Ports & Destinations news

The world’s ocean, expedition and river cruise lines must evolve constantly to ensure they can meet the demands and expectations of their guests, ports and destinations and regulatory bodies. From ordering new cruise ships, to refitting and upgrading existing vessels, and creating new onboard and onshore experiences, the cruise lines always have news to share.

MedCruise ports are back in business after a challenging few years

MedCruise ports are back in business after a challenging few years

Unsplash/Zhu Yunxiao

By Alex Smith | 08 December 2023

MedCruise ports have achieved significant growth in both 2022 and the first half of 2023, pointing to a return to pre-pandemic records

Members achieved significant growth in both 2022 and the first half of 2023 

Baleària to operate service between Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico

Baleària to operate service between Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico

Baleària

By Laura Hyde | 08 December 2023

A daily ferry service will connect the port of San Pedro de Macorís and Mayagüez from late 2024

Valletta Cruise Port successfully integrates shore power technology

Valletta Cruise Port successfully integrates shore power technology

Global Ports Holding

By Alex Smith | 07 December 2023

Viking Saturn became the first cruise vessel to be energised through the port’s new system

Port of HaminaKotka hosts 20,000 cruise guests in 2023

Port of HaminaKotka hosts 20,000 cruise guests in 2023

Jarno Koivula

By Rebecca Gibson | 06 December 2023

Finnish port welcomed 13 cruise calls and is preparing for future growth 

Why the Great Lakes is an attractive cruise destination

Why the Great Lakes is an attractive cruise destination
By Alex Smith | 05 December 2023

Rebecca Yackley speaks with Alex Smith about the many experiences the Great Lakes offers cruise travellers and why itinerary planners should explore the region

Rebecca Yackley explains why brands are planning itineraries in the region  

Explora Journeys unveils schedule for Explora I and II

Explora Journeys unveils schedule for Explora I and II

Explora Journeys

By Laura Hyde | 05 December 2023

The ships will sail seven, 14 and 21-night voyages between summer 2024 and April 2026

How TUI is looking back to the past with ‘Legends of the Nile’ itinerary

How TUI is looking back to the past with ‘Legends of the Nile’ itinerary
By Alice Chambers | 04 December 2023

Katy Berzins tells Alice Chambers how TUI River Cruises will explore the history of Egypt on its new ‘Legends of the Nile’ itinerary

Katy Berzins discusses the historic seven-night itinerary its new ship will sail in November 2024 

Prince Edward Island: a culinary and cultural paradise

Prince Edward Island: a culinary and cultural paradise

Victoria Row 

By Alex Smith | 01 December 2023

With a vibrant cultural scene and a variety of local delicacies to enjoy, Prince Edward Island is a hidden treasure that is perfect for Canadian cruise itineraries, says Craig Sulis of Tourism Prince Edward Island

Craig Sulis from Tourism Prince Edward Island shares the secrets of this hidden treasure

Why people and partnerships are at the heart of PortMiami

Why people and partnerships are at the heart of PortMiami
By Alex Smith | 30 November 2023

Hydi Webb explains to Alex Smith how PortMiami handles one of the busiest cruise schedules in the world while continuing to promote sustainable growth

Hydi Webb explains how PortMiami handles one of the busiest cruise schedules in the world

Atlantic Canada completes record-breaking 2023 cruise season

Atlantic Canada completes record-breaking 2023 cruise season

Atlantic Canada Cruise Association

By Alex Smith | 29 November 2023

More than 600 ships visited the region, a 28 per cent increase in port calls over 2022

Behind the clouds the sky is always blue in Norway

Behind the clouds the sky is always blue in Norway

Cruise Norway

By Jon Ingleton | 27 November 2023

Jon Ingleton shares some of the highlights of Norway’s southernmost ports and destinations after exploring the region during a familiarisation trip with Cruise Norway

Jon Ingleton highlights the attractions of the country’s southernmost ports and destinations

New $16 million Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal opens in South Africa

New $16 million Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal opens in South Africa

MSC Cruises

By Laura Hyde | 27 November 2023

MSC Cruises and the Africa Armada Consortium partnered to build the terminal

Explora I makes maiden call to British Virgin Islands

Explora I makes maiden call to British Virgin Islands

BVIPA

By Laura Hyde | 24 November 2023

The Explora Journeys ship is sailing its inaugural Caribbean and Central America season 

Experiencing island culture in Okinawa Prefecture

Experiencing island culture in Okinawa Prefecture
By Amber Hickman | 23 November 2023

Guests on cruises to the Okinawa Prefecture in Japan have the chance to explore different unique destinations and Unesco World Heritage sites during activities that accommodate a variety of ages and interests

Guests to the Japanese archipelago have the chance to explore a variety of unique operations

Antigua Cruise Port hosts two simultaneous homeporting calls

Antigua Cruise Port hosts two simultaneous homeporting calls

Antigua Cruise Port

By Laura Hyde | 21 November 2023

Both P&O Cruises’ Arvia and Emerald Cruises’ Emerald Sakara docked on 18 November

PowerCon: helping shore power to become the new normal

PowerCon: helping shore power to become the new normal

PowerCon

By Laura Hyde | 20 November 2023

Jacob Bjarkam and Ralf Nielsen of PowerCon explain how the company has helped push shore power to the front of the maritime industry’s sustainability efforts

The Danish company has undertaken many projects at ports across the globe

Azamara Cruises makes maiden call at Port of Ceuta

Azamara Cruises makes maiden call at Port of Ceuta

Port Authority of Ceuta

By Laura Hyde | 17 November 2023

Azamara Onward is the 16th vessel to make its first visit to the Spanish port in 2023

Thessaloniki Port Authority inaugurates new cruise terminal

Thessaloniki Port Authority inaugurates new cruise terminal

Thessaloniki Port Authority

By Rebecca Gibson | 17 November 2023

The facility opened earlier this summer and accommodates over 6,000 passengers and crew

Shore power: Sailing towards a greener future

Shore power: Sailing towards a greener future
By Laura Hyde | 16 November 2023

Laura Hyde takes a closer look at a selection of the ports that are installing shore power facilities for a more sustainable cruise industry

CFR highlights a selection of ports installing shore power facilities around the world

Discover what’s naturally appealing to cruise passengers

Discover what’s naturally appealing to cruise passengers

Foyle Port

By Alice Chambers | 15 November 2023

From whale watching in Alaska to solar eclipse experiences in Australia, cruise lines are seeking to deliver more natural experiences for their guests. Alice Chambers asks a selection of ports and destinations around the world to highlight a natural feature or phenomenon that has proven to be popular with visiting cruise passengers

A selection of ports and destinations around the world highlight a popular natural attraction