MEDCRUISE Newsletter Issue 30 10/11/2010 12:09 Page 1 MedCruise News Bringing the Med together December 2010 | Issue 30 IN THIS ISSUE Association News/People 1-3

president’s view 1

A growing membership 2

MedCruise out and about 2

PHOTO: © MARIA WACHALA | DREAMSTIME.COM © MARIA WACHALA PHOTO: 2nd Black Sea Cruise Conference in

Odessa 3 Port facilities & Infrastructure 4-9

Barcelona 4

Cartagena 4

Ceuta 4

Motril-Granada 5

Palamos 5 President’s view – on track for Malaga 5 Sete 6

French Riviera 6 further growth Tunisian Ports 6 madeira Ports 7 s 2011 fast approaches, a year in continuing this worthy process. which MedCruise celebrates its 15th Thanks to the efforts of our very Azores 7 Aanniversary, association president, professional Board and staff, present and Cyprus Ports 7 Giovanni Spadoni, talks about the targets he past, we have created a new “culture” which Venice 8 would personally like to see reached under is the true value of our Association, which we Ravenna 8 his presidency which is now over half-way have to maintain and promote. This culture is through. based on understanding our clients’ Dubrovnik 8 ‘First of all I would like to increase requirements, but also understanding our Balearics 9 further MedCruise’s recognition in the strength as ports working together in the News in Brief 9 industry, which had already reached very common interest and benefit of our countries. high levels before my election. We have to The challenge for the future Board will be Destinations 10-14 expand the number of member ports in the to maintain and increase the levels of regions like the Eastern services for members, Messina 10 and Southern Med and We have created a new reinforcing our present Livorno 10 the Black Sea where we “culture” which is the true structure. But this is a still have good strategy that will be in Cagliari 11 potential for growth. To value of our Association. the hands of our Zadar 11 do this we have to offer members.’ 12 new services mainly to the small ports that Almeria 12 through the Association will find the right channel to promote themselves but also Batumi 13 instruments to grow from an operational Sochi 13 point of view. Lisbon 14

I think that the choice made by my Alanya 14 predecessor, and strongly pursued by the present board too, to give relevance and Itineraries / deployment 15-16 representation to the four regions MedCruise ports are ideally divided into, under the strong umbrella of the Association, was a Ocean Village bids farewell 15 good choice and gives us an added value that Parks & gardens theme for Sea Cloud 15

probably other cruise ports associations do Royal Caribbean stimulates Brits love not have. affair with Spain 15 Through our projects such as “port benchmarking”, our training programs and Latest Cunarder heads for the Med 16 workshops we offer our members the chance aidabella - a record breaker 16 to measure themselves and their services against other already successful ports and the cruise lines’ needs. The growing number of ports joining MedCruise creates more weight and more recognition for the Association, thus www.medcruise.com MEDCRUISE Newsletter Issue 30 10/11/2010 12:10 Page 2

Izmir event There’s strength in numbers

010 has been a record year for new members joining MedCruise. In June, 2at the 36th General Assembly, it was announced that membership had grown by four new ports: Burgas (Bulgaria); Lisbon (Portugal); Marseille (France) and North Sardinian ports of Olbia, Golfo Aranci and Porto Torres. At the 37th GA, taking place in Cannes this month, another eight ports are expected to officially sign up: Turkish ports of Istanbul and Rize plus four Greek ports of Patras, Igoumenitsa, Kos and Heraklion. As well As Yalta in Ukraine and Portimao in Portugal. Associates membership has risen too, to 29, with five new additions: Cambiaso & Risso (Genoa); Idu Shipping & A membership drive Services (Constantza); Londonskaya postcard campaign initiated (Odessa); Mercantile Marine Shipping (Tunisia); Navigator Travel & Tourist this year will be continued Services (Volos) and Donomis Cruise into 2011 Services (Volos). A warm welcome to everyone and proof that the benefits of joining our ever growing family of cruise ports is being heard across the region. Amongst initiatives launched this year is a membership drive postcard campaign, sent iovanni Spadoni, President of to over 70 Mediterranean ports not yet MedCruise and Technical & members, asking them to contact us about GCommercial Director of the Port of joining. Livorno 2000 srl, was an honoured speaker More information about the five newest at the recent ‘2nd International Congress on member ports from Turkey and Greece will Mediterranean Trade and Port Cities: Past appear in the next issue of MedCruise and Future’, which took place in Izmir, News, March 2011 which will also be Turkey from 14-15 October 2010. distributed at Cruise Shipping Miami. Spadoni’s presentation detailed recent industry trends and the activities of the MedCruise association as a catalyst for promoting growth, as well as including tips on developing a successful cruise port and building Eastern Med itineraries. The congress was well attended by some 60 delegates from 10 different Mediterranean countries, including regional cruise and commercial ports, numerous chambers of commerce and MedCruise out and about shipping and local dignitaries as well as many other professionals active in the cruise sector. Representatives of Costa and an agreement of cooperation was established MSC also presented to delegates. The t has been a very hectic period, post- among small ports in the Adriatic /Aegean congress was followed by a day of local summer, for MedCruise which has had Sea to develop the existing network. shore excursions to promote the already- Irepresentatives attend a number of events The Opatja Conference had the title “The popular Izmir as a port-of-call. to speak about the Association, and the good work that has been achieved to date. First International Multidisciplinary In addition to MedCruise being a co- Conference on Sea, Transport and Logistics - organiser of the 2nd Black Sea Cruise Clusters and Innovations” and organized by Conference (see Page 3), at which president our member port Rijeka. It was held between Giovanni Spadoni gave a presentation, he 20th-22nd October 2010 and MedCruise also participated at events in Izmir (see left), secretary general José Campos and Giovanni a conference in Monopoli (one of the ports of Spandoni participated in the Workshop on Bari Levante Port Authority) and one in “New Trends in Cruise Terminal Opatija (near to Rijeka). Management and Governance: what lessons The Monopoli conference, entitled “Small for the Mediterranean region?” Ports: pass key for local tourist districts. The MedCruise svp Carla Salvadó participated UNESCO Sites route: one suggestion, one in the summit "Optimising Port resource, one idea for new cruise”, took place Development" that was held between 5th-6th between October 8th–9th 2010. The October in Dubai. And Giovanni Spadoni conference focussed on the development of was also invited to the Valencia Cruise small ports, particularly in the Adriatic, and Forum on 11th November.

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2nd Black Sea Cruise Conference, Odessa

he Black Sea region has a number of cruise calls expected this year, has reduced obstacles to overcome if it is to raise its port dues, as has Constantza. Tits profile and draw in more cruise Nikolay Pavlyuk, general manager of lines. This is the opinion of analyst Peter Odessa Sea Commercial Port presented a Wild who spoke at the 2nd Black Sea paper on passenger terminal development Cruise Conference, held in Odessa in in Odessa. September. Passenger Shipping Association He pointed out that air draft restrictions chairman Bill Gibbons highlighted the on bridges in the Bosphorus make it potential to increase passenger sourcing impossible for post-Panamax cruise ships from areas around the Black Sea such as to pass in and out of the Black Sea. Russia, Ukraine and Turkey. ‘Post-Panamax vessels currently account Tura Turizm’s Erkunt Oner also believes for about 32% of the cruise fleet and this sourcing passengers from countries is going to increase to about half the fleet surrounding the Black Sea will help to over the coming years, so this will prove grow regional cruise business. He cites an an obstacle for the Black Sea region’s example of a ship based out of Istanbul gave a presentation on the role of cruise expansion plans,’ commented Wild. offering a seven day itinerary half filled by MedCruise in developing the Black Sea as ‘There will always be vessels that can international passengers and half from a cruise destination. call at Black Sea ports, but they will be local markets: with partial turnarounds say Among cruise line participants was John losing out on serious revenue from the from Turkish passengers, Russian Tercek, vp commercial at Royal Caribbean large vessels,’ he added. passengers in Sochi and Ukrainian Cruises Ltd who said the Black Sea region MedCruise was a supporter of the event passengers in Odessa. is appealing as the ports are located close which has now been held twice in Odessa. The organisers of this event will be to each other, enabling fuel-efficient MedCruise president Giovanni Spadoni looking to repeat it again in 2012. itineraries and opportunities to spend more time in each destination. More and longer berths, modern terminals, improved signage at attractions and better air connections were recommended by a number of conference speakers to improve the region’s cruise infrastructure. However, Spadoni urged ports to keep their rates competitive – not just passenger taxes, but also port services such as pilot charges. Odessa, the Black Sea’s most popular port with 150 ocean and river

Odessa’s tunnel to the past

ttendees at the 2nd Black Sea ‘Partisan Glory Museum’ Cruise 2010 had a chance to explore that was set up in 1969. Aa section of the tunnels that run Groups are taken in to a below the city which is offered as a shorex specially re-enforced for cruise passengers calling at the port. section of the tunnels for Known as the catacombs, the tunnels a first-hand experience of extend 1,400km around the city and date the lives of the partisans back to the beginning of the 19th century. that lived underground for Dug out to provide limestone to build the a period of two years. The city with, the catacombs are spread out tour allows passengers to over three levels and are considered a enter rooms such as the dangerous place to visit. kitchen, sleeping quarters They were used by smugglers to move and communication contraband into and out of Odessa city- section that have been limits – taking advantage of the city’s free- extremely well preserved. port status. However, it is their link to the Second World War that is the real draw as the tunnels were used by partisan fighters to resist German control of the territory. It is this history that is best preserved in the

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Barcelona: ’s top cruise spot

arcelona will finish the current year with 866 calls and 2.35m passengers, Bthe third consecutive year that it has topped the two million passenger mark. AIDAblu, MSC Magnifica, Eurodam, © Joaquin Giró Saga Pearl II, le Boreal, Seabourn Sojourn, , and Nieuw Amsterdam were among the roster of 13 Cartagena’s expansion plans on new visitors which called in 2010. Barcelona continues to upgrade its cruise facilities to make sure it maintains its top track for next spring

artagena will record over 101,000 and Discovery. passengers by the end of 2010 with 74 The most popular tours are Cartagena itself Ccalls. The newly extended cruise berth and Murcia which includes a visit to the and terminal, just 200mtr Cathedral, casino as well as from the city centre, is The newly extended its lively squares and chance expected to be finished by cruise berth and to sample its famous tapas. spring 2011. The port will Of great interest in then offer 500mtr of cruise terminal is expected Cartagena is the Concepcion quay allowing two ships to castle with panoramic views call at the same time. to be finished by of the city, the Roman Alongside the berth is the spring 2011. Theatre and its Museum. cruise terminal will is also Sometimes this shorex can being extended by around 1,500sq mtr. be done by segway, adding an appealing and Amongst first time callers this year were somewhat different feature to the tour. AIDAvita, Vision and Adventure of the Seas, Nieuw Amsterdam, Star Clipper, MedCruise contact Hortensia Sanchez: Queen Elizabeth and Victoria, Saga Pearl II [email protected]

spot as Europe’s leading cruise port: This year Terminal C has been enlarged and improved with a new passenger bridge, Ceuta: A taste comprising a fixed gangway, vertical communications buildings with escalators, lifts and stairs, and mobile gangways ready of North Africa to serve the next generation of ships coming to the port next year: Norwegian Epic, Liberty of the Seas and . ver in North Africa the Spanish port Winter cruising is increasing year on of Ceuta continues to attract 25 to 30 year. In fact, last month 121 ships visited ships annually. So far 20 calls are Barcelona as cruise passengers were lured O expected at Spain Quay which can host to the West Med thanks to the mild vessels up to 250mtr long and which is Mediterranean climate. Costa, MSC, NCL, located 100mtr for the city centre and its Louis, AIDA, Celebrity, Princess. Oceania wide range of duty free shops. and Happy Cruises are all sending ships to The terminal has bus parking and shuttle Barcelona this winter season. service, plus taxi rank, public telephone, Extending the winter season and tourist information, harbour security, and centre of the park with a casino, a accommodating the new generation of ships accommodation for the national and civil restaurant and a chill out bar. The park in the port, keeping the high level of service guards. includes children’s recreational zones, and quality, are the two biggest challenges The Mediterranean Maritime Park with its tapas bars. All these facilities provide a facing Port de Barcelona. 56,000sq mtr of grounds is located in the rainbow of possibilities for a perfect day heart of the city and offers gardens with a under the sun and stars. MedCruise contact Carla Salvado: solarium containing deckchairs, sunbeds and [email protected] shades plus a salt water lake with MedCruise contact Victor Jimenez: waterfalls. There is also a Castle in the [email protected]

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Passenger growth expected to Malaga’s base quadruple in 2011 in Motril port success boosts numbers

Albaici´n

ext spring Malaga will inaugurate the second phase of the Eastern NPassenger terminal providing an additional two floor terminal building totalling 7,714sq mtr. In addition, the Port of Malaga has a berthing area for small and medium sized cruise ships in Quay No. 2, close to the city and only a five minute walk away for the historical centre. Malaga has been a huge success story

otril-Granada port will see a Granada province. qualitative and quantative change in Given its proximity to so many inviting Mits cruise traffic in 2011 when places and the rich gastronomy of the area, passenger growth is expected to quadruple the range of shorex options at a relatively reaching almost 10,000 with new calls by six short distance is immense. The landscape of ships namely Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ the Alpujarras, the picturesque villages such Braemar and Boudicca, Princess Cruises as the Lanjarón, Órgiva, Pampaneira, Bubión pacific Princess, Holland America Line’s or Trevelez are of great gastronomic tradition. Prinsendam, Azamara Cruises’ Azamara Even closer by are coastal villages of Journey and finally ResidenSea’s The World Salobreña, Almuñécar – a notable number of will make a 3 day call. cellars with modern wines that are being The port is investing nearly 2m on a new awarded internationally – one of the best € passenger reception centre. The aim of the caviars is produced at Rio Frio or just enjoy port is to provide easy and uncrowded access the wonderful beaches, many of which are to Granada’s star attraction the Alhambra (45 still undeveloped. mins away) plus over 15 other excursions to MedCruise contact Jose Bermudez: discover landscapes, gastronomy, monuments this year with significant growth having [email protected] and experiences for passengers visiting been recorded. In total, 680,000 passengers are expected on 325 ships in 2010. This traffic increase follows on top of a 38.2% growth in annual passenger numbers, to 488,000, for calendar 2009. Malaga has been successful in marketing itself as a base port, capitalising on its southerly location, AVE high speed railway th links to the Madrid region, and summer 100,000 passenger for Palamos season non-stop flights from New York. Looking ahead to 2011, Malaga’s data shows figures for cruise ships, and mostly he port of Palamos, linked to the To assist in promoting Palamos and its for passengers, will keep increasing, as in government of Catalonia, will finish the surrounding hinterland to the cruise previous years. T2010 cruise season with 32 calls and community, the port authority, the local public 28,000 passengers. Funchal and Thomson administrations and private companies have MedCruise contact Sebastian Camps: Dream have all called for the first time this signed an agreement to collaborate together to [email protected] year. foster cruise activity. Cooperation partners of During a recent visit of Thomson Dream, one the Port of Palamos includes, Palamos Council, of the passengers onboard became the the Costa Brava Tourism Board and the Palamos 100,000th passenger to arrive at Palamos and Chamber of Commerce. so the port community presented them with a A famm trip was organised earlier this year prize for a free weekend break on the Costa to bring representatives from US based cruise Brava (pictured). lines, together with local shorex providers and port agents. They visited the Dali Museum in Figueres, the cathedral and Jewish Quarter in Girona, the monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes and the medieval town of Peralada. Palamos is forecasting 40 calls and 45,000 cruise visitors in 2011.

MedCruise contact Maria Cano: [email protected]

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Sète’s New initiatives on the French refurbished Riviera terminal officially opened

delegation of the Sète Cruise Club 00,000 visitors will arrive in the French staff and media went and saw how the cruise visited the UK at end of September on Riviera this year on 96 cruise ships at either ship manages its environmental stewardship. Aa promotional visit to meet with cruise 7Cannes, Antibes, Nice or Villefranche. The They also visited below decks to see lines including P&O Cruises, Fred Olsen, Saga, latter pairing will receive 56 ships including for equipment and processes conducted to Swan Hellenic and Thomson. the first time, Princess Cruises’ Ocean Princess, manage waste and water. Port of Sète’s Catherine Lafon (left) together Celebrity Cruises’ Equinox and Azamara The plan is to make two visits to each of the with Stephanie Bleu (right), promotion Cruises’ Azamara Journey. French Riviera ports during a year. manager of the Languedoc-Roussillon region This June, the French Riviera Ports Another initiative involves providing tourist board informed execs about latest Authority introduced a new initiative individual tourist information to passengers developments in the port’s infrastructure and involving environmental visits to the ships disembarking ships in Cannes, Nice or shorex opportunities in Sete and the that call at their ports. Villefranche. A French Riviera Cruise Club surrounding areas. The first visit was to Royal Caribbean hostess, dressed in navy blue and white, will Sète welcomed 15 cruise calls this year and is International’s Independence of the Seas on assist passengers providing information in expecting that number to rise to 23 in 2011 said June 24, when about 20 guests including French and English on excursions to suit all Lafon when Thomson Dream will visit 12 times. representatives from local trade associations, tastes and interest. ‘Thomson is returning to Sète after a lapse of local residents, members of the French Riviera five years or so and we are happy,’ she added. Cruise Club, elected representatives, MedCruise contact Anne-Sophie Peyran: On October 1, 2010 Saga Pearl II was a university researchers, chamber of commerce [email protected] visitor when Georges Freche, president of the regional council, officially opened the newly refurbished terminal which was finished at the

1 million passengers targetted in end of June. In addition to the interior makeover, the 200,000 investment also € included resurfacing of the parking area in Tunisia new cruise berths offering a total length of front of the building which can accommodate 657mtr and up to 10mtr draft. The new docks up to ten coaches at a time plus new fencing unisia’s main cruise port of La Goulette in addition to the existing ones reach a total and the removal of the old customs and boasts a new tourist village built inside length of 1,700mtr. immigration buildings. There is also a shop Tthe port’s perimeter. Covering an area of The new quays has extended the port’s inside selling products and souvenirs from the 6,500sq mtr, the Goulette Village Harbour capacity by over 50% making it possible to local area. resembles a medina with Tunisian handle increasing cruise calls. Each berth has Sète is also known as the Little Venice of architectural styling and comprises a central a new terminal for passport control and there Languedoc with its many canals lined with building with two wings alongside housing is a bus parking area for 150 vehicles close by. colourful facades. Aside from Sete itself, the 100 shops selling local handicrafts, clothing, In 2009, 752,291 passengers called at La Languedoc-Roussillon region offers a wide watches and jewellery. There are an a la carte Goulette, a number forecast to reach 850,000 range of tours including four UNESCO World fish restaurant, cafes and juice bar plus this year. Up to 1m passengers are targetted heritage gems. hammam, health and beauty shops. for 2012. www.goulettevillageharbor.com Opened earlier this year, the village is MedCruise contact Catherine Lafon: managed by private company, Goulette MedCruise contact Lotfi El Ajmi: [email protected] Shipping Cruise (GSC), and serviced by two [email protected]

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Cyprus pushes ahead with new terminal

Madeira: A year of improvements

ith its new passenger terminal One of the most popular tours for opening in June, Funchal is passengers arriving in Funchal are the Wexpecting to finish the year with Monte Palace Tropical Gardens which 310 calls and already has 309 booked for occupy an area of 70,000sq mtr and houses 2011, with more expected. Portos da a huge exotic plan collection from around yprus Port Authority presses ahead with Madeira is projecting that it will receive the world together with swans and ducks its new 7,500sq mtr passenger terminal 500,000 passengers in 2011. that populate the central lake and peacocks Cin Lemesos which will be fully Some of its biggest challenges are to and chickens that walk freely around the compatible with criteria set by the Schengen extend and expand the low season and grounds. Azaleas and Orchids from the Convention as well as safety and new security attract turnarounds. Concerning the first Himalayas, Heather from Scotland, Protea requirements set by the EU. The project estimated at a cost of 14.5m issue, 184 calls are expected to call at from South Africa) and a rare cycads € Madeira this winter, an increase of 12% on collection, are just a few of thousands of approx is scheduled to be completed in late last season. species that you can find in the garden. 2012. 2010 has been a year of improvement for Monte Palace is located on the hillside, Looking ahead to next year, 92 cruise the port, with the major highlight the 600mtr above sea level and offers stunning vessels have booked to call at Lemesos opening of a new passenger terminal to views of the Bay of Funchal, the city and although the CPA is expecting a similar support turnaround passengers as well as Atlantic Ocean. number of ships and cruise passengers as in those on transit calls. The facility offers 2010 which is projected to finish on 194 better security, comfort, quality and MedCruise contact Bruno Freitas: international cruise ships with 227,500 services to all users. [email protected] passengers in transit and 3,800 on turnaround. At Larnaca 48,125 international passengers visited the port in 2010 on 62 port calls. The above figures only refer to ships that do not originate their journey from a Cypriot port. There are additionally a number of calls and cruisers that start and end their voyages ince the inauguration of Ponta in Cyprus which undertake itineraries to Azorean ports Delgada’s new Gateways to the Sea nearby destinations like Egypt, Syria, Israel Scruise terminal in 2009 the number and the Greek islands. of cruise ships visiting the Azores has eye 130 calls in reached new heights. ‘We are looking to MedCruise contact Yiannakis Kokkinos: receive 130 ships at all Azorean ports [email protected] (including Horta and Praia da Vitoria) in 2011 2011. This is a significant increase and in terms of passengers we are anticipating over 30% more,’ says Carlos Adalberto, president of the administration council of Azores Ports. The current winter season is promising with 21 ships scheduled between November 2010 and March 2011 compared to 14 last season. In addition to the new Gateways to the Sea terminal the Azores Port authorities are investing in a ferry and small crusie ship terminal in Horta which will be completed by the beginning of 2012. There are also plans to build a new terminal on Terceira Island.

MedCruise contact Carlos Adalberto da Silva: [email protected]

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Explosive increase expected at Ravenna’s new facility

zamara Quest was the first vessel to These ships are expected to bring over call at Ravenna’s new Porto Corsini 150,000 passengers. Acruise terminal this August. Two ‘Thanks to a focused and intensive berths are in operation and construction of a marketing activity by Ravenna Terminal third and fourth berth, costing 13m and Passeggeri, there has been an explosive € 8m respectively, are planned although a increase in the 2011 cruise traffic calendar € completion date is still to be announced. for which Ravenna Port Authority is strongly Upon completion the 53m facility will committed to take all the necessary steps in € have four berths two of which for ships up order to further accelerate the completion of to 350mtr in length. RCCL, Bologna Airport the remaining works’, noted port marketing and Venice Terminal Passeggeri, are among manager Mariliana Moschona, who also Venice seeking the members of the Ravenna Terminal advises the most popular tour continues to be Passeggeri operating consortium that has a the visit of Ravenna’s eight UNESCO concession on Ravenna’s new terminal until monuments in the historic city centre. more handling 2019, and RCI’s Voyager of the Seas is among 76 calls already booked to call the MedCruise contact Mariliana Moschona: capacity city next year. [email protected]

onstruction of Phase Two of the new terminal at Isonzo is underway. When Cfinished the new facility will comprise a 7,500sq mtr building plus 3,800sq mtr terrace and provide simultaneous berthing for two large cruise ships. Work is due to start at the beginning of next year on the conversion of building 109/110, located along Tagliamento quay into a modern cruise terminal extending over 14,000sq mtr. But Venice is not stopping there. With passenger numbers expected to grow again by 13% in 2011 the Port Authority and terminal operator Venezia Terminal Passeggeri are cooperating actively in finding more capacity to handle the ever growing size and number of ships wishing to call at the Adriatic base port. A feasibility study for a quay and This year seven new callers were amongst 10,000sq mtr terminal set on two levels for Dubrovnik the 716 ships bringing 970,000 passengers: the latest generation of cruise ships is Holland America Line’s Eurodam and Nieuw underway. The area chosen is on the Amsterdam, MSC’s MSC Magnifica, immediate mainland staddling the expands Celebrity’s Equinox and Eclipse, P&O municipalities of Venice and Mira between Cruises’ Azura, Silversea’s and the Avesa and Dogaletto Canals. The cost Ponant’s Le Boreal. of the construction is estimated at 10m € Currently Dubrovnik Port Authority is and it is estimated that the project could reconstructing and rebuilding its port be completed in 14 months of continuous infrastructure. Phase One, involving work. Another project might involve a new renovation of an exiting quay and a new quay for mega ships within the new 810mtr long berth was completed last year. Logistics Platform of Fusina. Phase Two is in progress and includes a new In the meantime, building of the new cruise terminal, multipurpose trade centre, MBT (Multipurpose Boarding Tower) garage, city congress hall and range of serving Terminal 117 has begun and will be leisure and entertainment facilities over the operational for the start of the next cruise next few years. season. This is an innovative solution A walk through the streets of the Old developed by VTP Engineering, a division Town and a wander along the walls of the of VTP, to embark and disembark Old City are still the most popular tourist passengers using elevators to link the dock, attractions for new and previous visitors to terminal and vessel regardless of the height ubrovnik is likely to surpass the one Dubrovnik, often referred to as the ‘Pearl of of the boarding ramp. million passenger milestone next the Adriatic’. Dyear as 610 cruise ships are already MedCruise contact Roberto Perrochio: booked to visit the Croatian port bringing MedCruise contact Kristijan Pavic: [email protected] 990,000 passengers. [email protected]

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Palma From January to September 2010 Palma recorded 407 calls carrying just over 1m passengers, corresponding to increases of 24% and respectively 30% over the same period of 2009. Mallorca's capital is looking to close 2010 with a total of 533 calls. The Port of Eivissa likewise remains on growth track with the number of calls due to rise 15% this year compared to 2009. In contrast, Mahón saw a 14% decline in passenger numbers during the first nine months of the year. The Autoridad Portuaria de Balears (APB) is investing heavily including a 36m € extension of the western pier currently underway at Palma, ensuring additional capacity for handling very large ships. 2011 seems to bring further growth to Palma and Eivissa, with berth reservations Balearics bounce back for the latter port already up by almost 25% on this year. Mallorca strengthens its position as a year-round destination, with both AIDA and Costa retaining regular he first nine months of this year the ports of Palma (Mallorca), Mahón calls during the winter of 2011/12. have seen cruise tourism in the (Menorca), Eivissa (Ibiza) and La Savina Balearic Islands bounce back after a (Formentera) recorded a total of 642 calls T MedCruise contact Mateo Ginard: brief decline recorded in 2009. Last year carrying some 1.2m passengers. [email protected]

October 19 was a special day since the sailing Odessa ship entered the Grand Harbour for the first News in brief time flying the Maltese flag. Later in the month Seabourn Sojourn, the newest addition to Seabourn’s 5-star fleet urkish Black Sea port of Sinop had sailed into for her maiden call. eight calls booked for 2010 including The new vessel was welcomed into the Nautica and Silver Wind where historic harbour by a cannon salute as the ship docked T at the Waterfront. attractions are in abundance including an archeological museum, Sinop Castle, Ethnographical Museum and Alaadin Mosque Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2011, released are popular. Special tours for smaller groups worldwide today, named the cruise ports of Valencia include jeep safaris and a waterfall tour (19 , in its Top 10 Cities to visit next year. within 8km vicinity). In the first nine months of 2010 the Spanish port recorded a 29.1% increase to 194,170 Port of Genoa continues to invest in new and passengers compared to the same period last improved cruise facilities to cater for larger year and 16.2% more calls, numbering 122. Star Clipper callers including 3.2m on new From mid-December the city will be linked € embark/disembark halls at Ponte Andrea Doria with Madrid by the AVE high speed train, and a new 345mtr long quay at Ponte dei Mille offering a fast alternative to the highway or costing 13m and ready by end 2011. flying. € Mediterranean countries of Bulgaria, Italy Port of Odessa can accept cruise ships up to and Syria were listed in the Top 10 Countries 330mtr in length following the launching of to visit. reconstructed berth 16 in August this year. In 2009, with the aim of environmental safety and Sinop attractiveness, the port initiated the reconstruction of the berth paving and contemporary siding of the two-storey passenger terminal building in the same modern stylistic decision. The AVE high speed train terminal is also wheel chair accessible. The Black Sea port has finished the 2010 cruise season with 115,000 passengers and 72 cruise calls. Looking ahead to next year 120,000 passengers are projected to visit the Genoa Ukrainian port on 65 cruise ships booked so far but this will no doubt increase as more booking are confirmed.

With a sail area of 36,000ft and a 226ft mast, Star Clipper is a familiar ship in the Port of Valletta. The Star Clipper’s vessel arrival on

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There are many different tourist itineraries on the Peloritani. One of the most inexpensive and breathtaking excursions is a two hour bus trip that leaves from the city and begins in Masse. Look out for arid mountains, green valleys, rock-filled streams surrounded by flowered prairies and cultivated fields. Then there is a view of two seas: the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian divided by the Peloritani mountain ridge. Towards the south, past Dinnamare, if one takes a road not to far off the main road of Castanea, the snowy peaks of Etna can be seen. At the extreme northern point, there is a lighthouse that faces the strait of Messina, and directly at its side, there are two lakes, Faro and Ganzirri. Returning towards the city, the great Aspromonte closes in on this magnificent scenery. The tour duration can be half day or full day, if combined with the visit of the city of Messina.

MedCruise contact Cristiana Laura : [email protected] Peloritani delights in the mountains around Messina

essina which will finish 2010 with The mountain chain called the Peloritani, 216 calls and 392,000 passengers is that surrounds Messina, offers beautiful Mexpecting passenger numbers to scenery and a ridge from which two seas may rise by 9% next year. Most frequent new be seen, and culminates in the Rocca Salvateste callers this year was Louis Cruises whose area at the mountain peak of Novara and Coral and Louis Majesty visited 28 times in continues into a small plain at the summit of total, Costa ships called 18 times, Celebrity Monte Scuderi and finally ends at the summit 15 and MSC 12. of Dinnamare, the nearest city.

access channel to 80mtr to the port’s From next summer ships up to 270mtr will Livorno: A new Northern Berths suitable for cruise ships up be able to berth alongside Pier 75(currently to 315mtr. Next step will be to cut part of the the maximum length is 200mtr). The nearby shoreside channel to a final width of 100mtr, waterfront restoration continues. view of Tuscany completion due by the end of 2011. Whilst Livorno is increasing the number of berths available for larger ships it is working A chance to see Tuscany by closely with cruise line itinerary planners to manage any eventual clashes. taking a helicopter flight- ruise passengers arriving in the Port of MedCruise contact Giovanni Spadoni: Livorno now have a chance to see seeing tour. [email protected] CTuscany from a different view, by taking a helicopter flight-seeing tour. Operated by Rome-based Air-Dynamics, two Siena from the air new helicopters (seating seven) offer excursions over the Tuscan art cities (Pisa, Lucca, Firenze and Siena) or the Tuscan Archipelago from Massa-Cinquale and Grecciano heliport, 10 minutes from the port. Porto of Livorno 2000 has established a commercial agreement with Air-Dynamic, which specialises in private helicopter and jet services, to promote the flight-seeing excursions to the cruise industry. Livorno has just completed dredging the

10 MEDCRUISE Newsletter Issue 30 10/11/2010 12:13 Page 11

Secrets of the Sun in Sardinia’s Cagliari

assengers arriving in the Sardinian the Phoenicians who landed on the west port of Cagliari have an opportunity coast of the island between the 9th and 7th Pto take a walking tour revealing the centuries BC. secrets of the City of Sun. This half day tour Cagliari had 79 ships bringing 158,000 starts from the port with an official guide passengers in 2010 and the same number and heads to the Marina and then on to the of ships are expected next year. Silversea’s Castello quarter with a visit to Piazza Silver Spirit and Silver Wind were first Cattedrale, Bastione S. Croce and Bastione time callers in 2010 as was Celebrity St Remy, plus an optional visit to the Eclipse. archaeological excavations under the church ‘A public tender for the management of its of S. Eulalia if time permits. new cruise terminal has been issued’, Sardinia has a number of wetlands, informs Valeria Mangiarotti. consisting of lagoons and coastal marshes, which are habitats for a large number of MedCruise contact Valeria Mangiarotti: wildlife and plant species. In particular [email protected] the S. Gilla Lagoon and Molentragius Wetlands, both located near Cagliari city centre, are two of the most important stopover sites in Europe for migrating pink flamingos. In 2002 some 3,000 chick flamingos were hatched in this area, which significantly boosted the population. A chance to see these fascinating birds and other wildlife is offered in a new tour to the natural park near Poetto beach which streches for 8km outside the city. Further afield is a trip to the old Roman Theatre in Nora which lies 30km from Cagliari. This site hosts the remains of the most ancient city in Sardinia, founded by

Renassance cistern. construction is a new passenger and ferry Popular with visitors today are a tour terminal to be located in Gazenica, two miles 3,000 years of inside the church of Saint Donat and the for the city centre. Completion is scheduled for Archbishop’s Palace. An ecclesiastical art 2013 and will provide new berthing capacity history in Zadar exhibition called ‘The Gold and Silver of for international ferries and cruise ships. Zadar’ permanently housed in the monastery of the Church of St Mary, displays relics, MedCruise contact Djoni Stambuk: chalices, sculptures, paintings and [email protected] assengers arriving in Zadar can take a embroideries with variety of half day sightseeing tours golden threads, Pand quickly discover 3,000 years of produced by the rich history. nuns and depicting This beautiful city has a municipal square the region’s history. measuring 45 by 90mtr dating from the Roman The Croatian era, built from the 1st Century BC to the 3rd port received 84 Century AD. An inscription with the name of cruise ships and Augustus’ proconsul for Illyricum, Tamfil around 15,000 Vaale, carved on the well of the Forum, passengers in 2010. testifies that the complex construction was Further growth is started as early as the second decade of the 1st expected for next Century BC. year when 100 In the course of history the complex was ships and 20,000 reduced to rubble and buildings erected in passengers are earlier times were destroy. In its place Kampa projected to call. was built, a medieval square with a Currently under

11 MEDCRUISE Newsletter Issue 30 10/11/2010 12:13 Page 12

Gibraltar’s Rock and Panoramic tours a big draw

he most popular excursions for current economic crisis,' says Albert Poggio, passengers calling in Gibraltar remain United Kingdom representative of the Tthe Rock Tour and Panoramic Tour Government of Gibraltar in London. 'Cruise although amongst new tours for 2011 is a calls are predicted to be slightly down for Spanish Cooking Master Class in La Linea. this year, but even so we are expecting a rise Royal Caribbean International’s in passenger numbers, primarily due to the Adventure of the Seas will be a first time larger ships.' caller on November 1, 2011 and will be one Gibraltar for instance has seen calls from of nine newcomers to Gibraltar next year. vessels like the Independence of the Seas The Cruise Terminal will be upgraded and which carries over 5,000 passengers and expanded to allow for the increase in mega crew at a time. ships. Improvements will also be made to Gibraltar has welcomed inaugural calls the condition of the Western Arm used for from Azura, Saga Pearl II, Celebrity Eclipse, the docking of cruise ships. Seabourn Sojourn, Queen Elizabeth and MSC Splendida in 2010. New for 2011 is a Spanish Cooking Master Class in MedCruise contact Albert Poggio: [email protected] La Linea.

The current refurbishment being undertaken at Europa Point will much improve the passenger experience as they may visit this point as part of their tour. Part of the refurbishment will see new restaurants, gardens and viewing galleries across the bay to North Africa. Gibraltar has seen a progressive increase in the number of cruise passengers arriving. In 2010 over 319,000 passengers visited and next year will rise again with 183 ships and 325,582 passengers booked so far. 'Gibraltar has avoided the worst of the

desert in mainland Europe. Its unique and dramatic landscapes provided the New tours on backdrops for legendary films such as A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Indiana Almeria’s Jones and The Last Crusade, amongst others. agenda Tours of Almeria itself are proving popular as are trips to the Cabo de Gata National Park, Mojacar and the Alpujarra Mountains. Almeria is expecting to finish 2010 with lmeria, located in the easternmost 53 calls and 56,681 passengers and looking province of Andalucia, is a ahead bookings for 2011 are expected to Aconvenient port from which to visit bring a 6% growth in passenger numbers. Granada and Alhambra which is two and a This summer Ocean Village (in her final quarter hours away by bus. season in the Med before heading off to However local tour companies and ground Australia) and Eurodam made maiden handlers are working hard to increase the calls. number of excursion and tour options on Nieuw Amsterdam and Crystal Serenity, offer to cruise passengers including golf, also newcomers, are scheduled to arrive four by four vehicle adventures, before the end of the year. birdwatching, go-karting and flamenco Winter calls are steadily growing with shows. Louis Cruises’ Louis Majesty booked to call Nearby is Mini-Hollywood, an area once next month and twice in February MedCruise contact Jose Cuesta: located in the Tabernas desert, the only and Fred Olsen’s Black Watch in March. [email protected]

12 MEDCRUISE Newsletter Issue 30 10/11/2010 12:14 Page 13

Batumi’s renaissance

atumi in Georgia, located on the The city of Batumi has been under eastern shores of the Black Sea, reconstruction since 2007-08. New buildings Bfinished 2010 with 10 calls bringing and international brand hotels such as 3,127 passengers. Holland America Line’s Sheraton, Mariott, Hilton and Radisson are Prinsendam kick started being added. Older Batumi’s season with a Batumi Sea Port has worked facades and popular visit in April and the closely with the tourism squares in the city have same ship was the last been renovated. call of the season when it department of Adjara The city also boasts returned to dock 840 the second largest passengers in mid-October. Botanical Garden in the world located in This year Batumi Sea Port has worked Makhinjauri. New pathways have been closely with the tourism department of constructed so visitors can stroll and view Adjara to attract more cruise business to the the multitude of plants sourced from area in a season which currently starts in around the world. The local sea and April and finishes at the end of October. mountain climate makes it possible for a The port has a passenger terminal with variety of plants to survive in this garden. capacity for up to 180,000 passengers a year offering two berths of 220mtr in length and MedCruise contact Resan Kontselidze: 194mtr. The water depth alongside is 8.3mtr [email protected] and 11.6mtr respectively and the building is located in the city centre. Passengers visiting Batumi can stroll down the longest boulevard in Europe. Construction started in 1881 and it has been renovated and increased over the years. Together the old and new boulevard stretch 12 kilometres. The place is famous for its statues and dancing fountains and houses a number of entertainment places including restaurants from various cuisines from places like Mexico, China, Italy, Turkey, and Greece.

for a 15-20% increase next year. Seven new been sparked by the city’s hosting of the 2014 ships called at the port which can accept ships Winter Olympic Games. Sochi: A glimpse up to 200mtr in length alongside and the larger ones at anchor. MedCruise contact Konstantin Saschenko: at Stalin’s Dacha However a new cruise port is planned which [email protected] will be able to accommodate ships up to 330mtr in length and ferries up to 220mtr. he most popular tour taken in Sochi is The port will also have Joseph Stalin’s Dacha. Stalin played an a 250-room four star important role in the development of T Radisson Grand Marina Sochi as a spa resort. He oversaw the building Sochi hotel and new of some spa houses and sanatoria located in the retail facility closeby. A region. At Zelenaya Roscha meaning Green new yacht marina for Grove is the site of his former summer 200 boats will also be residence. Situated within an old park, the created in the basin of dacha was built in the 1930s and the interior the existing port. It will has been preserved as it was in Stalin’s time. be the first of its kind in The wooden floor is still intact and the Russia and will provide fireplace and in his own cinema hall there is a berthing and services for wax figure of Stalin sitting at a desk whilst he yachts from 10 to 50mtr is smoking a pipe (right). in length. Sochi seaport had 27 calls in 2010 bringing Sochi’s landmark around 13,200 passengers and expectations are waterfront revival has Stalin’s Dacha

13 MEDCRUISE Newsletter Issue 30 10/11/2010 12:14 Page 14

Lisbon: Behind the scenes at FC Benfica

matches is Eusebio, the greatest Portuguese With 308 calls and around 450,000 players of all time. passengers in 2010 Lisbon maintains its The football club’s emblem is an eagle and position as Portugal’s leading cruise port. 19 the stadium has its own, called Victoria, who new ships arrived at the port’s facilities this circles the stadium at every home match. year where a new terminal is planned to During the tour there are opportunities to be open at end 2013. Together with the existing photographed with the eagle. Santa Apolonia terminal the two buildings The visit ends with a will be served by more than walk around the pitch Visit ends with a walk 1,500mtr of berthing quay and chance to explore around the pitch and fully operational by end of the souvenir shop. On next year. the journey back to the look in shop. ship passengers can MedCruise contact Manuela enjoy a panoramic drive through Lisbon city Patricio: [email protected] centre.

ew for passengers arriving in Lisbon next year is an unforgettable treat Nfor football lovers - a tour of Estadio da Luz, home of FC Benfica and one of the most famous stadiums in Europe. Also known as the Stadium of Light, it is a symbol linked to the history of Portuguese football. The tour starts in the gallery which charts 100 years of the football club’s history and displays the trophies that the team has won over the past century. There is a visit to the presidential box, the dressing rooms, press room and players tunnel and coaching area so passengers can follow in the footsteps of great players like Figo, Ronaldo, Beckham and Rooney, to mention just a few, who played here during the Euro Championship in 2004. One of the personalities that sits in the president’s box during Benfica’s home

accessibility for disabled visitors. MedCruise contact Haluk Sayman: Oceania was the new visitor in 2010 and [email protected] Alanya’s 2011 will see ships calling from NCL, Regent Seven Seas, Swan Hellenic and heritage trail Windstar Cruises.

lanya is one of the most charming holiday resorts on the Turkish ARiviera, boasting a magnificent historical heritage. The city is visited by 2 million holidaymakers during its nine month season. Alanya’s Castle, Dockyard, Red Tower and Alarahan Caravanserai were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2009. All of these attractions can be visited by passengers arriving at Alanya Cruise port. A new marina became fully operational in June providing berths for 287 yachts plus a shopping centre, swimming pool and leisure facilities. Major improvements are being made to the city with a focus on improving

14 MEDCRUISE Newsletter Issue 30 10/11/2010 12:14 Page 15

Ocean Village bids farewell to Parks and the Med gardens theme for Sea Cloud

ea Cloud Cruises is promoting seven voyages in 2011 themed around SEuropean park and garden visits. In early and late summer, Sea Cloud II (below) will journey to the Mediterranean: departing Lisbon to Barcelona (early May 2011) and Rome to Malta (end September). Lovers of parks and gardens can enjoy a wide variety of landscaped paradises: from orange and almond tree plantations and wild flowers in bloom in the Portuguese highlands to the olive groves, vineyards and blood orange plantations of Italy. Guests can also book the pre-cruise programme in Rome from September 25-27 2011, where they have the opportunity to visit the secret gardens of the famed Villa Borghese.

The cruise for people who don’t do The first Ocean Village ship, the former cruises’ brand has said good bye to the Arcadia, set sail in 2003. In 2007, Ocean ‘Mediterranean, a summer home for the Village Two (ex AIDAblu) was added. But, past seven years. ultimately, the brand wasn’t seen to promise Ocean Village embarked in October from high growth in the Carnival portfolio. Crete on a 23-night ‘Fond Farewell’ journey Two years ago Carnival UK announced to Singapore, where the ship will be plans to phase out Ocean Village and converted into Pacific Pearl for P&O Cruises transfer the ships to P&O Australia. Ocean Australia. Village Two was transferred last year. Formed as a casual, fun sister brand to At the time, Carnival UK ceo David P&O Cruises in the UK, Ocean Village was Dingle credited Ocean Village with doing aimed at a more youthful market. It enticed much to change the face of British cruising, younger couples, singles and families with adding: ‘All our UK brands have benefited children to try a sea-going holiday. from this.’

Royal Caribbean stimulates Brits love affair with Spain

oyal Caribbean International is For UK and Ireland guests, booking trends scheduled for bumper Spanish indicate that a majority also add a land stay Rdeployment in 2011 with five ships set in the popular Costa del Sol region, he to sail from Barcelona, Malaga and Palma de remarked. Mallorca during the year. 'Barcelona has long been a popular This summer RCI carried 30,000 cruisers homeport for Royal Caribbean International on itineraries departing from Malaga, 40% of and we have enjoyed significant growth in who came from the UK and Ireland, 'making the UK for take up of cruises offered from Spain the third most popular cruise Malaga since 2009. To continue to stimulate departure port for UK and Ireland the British holidaymaker’s love affair with travellers,' said Dominic Paul, managing Spain, new for summer 2011 we have director for Royal in the UK and Ireland. introduced cruises from Palma de Mallorca In 2011, the total Malaga figure is forecast for the first time. These cruises are also to hit 77,000 guests, he commented during a delivering pre- and post-cruise land stays – press conference held onboard Malaga-based this is fantastic for the Spanish hoteliers ship Adventure of the Seas and hosted by the and the Spanish tourist industry in general,' Provincial de Turismo of the Costa del Sol. said Paul.

15 MEDCRUISE Newsletter Issue 30 10/11/2010 12:14 Page 16 MedCruise News Bringing the Med together December 2010 | Issue 30 MedCruise World Trade Center, Latest Cunarder heads for the Med Edifici Est, 3a Planta 08039 Barcelona, Spain Tel: +34 93 306 88 00 ext 7358 Fax: +34 93 306 88 17 Guards and Scots Guards marched and [email protected] played along the quayside in front of the José Campos, Secretary General ship as the Queen took her seat in the royal box with Carnival Corp. & plc chairman MEDCRUISE MEMBERS and ceo Micky Arison. Alanya ASSOCIATE One of the first places Queen Elizabeth Alicante MEMBERS headed for was the Mediterreanean, Almeria European Cruise Council including a big welcome in Gibraltar last Azores Turisme de Barcelona month. Balearic Islands Barcelona - Barcelona Bari Afrimar Tunisia - Tunisia Batumi Burgas Agena Tramp - Sète ritish pomp and ceremony was the Cagliari Aloschi & Bassani order of the day as Queen Elizabeth Cartagena - Venice was named in Southampton in Castellon BC Tours & Shipping B Ceuta October. Guests took their seats in a - Barcelona Civitavecchia specially-built grandstand on the quayside Constantza Cemar - Genoa to listen to a classical music extravaganza Cypriot ports Hugo Trumpy srl from the Bournemouth Symphony Dubrovnik, Korcula - Genoa Orchestra and Chorus. Egyptian ports Inflot World Wide French Riviera ports Meanwhile, live footage of Her Majesty Genoa - Sochi the Queen on a guided tour of her namesake Gibraltar Intercruises Shoreside Cunarder was beamed onto two large Koper & Port Services screens. During the tour with Capt. Chris La Spezia - Barcelona Wells and Cunard president and md Peter Lattakia KaravanMar Cruise Lisbon Shanks came an amusing moment when the Livorno Services - Alanya Queen pushed the ship's horn whilst Madeira ports Karpaten Turism Srl surrounded by the officers on the bridge. Malaga - Constantza The massed bands of the Coldstream Marseille MH Bland - Gibraltar Messina Mirco Santi srl - Venice Monaco Motril-Granada Navlomar maritime IDAbella pulled a water skier for six Naples - Constantza AIDAbella sets minutes and 25 seconds, at a speed of North Sardinian ports Olive Branch Tours A14 knots, setting a Guinness world Odessa - Morocco Palamos record, according to AIDA Cruises. P&B Agencies - Barcelona Capt. Josef Husmann was in command Palermo Guinness world Portoferraio Plaisant & Co. Ship when Jan Schwiderek, a reporter for the Ravenna Agency SRL - Cagliari television show ‘Galileo,’ was towed off the Rijeka Samer & Co. Shipping Sete record Spanish coast in the Bay of Alicante as - Trieste passengers lined the rails. A Guinness official Sevastopol Sibenik Select Black Sea Ltd was on hand to certify the record. Sinop - Odessa Sochi Top Class European Split Cruise Services Tarragona Toulon-Var-Provence - Monaco Theodosia Transcoma cruise & Trieste travel - Barcelona Tunisian ports Tura Turizm Valencia Valletta - Sinop Venice Volos Zadar

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