31 When choosing a cruise, guests evaluate everything from the ship’s accommodation and public spaces and amenities, to the quality of the onboard cuisine and the entertainment programme. For many guests, the main deciding factor is the destinations they will visit – and what happens during port calls can make or break their overall cruise experience. Issues such as long queues, inefficient processes, inadequate facilities, rude terminal staff, difficulties travelling to nearby attractions or unwelcoming locals in the wider destination can all leave guests regretting their choice of cruise. Consequently, it’s critical cruise lines pick the right ports when designing itineraries. “Ports play a vital role in shaping the overall cruise experience for guests, whether during transit calls or on a turnaround day,” says Martin Lister, head of product innovation at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. “Our priority is to make the guest’s journey as effortless and enjoyable as possible from the very beginning.” To help guests “avoid the stress” of long-distance travel, the UK-based cruise line offers departures from five regional ports – Rosyth in Scotland and Newcastle, Liverpool, Portsmouth and Southampton in England. “We look for ports that are well connected and easily accessible, with efficient embarkation and disembarkation processes and reliable ground handling,” says Lister. “These elements are essential to delivering the seamless experience our guests expect. Ultimately, we choose ports that reflect our commitment to convenience, comfort and a relaxed start to every holiday.” Luxury cruise brand The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection also places brand ethos and guest experience at the “heart of everything” when choosing ports for its itineraries. “Our brand is defined by understated luxury, authenticity and intimacy, and the ports we visit must reflect that same sensibility,” says Spyros Almpertis, vice president of port and destination operations at The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “We look for destinations that feel exclusive, scenic and elegant, with an atmosphere that is refined yet welcoming. Equally important is the ease and sophistication of the arrival itself. Our guests should feel a sense of calm and care from the moment they step ashore.” The ideal port “combines beauty with reliability”, says Almpertis. “It offers wellcoordinated logistics, consistent operational standards and a clear understanding of the expectations of the luxury yacht segment. Ports such as Portofino in Italy, Milos in Greece, and St. Barths in Guadeloupe exemplify this, balancing authenticity with operational excellence to create a seamless extension of the onboard journey.” Homeports and turnaround ports must also have the right infrastructure and equipment in place to quickly and safely berth ships, process guests, bunker fuel, load provisions and more, says Captain Pier Paolo Scala, vice president of global port operations at MSC Cruises. “Having enough items such as x-ray machines, check-in desks, suitable facilities and a clear, simple process for passenger flows and luggage handling are paramount,” he says. “Another key factor is to make sure we have strong collaboration with all local stakeholders. Generally, turnaround ports are also where provision loading and fuel bunkering takes place, so it is very important for everyone to be aligned to complete the complex puzzle in time for the next cruise to depart.” Some brands, such as The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, require specialised facilities for their ships and guests, which limits the types of ports and destinations they are able to visit. “While many destinations deliver exceptional experiences, some were not originally designed with luxury yachts in mind and may lack features such as dedicated berths, safe tender pontoons and specialised service providers,” explains Almpertis. “Establishing dedicated desks for luxury vessels within ports would ensure the right level of expertise and tailored support. Equally important is continued investment in yacht-scale Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines takes guests to destinations such as Ísafjörður in Iceland
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