20 23 A GRAND ADVENTURE F IF T Y YEARS OF FUN GREENER HORIZONS Exploring the natural beauty and charm of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System Christine Duffy discusses Carnival Cruise Line’s future as it marks five decades of sailing How cruise ports are prioritising initiatives that benefit the environment and protect the planet
cruisesaintlawrence.com P E O P L E . P L A C E S . P A S S I O N S . T i m e a n d s p a c e Photo : Mathieu Dupuis The world’s third largest river is a historic wonder of nature featuring magnificent landscapes, incredible wildlife, and 2,000 kilometres of unlimited beauty. Cruising here is like nowhere else on earth. From comfortably spacious docks at nine ports of call, passengers can explore the stunning landscapes all around. There’s always lots of time dedicated to experiencing small villages, rolling farmlands, bustling cities, and unique festivals that celebrate nature, people, art, and life itself. Itineraries are designed to reveal the secrets of a world far beyond the everyday. And each cruise inspires discovery, protects the ecosystem, and promotes communities, while contributing to the well-being of passengers. Now your guests can sail the Saint Lawrence in all four seasons, enjoying trips of a lifetime that feature a magnificent river, a spectacular fjord, a colossal gulf, and an ocean all in one single cruise! WATCH VIDEO
1 “We have so much to look forward to,” says Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, in the keynote article for this 2023 issue of Cruise & Ferry Itinerary Planning. As the line approaches its 50th birthday year, Duffy highlights some memorable moments and emphasises the importance of the crew for ongoing success. The whole cruise industry can be similarly excited about the prospect of a bright future after some very challenging years. One of the many destinations enjoying an upturn is the magnificent Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System. “The water is an everyday part of life in these communities, and they go out of their way to celebrate the cruise ships and their passengers as they sail into the region,” says Alex Smith in our cover story on page 20. He discovers more about some of the many outstanding ports in the Great Lakes, from Thunder Bay in Ontario to Cleveland, Ohio. For prosperity to endure, the industry is rightly prioritising action to preserve the planet. Cruise ports are rallying to the cries for the provision of shore power and going further in delivering sustainable operations. Our feature on page 28 shares some of the initiatives undertaken by proactive ports, including Dover’s commitment to becoming carbon net zero and, in the Pacific Northwest, the world’s first cruise-led ‘green corridor’. Pierre Thomas, director of expeditions operations at Swan Hellenic, is one of many itinerary planners to gives us an exclusive insight into the factors that are driving their decision-making. “It’s not that we’re going to discover new places to visit, but more that we can offer new experiences for our guests,” he says on page 54. We also hear from Katy Berzins of TUI River Cruises, Michael Goh of Resorts World Cruises, Claudius Docekal of Scenic Group and Elizabeth Oates of Celebrity Cruises. I hope you enjoy all this and more! Jon Ingleton Executive Editor, Cruise & Ferry Itinerary Planning A bright future Foreword 20 23 Executive editor Jon Ingleton Editor Alex Smith Editorial team Alice Chambers, Rebecca Gibson, Richard Humphreys, Elly Yates-Roberts Publication manager Kimberley McLean Account managers Shelly Palmer, Benedict Pask, Ben Surtees-Smith Publisher Toby Ingleton Production manager Stuart Fairbrother Design Bruce Graham, Libby Sidebotham, Dhanika Vansia Cover image courtesy of Jake Chianelli/Port Milwaukee Website development Chris Jackson Circulation Ritwik Bhattacharjee Advertise info@cruiseandferry.net Subscribe subscribe@tudor-rose.co.uk www.cruiseandferry.net/subscribe Published by Tudor Rose Tudor House, 6 Friar Lane Leicester LE1 5RA Tel: +44 116 2229900 www.tudor-rose.co.uk ISSN 2633-4410 (Print) ISSN 2633-4429 (Online) Printed in Great Britain by The Manson Group © 2022 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. £24.00
Skagway Anchorage Hubbard Glacier Glacier Bay Sitka Juneau Ketchikan Prince Rupert Vancouver Astoria Eureka Santa Barbara Seattle San Francisco Monterey Los Angeles San Diego Ensenada Victoria Seattle. Perfectly Positioned. Seattle is at the center of West Coast itineraries with 7 straight years* of record tourism, 40,000 hotel room options, and the region’s fastest growing airport. Seattle delivers creative choices for the future of your cruise brand. For berthing and operations: Marie Ellingson Ellingson.M@portseattle.org Sr. Manager Cruise Operations & Business Development po r t s ea t t l e . o r g *2013-2019
3 CONTENTS 10 34 Features 28 Ports and destinations from around the world share their latest initiatives to deliver more sustainable operations 34 Cruise lines and ports discuss how they have overcome Covid-19 challenges to create more compelling itineraries than ever before 42 Executives from Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line discuss why the Caribbean continues to lead the way as the world’s most popular cruise destination Maiden season 46 Carnival Cruise Line’s second Excelclass ship will be making its debut from PortMiami in November with a selection of Caribbean itineraries Keynote 6 Christine Duffy reflects on some of the highlights of Carnival Cruise Line’s half a century of sailing, how it masterminded its return to service, and the destinations on its horizon Marketwatch 10 A collection of news from cruise lines, ports and destinations worldwide, as well as an update from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Gary Anslow on Norwegian Prima’s maiden season Cover story 20 CFIP reports on the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System, which offers pristine natural beauty, exciting entertainment options and a Midwestern charm Planner perspectives 54 Swan Hellenic is set to take guests to ‘see what others don’t’ by visiting remote locations, says director of expedition operations Pierre Thomas 48 Elisabetta De Nardo explains why MSC Cruises has based MSC World Europa in the Middle East and highlights the diverse experiences guests can expect 50 Equipped with submersibles, sea kayaks and Zodiacs, Seabourn Pursuit will allow passengers the chance to explore remote locations and diverse wildlife 52 Wendy Atkin-Smith reveals why Viking UK has chosen to create three new Iceland-based itineraries for latest ship Viking Saturn 56 Michael Goh explains how Resorts World Cruises’ itineraries from Singapore and Malaysia are helping the brand to achieve its goal of driving the growth of Asia’s luxury cruise market 58 TUI River Cruises’ Katy Berzins details the unique challenges of planning river-based itineraries and shares how the brand is curating unforgettable experiences 60 Elizabeth Oates outlines how Celebrity Cruises builds its itineraries and decided the destinations its fleet is sailing to in 2023 62 The boutique size of Scenic Group’s ocean ships enables it to deliver itineraries with unique destinations and authentic and luxurious onshore experiences, says Claudius Docekal
1101 CHANNELSIDE DRIVE, TAMPA, FLORIDA 33602 WWW.PORTTB.COM | 800-741-2297 Choose from some of the world’s most popular cruise lines and a host of itineraries throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. While in Tampa guests’ have an amazing variety of options to enhance their cruise experience. Destinations near the cruise terminals include Ybor City, Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, Sparkman Wharf, Downtown Tampa / Riverwalk, and the world’s top-rated beaches, to name a few. • Western, Eastern & Southern Caribbean itineraries • More than 4,000 safe and secure parking spaces steps from the cruise terminals • North America’s second-best airport and fifth in the world in customer satisfaction1 1Airports Council International N O W I S T H E T I M E T O S T A R T P L A N N I N G Y O U R N E X T VA C A T I O N C R U I S E P O R T T A M P A B A Y
5 CONTENTS 80 78 Beyond its stupendous scenery, Atlantic Canada also offers historical charm, adventure and culinary expertise 80 Cruise Saint Lawrence’s Nancy Houley explains how the association is prioritising sustainability in its future operations Regional spotlight 82 Representatives from destinations and cruise lines offering itineraries in Northern Europe highlight the region’s charm and reveal how a shift to slow tourism is boosting its popularity Ports & destinations 86 Global Ports Holding Mediterranean 88 Dubrovnik Tourist Board 90 Gibraltar Tourist Board 91 Port of Tarragona North America 92 Port Tampa Bay 94 Prince Edward Island Association highlights 66 Jens Skrede of Cruise Europe discusses how the association is helping to encourage the availability of shore power and promote collaboration for greater sustainability across the region 68 A look at some of the key attractions on offer for cruise guests in Norway 72 The CruiseCopenhagen network is encouraging expedition cruise vessels to visit Denmark during off-peak seasons and benefit from unique shore excursions and quieter attractions 73 Ida Karine Skaarup explains how Cruise Baltic is helping cruise operators to plan memorable, safe and sustainable itineraries in the Baltic Sea region 74 Lorenzo Vera Franco shares how MedCruise’s new Crew Friendly initiative will transform the onshore experience 76 CFIP reports on the 2022 edition of Seatrade Cruise Med, hosted in Malaga, Spain, as the conference returned after a four-year hiatus Cruise & Ferry is proud to partner with the following organisations to support and promote their global visions and objectives The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency comprising membership of 27 countries and territories, as well as a myriad of private sector allied members. www.onecaribbean.org CLIA is the world’s largest cruise association and is dedicated to the promotion and growth of the cruise industry. CLIA was formed in 1975 in response to a need for an association to promote the special benefits of cruising. www.cruising.org Interferry is the only shipping association representing the ferry industry worldwide. There are currently 220 members (representing approximately 500 individuals) from 34 countries. www.interferry.com The International Federation of Interior Architects/ Designers is the global authority for professional interior architecture and design organisations. It provides a forum for exchanging and developing knowledge and experience in education, research and practice. www.ifiworld.org The World Ocean Council is a global, cross-sector alliance committed to promoting corporate ocean responsibility. It brings together over 35,000 ocean industry and media stakeholders from around the world to collaborate on responsible use of the seas. www.oceancouncil.org Established in Beijing in 2012, World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) is a non-profit international organisation whose members include many major cities and tourism-related institutions. www.wtcf.travel Featured ports & destinations 97 Our guide to some of the most popular ports and destinations in the world 68
KEYNOTE Fifty years of family and fun As Carnival Cruise Line marks half a century of sailing, Christine Duffy talks with Alex Smith about the highlights of the company’s history, how it masterminded its return to service, and the destinations on its horizon Fifty years ago, Carnival Cruise Line was founded in Miami, USA, by Ted Arison, starting out with a former transatlantic liner it had purchased from Canadian Pacific Line and renamed Mardi Gras. Since then, it’s fair to say that the past 50 years have been a success. From those first sailings, Carnival has gone on to become the world’s largest cruise line with 23 ships in its fleet in 2022, keeping fun at the heart of its cruise experience while taking millions of passengers to beautiful destinations every year. Christine Duffy, who has led the cruise line as president since 2015, believes that this success has been founded on the hard work of crew members who create a welcoming, enjoyable atmosphere onboard. “When we ask guests why they continue to sail with us, some mention our wonderful entertainment, while others talk about our 6
7 extensive dining and beverage offerings, but there’s one thing that everyone mentions: the crew,” she says. “It’s our crew that solidifies the loyalty of a Carnival guest. From remembering guests’ names to always greeting them with a smile – our shipboard team members make sure they go above and beyond to make every guest feel special and part of the Carnival family. Carnival’s team members are at the core of our success.” Like the rest of the cruise industry, Carnival has faced some of the most challenging periods in its history, particularly over the last few years as the Covid-19 pandemic brought its sailings to a halt. However, the company’s comeback quickly gathered pace after Carnival Vista welcomed back its first guests in July 2021. Duffy counts that period as one of the most significant in her time at Carnival. “Many of the most memorable moments happened as we restarted our ships – beginning with Carnival Vista sailing from Galveston, USA, continuing on to Miami and then Port Canaveral for the arrival of our flagship, Mardi Gras, all the way up to when we marked the return of our full fleet in Seattle ahead of our biggest Alaska season and just recently as we restarted operations in Australia,” she says. “I had the honour and opportunity to visit almost all our ships as operations restarted, and it was a very emotional experience.” During such a vitally important time as Carnival fought to bounce back from these challenges, it chose to focus on planning itineraries on its home turf of the USA, taking advantage of its extensive experience in the country and its appeal for the family market. “We are known as ‘America’s Cruise Line’, and we are proud of that,” “ It ’s our crew that solidifies the loyalty of a Carnival guest” Christine Duffy, centre, says Carnival’s welcoming crew are at the core of the cruise line’s success
8 says Duffy. “With more year-round homeports across the USA than any other cruise line, we’re able to offer more fun more easily to more people. Deploying our fleet around the country puts more than 50 per cent of the population within a five-hour drive to one of our homeports. Since our cruise vacations have such a strong appeal to the family market, this makes a cruise vacation more affordable by reducing the need to fly to a port for embarkation.” With all 23 ships in its fleet back in service, Carnival is now looking forward to more success in the future. Duffy believes that the cruise line’s best years are still to come, with several new additions to be introduced to the fleet soon. The second of the flagship Excel-class vessels, Carnival Celebration, will be debuting in PortMiami in November 2022, a celebration that will also include the inauguration of the new and expanded Terminal F at the port. The 471,000-square-foot facility will be Carnival’s third terminal in Miami, and its largest in South Florida, and will feature a clean and open design that will allow it to accommodate the new class of ships. “We have so much to look forward to, especially with this being our 50th birthday year, with five ships joining our fleet over the next two years, including Carnival Celebration,” says Duffy. “The new sister ship to our incredible Mardi Gras will be a welcomed addition sailing from Miami in November.” Duffy restarted operations in Australia by welcoming guests onboard Carnival Splendor at a celebration in Sydney in October 2022, marking the first Carnival cruise from the country in nearly three years. The brand will debut Carnival Luminosa in Australia in November, after acquiring the ship from fellow Carnival Corporation brand Costa Cruises in 2022. A third Excel-class ship will join the global fleet in 2023, while a temporary ‘Carnival Fun Italian Style’ programme will see Costa Cruises’ Costa Venezia sailing from New York City and Costa Firenze offering cruises from Long Beach, California. KEYNOTE Carnival has held a series of celebrations to mark its 50th anniversary
9 “ We are known as ‘America’s Cruise Line’, and we are proud of that” Carnival will also be expanding its itineraries in the Mediterranean and Europe, with additional sailings in Europe planned. Carnival Freedom, for example, will make two transatlantic crossings in 2023, with the first 14-night voyage set to depart Port Canaveral, USA on 29 September and arrive in Barcelona, Spain on 4 October. The ship will then sail back to Florida on 23 October. “This addition will give our guests more opportunities to see beautiful European destinations, like Barcelona, Valencia and Las Palmas,” explains Duffy. Meanwhile, the brand plans to expand itineraries in the Caribbean from 2024, when it opens a new cruise port on Grand Bahama Island in cooperation with Grand Bahama Port Authority and the Government of The Bahamas. They broke ground in May 2022 and are developing the port on the south side of the island. It will include a pier that is able to accommodate up to two Excel-class ships simultaneously, and also feature a designated nature reserve, an interior pool feature, and many Bahamian-operated retail food and beverage venues. “Once it is completed, the new cruise port will be able to accommodate the largest ships in our fleet,” says Duffy. “We hope that the incredible new Grand Bahama destination will contribute to the local economy through new job and business opportunities, and further expand our offerings for our guests who will have a breathtaking new port of call to enjoy.” CFIP In May 2022, Carnival Splendor became the final ship in Carnival’s fleet to resume sailing
1 0 MARKETWATCH Norwegian Prima breaks records on maiden season Norwegian Cruise Line launched its newest ship Norwegian Prima in Reykjavik, Iceland, on 27 August 2022. With recordbreaking bookings on the first day and week of its sales, the destinations that it visits have helped the ship become the line’s most in-demand vessel to date. Norwegian Prima then began its inaugural season from Cruise Port Amsterdam in the Netherlands on 2 September 2022. This was celebrated by a water salute from harbour tugs and a traditional plaque and key ceremony where the captain of the vessel was presented with a proverbial key to the city. Since then, Norwegian Prima has been sailing on the North Sea with several eight-day voyages from Amsterdam and Copenhagen, Denmark, visiting Northern Europe destinations such as the Norwegian fjords. “Norwegian Prima was the first major cruise ship to be christened in Reykjavik, which we find suitably fitting as it represents several onboard firsts for the industry and Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Gary Anslow, senior sales director in the UK and Ireland at Norwegian Cruise Line, reflecting on the vessel’s three-level race track, freefall drop dry-slide and the ship-within-a-ship concept. “Norwegian Prima will spend half of its years in Northern Europe, so it made sense to christen it in one of these outstanding places. “When thinking of potential christening locations, we drew on the ship’s elegant design and unique offerings, which put Norwegian Prima in a league of its own. We wanted to launch the vessel in a location as special and unique as it is. Reykjavik’s striking landscape was the perfect setting for such a milestone occasion.” During the winter season between October and May, Norwegian Prima will offer Caribbean itineraries from the USA. “The ship will sail to Bermuda from a handful of American ports including New York, Galveston, Miami and Orlando so that guests can enjoy the sunshine during the British winter months,” said Anslow. “The new destination of Glaveston, Texas, is a landmark for Norwegian Cruise Line since Norwegian Prima is the first of the fleet to dock at this port.” The ship will also call at several Canadian ports during its transatlantic sailing between seasons. “We are excited and honoured to host the new Norwegian Prima in Atlantic Canada as it calls on Halifax twice this cruise season, and both Halifax and Sydney next season as part of its transatlantic sailing,” said Sarah Rumley, executive director of Cruise Atlantic Canada. “As more ships continue to call on Since its launch in Reykjavik, Iceland, Norwegian Prima has operated in Northern Europe and is now offering cruises in the Caribbean for its first winter season “ We wanted to launch the vessel in a location as special and unique as it is” Gary Anslow, Norwegian Cruise Line
1 1 our incredible ports, throughout our peak cruise season and the spring and summer months, we will build on the momentum we’ve established since cruise has returned, with a focus on restoring Atlantic Canada’s economic prosperity.” The destinations that Norwegian Prima will visit have continued to be popular and has contributed to the line’s most in-demand ship. “So far, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from those who have had the chance to sail on Norwegian Prima,” said Anslow. “Highlights include The Haven, our ship-within-a-ship concept, and our new dining experiences, including the Indulge Hall that offers cuisine options from around the world.” CFIP Norwegian Prima was launched in Reykjavik, Iceland, on 27 August 2022
In safe hands Viewpoint: Ivan Mifsud Mifsud Brothers Ltd. (MBL) is focused on servicing the cruise sector and understands the finer details of what ‘fly-cruise’ guests are looking for at the embarkation destination. Guests will be in safe hands from the moment they land at Malta International Airport. MBL provides hosts at the airport to direct guests to air-conditioned transportation, where they will be driven in comfort to either their boutique hotel or to Magazino check-in hall at Valletta Cruise Port. In partnership with Very Valletta, MBL also offers curated stays in Valletta boutique hotels and authentic experiences. Guests will find a welcome letter in their room from the concierge, who will assist throughout the entire stay. When it is time to join the cruise ship, the concierge will ensure that guests depart at a time that allows them to seamlessly check-in at the cruise port. Ivan Mifsud is managing director at Mifsud Brothers Ltd. and co-founder of Very Valletta. Costa Cruises’ Costa Favolosa, Royal Caribbean International’s Jewel of the Seas and Phoenix Reisen’s Artania all docked at the Port of Tarragona in Spain on 7 October 2022, marking the first time that three cruise ships have been handled by the port simultaneously. The new record was enabled by the construction of the Balears Pier, which has expanded the available berths for cruise vessels. Since the start of the 2022 cruise season, 24 ships have docked at the pier, bringing approximately 47,000 passengers to Tarragona. Three cruise ships call simultaneously at Port of Tarragona The UK’s Port of Dover has welcomed more than 1.7 million passengers between mid-July and the start of September 2022, equating to over half the total number of people it hosted throughout 2021. “We are very pleased with the strength of the recovery we have seen in tourist traffic,” said Doug Bannister, CEO of the Port of Dover. “While post-pandemic numbers were expected to show a significant increase on last year, these latest figures are very encouraging.” Port of Dover hosts more than 1.7 million passengers in summer 2022 MARKETWATCH 1 2
JUNEAU VANCOUVER SEATTLE Canada USA Alaska DID YOU KNOW? Dubrovnik, Croatia saw a recordbreaking 26 per cent increase in cruise arrivals in 2017 and has continued to see a rise in tourism since then. To accomodate this Dubrovnik implemented the project ‘Respect the City’ and has limited the number of passengers from cruise ships to 4,000 a day so that tourists can experience the city all year round, without overcrowding. The Port of Seattle, City and Borough of Juneau, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and leading global cruise lines will explore the feasibility of creating the world’s first cruise-led ‘green corridor’, a maritime route where zero greenhouse gas emission solutions are emitted. The First Mover commitment will see partners leverage and support each other’s decarbonisation strategies and collaborate to bring more resources and technological advancements forward. Azamara has revealed its new European itineraries for 2024, which include 84 new trips and feature more unique ports including Taranto in Italy, Hamburg in Germany, Trollfjord in Norway and Edinburgh in Scotland. Over 50 per cent of the port calls will be late night or overnight to allow guests more time to immerse themselves in local culture. The itineraries which include these calls will be labelled as ‘Country Intensive’ voyages. “Our Country Intensive voyages have continually proven to be a guest favourite with increased bookings throughout 2022, so we are pleased to offer even more options for our guests to discover all these incredible European countries have to offer,” said Carol Cabezas, president of Azamara. The cruise line also recently launched its video series ‘Lens of a Local’ allowing guests to relive the memories of their shore experiences after returning home. Each episode focuses on a different perspective of a destination such as a first-hand experience of a gondola ride in Venice, Italy, and Greek dancers in Crete, Greece. North American ports agree to explore possibility of ‘Green Corridor’ Azamara unveils Europe 2024 itineraries 1 3
Port Canaveral in Florida, USA, is preparing for the arrival of Royal Caribbean International’s Wonder of the Seas, which will use the port as a homeport from November 2022. The port will also welcome Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Prima, in December 2022, where it will begin its seven-night itineraries to the Caribbean, having also welcomed the arrival of Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish in June 2022. The port is set to reveal more plans in 2023. Port Canaveral prepares to welcome Wonder of the Seas and Norwegian Prima Emerald Cruises reveals itineraries for new vessels Emerald Cruises has launched a new collection of 2023 and 2024 ocean cruise itineraries for its new sister ships Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara. The cruises include the Caribbean and Central America, transatlantic voyages and new ports of call in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea. Destination highlights in the Caribbean and Central America include Tobago Cay National Park in St Vincent and the Grenadines, Hillsborough on Carriacou, Granada, Curú National Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica and Unesco World Heritage-listed Darién National Park in Panama. Emerald Sakara is set to debut in August 2023 with an eight-day ‘Ionian Sea Adventures’ trip, beginning in Civitavecchia, Italy, and calling at Capri, Sorrento and Malfi, before reaching Athens, Greece. DID YOU KNOW? 14 days is the most popular duration of a cruise, according to CLIA’s 2021 Global Passenger Report , with 43 per cent of passengers opting for fortnight-long voyages in 2021. MARKETWATCH 1 4
Avalon Waterways will make its inaugural sailings in Portugal in 2024 with the debut of its new ship Avalon Alegria, which is being built specifically to operate on the Douro River. “We’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to add Portugal to our robust portfolio and that day has finally arrived,” said Janet Parton, sales and marketing director of Avalon Waterways UK. “Inviting our guests to sail the Douro for the first time, we’re bringing the Suite Ships of Avalon, the grandest views in cruising and whim-powered itineraries to Southwestern Europe. And we couldn’t be more excited.” The itinerary is entitled ‘Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages along the Douro’ and will visit historic villages in a roundtrip from Porto. Through a combination of ‘Classic’, ‘Discovery’ and ‘Active’ excursion choices, the river cruise will offer trips to medieval churches and castles, bike riding beside beaches and numerous opportunities to try traditional Portuguese wine, bread, olives and cheese. Avalon Algeria will feature panorama suites, open-air balconies and a pool on its Sky Deck, which will offer unobstructed views of Portugal. Australia greeted its first international cruise guests in nearly three years when Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Splendor arrived in Sydney Harbour on 30 September 2022. Carnival Splendor was escorted into the harbour by sister brand P&O Cruises Australia’s ship Pacific Adventure before sailing past Sydney Opera House and arriving at the Port of Sydney. “The return of Carnival Splendor to Sydney is a milestone achievement, not just for us, but for the Australian cruising industry,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Her arrival marks the first cruise ship to enter Australian waters with international passengers in nearly three years.” Australia welcomes first international cruise guests since 2020 Avalon Waterways sets sights on Portugal’s Douro River 1 5
Risposte Turismo, a research and consulting company, revealed its forecasts for the growth of sea tourism in the Adriatic in 2023 at its Adriatic Sea Forum, which was held on 6-7 October 2022. The Adriatic Sea Tourism Report revealed that: 4.3 million passengers are expected to either embark, disembark or transit at Adriatic cruise ports during 2023 18 million passengers will travel by ferry, hydrofoil or catamaran in 2023 €100 million ($98.3 million) will be invested in ongoing or planned port developments by the close of 2024 Sea tourism to grow in Adriatic Sea, according to Risposte Turismo Francesco di Cesare, president of Risposte Tourisme, presented the research at the 2022 Adriatic Sea Forum Oceania Cruises has launched its itineraries for 2025, including its ‘Around the World in 180 Days’ and ‘Grand Voyages’ cruises that will range in length from 50 to 111 days. “This new collection of globe-spanning itineraries includes both iconic and offthe-beaten-path ports of call and offers a wealth of opportunities for our guests to explore the farthest corners of the globe, making the journey just as rewarding as the destination,” said Howard Sherman, president and CEO of Oceania Cruises. Both itineraries will cover the South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean, as well as a multi-day ‘Land Programme’, which involves overnight port stays in both popular and unique destinations. Oceania Cruises is in it for the long haul Mifsud Brothers introduces eco-friendly shore excursions Mifsud Brothers, also known as Malta Cruise Services, is undergoing sustainability certification whilst simultaneously introducing eco-friendly shore experiences connecting guests to their destination though history, food, nature and the community. A new collection of activities has been designed for the Maltese island of Gozo, aimed at expedition ships. Meanwhile, on the Mediterranean coastline of Algeria, the company has also launched a new set of tours designed for cruise lines such as Silversea and residential ship The World, which called in September 2022 at the ports of Oran and Algiers. MARKETWATCH 1 6
MSC Cruises’ MSC Splendida will operate a seven-night Red Sea itinerary for the 2022-2023 winter season. The cruise includes 33 shore excursions, calling at Sokhna Port, Safaga in Egypt for visits to Hurghada and Luxor; Aqaba, Jordan, for Petra; and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia for AlUla and Yanbu. Guests can opt for a two-night pre-stay in Cairo, Egypt, before the cruise voyage, through the line’s ‘Fly&Cruise’ programme. MSC Splendida to travel on Red Sea this winter Holland America Line opts for Caribbean sun Holland America Line will offer voyages to the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, between October 2023 and March 2024, with sailings ranging from seven to 16 days long. Each sailing will include a day at the company’s own private islands, Half Moon Cay, which is located in The Bahamas. The line will also visit several more islands in the Caribbean including Trinidad and Tobago, as well as Mahogany Bay, Roatan during these itineraries. Photo: Unsplash/opixels
MARKETWATCH 1 8 Silver Endeavour to sail from pole to pole in 2023-2024 itineraries Silversea Cruises’ upcoming expedition vessel Silver Endeavour will travel on 25 new voyages across 116 destinations between May 2023 and March 2024. Destinations will include Northern Europe, the Arctic and Antarctica and the ship will make 24 maiden calls for the cruise line. During the summer, Silver Endeavour will explore the British Isles, Iceland and the Arctic, while in the winter it will travel south to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. “With state-of-the-art expedition amenities, the industry’s highest space-to-guest ratio, and a leading team of experts onboard, Silver Endeavour will deliver the most enriching experiences for guests in the world’s most remarkable destinations, as they journey in unparalleled comfort,” said Conrad Combrink, senior vice president of expedition, destination and itinerary management at Silversea Cruises. “The development was agreed by Phil Davis, prime minister of The Bahamas, and other cabinet ministers on 6 October 2022 and construction will begin at the end of 2023.” Azul Destinations to build cruise port in The Bahamas Azul Destinations will develop a $250 million cruise port and resort at South Long Island in The Bahamas, called Calypso Cove. The port will host up to 13,000 cruise passengers per day and over 750,000 passengers per year. The resort will feature Black Pearl Lagoon at its centre, with swimming pools, gardens and water-sport activities on offer for guests. It will also feature shops, a market, restaurants and bars. The development was agreed by the Davis administration on 6 October 2022 and construction will begin at the end of 2023. DID YOU KNOW? The Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda received 1.75 million cruise passengers in 2021, making it the most popular cruise destination. CLIA’s 2021 Global Passenger Report found that Central and Western Mediterranean destinations are second-most popular with 707,000 passengers having visited the area in 2021.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY International Cruise Summit 15-16 November 2022 Madrid, Spain www.internationalcruisesummit.com CrewConnect Global Summit 22-24 November 2022 Manila, Philippines www.informaconnect.com/crew-connect-global Motorship Propulsion & Future Fuels Conference 22-24 November 20222 Hamburg, Germany www.motorship.com/propulsion-and-futurefuels-conference Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Europe 30 November-1 December 2022 London, UK www.cruiseshipinteriors-europe.com IMPA London 13-14 December 2022 London, UK www.impa-events.com/impalondon-conference Uniworld introduces new trips in India and Egypt Uniworld is launching its first Cruise and Rail journey in India and a new itinerary in Egypt as part of its family-orientated Generations programme. “Many of our guests are seeking longhaul bucket-list experiences next year, while others want to spend precious time travelling as a family or multigenerational group, so introducing a truly incredible Cruise and Rail trip through India and an itinerary packed with family fun and the historical wonders of Egypt seemed like a natural step,” said Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld. The Cruise and Rail programme will combine seven nights sailing from Kolkata with a private train journey through the Golden Triangle and Rajasthan to Mumbai. Excursions will include trips to the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort and Ranthambore National Park. The ‘Egypt Generations’ cruise will include a seven-night roundtrip from Luxor, with a four-night land stay at The Nile Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Cairo. Excursions will include the Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings and Temples of Karnak, as well as a family-friendly football match with local children and some of the ship’s crew, sand dune boarding and swimming in the River Nile. A BOUTIQUE HOMEPORT OF THE MED Valletta is a UNESCO capital city and is waiting to be explored shore experiences | port agency | turnaround logistics www.mbl.com.mt We believe in creating unique, memorable and personal experiences for our guests click to watch video
2 0 Five Great Lakes, one grand adventure The immense Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System offers pristine natural beauty, exciting entertainment options and a Midwestern charm. Alex Smith reports on a warm and welcoming region that’s beginning to attract the attention of the cruise world The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System stretches over 2,000 miles inland between the USA and Canada, connecting the Gulf of St. Lawrence with Duluth, Minnesota, on Lake Superior. Along the clear waters of the St. Lawrence Seaway and all five Great Lakes, unique ports dot the shoreline, rich with historic, maritime and Midwestern charm. The water is an everyday part of life in these communities, and they go out of their way to celebrate the cruise ships and their passengers as they sail into the region throughout the spring, summer and autumn. The cruise world is increasingly starting to take notice of this warm and welcoming destination. Following a 22-year hiatus, the first foreign-flagged cruise ship transited the system in 1997 and there have since been a total of 20 different cruise ships operating in the Great Lakes. This destination is increasingly becoming popular for luxury size cruise ships, with nine ships calling in 2022 and 11 expected in 2023. Cruise ships can call at the Great Lakes between April and October. Managing and promoting the seaway system is the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS), a government corporation responsible for operating and maintaining the US portion of the seaway between Montreal and Lake Erie. Working hand in hand with its Canadian partners at the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC), the GLS has promoted the COVER STORY
2 1 Great Lakes since the 1980s in an effort to increase cargo trade and tourism, create jobs and boost economic activity in the local port cities. The GLS’s work helped encourage Viking Cruises to plan a Great Lakes itinerary in April 2022 for its first purposebuilt expedition ship, Viking Octantis, which debuted earlier that year. Viking will double its presence in the region with the arrival of its second expedition ship, Viking Polaris, in spring 2023. GLS is partnered with the binational Great Lakes Cruising Coalition (GLCC), which promotes the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System as a destination for cruise ships. Its members consist of US and Canadian ports, vessel agencies, tourism entities and the Seaway authorities, who work together to encourage the growth of the international cruise industry. “Cruise lines that work with the GLCC are provided with a wealth of information from lock transit requirements, to itinerary planning, port operations, shore excursions and facilitation support with federal agencies,” says Rebecca Yackley, director of trade and economic development for the GLS. Another big reason behind the growing success of the region is a new network of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities, which have been strategically positioned to provide greater predictability for itinerary planners and an improved passenger experience. With these initiatives in place, the Great Lakes are also perfectly positioned to take advantage of the growing smallship segment of the cruise industry. Approximately a quarter of the cruise vessels being built today carry fewer than 400 passengers, as guests look for a more intimate experience in destinations off the beaten path. “ Unique onshore experiences immerse passengers in local history, art, architecture and culture” Viking Octantis has spent its inaugural season in the Great Lakes region
Thunder Bay Milwaukee Muskegon Duluth LAKE ONTARIO LAKE ERIE LAKE HURON LAKE SUPERIOR LAKE MICHIGAN Cleveland Toronto Green Bay Detroit Chicago Welland Canal Mackinac Island Georgian Bay Port Colborne COVER STORY These ships are small enough to navigate the three sets of man-made locks they will encounter along the waterway – and guests will find the ships being raised and lowered as they pass through the locks an attraction in itself. Along the way, the vessels will navigate the immense course of rivers, lakes and channels that characterise the region, combining the experiences of ocean travel and river cruising in an itinerary that will particularly appeal to experienced cruisers. Ports of call are available in US Great Lakes states – including Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota – and the Canadian province of Ontario. On the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto offers a chance to visit the world famous 147-storey CN Tower, while along the Welland Canal through to Lake Erie guests can enjoy a butterfly conservatory in Port Colborne, Ontario, that is home to over 2,000 butterflies of 45 species or a visit to Niagara Falls. Detroit, Michigan, showcases its automotive history at the Henry Ford Museum which visitors can follow up with a deep-dish square pizza or Coney hot dog. Bike trips and horse-drawn carriage rides are available on Mackinac Island, Michigan, while Georgian Bay, Ontario, offers the Science North interactive museum and the largest freshwater archipelago, Thirty Thousand Islands. On the south end of Lake Michigan, Chicago, Illinois, offers a wealth of culture, shopping and dining, with a river cruise to see the city’s architecture among its top attractions. Green Bay, Wisconsin is the home of historic NFL team the Green Bay Packers and their stadium Lambeau Field, while a new public market on Fox River and the Green Bay Botanical Garden offer alternative options. Great Lakes destinations are in the process of improving and expanding their dock space and accommodations for cruise ships, with the ports of Cleveland and Duluth having invested in passenger clearance facilities and Muskegon and Milwaukee, have plans in place to build new docks to accommodate the larger expedition cruise ships. “Unique onshore experiences immerse passengers in local history, art, architecture and culture in the surrounding states and provinces,” says Yackley. “Travellers disembark on Mackinac Island for horse and carriage rides, experience the Victorian homes and art museums of Muskegon, Michigan, and the gourmet cuisines of Milwaukee’s beer city food markets. Visitors tour the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, and visit the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth. At every stop along the way, passengers are treated to award-winning cuisine and breathtaking views.” 2 2 Guests to Mackinac Island can enjoy bike trips and horse-drawn carriage rides during their visit
With so many options to choose from, CFIP highlights some of the many outstanding ports of call for cruise ships sailing the Great Lakes Essential destinations Thunder Bay, Ontario Thunder Bay in Ontario, Canada, is the largest city on the shore of Lake Superior, the world’s biggest freshwater lake, and is also located on the edge of the world’s largest contiguous boreal forest. Popular shore excursion options include visits to Kakabeka Falls, the second-highest waterfalls in Ontario; Fort William Historical Park, a reconstructed early 1800s fur trade post; and Anemki Wajew, a lookout over the city on First Nation land. Meanwhile, Silver Islet, a small cottage hamlet outside of Thunder Bay, is popular for hiking, history walks and water-based activities, including the opportunity to dive down to shipwrecks using onboard submersibles. The peninsula includes Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, a popular destination for nature walks, paddle sports, mountain biking and wildlife viewing, that is also home to the highest cliffs in Ontario. The Canadian north coast of the lake is part of the proposed Parks Canada Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, creating a unique future opportunity for cruise lines to explore the undeveloped coast. The area is the traditional lands of a large Anishnawbae Indigenous population that have called the area home for over 10,000 years, and is rich in wildlife including black bears, wolves, eagles, deer, moose and caribou. Thunder Bay has become a turnaround port for Viking Cruises’ Viking Octantis in 2022 and 2023. The city’s Pool 6 Cruise Terminal is named after the property’s historical use as the world’s largest grain elevator in the 1900s. The 1,000-foot-long seaway draft pier specifically serves the needs of cruise ships and is a 10-minute walk or four-minute shuttle ride to the Waterfront retail and culinary district. The facility offers potable water, international waste handling services and local food supply options. Thunder Bay International Airport offers daily direct flights to Toronto Pearson and City Centre Airports, connecting the world to Thunder Bay. 2 3
Milwaukee, Wisconsin Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee offers a blend of stunning natural beauty, big city arts, exciting entertainment, and Midwestern charm. The city’s downtown area is home to many of the best restaurants, bars, event venues, hotels and recreational activities throughout the entire Great Lakes region. Immediately accessible from the downtown Pier Wisconsin cruise dock, a riverwalk connects the city’s East Side neighbourhood with the historic Third Ward district, featuring the lively Milwaukee Public Market. Milwaukee is home to the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum and the Milwaukee Art Museum with its iconic wings, designed by internationally renowned architect and sculptor Santiago Calatrava. Milwaukee currently hosts six cruise lines, including Viking Cruises, Pearl Seas Cruises, American Queen Voyages, Ponant, Vantage Travel and Plantours. Thanks to these operators, Milwaukee estimates that over 12,000 passengers will have travelled throughout the city via a Great Lakes cruise ship in 2022. Pearl Seas Cruises has entered into a 10-year agreement with the port at Pier Wisconsin, while the City Heavy Lift Dock is the current berth of Viking Octantis. Port Milwaukee is working to build a new cruise ship dock to accommodate vessels at a conveniently accessible location in the city’s outer harbour. Under the leadership of Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Port Milwaukee has received $4 million in grant funds from the State of Wisconsin to construct new infrastructure at South Shore Cruise Dock that will welcome international tourists for decades to come. Once construction at South Shore Cruise Dock is complete, vessels like Viking Octantis will have another dockside infrastructure option for cruise ship itineraries travelling to Milwaukee. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is located a short eight-mile drive from downtown, making it an easy trip no matter where cruise guests are travelling from. The city also boasts ample access to the interstate, passenger rail to regional hotspots, a cross-lake ferry service, and local roadway connections. COVER STORY Photo: Jonathan Elliott 2 4
CruiseandFerry.net is the online home of Cruise & Ferry Magazine, a twice-yearly magazine that is also available for subscription in both printed and digital formats. Via our website, magazine and social networks, we aim to be the world’s best supplier of news and insight into the global passenger shipping industries. www.cruiseandferry.net GATEWAY CRUISE PORT TO CANADA’S LAKE SUPERIOR NORTH COAST visitthunderbay.ca/cruiseships www.portmilwaukee.com Cruise Milwaukee To learn more, contact us at port@milwaukee.gov Turnaround port of choice on the Great Lakes Two dedicated passenger cruise docks Experienced local shore excursion experts Located on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee offers an exceptional blend of stunning natural beauty, big city arts, exciting entertainment, and Midwestern charm.
Duluth, Minnesota Situated right on Lake Superior, the vibrant community of Duluth has something for everyone. The city is home to a thriving arts, culture and entertainment scene, along with a range of dynamic food and beverage offerings. Cruisers who dock in Duluth can expect a one-of-a-kind, memorable experience. Excursion offerings have included tours of the historic Glensheen Mansion, a ride on the North Shore Scenic Railroad, visits to the Great Lakes Aquarium, canoe trips down the St. Louis River, opportunities to taste local artisan food and beverages, and more. The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center cruise facility dock wall will undergo an infrastructure transformation in 2023 and 2024 in preparation to host the largest cruise vessels visiting the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System. Muskegon, Michigan Known as the historic Midwest Riviera, Muskegon is a showcase of architecture and public art gifted by the wealthy Michigan lumber barons of the late 1800s. Quaint, historic neighbourhoods feature local museums of history and art, along with several restored maritime vessels. Visitors can buy locally grown foods at the Farmers Market and taste craft beer and spirits while walking along the main street. Muskegon’s cruise dock is in a parklike setting, within walking distance of the historic downtown area. A secure logistic staging area allows trucks and buses to turn around, and vessels can directly hook up for water and to a grey and brown water discharge system. Cleveland, Ohio A lakefront city which was one of the most important canal ports in the eastern USA in the 1800s, Cleveland offers everything from rock legends at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to new discoveries at its indie music clubs and performances at the not-for-profit Playhouse Square. Visitors can explore over 50,000 acres of parks and visit the Great Lakes Science Center, West Side Market and Cleveland Museum of Art, or venture further afield to tour Amish Country, which is an hour south of the city. One of the new customs and border protection passenger clearance facilities is within walking distance of vessels visiting the city, making it easier than ever to make a call. CFIP Photo: DJ Johnson/Unsplash Duluth, Cleveland and Muskegon offer a range of entertaining excursions on the shores of the Great Lakes 2 6 COVER STORY
www.cruiseandferry.netRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=