Spring 2010 CRUISE

LEAD STORY Will regulation halt growth? ARISON Not afraid of the F* word...FUN FOSCHI Warns of over-capacity VAGO Finds audience for his views on ports PIMENTAL Immerses himself in Azamara WATSON Goes for off-track experiences SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Academics and passengers disagree NICHE OPERATORS Can older ships survive higher operating costs? AWARDS Results of the 2009 Ports and Destinations survey Contents Dream World Cruise Destinations Spring 2010 3

21 Will regulation stop growth?

35 Arison not afraid to use the F* word ... FUN 80 US regulatory environment 82 Dwell time is money

1 Foreword 51 Vago finds audience for his views Sustainable Tourism Chris Ashcroft on ports 70 Sustainable tourism experts By Tony Peisley 8 Making a Splash loathe St Maarten while cruise Cruise, port and destination news 59 Pimental immerses himself in passengers love it. Who is right? Azamara By Chris Ashcroft Lead Story By Tony Peisley 75 Awards 21 Will regulation halt growth? 67 Off-track experiences the Results of the ports and destinations survey Regulation is changing the seascape Silversea aim of cruise operations. Higher fuel costs Regulatory Environment Bespoke shore experiences are and increased taxes are no longer increasingly popular with luxury 80 US regulatory environment simply a bottom line issue for cruise cruise clients – and that’s good news Theresa Baine talks to Michael companies, reports Tony Peisley: they for suppliers, as Silversea COO Ken Crye and Ted Thomson of Cruise will affect ports and destinations, too. Watson tells Maria Harding. Lines International Association about Million Dollar Passenger Bands regulatory conditions in America – 69 P&O to reverse key element in and how they fit in with the direction 35 Arison not afraid to use the marketing strategy of European regulation. F* word ... FUN Fans of ‘Britain at sea’-style P&O Cruises By Tony Peisley are eagerly awaiting the summer 2011 Terminals debut of the line’s smallest ship to date, Executive Interviews 82 Dwell time is money the 30,277 ton, 712-passenger Adonia. Passengers’ dwell time behaviour 43 Foschi warns of over-capacity By Maria Harding. at airports and railway stations can Over-capacity could become a real create an opportunity for cruise issue in South America and Dubai terminal operators to boost revenue – two of the fastest-growing cruise by giving passengers an attractive regions – according to Costa Cruises retail proposition, as consultant Nigel Chairman and CEO Pier Luigi Foschi. Dolby tells Maria Harding.

For copies of current and previous articles or more information go to www.ashcroftandassociates.com Contents Dream World Cruise Destinations Spring 2010 5

86 Are port associations worthwhile? 102 ‘Fam’ trips: Do they deliver?

108 Destinations can learn from ‘desert islands’ 118 North American cruise port developments 124 Asia cruising: More ups than downs

Port Associations Destinations: Groups Ashore Ports 86 Are port associations worthwhile? 106 Time ashore for groups 114 Port welcome: Making the most There has been a proliferation of port Group bookings are big business for out of cruise visitors associations set up over the past few cruise lines – what is the opportunity Tony Peisley reports from the Baltic years, with varying objectives. Are for destinations and shore excursion aboard RSSC’s Seven Seas Voyager they providing a worthwhile service? companies? Maria Harding reports. in the second of our ‘hands on’ Susan Parker reports. regional cruise reviews. Destinations: Innovations Niche Operations Port Development 108 Destinations can learn from 90 Can older ships survive higher ‘desert islands’ trends 118 North American cruise port operating costs? ‘Beach and barbie’ chill-out days developments By Tony Peisley on the ‘private islands’ featured Regional Reports on Caribbean cruise schedules Caribbean: Passenger Satisfaction Survey consistently attract top ratings 120 Can Australians fill extra capacity? 96 The million-passenger cruise in terms of passenger approval. 124 Asia cruising: More ups than downs destinations are rated best So how can shoreside attraction Don’t Get Me Started Caribbean: Economic Impact Report owners in other destinations – like the Mediterranean – boost cruise 128 Controversial Labadee calls 99 Passenger spending holds firm tourism earnings by replicating the provoke moral debate while crew spending soars laid-back experiences these islands DWCD’s Tony Peisley takes another Destinations: Fam Trips offer? Maria Harding investigates. look at how the consumer media has been covering the cruise 102 ‘Fam’ trips: Do they deliver? 111 That’s entertainment… industry – this time focusing on the Increasing numbers of ports and Cruise lines are increasingly moving aftermath of January’s devastating cruise clubs are using fam trips as to ditch traditional ‘fishnets ’n’ earthquake in Haiti. part of their promotional armoury. feathers’ cruise shows in favour Susan Parker finds out the reasons of snazzier entertainment more for their popularity, and whether the relevant to today’s interactive effort is rewarded. multimedia and reality TV-savvy cruise travellers. What are the latest trends, and how can shoreside entertainment attractions get in on the act? Maria Harding reports.

For copies of current and previous articles or more information go to www.ashcroftandassociates.com Making a Splash Dream World Cruise Destinations Spring 2010 17

The Red Sea port of Aqaba has plans for a new port to support its aim of doubling the number of cruise calls to 200. ‘Gateways of the Sea’ project awarded prize The Port of Ponta Delgada’s Gateways of the Sea development, which includes the new cruise terminal, has been awarded 1st Prize for ‘New Public Projects’ by Turismo de Portugal, the central public authority for Tourism. This award is seen by the Azorean government as recognition of its commitment to developing tourism in Norwegian fjords are rated best general and cruise tourism in particular. Hurtigruten reaches out National Geographic Traveler has published Gaspe Peninsular area of Quebec together to the Arctic its most recent survey of the performance with South Island, New Zealand. Slovenia is Hurtigruten is offering itineraries this of destinations based on their sustainability in equal sixth place with Spain’s medieval year on board its expedition ship MS and stewardship. The survey – mainly Grenada and the Alhambra. The Highlands Fam which allows passengers to involving specific areas, regions or countries of Scotland is placed tenth with a score visit research stations, track wildlife, in some cases – scores the Fjords region of of 77 and Portugal’s Douro Valley scored participate in field studies and meet Norway top of the 22 destinations placed 76, as did Wales. One point below these with some of the field’s top research scientists. Highlights include Norway’s in the highest category named ‘Best Rated were Bruges’ Historic centre, Corsica and Tromso, Honningsvag, North Cape, Places’ with a score of 85. In third is the Brittany. Gjesvaerstappen and Spitsbergen. RCI, NCL, Carnival and Europe’s Museum of the Year Disney go head-to-head The announcement by Royal Caribbean The Museum of Portimão, inaugurated in community’s past. And the museum is International (RCI) that the company intends 2008, was recognised by the Council of located just a short walk from Portimão to deploy Liberty of the Seas to Barcelona Europe this year as the Museum of the Cruise Terminal and the city’s bustling for a summer season next year will place it Year. The museum captures the city’s rich commercial and leisure zone. Portimão is head to head with Norwegian Epic, Carnival cultural heritage through an impressive ideally located at the far south-western Magic and Disney Magic. RCI make a display of artefacts and exhibits cleverly tip of Europe and is now a popular call habit of going head-to-head and clearly housed in a former fish canning factory for cruise ships sailing between northern see rich pickings there. – to provide a fascinating glimpse into the Europe and the Mediterranean. Indonesian ports set for 44% growth Oceania Cruises announces inaugural During the 2010 calendar year a total of 203 cruise ship calls have been Marina scheduled to Indonesian ports. This itineraries for represents an increase of 44% compared to 2009. The major beneficiaries are the Oceania Cruises has unveiled the inaugural return voyage to the east coast takes in ports of Nusa Tenggara with 74 calls itineraries for its new flagship, Marina, San Diego and Cayman Islands before projected (80% growth) and the port of which begins cruising at the end of a Caribbean offer which includes British Sulawesi with 23 calls (109% growth). January 2011. After a maiden voyage Virgin Island, St. Barts, Dominica, St. Lucia Bali with 43 scheduled calls (up 39%) which sees her cross the Atlantic to Miami, and Grand Turk. A short cruise up the and Java’s 35 calls (up 9%) are the other Marina will transit the Panama Canal and eastern starboard is next with visits to destinations which contribute the most to head to Los Angeles and San Francisco Charleston and Savannah before arriving the country’s cruise tourism. P&O Cruises, via Cartagena Colombia, Puntarenas for an overnight stay in New York. Marina Costa Cruises and Princess Cruises Costa Rica, and the Mexican ports of then returns to Europe via Bermuda and will between them bring over 80,000 Puerto Chiapas and Cabo San Lucas. The Funchal, Madeira for its summer season. passengers to Indonesia’s ports. Cabo San Lucas, on Mexico’s SAVE THE DATE ECC 2010 Conference Pacific coast, plans to build a dock to 14 SEPTEMBER • BRUSSELS • Register online at www.ashcroftandassociates.com replace its tender service. Executive Interview Dream World Cruise Destinations Spring 2010 23 increasing extent of the regulations of both Mexico and the Bahamas being regarding the use of the much more incorporated into that North America ECA. expensive low-sulphur fuel (marine gas oil Dingle pointed out that cruising is far or MGO) in order to reduce the impact of from being the only shipping industry sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions. sector concerned, in particular, by the In the Emissions Control Areas (ECAs) developing European regulation situation. of the Baltic and North Sea, the allowed “Ferry companies are fighting against sulphur content of fuel used by ships will some of the proposed limits because they drop from a maximum of 1.5% to 1% this believe they will create an inter-modal shift July, and then to 0.1% in 2015. in the traffic from ferries to road haulage, The fuel maximum for ships in EU ports because the land transport cost will not (docked or anchored off) has already fallen be similarly inflated by such onerous to 0.1% from the beginning of this year. emissions controls. The requirement at sea within the EU is a “This, of course, would lead to higher maximum of 1.5% for passenger vessels ‘on rather than lower SOx emissions, which is regular service’ – something which the cruise hardly in line with the EU’s Motorways of industry claims does not apply to its vessels, the Seas policy initiative.” but the interpretation has been left up to The reality, though, is that this emissions each EU member nation. control trend is a juggernaut that is unlikely The proposed North America ECA, to be brought to a halt. So, while still which – if approved this month (March) – lobbying for more helpful regulation going will extend 200 nautical miles from the forward, the cruise industry has to prepare US and Canadian coastlines excluding to change some of its ways. This includes foreign territorial waters, the Arctic Circle, the itinerary-planning equation, especially Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands in the within Europe. Caribbean, the Western Alaska Aleutian The escalating cost of fuel in recent chain and Pacific island territories, including years has already made cruise speed a the eight larger Hawaiian islands. It will start key element, which needs to be taken into in 2012 with a sulphur in fuel maximum of account far more than in the past – despite 1%, dropping to 0.1% in 2015. the fact that companies are now using The International Maritime Organisation every technological measure to improve global requirement will – subject to review in the energy efficiency of their ships. 2018 – be for a 0.5% maximum from 2020. “With the 0.1% limit when in port, our “At 0.5%, we can still use residual fuel; costs there are also going up so staying but 0.1% means MGO, which is roughly longer at destinations is not really the double the price,” said Dingle. “The ECAs answer,” Dingle said. “The two options we will, therefore, become significantly more have if we want to ensure cost-effective expensive regions in which to cruise.” There itineraries are either cruising closer to has even been talk of the limit falling as low home, or slowing the ships down and/or as 0.001% further down the line. reducing the number of ports.” Earlier this year Carnival Corporation Here he was talking primarily about estimated the North America ECA would transatlantic crossings and cruises out of initially add US$50–70 million to its annual the UK which, he said, had been gradually fuel costs, with the existing Baltic and North adding ports to 14/16-day itineraries. These Sea ECAs already having a similar impact. would have to start shedding a few. That total US$100–130 million impact “It will be the same for all of us,” he said. is not described as being significant in “So there will be no fear of putting your the context of the group’s overall costs; brand at a competitive disadvantage.” but this is only the beginning, with those Carnival Corporation Chairman and CEO Arison: Cunard has sulphur limits all scheduled to be further Micky Arison agreed that the requirement trialled seven-day reduced in the future. for this kind of itinerary changing would transatlantics, and “I can see Canada/New England cruises depend on the region and the operator. being significantly affected by a North “Cunard has trialled seven-day these will become the America ECA, but the Caribbean should transatlantics, and these will become norm. This will be a major hardly be affected – unless the region the norm,” he said. “This will be a major change, but one that goes down its own ECA route. Even ships change, but one that means a much means a much greener homeporting in US ports do most of their greener as well as a lower-cost operation. Caribbean cruising outside the proposed “For other brands, there may be as well as a lower-cost ECA area.” There is, though, a possibility occasions in some parts of the world operation.” Lead story Dream World Cruise Destinations Spring 2010 25 where they reduce the number of ports; us on a seven-day cruise as they reduce but mostly not, I think. It will just take better the number of ports offered and therefore, planning. After all, we have the original potentially, the appeal of the cruise. They Seabourn Cruises ships which cannot also reduce the on-board revenue. travel at more than 14 knots anyway but, “We used to have four ships although slower than most other ships, (seasonally) in New England/Canada but they have always been able to offer full we have gradually reduced so that, next and very interesting itineraries.” year, we will have just one. Again, this There is no doubt, though, that the fuel is partly driven by fuel cost; but it also issue is creating a sea-change in the part of our brand strategy to have fewer way itinerary-planning is approached by different deployments within a year for all cruise companies. Celebrity Cruises an individual ship. President and CEO Dan Hanrahan spelt “New England/Canada is a short season, it out: “When I joined the company 11 so the crew and the travel trade have just years ago, I cannot remember being at got used to a ship being there when it Hanrahan: There a deployment or itinerary meeting and leaves. is no doubt that the fuel ever being mentioned. Now it is an “It is more difficult and costly to market spread of ECAs is important part of the decision. different deployments within a year, and “It certainly does not – and will not – it is also easier to maintain a high quality making it more difficult to dictate deployments, but it will influence on-board experience when on the same plan deployments ahead.” them and the individual itineraries. It is now rotation. We are really talking about a a balance between reducing fuel cost return to our roots – we started out by just and delivering cruises that people want operating year-round from Miami.” to book, and there is no doubt that the MSC Cruises CEO Pierfrancesco Vago spread of ECAs is making it more difficult takes a more pragmatic line on the fuel to plan deployments ahead. question. “We have to switch to low- “This is why finding a technological sulphur if we stay longer than two hours solution to reducing or removing emissions in port, so there is no real option there. is currently our industry’s holy grail.” Itineraries are dictated by distances Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Executive between ports and speeds, so I do not see Vice President Marketing, Sales and us dropping ports to save fuel.” Passenger Services Andy Stuart said: “Fuel The cruise industry has long benefited costs are going up anyway, even apart from its ability to turn a negative into a from the sulphur issue, and this is bound positive, and already some of its more to play a big part in deployments and creative operators are using the fuel issue itineraries from now on. to create an edge for themselves in the “When we introduced our innovative marketplace. winter Caribbean programme out of New When he was parachuted in to relaunch York, we did not really think about fuel Azamara Cruises, new President and too much – now it is a major issue. Also, CEO Larry Pimental did not settle for our decision to switch the base port for just changing its name (to Azamara Baltic cruises next year from Dover to Club Cruises). He decided to change its Copenhagen is primarily – although not itineraries to include longer port stays (see exclusively – fuel-driven. interview with Larry Pimental on page 59). “It cuts down on the distance travelled This is being marketed as “destination and the speed required, but it also means immersion” to appeal to those travellers we can offer nine-night rather than who have previously complained that 12-night flycruises. It saves on fuel but we cruise calls are never long enough for also believe we are more of a one-week passengers to get a proper feel for the cruise line. We are in the mass market place being visited. where – particularly in North America – But Pimental admitted that this was once you start offering vacations of more not solely a marketing-based decision. Stuart: Our decision than a week the market potential drops “It was definitely also driven by fuel cost to switch the base sharply. concerns,” he said. “We are part of a major port for Baltic “The fact is – even in this new situation corporation (RCCL) which is looking at cost cruises next year from – we still have to weigh fuel against the control throughout its operations. passenger experience and our ability to “Having fallen back a year ago, fuel Dover to Copenhagen is market the cruise itinerary. costs are rising again and, although it is primarily – although not “Similarly, port overnights work against difficult to be certain, it does seem likely to exclusively – fuel-driven.”

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2009AWARDSDream World Cruise Destinations

Most Improved Port Facilities Most Efficient Port Services Best Port Welcome The most relevant improvement to; Most efficient combination of pilotage, port The best welcome to passengers fenders, pier, or berth; or to infrastructure; agency services, customs clearance and coming ashore. or parking spaces. good working relations with the operations departments of cruise lines. Winner Winner Winner Civitavecchia, Italy Barcelona, Spain Dos Bocas, Mexico Limassol, Cyprus Helsinki, Finland Guadeloupe Malaga, Spain Kiel, Germany Nagasaki, Japan Shanghai, China La Romana, Dominican Republic Saguenay, Canada St. Petersburg, Russia Muscat, Oman St.Thomas, USVI Port Everglades, USA Rotterdam, The Netherlands Vancouver, Canada

Most Responsive Port Best Turnaround Port Operations Most Improved Terminal Facilities The port with a cruise team that responds Port with the best berths, terminal or Most improved terminal whether through quickly to requests for information, and covered passenger facility, efficient construction of new building or as a finds solutions to the challenges and services such as security; customs; result of refurbishment delivering: new demands of the cruise lines. baggage handling communications; technology, bonded baggage services, or Winner passenger services; link with the airport; improvements to security, communications, logistics capability; stevedoring; storage; or services to the passenger. Auckland, New Zealand ship services including provision of fresh Barcelona, Spain water and disposal of waste. Hong Kong Winner Winner Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain Barcelona, Spain Amsterdam, The Netherlands St.Maarten Dubai, UAE Barcelona, Spain Stockholm, Sweden Hong Kong, China Dubai, UAE Kiel, Germany Port Everglades, USA Montreal, Canada Port Luis, Mauritius Palma de Mallorca, Spain St.Petersburg, Russia Port Everglades, USA Shanghai, China Southampton, UK Awards Dream World Cruise Destinations Spring 2010 77

Most Efficient Terminal Operator Most Improved Destination Best Turnaround Destination Most efficiently managed and operated Improvement to tourism product and/ The best combination of airlift and airport terminal. or infrastructure; eg city/town centre capacity, transport links (road/rail), ground landscaping; traffic flow; provision of handling, hotel stock, tourism appeal, and transport; access to tourism information; seamless transfers to seaport. Winner new attractions/experiences. Winner

Barcelona, Spain Hamburg, Germany Dubai,UAE La Romana, Dominican Republic Kiel, Germany Winner Montreal, Canada Kobe, Japan Acapulco, Mexico Palma de Mallorca, Spain Vancouver, Canada Dubrovnik,Croatia Singapore Klaipeda, Lithuania Muscat, Oman

Best Destination Experience (Independent) Best Destination Experience (Organised) Destination where the quality of the Destination where the quality and delivery experience derives from passengers of the product includes an organised tour making their own arrangements for their booked through the cruise line. time ashore.

Winner Winner Barcelona, Spain Aqaba, Jordan Copenhagen, Denmark Bangkok, Thailand Limon, Costa Rica Charleston, USA New York, USA Cozumel, Mexico Quebec, Canada Koper, Slovenia Singapore Kotor, Montenegro St. Maarten Limon, Costa Rica Tallinn, Estonia Norwegian fjords Venice, Italy Rome, Italy Willemstad, Curacao St. Petersburg, Russia Awards 78 Dream World Cruise Destinations Spring 2010

2009AWARDSDream World Cruise Destinations

Service Companies Companies recognised for outstanding service to passengers, crew or ships.

Commendations Aaragon Tours, UK McKay Shipping, New Zealand AAT, West USA and Hawaii Norway Cruise Handling Alexander Parrish, Antigua Operator Elite, Montenegro & Croatia Isles Aquila Tours, Saint John, NB, Canada Petra Tours, Egypt Arctur Travel, St. Petersburg, Russia Port Authority of St. Maarten Arctur, St. Petersburg, Russia Port of Kiel, Germany Atlas Travel, Slovenia Rais Hassan Saadi, Dubai, UAE Aviomar, Mexico San Juan Garbage Collector, Puerto Rico CCS, Jamaica Santos Garbage Service Provider Central Romana, Dominican Republic Savona Garbage Collector, S.V. Portservice Cruise Line Agency, Alaska SEA Tours, Bangkok, Thailand DDP Incentives, Italian Riviera SeaSong Tours, Turkey Elite Travel, Dubrovnik Serene Holidays, Mumbai, India European Cruise Service, Norway Shore Tours, Lisbon, Portugal FK Warren, Montreal, Canada Shorex, Costa Rica Go Vacation, Bangkok, Thailand Specialized Travel Services, Ireland Helsinki Grey Waters Collector, Finland Trumpy Tours, Italy Intercruises Shoreside and Port Services Viet Excursions, Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam Lima Tours, Chile Walker Tours, Sri Lanka LSS, Helsinki, Finland Zaatarah Tours and Travel, Jordan Awards Dream World Cruise Destinations Spring 2010 79

Best Attraction Experience Best New Attraction Destination with Best Tour Guides The best combination of product and The best new development/product. Destination where the quality and friendly, professional staff and efficient professionalism of guides is organisation. considered outstanding. Commendations Commendations Commendations Ariau Towers, Amazon, Brazil Gatun Eco Adventure Center, Colon Barcelona, Spain Boatride, Icefjord, Greenland Oceanarium, Lisbon Charleston, USA Boatride, Lagoons, Bora Bora Rainforest Sky Rides, Jamaica Dublin, Republic of Ireland Canyoning, Costa Rica River Tubing, Dominica Puerto Limon, Costa Rica Capri, Italy Segway Experience, Lisbon Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada Catamaran & Turtle, Barbados Special Vesuvius Tour, Naples St Petersburg, Russia Chichen Itza, Mexico Stingray and Shark Encounter, French Walvis Bay, Namibia City Walks, Valletta Polynesia CityTour Kotor, Montenegro Tea Time, Emirates Palace, UAE Cliffdivers, Acapulco Whale Watching, Reyjavik Dolphin Cove, Cayman Islands Flaam Railways, Norway Helicopter flight to Ile d'Orleans, Quebec Moorea Boat Tours, French Polynesia Pyramids of Guimar, Santa Cruz de Tenerife Seawings, Dubai, UAE Post Associations 86 Dream World Cruise Destinations Spring 2010 Are port associations worthwhile?

There has been a proliferation of port associations set up over the past few years, with varying objectives. Are they providing a worthwhile service? Susan Parker reports.

he cruise lines have long been we have members who are members of have increased the visibility of the region saying that port associations are an more than one cruise association. It is a dramatically,” says the proactive Larsen, Teffective way of doing business, very, very healthy experience to go out to and there is no doubt that this is true. and the message has taken hold. However destination A and explain why we are up Certainly there are associations which the world is a patchwork of different to ten times more expensive than another are more pro-active than others – and associations, and associations within association.” it’s not rocket science to see that, on the associations, which at times is confusing. He is aware that, when it comes to whole, those with dedicated managers For example there are something like 11 budgets, some ports may find it “easier to achieve more. However when requesting different networks operating in the same get rid of the most expensive one in the information the rapid response and region as Cruise Europe, with many of the short term”. But, he cautions, “you don’t get comprehensive data received from most ports being members of more than one any business from just being there [in an of those targeted was impressive, although association. association].” there were a few notable exceptions. Disney Cruise Line Port, Security Constant innovation is the key to Seabourn Cruise Line Itinerary Planning Operations and Maritime Affairs Director & Development Director Peter Cox, who Russell Daya has been actively involved Trepanier: We has years of experience in this field, says: with – and has praise for – both Cruise “Port associations, at least those in Europe, Baltic and Cruise Norway when planning need to show the have become increasingly efficient and the new Baltic itineraries for Disney. “I think places and light the professional in their dealings with the cruise there is no harm in another group of ports fire of interest – that is lines, and are willing to listen to our needs getting together, because they are really part of our responsibility.” in trying to balance the ports’ and cruise getting down to the details of the smaller lines’ interests – which are not always ports,” he says. “Sub organisations can equal. A rapidly growing cruise industry, complement the bigger ones.” He adds keeping members, says Larsen, as well with ever increasing ship sizes, puts that for a company going cold into an as being able to explain the return on enormous pressure on ports. Varying local area, having a one-stop shop is extremely investment. The old adage ‘you get what and regional political and social sensitivities helpful and time-saving. MedCruise too was you pay for’ rings true here. The three and an ever more complex operating “very proactive” when the company was annual steering group meetings get environment should make the associations planning itineraries in the Mediterranean. 90% attendance. Pursuing environmental even more important in the future to the From an association point of view, the solutions in the Baltic Sea has been key cruise industry.” myriad associations has its challenges in every meeting, and also organising In his eyes “The most successful port too. Bo Larsen, Director of Cruise Baltic (27 the ‘green ship visits’ in 2009. Common associations are Cruise Baltic, Cruise ports, ten countries) says: “We can feel that service standards have been implemented Norway and MedCruise.” He adds: “The we are under more pressure to give value across the region, which has grown by efficiency and success of several more and get return on investment, because one million passengers since 2004. “We recent alliances in the UK and Atlantic Post Associations Dream World Cruise Destinations Spring 2010 87

nearly 300 cruise visits at ten members Larsen: It is a ports in 2010. Its newest deep draught port, Rockland, was inaugurated by Royal very, very healthy Caribbean International (RCI)’s Jewel of experience to go the Seas in 2009. “My work with Diane out to destination A and Block and the itinerary development explain why we are up to team definitely helped to move along the communities’ goals, and helped them ten times more expensive to achieve hosting Jewel,” says Powers. than another association.” The association is now working hard to push Eastport for adventure lines, with CruiseWest visiting this year. Powers has also done some waste stream management tours on Holland America Line and RCI ships, and is now focusing on fam trips to the less-well-known ports. The mission of Cruise Atlantic Canada (CAC) is to nurture, grow and develop the port infrastructure and destination experiences in line with cruise line needs – and judging by the growth in the region in recent years it is getting it right. The number of passengers visiting has almost doubled in six years to 800,000 in 2009, and the economic impact has increased Europe remains to be seen. It is regrettable from C$26.7 (US$25.6 million) to C$80 that the St Lawrence, Canada and New million (US$76.7 million), stresses CAC England associations are not united in Marketing Manager Berni Wood. a common regional association. The Cruise Norway is an example of a cruise associations in South America, the Indian association that is “firing on all cylinders” Ocean and Asia seem to be having a according to Holland America Line difficult time establishing themselves and Deployment & Itinerary Planning Manager becoming relevant.” Timothy Littley. “Their excellent publication It is not a common association, but a and website make it easy for me to look Canada New England Cruise Symposium up a (new) port, and lowers the threshold is held annually at which visiting executives for including said port in an itinerary,” he and ports came together to learn from says. “Aside from that the leadership is each other, tackle issues and forge new very pro-active and has established a great ways forward to grow the entire region in working relationship with the industry.” He the most successful way. It has certainly also cites Cruise the St Lawrence, Cruise worked hard and successfully in recent Baltic and Destination South West, UK, as years to put itself on the cruise map. “really setting the standard”, adding: “Their Rene Trepanier, Executive Director of accessible and informational websites Cruise the St Lawrence – which offers speak for themselves.” one voice representing nine ports on the Having completed four days as an Canadian river, says that branding the instructor on a MedCruise Association destination, rather than listing individual port development course that included ports, as well as working with relevant 50 ports this February, Princess Cruises partners has contributed to the rise in calls Shore Excursions & Port Operations Vice in the region. President Bruce Krumrine – who is actively Krumrine: The CruiseMaineUSA and Cruise Atlantic involved with many cruise associations associations provide Canada are also part of the symposium, including MedCruise, Cruise Europe, China along with Massport Boston and New Cruise and Yacht Industry Association an important and York City. Amy Powers, founder of and Cruise Down Under – said: “The constructive forum for CruiseMaineUSA, comments: “Working associations provide an important and both ports and the cruise closely together shows our dedication to constructive forum for both ports and the lines, resulting in a better the success of the region wholly, not just cruise lines, resulting in a better mutual the success of our own association.” understanding and closer cooperation.” mutual understanding and As far as Maine is concerned it will host MedCruise has now put on two port closer cooperation.” Post Associations 88 Dream World Cruise Destinations Spring 2010 Mehta: The development courses for its members, She says that the chance to meet many bringing in speakers from cruise lines, ports at the same time is invaluable, and least effective the EU and others to help its members less time-consuming than seeing individual associations are the understand the needs of the cruise lines ports at an office – which is also more ones that try to cover too and to encourage dialogue between all expensive for the ports. many ports over a number parties. Cruise Europe’s annual general meeting Silversea Cruises Associate Vice provides an opportunity for cruise lines of regions.” President Air & Land Programs Darius to meet people from many of the 102 Mehta says that the most effective member ports and give their opinions on associations are those that not only needs and wishes when their ships visit include the local development office but the destination, explains Cruise Europe also the port authorities, all working as a executive Vibeke Jorgensen. team to promote cruise. This is echoed Some of the associations are actively by many cruise executives, and certainly working together with the industry to there are many ports that have got their solve local problems. Cruise Norway (CN), own networks ensuring that the whole for example, had a close cooperation community is working together to make with the European Cruise Council, the cruise a success. Passenger Shipping Association and the Mehta is a little wary of associations Norwegian government during the NOx suggesting itineraries as “they invariably fund negotiations, says Managing Director want to include association ports which Wenche Nygard. There are also quality tend to be in closer proximity”. He also guidelines that members must adhere thinks “The least effective associations to. Right now CN is working on an early are the ones that try to cover too many warning system so that cruise lines will be ports over a number of regions.” He has able to search three years ahead on ports, a special plea for the UK “to get their act days and weeks. together and come up with an effective And what of the value of an association organisation”. Certainly work is being done to a port? As the self-confessed ‘new kid in this respect, with cruiseBritain, having on the block’, Bodø says CN’s collaboration recently agreed a constitution, now working as it set itself up as a new cruise port has on a handbook. The plan is to concentrate been invaluable. In addition the association more on networking events and raising has introduced the port to representatives awareness in 2010. for cruise lines, agents and media – “Important benefits the associations which would have taken several years create for the cruise lines,” says Seabourn’s to accomplish on their own. It has also Cox, “are their efforts to promote and provided them with bona-fide cruise ship share best practices between the well bookings through their sales meetings with established and new, less experienced cruise lines. CN workshops and seminars members, while their efforts to grow their have helped them in their knowledge of membership help the development of new the industry. ports of call, especially in the increasingly There is no doubt that ports, particularly congested Mediterranean and Northern the lesser-known ones, have received calls Europe.” thanks to membership of an association Many comment on the value of fam which has helped to give them a profile trips. “The ability of cruise associations to amongst the cruise lines – and also the host fam trips and site inspections to a knowledge to deliver a product. Narvik in selection of multiple ports is an additional Norway, for example, has gone from zero De Nardo: At this advantage,” says Littley. “It will maximise calls in 2006–2008 to seven this year. time of financial the effectiveness of the trip and increases The Atlantic Alliance was set up two years crisis, when no participation.” ago to offer a new cruise destination to the budgets are dedicated Being able to meet lots of ports in industry, and Chairman Dirk Moldenhauer one place is a real bonus for busy says that the region has already attracted to visiting ports unless cruise executives, as Costa Cruises Port AIDA Cruises to sail year round from it is really necessary, Operations Manager, Marine Operations Hamburg to the English Channel from attending meetings/ Elisabetta De Nardo explains. “At this time February 2010. AIDA Senior Vice President assemblies of port of financial crisis, when no budgets are Michael Ungerer backs this up when he dedicated to visiting ports unless it is really says: “The Atlantic Alliance is a perfect associations is doubly necessary, attending meetings/assemblies example of how an innovative idea can be important.” of port associations is doubly important.” packaged and marketed as a new product.” Post Associations Dream World Cruise Destinations Spring 2010 89

development and both state and Ungerer: The WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST Atlantic Alliance federal government interaction for future planning projects, according IMPORTANT THING THAT YOU is a perfect to General Manager Jill Abel. The DO FOR THE CRUISE LINES? association publishes an annual example of how an Atlantic Alliance: Presenting the ports as a new economic impact study and works innovative idea can destination attractive enough to engage and with Qantas to increase the focus employ more ships in the region, even homeporting be packaged and of shipping in the region. CDU has here. marketed as a new assisted in the development of product.” round-Australia cruising, with an Bothnia Cruise Ports: Keep them informed about extended season, as well increasing each destinations’ various product developments, Cruise Wales, which has been port calls, says Abel. and new events coming up. working alongside the Welsh Indonesia is an archipelago of Cruise Atlantic Canada: Working in partnership with Assembly, Visit Wales and 17,500 islands with three marquee cruise lines. We believe in joint partnerships, both in International Business Wales, has destinations and 62 others being marketing and in training their reservation agents to played a major part in bringing 21 visited by cruise ships in 2010. The sell our product. calls and 12,529 passengers to Minister of Culture and Tourism Cruise Baltic: We react fast on requests from Wales in 2010 compared to 11 calls (MOCT) works with the cruise industry cruise lines on behalf of a whole region and not and 5,445 passengers last year, to understand their needs and future just a few ports, which are always recognised by explains Sue Blanchard-Williams of planning, and also with other cruise all cruise lines we deal with. its secretariat. destinations to understand better Cruise Down Under: Provide a one-stop shop Recognising the calls for new how to develop successfully, says for all cruise-related questions on destinations, cruising areas, Bothnia Cruise consultant Hugues Lamy. It is also port facilities, personnel and new opportunities to Ports was set up in 2004 and now working with local government, develop itineraries. numbers seven ports. For lines stakeholders, communities and ports Cruise Europe: Give them easy access to wanting to further develop Baltic Sea to ensure all parties understand what information about European ports and destinations. itineraries, the association’s regular is required by the cruise lines. MOCT Cruise Maine USA: Local advocacy. visits to their offices and the provision is coordinating the development of Cruise New Zealand: Facilitating cruise lines’ of a collective information bank aids new destinations with the ability to concerns to New Zealand stakeholders so that discovery of this less-well-known accommodate cruise ships alongside New Zealand remains a cruise-friendly and cost- part of the world. or at anchor with adapted landing competitive destination that cruise lines will want to Established in 1994, Cruise New facilities. continue investing in. Zealand has been “pivotal in the Cruise Scotland was only growth of the cruise industry launched in 2009 but has already Cruise Norway: Probably a simpler process. They know they can get all the information they need from 27 voyages carrying 19,400 commissioned a national cruise study about Norway in one place, and it is objective. passengers in the 1996/7 season and infrastructure audit – from GP to 96 voyages carrying 118,976 Wild (International) Ltd – to include a Cruise Scotland: A one-stop shop for all information passengers in 2008/9”, says rigorous assessment of everything about Scottish ports. Marketing Manager Raewyn Tan. from harbour/port facilities to Cruise the St Lawrence: The fam tours. Once we More specifically, she says, the local transport, tour guides, shore have cruise executives seeing the place and country has its first homeport ship attractions and the quality of enjoying the uniqueness of our destination, it is as this year with P&O Cruises Australia welcome to passengers. “Cruise though most of the sales pitch is done; our duty basing Pacific Pearl in Auckland tourism has been growing steadily ends there. After that it falls into the hands of the for seven months. Although in recent years and generates an ports/destinations to deal with the lines directly. destination marketing remains the estimated £35 million annually to the Cruise Wales: To ensure the cruise lines and primary objective, the association Scottish economy,” says Chairman passengers have a first class experience, thus is now taking a greater role in Richard Alexander. encouraging them to return to Wales. destination management which “We know that the only way MedCruise: Hosting and sponsoring events and includes infrastructure, regulatory for Scotland to maintain and fam trips and publishing information throughout and environmental issues to ensure indeed increase its share of this the year, to provide opportunities for meeting and the country remains internationally lucrative market is to offer world visiting ports and working together to solve issues. cost competitive. Being the only class facilities and services. Cruise Minister of Culture and Tourism of Indonesia: association in the country it is the ‘go- passengers enjoy the highest Coordinating the development within the Indonesian to’ organisation for all things cruise in levels of service on board ship, archipelago and promoting the destinations New Zealand. and we must all do all we can to to cruise lines. Getting facilities on line with A similar evolution has taken ensure that their shore experience international standards in all the ports which handle place at Cruise Down Under (CDU) in Scotland matches those cruise ships, before coordinating the development which now has a much broader standards.” And that just about of the tourist offer with the local stakeholders. focus. It incorporates infrastructure says it all. D Destinations: Fam Trips 102 Dream World Cruise Destinations Spring 2010

‘Fam’ trips: Do they deliver? Lofoten Islands

Increasing numbers of ports and cruise clubs are using fam trips notice. However Marmanillo highlighted the as part of their promotional armoury. Susan Parker finds out the need to see the port itself: “Honningsvåg reasons for their popularity, and whether the effort is rewarded. was the only place we were not able to visit the port facilities, which is important to ruise Norway (CN) hosted its first fjord tour including Ålesund, Geirangerfjord, itinerary planners and port operations.” familiarity (fam) trips in 2009, and Olden/Nordfjord and Bergen, with a post The Arctic trip demonstrated that there Cwill be repeating the experience trip to Flam and Stavanger. are huge benefits for both host and guest. this year. “I am convinced that fam trips Although itinerary planners and shore Continuous dialogue took place during the are the best way to market and promote excursion executives have different week, with Nygard saying: “The cruise Norway,” says Managing Director Wenche interests, the trips catered to both – though lines’ and customers’ needs are of high Nygard Eeg. “We will continue arranging that this meant some long days in order importance to the Norwegian market. We these tours every year, as long as the to fit everything in. An easy trap to fall got a lot of important feedback from the cruise lines want to participate.” into is placing all the emphasis on the shorex and itinerary people… Feedback Everyone participating in this Arctic shore excursions, which are undoubtedly on how important it is to have a local Norway trip recommends that this type more ‘glamorous’. However it is equally cruise network in place, the importance of of activity should be repeated by other important to visit the port, as without the cooperation between the ports, agents and destinations, as the chance to experience destinations companies.” a destination firsthand is invaluable. Littley: An ideal visit This was repeated time and again: fam Seabourn Cruise Line Destination will have me leaving trips are a great way to demonstrate Development/Planner Barbara McComb to a community just how important the says: “The main benefit was my ‘familiarity’ with no more than a industry is to them, but also how they with so many areas I’ve been working on couple of dozen business must work together. Holland America for so many years, and can now finally feel cards and a memory stick.” Line Deployment & Itinerary Planning confident in assessing tours and the real Manager Timothy Littley says: “Meeting the value (or not) of specific sites.” necessary port infrastructure there will local representatives and authorities also And Norwegian Cruise Line Marketing be no cruise call. Communities that are allows me to determine their sincerity and Analyst, Itinerary Planning Jennifer Marmanillo working as one tend to have a better enthusiasm for the cruise industry.” says: “When we are scouting new ports that understanding of this. Ingrid Maderni, Saga’s Shore Excursion we don’t currently offer, it’s a great way to On the Arctic trip there were a couple Executive for Norway, UK, Iceland and become familiar with the options that would of places where we were unable to visit Greenland, comments: “Bodø came across be available to our guests.” the port, although in Honningsvåg the to me as a destination that was working Last year 21 representatives from ten harbourmaster was contacted and joined well together to promote itself, and where cruise lines took part in two site inspections us for dinner. This demonstrated the I can be sure our passengers will receive a in Norway: an Arctic trip including Oslo, community’s enthusiasm for cruising, and really warm welcome.” Lofoten, Tromsø and North Cape; and a it’s ability to cater to its demands at short Although not perhaps having as much to Destinations: Fam Trips Dream World Cruise Destinations Spring 2010 103

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12 13 3 11 4 6 7 8 5 9 10

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Nygard: “We got has a different view: “Bodø was not very 1. Jennifer Marmanillo, Norwegian Cruise Line effective in proving itself a good destination. 2. Sandra Bratland, Norwegian Cruise Service a lot of important 3. Timothy Littley, Holland America Line I don’t believe they are ready for cruise 4. Altea Palmer, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd feedback… on how passengers – simply not enough to offer.” 5. Barbara McComb, Seabourn Cruise Line important it is to have a This example demonstrates that not 6. Tine Oelmann, TUI Cruises local cruise network in everyone is looking for the same thing. 7. Maria Elenea Artusi, Costa Cruises Responses to a survey following the 8. Elisabeth Whewell, Saga Shipping place and the importance Arctic trip showed destinations highlighted 9. Ingrid Maderni, Saga – Spirit of Adventure 10. Joni Lunsford, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd of cooperation between as presenting themselves well: Bodø, 11. Knut Volden, Nordic Cruise Services the ports, agents and Åalesund, Oslo, Lofoten, Honningsvåg, 12. Wenche Nygård Eeg, Cruise Norway destinations companies.” Tromsø. And those that did not: Bodø, Aa, 13. Susan Parker (Fam Trip author) Tromsø, Honningsvåg, Svolvaer. These 14. Dan Viggo Vårum, Guide, Arctic Cruise Service offer as some, the enthusiasm and energy apparent contradictions highlight the fact 15. Lily Urrutia, Norwegian Cruise Line of some teams lead you to believe that that shorex and itinerary planners are Attended but not in photo: Stephanie Servaites, they would do anything possible to help seeking different things to reflect the Silversea Cruises make things happen. Silversea Cruises requirements of their particular brands. Silver Shore Specialist Stephanie Servaites Timing is everything, and getting this right

CRUISE THE ST LAWRENCE For Cruise the St Lawrence, fam trips are “way up at the top for example Havre-Saint-Pierre took advantage of comments of the list of priorities in our action plan” according to Executive made by Carnival Cruise Lines and made some alterations to the Director René Trepanier. To say that money is no object is not berth construction. quite correct, but it does demonstrate just what importance is “I think each visit has brought a lot of precious information,” given to the fam trip. He says the issue is more to persuade says Trepanier. “The cruise executives tell the truth, and will say people to come and find a time frame in their schedules. This if an attraction is appealing or not. They will help to put a price, association of nine ports has organised two press and eight a value on a specific experience or product offered by the fam trips to date, hosting seven cruise lines and 15 executives. destination. They will tell if the place has the capacity to host a Trepanier says the optimum size for a trip is five plus a guide, big volume of passengers or not.” and five days is about the right duration. There is no doubt as to the success of the trips: Norwegian Trepanier: The cruise executives Cruise Line now calls in Sept-Îles and Holland America Line in Baie-Comeau, Îles de la Madeleine, Gaspe and Sept-Îles. The tell the truth, and will say if an ports have also benefited from feedback in terms of facilities: attraction is appealing or not.” Destinations: Fam Trips 104 Dream World Cruise Destinations Spring 2010

Oelmann: Be well tight it will not benefit the destination, no other options, and the site got feedback prepared, save us matter how well it is presented.” on what might be done differently. In a from boring general TUI Cruises Head of Port Operations, couple of places we visited possible new Shore Excursions & Groundhandling Tine attractions to see whether they might information, and just let Nathalie Oelmann has this to say: “Be well be of interest to the cruise lines – for us have the news and prepared, save us from boring general example the Planetarium in Tromsø, highlights and not too information, and just let us have the news which it was agreed was not yet ready for much paper.” and highlights – and not too much paper.” cruise passengers. Indeed the latter became an increasing Almost everyone came away with new on a fam trip is difficult. Executives cannot problem as we went from one place to the ideas for shore excursions, particularly leave the office for too long, so the general next collecting brochures, books, gifts, etc. It Elisabeth Whewell, Shore Excursions consensus seemed to be that a week is is important to remember that all of this has Executive for Saga’s Spirit of Adventure. about right. However this can result in a port to be packed and carried on a daily basis. Examples include a fjord cruise out of a day which makes the itinerary exhausting, Littley, who did receive all the Stavanger, with a local artist sketching the especially for those flying in from America information he needed on the trip, sums it guests with the fjord as a backdrop; an and having to deal with jetlag. up well: “The information we really need art tour with specialist guide in Oslo to the Although it is tempting for a destination can probably be summarised on just Munch Museum, the National Gallery and to show everything it has to offer – it is a one or two pages. The Cruise Norway Vigeland Sculpture Park; a scenic drive to one-off opportunity with a captive audience, publication already does an excellent job Flakstadøy with stops at the blacksmith in after all – in this case less is probably more. at this. An ideal visit will have me leaving Sund and the fishing village of Nusfjord out One or two hand-picked highlights along with no more than a couple of dozen of Leknes; a rib boat ride from Svolvær in with a visit to the port is sufficient. business cards and a memory stick.” search of sea eagles around the Lofoten The advice of Holland America’s Littley is As far as shore excursions were Islands; Norwegian Aviation Museum in straightforward: “Prepare the visit and stick concerned, Cruise Norway had taken a Bodø and helicopter tour over Saltdal and to the playbook. There is never enough different approach. Rather than taking the Svartisen glacier; adding the botanical time so use what you have in the most executives on the same tour as the garden and Polaria in Tromsø and the effective possible way. And never forget passengers, a sample of a tour was Gallery East of the Sun in Honningsvåg. that the participants on a fam trip are only offered with alternatives/extras being But a fam trip does not end when the human. If the travel schedule is too full or explained. Executives could ask about plane leaves. Nygard asked for feedback from all the participants, which was then sent on to the member ports and tour INDONESIA operators. “We have encouraged them to The Minister of Culture and Tourism of Indonesia (MOCTI) has organised four fam trips develop new products according to the over the past four years, with one each year planned going forward. Director General cruise line needs,” she said. And although of Marketing Sapta Nirwandar has been instrumental in promoting cruising since 2002. Cruise Norway received “100% satisfaction” The best way to organise these, he says, is to fix the date with a particular line about with the trips, next year’s will be improved two to three months in advance and then invite other operators along, with six being according to the feedback given. Rather the optimum group size. than running two of them back-to-back, a The tour usually includes marquee destinations such as Komodo, Bali, Semarang Fjord Norway will be hosted in 2010 and an or Lombok together with new potential cruise destinations. MOCTI consultant Hugues Arctic Norway in 2011. Lamy explains that one of the latter is Kura Kura in the Karimunjawa archipelago, This will please Seabourn’s McComb, which is now becoming popular as a cruise call. Another one is Waikelo in Sumba, who was keen for the trips to be run which he believes “should be included in 2011 itineraries by some cruise operators”. on alternate years. “I would recommend Lamy carries out a preliminary investigation and then a personal inspection before to other associations thinking of including any new port on a fam trip, and now has three new destinations undergoing implementing fam trips, to keep them evaluation: Bangka, Belitung and Probolinggo. The strategy behind this is simple, as short (one week maximum) and alternate Lamy explains: “We consider that the more cruise ports we develop in Indonesia, destination areas,” she comments. the more we can offer to cruise operators. This process will therefore boost the “Spain does this with maybe three to development of Indonesia as a cruise destination.” four different regions which they rotate Lamy also recommends including a half-day cruise seminar in the programme throughout the year.” so that cruise lines can present their companies. This helps local authorities and And Littley sums up: “Ideally all stakeholders to understand that the cruise industry is “not one, but is made of destinations (or cruise associations) segment markets”. should be hosting at least one fam trip a Although a fam trip is “certainly the best way for promoting destinations to cruise year, with a mix of planning and shore operators” Lamy cautions others thinking of doing the same. “It can be counter- excursion participants. This is the best productive if the infrastructures are not up to basic international standards, or if the investment a port or group of ports can visit goes through areas which are not nice or interesting.” He adds that the person make. A successful fam trip can open the organising the trip has to be an expert in handling an international group of visitors. door to cruise business or further grow existing business.”. D Destinations: Groups Ashore 106 Dream World Cruise Destinations Spring 2010

Time ashore for groups

Group bookings are big business for cruise lines – what is the opportunity for destinations and shore excursion companies? Maria Harding reports.

roup bookings are much sought- Norwegian Cruise Line Executive Vice after by cruise lines, not just President of Global Sales and Passenger Gbecause they provide a good Services Andy Stuart describes groups as base load of advance business and a very important part of the line’s business, thus minimise the need for last-minute and says they are booking well across discounting, but also because affinity all its destinations this year. But they are groups can attract new people into the particularly useful for filling repositioning marketplace. Such people – having tried sailings. a cruise to participate in a family reunion, “Our groups break down into two play golf or pursue some other special categories: speculative – i.e. agents and interest – will be sufficiently hooked to operators selling to their client database, come back for more under their own and affinity groups, which include large steam. families, special interest societies and Competition for group business is sports associations,” says Stuart. therefore fierce, and group organisers “Special interest groups in particular – mainly travel agents or tour operators are a good source of bookings for – are courted with a plethora of ‘one free repositioning sailings, as they enjoy a cabin for every so many sold’ incentives, higher proportion of days at sea on which cabin upgrade schemes and other perks they can enjoy gatherings associated with – like dedicated onboard drinks parties, their interest – bridge tournaments, film ‘meet the captain’ bridge tours, and a shows or whatever.” complimentary bottle of bubbly in every NCL General Manager UK Stephen Parks: A lot of our group member’s cabin. Parks says British groups are booking US And the effort pays off. Group business destinations strongly this year, with cruises group business now accounts for around a quarter of around Alaska, New England and Canada comes from tour bookings, says Mark Pilkington, Head faring particularly well. “That’s because a operators, who combine a of Sales for Carnival UK (which has the lot of our group business comes from tour cruise with land packages P&O Cruises, Cunard Line, Ocean Village, operators, who combine a cruise with land Seabourn Cruises and Princess Cruises packages to put together an attractive to put together an brands in its stable). proposition for groups,” he said. attractive proposition.” It’s a similar story across the Atlantic. Mediterranean and Baltic itineraries Destinations: Groups Ashore Dream World Cruise Destinations Spring 2010 107 are also selling well this year, but Parks they’re talking to the right people for the English: Destination said group organisers for these are service they’re selling. Looking to promote managers predominantly travel agents taking along a local restaurant or attraction to groups should be alert a disparate group of local clients, having on an exclusive basis? Then liaising with a been offered advantageous rates on a port agent or shore excursions organiser to all possibilities, as it’s particular departure. would probably be the best approach. surprising how passionate Some travel agents are, of course, more Or if you have a carnival, music festival people get about their imaginative than others and actively create or other themed event which might be interests.” their own ‘special interest’ cruise groups. of interest to a special interest group, it’s Celebrity Cruises Head of UK and Ireland worth approaching cruise lines which visit Sales Michael English knows many such your local port and asking which special enterprising agents, including one who interest tour operators they work with. organises an annual cruise for a group of Carnival UK’s Pilkington says cruise Chinese restaurant owners (and translates associations which liaise with travel agents, the chosen ship’s daily programme into like the UK’s Association of Cruise Experts Chinese for them), and another who (ACE) or America’s Cruise Lines International organises regular jollies at sea for a gang (if Association (CLIA) are also worthwhile that’s the word) of retired senior policemen. points of contact for local suppliers looking But however they may be drawn to build group cruise business. together and whatever their interest, His advice is to think outside the box one thing’s for sure: groups don’t just when highlighting local attractions which provide good business for the cruise lines could be of interest to special interest that carry them, they’re also potentially groups. “Obviously big amenities like great news for local businesses in the championship golf courses will be of destinations they visit. interest, but have a good think about what “We’ve very interested in talking to else lies within reasonably easy reach of destinations about new and exciting shore the cruise port,” he says. experiences for our group customers, Demand and levels of interest will because the more we can ‘sell’ the vary depending on the type of group destination to them the better,” says NCL’s involved. But group travel is a broad Stuart. church, so anything from a visit to a “Destinations should also look beyond local artist’s or beekeeper’s house large-volume tours, as there is growing to a birdwatching walk could be an demand nowadays for more exclusive interesting proposition for a group experiences. One thing we try to do is organiser somewhere long the line. offer upscale experiences for small Celebrity’s English suggested scanning numbers of people – not only organised special interest magazines to see what groups but also occupiers of our top- type of activity or attractions might be range suites and garden villas. of interest. For example, soaring interest “The key to success is for destination in cookery has prompted many lines to managers to think creatively about what feature on-board demonstrations, and they can offer that’s unique, offbeat and some small-ship lines offer passengers appealing.” a chance to visit the local market to That said, NCL – like most cruise lines – watch their chef negotiate for produce. doesn’t involve itself in the nuts and bolts These could be replicated for special of shoreside arrangements; it leaves that interest groups, with a guide explaining in the hands of port agents and other local how ingredients are sourced for local partners. “We stick to what we’re best at, specialities. running ships,” says Stuart. “Destination managers should be So it’s important for destinations trying alert to all possibilities, as it’s surprising to market themselves to groups to ensure how passionate people get about their interests,” English says. “We’re currently Stuart: We’ve very in discussion with a TV shopping channel interested in talking which specialises in selling kit for to destinations craftwork and needlework, with a view to about new and exciting putting together a crafts cruise.” That presumably would be one on shore experiences for our which a visit to a lacemaking factory or group customers.” crafts museum would be of interest. D Port development 118 Dream World Cruise Destinations Spring 2010

North American cruise port developments

ast year could prove to have been Pier cruise terminal at the end of 2010 and, a shore power facility, while Vancouver’s a turning point for San Francisco’s as reported in the last issue of DWCD, Los new $9 million shore power installation Lcruise port aspirations. Not only were Angeles has given the green light to its (a joint Princess/Holland America Line calls boosted from the expected 51 to 62 $1.2 billion San Pedro Waterfront terminal development with several Canadian thanks to Mexican Riviera itineraries having complex. The cruise facility within this, able companies) is the first use of this to be rerouted due to the H1N1 swine flu to berth at least four ships simultaneously, technology in Canada. scare but the redevelopment of Pier 27 should be operational by 2014. As a result The next port is likely to be San Diego, was given the go-ahead after several the port is expecting cruise traffic to reach which has been offered a $2.4 million years of debate and delay. 1.6 million revenue passengers by 2022. state grant to install shore power by 2011. A company has since been chosen to Environmental issues are key to US And the Port Authority of New York has convert a warehouse used as a temporary been awarded a $2.8 million federal grant, cruise berth at Pier 27 into a fully-fledged Vancouver’s new via the Environmental Protection Agency, mixed-use cruise terminal complex. It is $9 million shore to install a shore power system – but has due to open for business in 2012. no immediate plans to do so. Alaska’s The berth was already long enough power installation Ketchikan is also considering incorporating (414m) for the largest cruise ships, and has (a joint Princess/Holland shoreside power into its major cruise dock previously been used as alternative dock America Line development redevelopment. – but part of an existing shed will now with several Canadian Miami grew its cruise traffic again in be converted into a waterfront plaza, with 2009 – the ninth year out of ten that it good access to the road system. companies) is the first has done so. Over the decade revenue This conversion will use $18 million of the use of this technology in passenger numbers have grown by about total $60 million port redevelopment budget. Canada”. a quarter but, within the next two years, it After its completion the port will still maintain will almost certainly have been overtaken Pier 35 as a cruise dock – and has invested West Coast ports being cleared to expand by Port Everglades. in a new roof for the terminal. in cruising (and other shipping areas), so The arrival of Royal Caribbean The number of calls will fall in 2010, but these ports have been leading the way International’s two Oasis-class vessels will will be boosted in 2011 with an inaugural in one key cruise-related ‘green’ issue: bring nearly 1.2 million revenue passengers visit from Disney Cruise Line and Oceania shore power. Both Los Angeles and San to the port when both are operating year- Cruises’ new Marina. Crystal Cruises also Francisco have already gone down that round. Port Everglades spent $75 million returns to the port. route, as have Juneau, Seattle and Long on improvements to handle the increased Another leading Californian cruise port, Beach. traffic, including the quadrupling in size of San Diego, opens its $28 million Broadway Seattle’s new cruise terminal also has Terminal 18. Port development Dream World Cruise Destinations Spring 2010 119

CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN CARIBBEAN SEA CRUISE PORTS

The Dominican Republic’s Sansouci terminal at Santo Domingo opened in 2009, and there are long-term plans for three berths and two more terminals. The Bahamas is going ahead with the splitting of cargo and cruise traffic on New Providence Island, but in a reduced-cost scheme. Instead of a new $300 million new container port on the southwest of the island, a $100 million facility on an island in Arawak Bay will now be completed by the end of this year. The government is providing the land, but private developers are raising the money for building the port. Its completion will allow the current Nassau port to be used just for cruise traffic, and there are plans to upgrade the facilities and surrounding environment. Plans to build berths for the tendering port of Grand Cayman are still under consideration, and the major expansion at Bridgetown, Barbados, which has already resulted in two new piers handling up to five ships at a time, will be completed by 2015. Trinidad plans to expand its Port of Spain cruise berths and turning basin, improve its roads, and introduce a water taxi service; while Tobago continues its evaluation of a new pier and terminal at either Plymouth or Charlotteville. The US Virgin Islands port of St Croix has struggled to attract cruise vessels in recent years because of crime and other quality issues for passengers, but the ships are beginning to return now the cruise pier and other facilities have been upgraded and enlarged. An extra Oasis-sized berth may be included in the redevelopment of the St Johns waterfront in Antigua following discussions between government, the port authority, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Bermello, Ajamil & Partners. In the French Caribbean, Martinique has lengthened the pier at Pointe Simon so Like New York, the port has long-term plans for shore power; but it wants to wait until that ships up to 345m long with 10.2m draft can dock. This is part of a ¤72 million there are enough ships with the right power investment at a port which was expecting a 31% increase in passenger numbers to connections before it sanctions the investment. 123,000 in 2009; but it lost cruise traffic due to general strikes early in 2009, which Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, which also affected Guadeloupe. was opened by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Curaçao is experiencing strong cruise growth, but is now looking at whether more as an alternative homeport to New York, cruise traffic is sustainable in terms of the island’s infrastructure and quality of life. is currently seeking US federal economic Mexico’s Costa Maya (pictured) took the opportunity of the rebuilding it had to do after stimulus money to help fund a second berth. the 2007 hurricane to extend its berths to cater for Oasis ships, and Royal Caribbean Other North American cruise port International duly switched the planned Jamaica call for Oasis of the Seas to Costa Maya developments include a new Welcome when it became clear that the new cruise port at Falmouth would not be ready in time. Centre at the main cruise dock (Pugsley) The development of Falmouth, Jamaica into a purpose-built cruise port has been delayed, at Saint John, New Brunswick, where there and it will not now open for business until the end of this year. There are separate plans to are also plans for a new cruise complex at expand Montego Bay and Ocho Rios cruise facilities. the Long Wharf dock. Elsewhere in Central America, Carnival opened its new facility at Mahogany Bay, Saguenay, Quebec is emerging as a Roatan, Honduras at the end of 2009. The Belize government has launched a $13.5 major new port, as it has recently invested million sustainable tourism project which includes the enhancement of facilities and in new infrastructure which allows large access to Belize City from the cruise port. cruise ships to dock for the first time. The C$28 million Bagotville Wharf opened in 2008, and the C$6 million terminal became operational in September 2009. Also within the St Lawrence region, Sept-Iles is building a downtown dock with a 315m pier and 11m draft, which should be ready in time for this autumn; Trois- Rivieres has plans for a new terminal on its recently restyled waterfront; and Gaspe also plans to extend its pier. Havre-Saint-Pierre has revamped its port, and Baie Corneau has opened a new Glacier Exploration Centre. D