 (Print) ISSN 2635-0394 (Online) Printed in Great Britain by The Manson Group. © 2024 Tudor Rose Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be stored or transmitted or reproduced in any form or by any means, including whether by photocopying, scanning, downloading onto computer or otherwise without the prior written permission from Tudor Rose Holdings Ltd. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply official endorsement of the products or services concerned. While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of content, no responsibility can be taken for any errors and/or omissions. Readers should take appropriate professional advice before acting on any issue raised herein. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject advertising material and editorial contributions. The publisher assumes no liability for the return or safety of unsolicited art, photography or manuscripts.
4 CONTENTS 6 26 Keynote 6 Silversea’s Conrad Combrink discusses his love of expedition cruising and how the brand’s itineraries are designed to deliver unforgettable moments of discovery Marketwatch 12 A collection of news from cruise lines, ports and destinations worldwide, including a look at scheduled maiden port calls for cruise lines for the 20252026 season Cover story 26 Wrenelle Stander of Wesgro shares how a diverse cultural heritage, natural beauty and a wealth of exciting shore excursions have made Cape Town one of Africa’s premier cruise destinations Feature 30 A selection of ports from around the world share what it takes to become a successful cruise destination Maiden Season 38 Norwegian Cruise Line’s first Prima Plus-class ship Norwegian Aqua will embark on a transatlantic voyage and cruises to the Caribbean in its maiden season 40 TUI Cruises’ new ship Mein Schiff Relax will spend its maiden season exploring the Western Mediterranean 42 Oceania Cruises’ newest ship Allura is set to offer experiences for food lovers and adventure-seekers alike when it embarks on its inaugural cruise in 2025 58 Davide Truscello of Costa Cruises explains how the brand is evolving its itineraries to deliver innovative and immersive destination experiences 60 It is crucial for ports to plan for the long-term and work closely with the local community, says Hugues Lamy of Swan Hellenic 44 The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s second superyacht Ilma is to explore the Mediterranean and Caribbean following its inagural cruise in September 2024 Planner perspectives 47 Robert de Bruin shares how Holland America Line decides which ports to visit on its 500+ sailings each year 48 Seabourn’s Jen Martin explains why adaptability and immersive excursions are key components for a successful expedition cruise 50 Turky Kari discusses how Aroya Cruises is aiming to introduce Arabian travellers to the cruise experience with its first itineraries 52 Terry Thornton of Princess Cruises explains how Princess Cruises sets itself apart with its immersive, destination-focused itineraries 54 Carnival’s Jack Cochrane shares the process behind itinerary planning, destination choices and what ports can do to make themselves more attractive to cruise lines 56 Janet Bava discusses Windstar Cruises 40th anniversary and how the cruise line designs itineraries to satisfy the wanderlust of its guests
5 Cruise & Ferry is proud to partner with the following organisations to support and promote their global visions and objectives www.onecaribbean.org | www.cruising.org | www.expeditioncruisenetwork.com www.interferry.com | www.ifiworld.org | www.oceancouncil.org | www.wtcf.org.cn 62 Regional Spotlight 76 CFIP examines why Florida and the Caribbean remains the world’s most popular cruise destination Ports and destinations Europe 85 Orkney 87 Guernsey Mediterranean 88 Malta North America 89 Los Angeles 90 Prince Edward Island Featured ports & destinations 93 Our guide to some of the most popular ports and destinations in the world 76 Feature 62 Claudine Pohl of Lemoneight, Christine Manjencic of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Priscilla Molina of Carnival Cruise Line discuss how cruise lines can promote shore excursions in the destinations they visit Association highlights 70 Suzanne Thomas explains how Cruise Wales is working with tourism businesses to develop innovative excursions for cruise guests 72 Rebecca Yackley of Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation highlights the Great Lakes’ rich history of travel and transportation 75 Sarah Rumley shares some of the experiences guests are drawn to in Atlantic Canada
6 KEYNOTE Antarctica has long been a destination that has caught the imagination of explorers. For the adventurers of the early 20th century, the continent was an untouched frontier, filled with both danger and potential for discovery. It was their stories which inspired Conrad Combrink, now Silversea’s senior vice president of expeditions, destination and itinerary management, to embark on his first expedition cruise for an adventure of his own. “Astonished by the stories of those explorers, I started looking for ways to experience the White Continent for myself,” he says. “I realised my love for expedition cruising after just a few days of being onboard the ship and I haven’t looked back. The polar regions offer an experience unlike any other. I always find them incredibly emotional and captivating – for me, few other experiences or destinations compare.” Although Combrink has sailed across the world to a variety of spectacular destinations on expedition ships since that first voyage, Antarctica was the setting for a moment he describes as one of his most unforgettable. The experience happened on a visit to Neko Harbour, an inlet of the Antarctica Peninsula. “We were on a Zodiac cruise with our guests when we saw a group of humpback whales in the bay,” says Combrink. “Drifting along the calm waters in the Zodiac with the engine off, we were approached by a mother and her calf. The pair began swimming beneath our Zodiac, playfully circling us in a way that was both humbling and exhilarating. It was one of the greatest wildlife encounters I’ve ever had – a moment that will live with me for the rest of my life.” That encounter took place during a voyage onboard a Silversea ship and Combrink is The spirit of adventure Silversea’s Conrad Combrink speaks with Alex Smith about his love of expedition cruising and how the brand’s itineraries are designed to deliver unforgettable moments of discovery “ A Silversea expedition itinerary always resonates with those looking for offthe-beaten-track travel and self-enrichment”
7 Silversea excursions offer the chance for guests to encounter extraordinary local wildlife, such as humpback whales in Antarctica Photo: Silversea
UNESCO UNESCO UNESCO UNESCO UNESCO UNESCO UNESCO UNESCO UNESCO UNESCO UNESCO UNESCO UNESCO UNESCO UNESCO Port Greece thessalonikitravel thessaloniki.travel mythessaloniki THESSALONIKI Your Homeport www.thpa.gr in the heart of a vibrant city! “We could have spent 10 days here visiting the place... It has a lot to offer” “It was a great discovery... Glad the Cruise company chose this port to visit” Testimonials from cruise passengers:
9 keen to give every guest sailing onboard the cruise line’s Antarctica itineraries their own chance to create a similar memory. “Wildlife features heavily on our expedition voyages and guests have ample opportunities to see rare and elusive creatures in their natural habitats,” says Combrink. “Guests simply adore viewing a beautiful animal in the wild before learning about their behaviours and characteristics from one of our many expedition experts.” Silversea offers a range of Antarctica itineraries from Puerto Williams, Chile, that guests can also join by flying directly to the White Continent as part of the company’s fly-cruise programme. Silversea is the only cruise line to homeport in Puerto Williams, the world’s southernmost city, during the Antarctica season and has broken ground for the construction of its own hotel at the port, overlooking the Beagle Channel and surrounded by forest. “By joining voyages departing from Chile, our guests can experience the beauty of Antarctica in a short time and complete a bucket-list trip within two weeks,” says Combrink. “Flying directly to Antarctica as part of our fly-cruise programme allows them to experience the White Continent in luxury in just 10 days.” Silversea’s commitment to delivering luxury experiences is evident across its fleet of 12 vessels, including its four expedition ships Silver Endeavour, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind and Silver Origin. Silver Endeavour, the most recent addition, offers a 1:1 guest to crew ratio and suites of up to 173 square metres, all of which have balconies where guests can take in views of the unique destinations they visit. Along with Silver Cloud and Silver Wind, Silver Endeavour will spend the winter season in 2024-2025 sailing to Antarctica. However, Antarctica isn’t the only destination that guests can visit on a Silversea itinerary. On the other side of the world, cruises to the Arctic KEYNOTE Silversea’s new itineraries for 2025 include a circumnavigation of Australia Photos: Silversea
PortMiami.biz 305.347.4800 Cruise Capital of the World We Cruising From Miami
11 and Greenland during the summer season provide the chance for guests to see musk ox, reindeer, seals, walrus, Arctic foxes and other wildlife, visit Inuit communities and learn about Viking history in Southern Greenland. Silversea also operates voyages to the Galapagos Islands, sailing from San Cristóbal Island onboard Silver Origin, the brand’s only ship designed specifically for a destination. Guests can research the Galapagos in Silver Origin’s Basecamp lounge before they step onboard one of its eight Zodiacs to explore the islands, led by a team of Ecuadorian national expert guides. “There is real intrigue and fascination about the Galapagos Islands and the renowned region is highly favoured among guests,” he says. “The 19-island archipelago is one of the strangest, most surreal and truly breathtaking places to visit on Earth. Here, the wildlife is unafraid of humankind, which means there are always unparalleled sighting opportunities for every guest.” Silversea continues to expand its itinerary programme and, alongside its expedition voyages, has several new ocean cruises planned for 2025. Silver Nova is set to complete a 47-day circumnavigation of Australia, while Silver Ray will undertake a 71-day journey around South America. In April, Silver Wind will sail along the West Coast of Africa, taking guests to rarely visited destinations such as Takoradi, Abidjan and the Bijagos Archipelago. When asked to define the experience offered by a Silversea itinerary, Combrink highlights the appeal of its remote destinations to a particular kind of traveller. “A Silversea expedition itinerary always resonates with those looking for off-the-beaten-track travel and selfenrichment,” he says. “Guests want once-in-a-lifetime experiences that can only be delivered through years of expertise, solid partnerships and collaborations with communities around the world, and the means to get there – and to do so in true luxury! He also points to the opportunities Silversea provides to learn more about these outstanding destinations as another favourite feature for guests. “On each Silversea expedition voyage, we have a brilliant team of handpicked expedition experts – including marine biologists, geologists, scientists, historians, and cultural specialists – who share their passion and in-depth knowledge of the destinations with our guests,” he says. “This, for many, is a highlight of their trip.” Combrink has been at Silversea for a total of 17 years, having started as head of expedition planning when the cruise line first launched its luxury expedition cruise concept. He says the brand has evolved during that time but has maintained an unwavering commitment to exploration and innovation. “There is still so much of the world to discover!” he says. “In 2023, 15 of our most seasoned expedition leaders and explorers spent two weeks on a deep-dive scouting mission in Antarctica, which resulted in us identifying 12 new landing sites. We’ve welcomed advanced ships too, such as Silver Endeavour and Silver Origin, both of which deliver unequalled experiences in unique comfort. “Due to developments like these, our offering has evolved over the years, with more destinations and stronger expertise in each region. We go to exceptional lengths to curate incredible experiences for our guests, ensuring that each traveller disembarks feeling deeply enriched by the places they visit, the moments they enjoy and the people they meet.” KEYNOTE The Galapagos Islands offer unparalleled opportunities for sightseeing, says Conrad Combrink Photo: Silversea
12 MARKETWATCH Cruise lines are set to make inaugural port calls at an array of destinations around the globe during the 2025-2026 season, offering their guests more opportunities to explore new and less-travelled locations. Holland America Line will debut 25 new and notable ports across its 2025 global itineraries. These ports, which span 19 countries, are either maiden calls, or ports that are being reintroduced after five or more years. Maiden ports include Bitung in Indonesia, Olden in Norway and Charlotteville in Tobago, while returning ports include Pitcairn Island in the South Pacific, Galway and Killybegs in Ireland and Nuuk in Greenland. “We know our guests choose to sail with Holland America Line in large part because of our destination-rich itineraries, and we’re always looking to expand that list of destinations,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and revenue planning at Holland America Line. “With these additions in 2025, guests can sail with us to hard-to-reach destinations like Adamstown, Pitcairn Island, take in the history of Ancient Greece when we call at Gythion and immerse themselves in the rich nature of destinations like Nanaimo in British Columbia. And in 2026, we’re planning on rolling out over a dozen more new and notable ports.” AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions) will sail itineraries in Cruise lines to debut new global destinations There will be numerous maiden calls made at ports around the globe for the 2025-2026 season
13 Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Coast for the first time in 2026. The season will feature 42 departures, including new expedition voyages to Indonesia and Borneo, as well as new Arctic destination combinations on the cruise line’s established polar voyages. “Our 2026 ‘Arctic and Beyond’ season heralds an exciting evolution for AE Expeditions,” said Michael Heath, CEO of AE Expeditions. “We have grown from our core offering of polar and remote area expeditions to a greater diversity of destinations, climates and exploration styles to allow our passengers to experience more.” Azamara Cruises will visit five ports in Europe for the first time on 77 new sailings during 2026, including Sarande in Albania; Fredericia in Denmark; Turku in Finland; Menton in France and Karlskrona in Sweden. “Europe continues to be a leading destination for us globally, so we are delighted to be announcing one of our biggest European deployments to date,” said Michael Pawlus, head of itinerary planning at Azamara Cruises. “With three ships in the region from March to October 2026, we can offer our guests more options than ever before; taking them to ports less travelled and hidden gem destinations and delivering new immersive land experiences for the very first time.” Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)’s 2026 spring/summer season includes maiden port calls to three destinations in Europe. On 10 May 2026 Norwegian Gem will make the cruise line’s first visit to Palamós, Spain, and on 17 May Norwegian Sky will make its inaugural call in Portree, Scotland on one of NCL’s 10- and 11-day British Isles voyages. Finally, on 21 May Norwegian Star will call at Leirvik, Norway, for the first time. “At NCL, we take pride in offering our guests various options to plan where they want to holiday,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Whether they choose our sevenday sailings, longer immersive voyages, or cruises that begin and end in a new destination, we make it so our guests can holiday with ease with us from start to finish.” Windstar Cruises’ newest ship, Star Seeker, which is scheduled to join the fleet in December 2025, will spend its inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Caribbean, Alaska and Japan. The ship’s christening cruise, which departs Miami in Florida on 15 January 2026, will sail to San Juan in Puerto Rico with stops in the Dominican Republic and British Virgin Islands. This is the first of several Star Seeker sailings in the Caribbean region before the yacht sails through the Panama Canal towards Alaska and Japan. “I’m really excited we’ll be able to sail the new Star Seeker in the Caribbean before the ship continues on to its final destinations of Alaska and Japan,” said Christopher Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises. “Star Seeker will likely not return to the Caribbean again, so it’s a wonderful but fleeting chance for our Caribbean destination fans to experience the ship. We have some celebrations planned to bring Star Seeker together with other Windstar ships in the Caribbean, such as a sunset sailing parade past the pitons in Saint Lucia with Wind Spirit and Star Pride. It will be a warm welcome to the fleet for our new ship.” The cruise line is also expanding its South Pacific itineraries, offering new voyages visiting Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands. Cruise lines are adding new destinations in Japan, Norway and the South Pacific to their 2025-2026 itineraries Photo: iStock/Oleh Slobodeniuk
A&P Falmouth’s port facilities provide sheltered anchorages & alongside options in all weather conditions, allowing for easy access to local excursions & the stunning natural beauty that surrounds it. For any enquiries please email or scan the QR Code cruise@ap-group.co.uk Explore Falmouth, Cornwall.
15 Mitsui Ocean Cruises’ ship, the 458-guest Mitusi Ocean Fuji, will offer five itineraries sailing between April and July 2025, including a 66-day, 24-port ‘Grand Asia’ cruise, which sails roundtrip from Yokohama, and a 12-day ‘Golden Week’ voyage, calling at ports in Japan and South Korea. MARKETWATCH Silver Nova to sail Asia-Pacific region Silver Nova, the first of two Nova-class ships from luxury cruise brand Silversea, is sailing in the Asia-Pacific region for the first time. The ship arrived in Kushiro, Japan, on 27 September, to sail two voyages in the region before crossing over to Australia and New Zealand in November. Guests will then be able to visit destinations across Australia and New Zealand on seven sailings – ranging from 16 to 18 days – between 18 November 2024 and 24 February 2025. Silver Nova will then return to Asia to embark on another series of voyages until April 2025. Photo: Viking Viking expands Asian itinerary offerings Between September and November 2025, Viking ship Viking Yi Dun will sail an expanded programme of Asian itineraries. The 15-day ‘Jewels of Japan and China’ voyage will visit ports in China, South Korea and Japan, including overnight stays in Hiroshima and Osaka in Japan. The 20-day ‘Classic China Discovery’ itinerary, meanwhile, will sail from Hong Kong to Beijing in China. In total, Viking is offering four 22-day itineraries, including the ‘Pearls of Japan and China’ voyage from Tokyo in Japan to Beijing; the ‘Gems of China and Japan’ cruise from Beijing to Tokyo; the ‘Wonders of China’ roundtrip from Beijing; and the fully guided ‘Best of China’ sailing from Hong Kong to Beijing. Mitusi Ocean Fuji to sail around Asia
We believe in creating unique, memorable and personal experiences for our guests PORT AGENCY | TURNAROUND LOGISTICS | SHORE EXPERIENCES www.mbl.com.mt A BOUTIQUE HOMEPORT OF THE MED Valletta is a UNESCO capital city and is waiting to be explored Nestling in the South West of England, Dartmouth is the exceptional destination for your cruise itinerary. Mooring in the river your passengers are just a two-minute tender ride to the pontoon and we can tailor many itineraries for you. Including a tour around Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth, nature and history walking and paddling tours and a Vineyard Safari & Food Experience, to name but a few. No long coach rides needed to explore Dartmouth’s nature and historical heritage. For more information contact Richard: commercial@dartharbour.org | + 44 (0)1803 832337 Cruise Dartmouth – Your Undiscovered Gem
17 A season of firsts for Kaohsiung Port Kaohsiung Port in Taiwan has celebrated several firsts during the 2024 cruise season. The summer cruise season at Kaohsiung Port began in July 2024 when Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)’s vessel Norwegian Spirit returned to Asia for the first time since a $100 million upgrade was completed onboard in 2021. Earlier in the year, the port, which is one of six main cruise ports in Taiwan, celebrated its first dual calls when NCL’s vessels Norwegian Jewel and Riviera docked on 28 February. A second dual call on 30 July featured Norwegian Spirit and Resorts World Cruises’ The World, marking the first time both homeporting and visiting cruise ships were in port simultaneously. Shore power is heading to Sydney The Port Authority of New South Wales (NSW) is to build Australia’s first cruise ship shore power facility at Sydney’s White Bay Cruise Terminal. Initial work to prepare the site is expected to begin by the end of 2024, with completion of the project scheduled for late 2026. The AU$20 million ($13.8million) contract for the facility at White Bay berth five has been awarded to Powercon. Once operational, it will be mandatory for any shore power enabled ship docking at White Bay to use the facility. According to the port authority, the majority of cruise ships using the terminal are already shore power enabled. “The port authority is focused on progressing the shore power project to our revised delivery date and creating a world-class, integrated, sustainable port of the future that supports our economy, the community and the NSW Government’s vision for the area,” said Philip Holliday, CEO of the Port Authority of NSW. Photo: Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Cruise Line to deploy four ships in Australia Following the addition of two ships from sister line P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Cruise Line is to expand its range of itineraries sailing from Australia for 2026-2027. After Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter join Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa in March 2025, all four ships will be deployed in Australia. The expanded programme will see Carnival Adventure and Carnival Splendor sail from Sydney, while Carnival Encounter and Carnival Luminosa will sail from Brisbane. MARKETWATCH
18 MARKETWATCH Construction has begun on a shore power facility for cruise ships calling at the Oceankaj and Langelinie berths in Copenhagen, Denmark. Various executives took part in the groundbreaking ceremony in June 2024, including Sophie Haestorp Andersen, Lord Mayor of Copenhagen; Anne Skovbro, CEO of By & Havn, Copenhagen City and Port Development Agency; and Barbara Scheel Agersnap, CEO of Copenhagen Malmo Port. The facility is expected to be operational in 2025. Port of Kiel reaches shore power milestone A new shore power facility has opened at Revierkaia in Oslo in Norway. AIDA Cruises’ ship AIDAluna was the first ship to plug into the facility on 24 September 2024. The port is now among five with shore power facilities in the Baltic Sea region, including Kristiansand in Norway, Aarhus in Denmark and Rostock in Germany. Further plans for shore power facilities in the Baltic Sea can be seen in a map produced by Cruise Baltic: www.cruisebaltic.com/shore-power-map Sweden inaugurates first shore power station The Port of Stockholm officially inaugurated Sweden’s first shore power facility on 17 September 2024, when TUI’s Mein Schiff 7 switched off its engines and connected to the new facility. “Onshore power for cruise ships marks a significant milestone for Stockholm as a sustainable premium destination,” said Jens Holm, chair of the board of Ports of Stockholm. “It’s crucial for achieving our climate goals and improving the city’s environment. We are thrilled to finalise this project and look forward to welcoming cruise ships that can utilise this technology.” Once the port completes the installation of a second facility, over 45 per cent of cruise ships visiting Stockholm will be able to connect to electricity while docked at the quay. Photo: Port of Stockholm Shore power now available in Oslo, Norway Photo: AIDA Cruises
Optimization Boutique Tailor-made solutions to support your itinerary decisions OPTIMeasy offers a straightforward approach for providing decision-support tools that ensure a consistent competitive advantage, with the goal of supporting businesses in managing their operations more efficiently and effectively. Specifically, OPTIMeasy focuses on the study, development, and commercialization of solution approaches aimed at optimizing decision-making and operational processes, integrated when necessary with new technologies and AI. en.optimeasyway.com New itinerary planning tool to reduce emissions for MSC Cruises MSC Cruises expects emissions from its fleet of ships to drop by 15 per cent with the 2026 fleetwide introduction of a new itinerary planning optimisation tool called OptiCruise. OptiCruise has been developed with OPTIMeasy, a research company affiliated to the University of Genoa, as part of the European Union’s funded Project CHEK, which was established to investigate and trial several lowcarbon shipping opportunities. The technology was tested onboard MSC Bellissima over a 12-month period as the ship sailed between 17 ports in the Mediterranean. The tool uses a new mathematical model to examine various factors that influence the planning of each MSC Cruises’ itinerary to achieve the optimum level of efficiency for sailing, while also maintaining or enhancing guest satisfaction. These factors include sequencing of the port calls, departure and arrival times at ports, the ship’s speed, the appeal and attractiveness of destinations for a holidaymaker, shore excursions, and operational costs such as fuel, port charges and food provisions. Photo: MSC Cruises
20 MARKETWATCH Across many countries in the Northern Hemisphere, 12 August 2026 will provide a rare chance to witness a total or partial solar eclipse as the moon’s orbit takes it in front of the sun. According to the National Solar Observatory, the path of totality will cross Iceland, Ireland, Great Britain, Portugal, France, Italy, the Balkans and North Africa. However, the best spot will be 20 miles off the western coast of Iceland, which is why several cruise lines have created solar eclipse itineraries to offer guests an unrivalled vantage point to witness this celestial event. On AE Expeditions’ 15-day ‘Jewels of the Arctic’ itinerary, which begins in Norway, Greg Mortimer will drop anchor off the coast of Greenland for the solar eclipse on 12 August. Totality is expected to last for two minutes and 18 seconds, but the cruise line will provide lunch onboard before guests gather on deck to witness the eclipse and then attend a celebration dinner. Azamara Cruises has planned three solar eclipse voyages: the 11-night Mediterranean cruise to Greece, Turkey and Italy onboard Azamara Onward; the 12-night ‘Ireland Intensive’ itinerary onboard Azamara Quest; and the 18-night Iceland and Canada cruise onboard Azamara Journey. “At Azamara Cruises, we’re always striving to deliver new and incredible experiences for our guests,” said Michael Pawlus, head of itinerary planning at Azamara Cruises. “The rare opportunity to include solar eclipse sailings in 2026 is very exciting and we are thrilled to deliver such a unique offering.” Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Legend will sail an 11-day ‘Carnival Journeys Eclipse’ cruise departing from Dover in the UK on 9 August. The ship will call at ports in Spain, Portugal and France, and will drop anchor at sea on 12 August to enable guests to view the eclipse. “The chance to see a total solar eclipse while having fun exploring the cultural richness of Spain, Portugal and France aboard Carnival Legend, is a truly special opportunity – among a lineup of many phenomenal cruises,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) ship Spitsbergen will set sail from Svalbard in Norway on 3 August for its 17-night ‘Solar Eclipse Expedition’ cruise, which will call at ports in Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland. On 12 August, guests can watch the solar eclipse surrounded by the fjords and glaciers of the Scoresby Sound. Following the eclipse, the ship will sail across the Denmark Strait to Iceland, ending in Reykjavík. Meanwhile, Princess Cruises will offer solar eclipse cruises from 8 August 2026 onboard two of its ships; Sky Princess Cruise lines launch special solar eclipse cruises Several operators are offering guests an unrivalled vantage point for the celestial event, which is expected in August 2026 Photo: Unsplash/Adam Dutton
21 Emerald Azzurra to return to Caribbean Emerald Cruises’ superyacht Emerald Azzurra will return to the Caribbean from December 2025 to March 2026. The ship will offer weekly voyages between San Juan in Puerto Rico and Saint John’s in Antigua. The ship will be joined by sister ship Emerald Sakara, which will sail between Bridgetown in Barbados and Marigot in Saint Martin, taking guests to destinations around the Caribbean. Emerald Azzurra’s redeployment to the Caribbean replaces Emerald Cruises’ previously planned Red Sea and Seychelles itineraries. Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot became the first ship to reach the North Pole of Inaccessibility – the Arctic Ocean’s most remote point – on 12 September 2024. will depart from Southampton, UK, while Sun Princess will depart from Barcelona, Spain. Both ships will position off the coast of Spain for the solar eclipse. “Sun Princess truly lives up to its name, offering an out-ofthis-world experience with a front-row seat for a total eclipse of the sun,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “We’re thrilled to have both Sky Princess and Sun Princess providing guests with the unique opportunity to experience one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles.” Two Virgin Voyages’ ships, Valiant Lady and Scarlet Lady, will cruise under the path of totality. Valiant Lady’s 15-night ‘Eclipse in the Land of Fire and Ice’ itinerary will depart from Portsmouth, UK, on 5 August, while Scarlet Lady’s 12-night ‘Total Eclipse of the (Med)’ itinerary will leave Barcelona on 10 August. Both ships will offer passengers a programme of tailored events related to the eclipse. Photo: Princess Cruises
22 MARKETWATCH Foyle Port celebrates 170 years of operations The 2024 cruise season at Foyle Port in Derry-Londonderry on the island of Ireland wrapped up on 15 September, marking the end of the port’s 170th year of operations. Six ships were welcomed at the port for maiden calls during the season: Saga’s Spirit of Adventure, Azamara Cruises’ Azamara Onward and Azamara Quest, Silversea’s Silver Spirit, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn and Phoenix Reisen’s Amadea. The last ship to depart was Hebridean Island Cruises’ Hebridean Princess, concluding a season with over 10,000 passengers and crew visits to the region. Douglas Mawson, the newest ship from AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions), is scheduled to launch in December 2025. The ship will spend its inaugural season in east Antarctica, marking the cruise line’s first return to the region in 13 years. Itineraries will include a semi-circumnavigation of Antarctica and explorations of the Subantarctic Islands. Following the winter season, Douglas Mawson will venture north for voyages in the Atlantic Coast, British Isles and Mediterranean. AE Expeditions to return to east Antarctica for the first time in 13 years Royal Caribbean International’s new private destination, Perfect Day Mexico, will open in 2027 in Mahahual on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. The destination will feature a locally inspired design and will include a waterpark, pools and beaches, restaurants, bars and music venues. Perfect Day Mexico joins Royal Caribbean’s other private destinations, which include Perfect Day at CocoCay and Beach Club Paradise Island – both in The Bahamas – and Royal Beach Club Cozumel. The latter two destinations will open in 2025 and 2027 respectively. Perfect Day Mexico to open in 2027 Photo: Foyle Port Photo: AE Expeditions
NEW CRUISE PORT FACILITIES TARRAGONA, DISCOVER A JOURNEY IN TIME Discover the Costa Daurada and the spectacular archaeological legacy of Roman Tarragona, the Tarraco archaeological ensemble, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fall in love at first sight with Catalan Modernism in Gaudi’s hometown of Reus, or with the amazing Poblet monastery. Try outstanding wines and cavas and don’t miss a fun-filled day at PortAventura World, home to three of Europe’s leading theme parks. cruises@porttarragona.cat tarragonacruiseport.com INAUGURATED OCTOBER 2021 BERTH LINE OF OVER 700 METRES (461 + 267 m) 4 HECTARES FOR GROUND OPERATIONS BALEARS WHARF OPERATIVE IN 2024 TRANSIT & TURNAROUND PORT FULL SERVICES PROVIDED NEW CRUISE TERMINAL Roman Amphitheatre – Tarragona
CRUISE FROM NEW ORLEANS AND ENJOY... Find your perfect cruise from the Big Easy today! Visit portnola.com/cruise and discover more. More and more cruise passengers are discovering what we’ve known all along about our dynamic city - that New Orleans is a world-class family-friendly destination! Carnival, Disney, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean offer a variety of itineraries from New Orleans to popular destinations in the Caribbean and Bahamas. Set sail from Port NOLA and couple your vacation with the charm and excitement of the vibrant city of New Orleans before or after your cruise! ... And many more one-of-a-kind experiences for the whole family! Stroll French Quarter streets where jazz and gumbo were born. Roll on a streetcar past majestic Victorian mansions. Savor café au lait and sugar-topped beignets at Cafe du Monde. Vacations in 2 1
25 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2025 CLIA Cruise Week 11-14 March 2025 Rotterdam, the Netherlands www.cliacruiseweek.com Seatrade Cruise Global 7-10 April 2025 Miami, Florida, USA www.seatradecruiseevents.com/global/ en/home.html Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum 6-7 May 2025 Heraklion, Greece www.posidoniaseatourism.com Cruise Canada & New England Symposium 9-11 June 2025 Halifax, Canada www.cruisecnesymposium.com/en/index.aspx Australian Cruise Association Conference 3-5 September 2025 Fremantle, Australia www.australiancruiseassociation.com/ conference/2024-annual-conference-adelaide Seatrade Europe 10-12 September 2025 Hamburg, Germany www.seatrade-europe.com MARKETWATCH: EVENT PREVIEW International Cruise Summit will be held on 12-13 November in Madrid, Spain, at the Hotel Melia Castilla. The event will bring together cruise line executives and delegates from across the industry to examine key challenges and opportunities for the upcoming year. This year’s agenda will include discussions of the geopolitical issues affecting itinerary planning, sustainability initiatives and the development of the cruise markets of the future, There will also be networking opportunities for all delegates to attend. www.internationalcruisesummit.com 37 million passenger movements are expected by the end of the year at Adriatic ports, according to the Adriatic Sea Tourism Report. The report was presented at the seventh edition of the Adriatic Sea Forum in Ravenna, Italy. International Cruise Summit 12-13 November 2024 | Madrid, Spain Seatrade Cruise Asia will return on 12-13 November 2024 at Shangri-La The Fort in Manila, Philippines. The event will explore how to advance the Asian cruise market, with discussions focused on creating successful shore excursions, financing cruise development and infrastructure, increasing sustainable destination development, and more. This year, Seatrade Cruise Asia is also co-locating with Seatrade Crew Connect Global, dedicated to the challenges and opportunities facing the future of seafaring. www.seatradecruiseevents.com/asia Seatrade Cruise Asia 12-13 November 2024 | Manila, the Philippines Photo: Unsplash/Adam Dutton
26 The wonders of the Cape Wrenelle Stander of Wesgro explains to Alex Smith how a diverse cultural heritage, natural beauty and a wealth of shore excursions have made Cape Town one of Africa’s premier cruise destinations COVER STORY Cape Town, affectionately known as the ‘Mother City,’ lies at the southern tip of South Africa’s Western Cape. It is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s most captivating cruise destinations, drawing the interest of travellers from around the globe. Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro – the official agency responsible for promoting tourism, trade, and investment in Cape Town and the Western Cape – points out that this increasing recognition highlights the city’s strong appeal in the global tourism market. With its breathtaking landscapes, it’s no surprise that more and more cruise lines are incorporating Cape Town into their itineraries. “Sailing into Cape Town via Table Bay is considered one of the world’s most scenic arrivals,” says Stander. “Each year, passengers onboard cruise ships are treated to the breathtaking sight of Table Mountain as they approach the harbour. This iconic view consistently ranks among the top scenic cruise arrivals globally, attracting travellers from around the world.” Once they step onshore, cruise guests have the chance to experience the best of South Africa’s second largest city, which Stander describes as a “mustvisit destination”. She identifies five key reasons why cruise lines and their guests are attracted to Cape Town, the first of which is its rich cultural diversity. The city has been influenced over its history by Dutch, British, Malay and indigenous Khoisan traditions, which is reflected in its unique food, architecture and culture. The city’s natural sights are no less impressive, with the dramatic landscape
27 Cape Town and the Western Cape boasts a variety of natural landmarks, including 31 Blue Flag beaches, vineyards of the Cape Winelands (left) and the iconic Table Mountain (top)
28 EYEBROW of the surrounding Western Cape region making it a top destination for nature enthusiasts to explore. “Cape Town and the Western Cape is famed for its natural beauty, with Table Mountain recognised as one of the New7Wonders of Nature, highlighting its global appeal,” says Stander. “The region’s charm extends beyond the mountain to its nature reserves and coastline, which feature 31 Blue Flag beaches – an international eco-label for cleanliness and sustainability.” Cruise passengers can participate in a variety of shore excursions to explore the cultural and natural landmarks of Cape Town. “Shore excursions from Cape Town contribute significantly to the region’s economy,” says Stander. “In 2024, a large number of cruise passengers participated in these excursions, boosting the local community. Popular excursions include visits to both Robben Island and Boulders Beach, the latter of which is home to African penguins.” Visitors can also take a trip to the nearby Cape Winelands, an area renowned for its historic estates and vineyards, as well as its multitude of world-class restaurants that offer fine dining experiences. “South Africa’s wine industry is a significant contributor to tourism, with wine tourism generating a total contribution of R9.3 billion ($568 million) to GDP in 2022,” says Stander. “Visitors are captivated by the scenic landscapes and the opportunity to enjoy wine-tasting tours paired with gourmet dining experiences. The Winelands offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, culture and culinary excellence, making them an essential stop for those seeking a unique and indulgent experience close to the city.” Stander further adds that there are a variety of attractions available in the Western Cape for more adventurous travellers to experience. “The Western Cape is a hub for outdoor adventure, attracting thrill-seekers from around the globe,” she says. “It’s home to the newly launched K3 zipline in Caledon, the world’s longest zipline, unveiled on World Tourism Day 2024. Adventure tourism in the region continues to expand, in line with the consistent growth of the global sector, which is projected to reach $4.6 trillion by 2032.” Cruise lines have taken note of Cape Town’s unique and diverse appeal in the last decade and the destination has rapidly grown into a strategic hub that serves as a “ The Western Cape is a hub for outdoor adventure, attracting thrill-seekers from around the globe” COVER STORY Cruise guests can explore the Western Cape on a variety of adventerous excursions, including visits to nearby game reserves
29 key stopover port for several major cruise lines, including MSC Cruises, Cunard and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “During the 2023-2024 season alone, Cape Town welcomed over 109,000 cruise passengers onboard 67 vessels, making a substantial contribution to the local economy,” says Stander. The city’s cruise terminal has played a key role in accommodating the steady rise in cruise tourism over the last decade, welcoming passengers into the centre of the bustling Victoria & Albert (V&A) Waterfront. The terminal’s proximity to landmarks like the Two Oceans Aquarium, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, and the historic Clock Tower makes it an ideal starting point for tourists. The terminal has also undergone several improvements to help Cape Town continue to grow its cruise sector while ensuring the continuing sustainability of its port operations. “Cape Town’s government and port authorities have introduced several ecofriendly initiatives,” says Stander. “The V&A Waterfront is a certified green building, recognised for its sustainable practices. This aligns with Cape Town’s push for responsible tourism, which seeks to attract visitors while preserving the environment for future generations.” The city’s strategy is set to attract more visitors than ever in 2025, as it aims to serve as a departure point to destinations across the world. “With over 80 ship calls scheduled for Cape Town during the 2024-2025 season, the city is now becoming one of Africa’s most important cruise destinations,” says Stander. “Furthermore, Antarctic expeditions and Indian Ocean cruises to destinations such as Mauritius and the Seychelles are set to be departing from Cape Town.” The Mother City isn’t the only destination in the Western Cape, however. The ports of Saldanha Bay and Mossel Bay offer their own unique and interesting experience for cruise passengers exploring South Africa’s coastline. “Saldanha Bay, known for its deep natural harbour, provides access to pristine beaches and the West Coast National Park, where visitors can enjoy birdwatching, wildflower displays, and tranquil coastal landscapes,” says Stander. “Meanwhile Mossel Bay, situated along the Garden Route, is famous for its rich maritime history and adventure activities, including shark cage diving and whale watching. Both ports offer a more relaxed, nature-focused alternative to Cape Town, making them popular stops for those seeking a blend of outdoor adventure and local charm.” Cape Town and the wider region offer diverse attractions that keep guests coming back, both for a day and for longer stays. Its proximity to the Cape Winelands and South Africa’s renowned game reserves makes it an ideal gateway to explore more of the country. “Cape Town and the Western Cape is a standout among global cruise destinations, welcoming thousands of passengers each year with its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and world-class attractions,” says Stander. “Its allure lies not only in its natural beauty but also in its capacity to cater to the diverse interests of every traveller. As cruise tourism continues to expand, Cape Town’s status as a premier African cruise destination will only grow stronger, making it a must-visit stop on any global voyage.”
30 FEATURE It takes something special for towns and cities to become successful cruise destinations. Laura Hyde discovers how elements such as well-serviced ports, friendly locals and a strong shore excursion offering help to draw in the crowds Elevating destination appeal There are some fundamental requirements for a cruise destination to be successful: relationships fostered within the cruise industry; the infrastructure at the port; and a selection of excursions once guests are onshore. Cruise lines look for safe and wellequipped ports that offer efficient services, professional staff who can assist their guests and easy access to key tourist attractions in the nearby towns and cities their ships are visiting. They will also aim to curate a programme of activities catering to their passenger demographics, whether that’s family-friendly activities for multigenerational holidaymakers, cultural tours providing discerning cruise guests with an authentic experience, or outdoor adventures for thrill-seekers whatever the season. The most successful cruise destinations not only meet these fundamentals, but also have something special, which makes their port call last for a long time in guests’ memories while capturing their imaginations and thirst for travel. We spoke with ports from various regions around the world to find out how they are working to differentiate their destination in numerous ways, from promoting natural wonders to making major new investments in their facilities. Foyle Port, island of Ireland Foyle Port, in Ireland’s north west, is making a mark with cruise guests thanks to an array of exhilarating outdoor activities. It is also a compelling destination for excursions focused on sustainability – preserving the region’s natural beauty and cultural integrity. Located along the Wild Atlantic Way, the port provides direct access to Donegal, known for its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage and welcoming locals. Guests can immerse themselves in nature with bike tours through Glenveagh National Park, hikes along the cliffs at Malin Head, or by exploring the ancient fort at An Grianán of Aileach (pictured).
31 Port of Dover, England The port has two dedicated cruise terminals, which accommodate both turnaround and transit calls. Staff greet guests as they arrive, taking their luggage and guiding them through the security process, delivering a professional service that consistently exceeds expectations. The cruise terminals are located close to attractions such as the picturesque Marina Curve, where guests can immerse themselves in local culture. There is also a shuttle service to Dover Priory station, making it easy for cruise guests to take the high-speed rail link to Central London or to other parts of Kent, which is known as the Garden of England. Portsmouth International Port, England As Portsmouth International Port is a municipal facility owned by the people of Portsmouth, the experience it delivers reflects the city as a whole. Consequently, it is vital for the port to provide a positive passenger experience and work closely with partners to ensure staff deliver services in a professional and courteous manner. All facilities, including the new terminal extension, are designed to deliver a relaxed ambience and facilitate efficient services for car parking, baggage handling and check-in, providing a smooth arrival experience. Meanwhile, the shuttle service offers transport to both the cruise ships and city excursions. These services, combined with the friendly staff, ensure every passenger’s holiday begins at the port.
www.cruiseandferry.netRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=