4 1 Thessaloniki is a modern European and multicultural city at the centre of Northern Greece, which makes it the main gateway for the Balkans and the broader Southeast, Central and Eastern European region. Today more than ever, Thessaloniki and the broader region offer cruise visitors unique and unforgettable cultural, historical, archeological and gastronomic experiences. In fact, there are more than 15 Unesco World Heritage sites and over 30 museums within walking distance from the port. The destination is experiencing spectacular growth in the cruise sector and the port has already secured 79 calls for 2023. More than half of these are homeporting calls, as leading companies in the cruise industry have included Thessaloniki in their itineraries. Port of Thessaloniki, Greece Soon after opening in April 2019, the new Zadar Cruise Port welcomed record numbers of cruise ship calls and passengers. Despite further growth being abruptly disrupted by the pandemic at this crucial stage of development, the port ’s post-Covid recovery has been remarkable, with cruise ship calls in 2022 equalling those achieved in 2019. The port and the terminal have established a reputation for being safe and secure, and for offering the highest level of service excellence and health protocols. In future, the port will invest in achieving ISO certifications and strong marketing activities, which should help it to support the forecasted growth of cruise ships calls and passenger volumes. Zadar Cruise Port, Croatia Scrabster Harbour has opened a new cruise berth, reflecting the port authority’s confidence in the future of the cruise industry. Constructed during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic but delivered on time and below budget, the £19 million ($21.5 million), 250-metre berth has a water depth of nine metres and is already benefiting the port and surrounding area. It has hosted the largest-ever cruise vessel to call at Scrabster and the port has secured record bookings for 2023. Scrabster’s strategic location on the north coast of the Scottish mainland makes it an ideal port of call for many itineraries, particularly as it offers short transit times to and from many other cruise ports. It is ideally positioned to serve the continued growth in the small to medium market, and those passengers seeking a more intimate atmosphere. Scrabster Harbour, Scotland
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