Cruise Destination Medcruise A4 Advert.Pdf 1 2/9/15 1:30 PM

| Spring 2015 | £3.25 | O4 | $4 |

Top 3 shore excursions

Emerging destination: Cuba

Port Folio: Livorno

Cruise Shipping Miami Preview

Cyprus Cruise destination MedCruise A4 Advert.pdf 1 2/9/15 1:30 PM

| Text | Text |

CMY

Port News Pre & Post Stays Onwards and upwards Page 4 Page 6, 8 & 9 Our big news this issue is that we have a new owner! Real Response Media, owners of the consumer cruise title World of Cruising, has acquired both Cruise Ports & Destinations magazine and our sister title Cruise Trade News. Cruise Shipping Miami Preview Top 3 Excursions Page 10 Page 13 Watch this space, for RRM has big plans for the title, in terms of the magazine’s distribution, size, content and developing an online presence. It’ll mean that more cruise agents, ports and cruise lines will be accessing the title and not just in print. Managing Director of RRM Chris Pitchford commented: “For the first time, the UK cruise industry will be served by a dedicated, integrated media group, in print and online, to cover all aspects of cruise topics for the trade, industry and consumer. Further development plans will be announced Port profile: Venice Big ship logistics within the next few weeks.” Page 16 Pages 18 In the meantime, feast your eyes on a bumper issue of news and features from around the globe. We preview Cruise Shipping Miami, the annual long-haul showcase for the cruise industry, on page 10 and have a bit of fun discovering which shore excursions top the popularity stakes on page 13. We share an update on the battle between environmentalists and port authorities in Venice on page 16, look at the ramifications on ports and destinations of mega ships on page 18 and profile an up and coming cruise destination, Cuba on page 19. New cruise destination: Cuba Cruise destination: Cyprus While the Eastern Med is not a favoured cruising region currently, one Page 19 Page 22 island, Cyprus, is attempting to reverse its fortunes. Read our report on page 22. The Italian port of Livorno – a popular port for excursions to Florence and Pisa - is trying to keep more cruise passengers within its city walls and we find out what diversions the city offers. Page 26. Cruise passengers have welcomed less ports on itineraries as it means more time in them. Read from one travel insider why overnighters are a PORT FOLIO: Livorno OPINION: overnighters positive trend, on page 29. Page 26 Page 29 Finally, the concept of one single voice for the cruise industry, while laudable, is not materialising as two industry bodies jostle for supremacy. Read both sides on page 36.

Gillian Upton Editor

Published by Real Response Media, 115 Sydney Road, London, N10 2ND Feature: Overnighters Industry issues Managing Director: Chris Pitchford Page 32 Page 35 [email protected] Direct Tel : (0)1273 696 860 Publisher: Keith Ellis [email protected] Direct Tel: +44 (0) 1737 81 2411 Commercial & Marketing Director: Peter Grant, [email protected] Direct Tel +44 (0)7483 133932 Sales Director: Chris Cummings [email protected] Direct Tel +44 (0) 7772 564150 Editor: Gillian Upton [email protected] Direct Tel: +44 (0) 208 675 7976 2016 Calendar of world events Port Association Directory Art direction/design/production: Andrew Reeves Page 38 Page 39 [email protected] Direct Tel: +44 (0) 1489 505345 Editorial contributors: Sara Macefield, Maria Harding, Jane Archer Material in this publication is the copyright of the title publisher and maynot be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Annual subscriptions are available by contacting Keith Ellis from publisher’s office above. Front cover picture: Cyprus

3 | NEWS | Ports |

The busy port of Barcelona (pictured) is trying to push cruise lines into the winter season to ease its congestion issues. The months of October, November, January and February are being pushed but are “difficult to sell”

PORT NEWS admits Gemma Gracia from the port.

New terminal building in SF Last September a new terminal opened in San Francisco, integrated into the waterfront and Barcelona’s winter push including a public park.

Milford Haven’s stamp of approval Welsh port Milford Haven (pictured) achieved its highest passenger rating, of 88%, for customer service in 2013 in the UK by Princess Cruises. The port’s mix of a warm welcome certainly made an impression, comprising local dances, attendance by the mayor, a demonstration of birds of prey and the giving out of Welsh cakes. The port will have eight calls this year (the same as 2014), including Fred.Olsen, Holland America, Hapag Lloyd, Jersey on a roll Hebridean Princess, Silversea and Ocean Princess. Last year there were two maiden calls, namely Delphin The war tunnels, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (pictured) and and Insignia from Oceania Cruises. walking tours have contributed to the port of Jersey’s success in “We’ve gone from one call every 18 months eight years ago 2014, says the port’s Myra Shacklady. Last year’s 15 calls included maiden calls from Crystal, Saga, Noble Caledonian and Princess, to eight a year in 2014,” said Sue Blanchard-Williams, who who joined regular calls from Sea Dream Yacht Club, P & O and was Milford’s Cruise Development Officer up until end 2014. Hapag Lloyd. MIlford’s success is part of a Welsh cruise success story, “The way it’s looking to me is that by 2016 we could be 20 calls with four calls last year for Holyhead. a year.” The port is spending £1.2m on refurbishing its tender pontoons and creating new walkways in order to create a “nicer arrival experience,” says Shacklady. The works will be ready for the May 2015 season.

Singapore success Singapore has secured more homeporting for the current cruise season, including Sapphire Princess until March 2015. Mein Schiff 1 arrives for the first time November 2015 through to March 2016.

The port of Dubai expects one million cruise passengers by 2020. There were 300,000 cruise passengers in the 12 months to April 2014 and the Mina Dubai Rashid Cruise Terminal will increase setting its sights high simultaneous capacity from five to seven vessels.

Caribbean gets closer to a single voice Some 14 Caribbean ports are getting closer to launching their own association. It’s been a long time coming but Julie-Ann Burrows of On-Board Marketing says that they are now sorting out the constitution and framework. “We have a clear vision going forward,” she says. “People have embraced the vision of what the Caribbean can do collectively.”

Cruise Europe expands The port of Southampton – which dubs itself ‘Cruise capital of the UK’ - was welcomed back as a member of Cruise Europe in 2014, along Congestion solution with 13 other ports. The organization is now targeting the remaining marquee ports in the region not yet members, including Hamburg and for Port Everglades Reykjavik. Cruise Europe now has 115 members and is the largest association in Northern Atlantic Europe and on a par with MedCruise. Port Everglades Terminal 4 is being modernized via an expansion and reconfiguration project to ease congestion in the area. Costing US$24m, it will provide separate embarkation and disembarkation processing Cruise Iceland anniversary areas for passengers, 50 check-in counters, two new escalators, two extra lifts and 172 parking spaces. It will be ready for the 2014/15 Cruise Iceland is ten years old! Three new ports joined last summer, cruise season. swelling membership to 28.

Raffles Dubai Raffles Dubai has upgraded some of its facilities, namely its 1,500 sq m garden oasis including 12 open-air cabanas, and a surround-sound music system, and a new Italian restaurant, Solo Bistronomia & Vinobar which is a twist on Italian haute cuisine. New tour Malta goes upmarket in Antigua Half-day and whole-day tours on Private Malta is a new pre or post Hotel & Spa, which is located half-day or full-tour excursion a glass bottom boat have begun trip or shore excursion launched between the capital Valletta and including lunch and/or in Antigua. The trip includes this year that showcases the the old town of Mdina. refreshments. One private home snorkeling at Cades Reef. most stunning and historic private It can either be a full four-day is the stunning Casa Rocca Accommodating up to 30 residences and palazzos on small group private tour of the Piccola, a 16th century palace people and including lunch, each the island. Targetted at culture most historic parts of Malta, with belonging to a Maltese noble passenger receives a video of the vultures, it has been launched by accommodation at the hotel. family. Its owner the Marquis de excursion as a giveaway. There are the five-star Corinthia Palace Alternatively, it can be a Piro leads the tour. also night tours and exclusive-use arrangements. Find out more at www.corinthia.com/palace and beyond3sixty.com The cost is US$99 half-day and US$149 whole day.

Focus on Greenwich A pre and post tour programme is being created in readiness for the new port in London opening in 2017. The port is working on the programme with Visit Greenwich and includes special tours of the Royal Observatory, the Cutty Sark, private dining at the Old Royal Navy College (pictured) and gigs and events at the 02.

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Sanary | NEWS | Pre & Post Stays & Excursions |

Marriott expands Moxy brand Marriott’s new lifestyle hotel brand Moxy is spreading beyond Europe into the major US cities of New York, San Francisco, Seattle, New Orleans and Chicago. Claimed to be “edgy and fun,” with its design and style, Moxy hotels will also continue expansion in other parts of Europe, namely Copenhagen, London and in three cities in Germany.

Tobago events calendar New luxury hotel for The Caribbean island of Tobago has created an events calendar for each month during the peak Palma de Mallorca cruise season between April and November: April- Jazz Festival; Scheduled to open in March 2015, Mallorca. The 43-room chic urban simplicity with a distinctly Spanish May - Culinary Festival; June Hotel Sant Francesc is an exciting bolt hole, which will form part of style. Its five-star facilities comprise - Dragon Boat Festival; July - conversion of an old manor house Small Luxury Hotels of the World™, rooftop terrace with a pool, patio Heritage Festival; August - the into a luxury boutique hotel in sets out to retain the beauty of the bar, garden restaurant, gym and Great Race; October - Blue Food the historic centre of Palma de former building and blends graceful spa. Festival; and November -National Tourism Month. Find out more at www.slh.com More information at www.visittobago.gov.tt

By November 2016, passengers will have a much easier time of it flying through Gatwick Airport. All EasyJet flights will be out of North Terminal, all British Airways flights will be out of South Terminal. By the same date there will be improvements to both terminals: North will have a vast self-service bag drop, faster check-ins and security checks and more shops. South Terminal will have automated security gates and dedicated lanes for families and reduced mobility, self- service immigration gates and Europe’s largest walk-through World Duty Free area.

The JACDEC airline safety rankings 2015 are out and the Top 12 are: Cathay Pacific, Emirates, EVA Air, Air Canada, KLM, Air New Zealand, Qantas, Hainan Airlines, JetBlue Airlines, Etihad Airways, All Nippon Airways and Lufthansa.

From March 31 this year Vietnam Airlines will switch its non-stop flights from London to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from Gatwick to Heathrow, joining its fellow SkyTeam members in T4. The move will start a higher frequency of flights, to a daily service, on the newly introduced Boeing 787-9s on the route.

From February 4 this year Caribbean Airlines began four weekly services between Port of Spain and London Gatwick.

Turkish Airlines have announced more services from Birmingham. Commencing March 29th 2015 the current ten flights a week will increase to 12 between Birmingham and Istanbul.

Don’t be surprised that if you book your passenger on a Singapore Airlines flight they might end up on EVA Air as the two airlines have launched more codeshare flights, generally ex-Taipei to some US and Canadian cities. The

American Airlines is spending a cool US$2bn upgrading to fully-flat Lanesborough beds, at-seat power and internet access in business class long-haul while, on the ground, their Admirals Lounges will get a makeover and sparkles check-in promises to be faster. The 93-room Lanesborough Hotel on London’s Hyde Park Corner will re-open this From this summer EasyJet will launch thrice-weekly, year- spring after a complete renovation of living round flights to Porto, Portugal from Manchester, Bristol and areas, spa and restaurants, and is now part London Luton. of the Oetker Collection.

| Spring 2015 | 9 | NEWS | Cruise Shipping Miami 2015 | Hot to trot It’s that time of year again, when all facets of the cruise industry descend upon sizzling Miami Beach to network, socialize, launch new products and air their views on hot topics in conference sessions at Cruise Shipping Miami 2015

The annual Cruise Shipping Upstairs in the conference room The conference programme runs Miami is a must-do event in area, however, the challenges from Monday March 16 to Thursday the cruise calendar. Aside and obstacles that are putting a March 19th, with not much time from rubbing shoulders with brake on cruise development are to draw breathe inbetween. It’s all the bigwigs of the industry, aired through one of four thematic always a tough call between sitting it’s a chance to see what’s conference streams: The Geography down at an appointment or chasing new for cruising over the of Cruise Tourism, Safety and Ship upstairs to listen to a senior port or coming season as ports, Operations, Market Segments and cruise line exec share their views nt Thu ge rs tourist boards and ground Cruise Product Development. on a hot topic. Moreover, aside from A d operators show off their No doubt the topics of congestion the opening World Cruise Tourism l a e y wares on the ground at ports, berthing allocations and Summit on the first morning,

v floor exhibition area. port infrastructure will be discussed delegates must choose between • a 8.30am and solutions aired, alongside the concurrent sessions so choose r

T exciting new cruise destinations wisely!

How best to get

r • opening up for cruise agents to sell The conference sessions run media coverage for a for the next cruise season. One of between Monday March 16th and T your agency w in these is not a million miles away Thursday March 19th. See round-up o m - the Caribbean island of Cuba - right. For a list of exhibitors go to t se raining destined to open up for tourism over www.cruiseshippingevents/miami. the coming years.

Agent el Th v u a r r s

T 2.30pm d

• Top tips on how y

to woo first-time

w • o cruisers

t s r r a a in in ing sem

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday March 16 March 17 March 18 March 19

AM - 10-11.30am - World Cruise AM - 9.30-11.30am - The state of AM - 9.30 and 11am, either Cruising AM - 9.30-11am, either Cultivating Tourism Summit on port the global cruise industry. in Asia/Australia with a focus Millenial & multigenerational infrastructure development in on China; Cruising in the markets; Itineraries & the emerging markets. Caribbean and how it’s being Shorex; Newbuilds and re-shaped; Energy efficiency refurbishments; or new onboard; or Trends in hotel products for wellness, active operations and F&B. and family passengers.

PM - 1-2.30pm - matching the shore PM - 3-4.30pm - either: Cruising PM - 3-4.30pm, either Upscale experience to the aspirations in North & South America; cruising; Speciality cruising of the new consumer. Cruising in Europe; Safety (expedition cruising, river measures at sea; or trends and cruising et al); Public health challenges in marketing, sales issues; or how broadband is and distribution. transforming cruising.

| Spring 2015 | 11

| The Top 3 | SHORE EXCURSIONS |

Hardangerfjord, Norway The main attraction We surveyed a clutch of cruise lines for their top tours for UK passengers and came up with some surprising results

Who would have thought Geographically, the majority of have made it on to our list, namely that a city break in Amsterdam top shore excursions are in Europe, Vietnam, Chile and Cambodia, while would be more popular than not surprising when you consider by activity, the vast majority are marvelling at the ancient that Europe is the world’s second cultural shore excursions rather site of the Olympic Games in most popular cruising destination than say, sporting activities. Greece? Or that the scenic and this is a UK audience. However, What does this say about the railway on the Caribbean island there is only one shore excursion UK cruise passenger from our of St Kitts would out-class appearing in the world’s top cruising rather unscientific survey? That any the architectural gems in destination, the Caribbean. shore excursion itinerary has to be abundance in St Petersburg? The newer cruise destinations rich in variety.

Dolphin watching in Spain

Cream of the crop

These are the top three shore excursions Royal Caribbean: for UK passengers by cruise line and which 1. Dolphin watching in Spain 2. Cinque Terre, Italy consistently generate the highest demand 3. Cascais & Sintra, Portugal

P&O Cruises 1. Scenic Railway, St Kitts, Caribbean 2. Flam Railway, Norway 3. St Petersburg, Russia

MSC 1. Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2. Olympia, Greece 3. Pompei, Italy

Captions: Previous page (top) Hardangerfjord and (bottom) Fred.Olsen dolphin watching; 1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia This page clockwise 2. Bilbao, Spain from top left: Cinque Terre, 3. Hardangerfjord, Norway Pompei, Angkor Wat, Ephesus, Flam Railway.

Silversea 1. San Raphael catamaran cruise, Chile 2. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam 3. Evening concert at Ephesus, Turkey

Full Marks

Will this sight ever be seen again? If Venetians and environmentalists have their way, then only passengers sailing in the likes of Silversea or Seabourn, ie ships no longer than 200m, will still enjoy the iconic sight of cruising past St Mark’s Square

The new generation of large cruise season but looks positive for cruise ships will have to enter from 2015, especially if the new channel the northern part of the lagoon as works are approved. “In that case Venezia Terminal Passeggeri has the government should accept the proposed building a new channel principle that ships over 95,000 connecting the existing terminal tons/up to 340 meters length to the Malamocco channel. A could pass in front of St. Mark’s decision whether this goes ahead square like they did before,” says will be made in March. “It should Perocchio. Or at least until the new get a positive response from the channel is built, which is expected environmental impact evaluation to be March 2016. commission in Rome,” believes Perocchio points up that this Dr Roberto Perocchio, Managing problem could happen in any Director of Venezia Terminal port, citing Key West, Hamburg Passeggeri. To complicate matters, and the new Carnival terminal in the port authority won in the Charleston. “The industry needs to Venetian Administrative Court of defeat the detractors; it’s a matter Justice to overturn the ordinance of creating more understanding,” that posed tonnage limits to the believes Perocchio, adding that access of cruise ships in Venice political bodies are keen to (maximum of 96,000 tons). It’s too find a solution to safeguard the late for bigger ships to cruise in Euros400m of revenue that cruising front of St Marks Square for this brings into the local economy.

Does

size matter?

Do larger ships mean longer queues for cruise passengers when they embark, disembark, wait for their tour bus or taxi or baggage?

There’s no doubting that cruise ships are getting bigger so Mark Robinson, it creates a larger logistical issue, potentially translating to Managing Director disgruntled cruise passengers. Already there are congestion of Intercruises, problems in ports such as Barcelona, Naples and Civitavecchia. agrees. “When Some 58,000 cruise passengers arrived in Barcelona on one guests do online weekend last year. check-in and print their own tickets the ‘I’m given to understand that “On some days, luggage is impact is lessened when three or four large ships arrive a nightmare,” admits Roberto at check-in and the at the same time to a Caribbean Perocchio, Managing Director of cost is reduced as island, it gets swamped,” says Venezia Terminal Passeggeri. “We there are less staff.” Mervyn Willard, GM of Travelux. run 2,500 pieces in one hour.” And there’s the rub. and to manage their entire Should cruise agents be booking “4,000 berth ships on seven-day Cruise lines are in a real dilemma onboard experience. This is their passengers onto the smaller itineraries, each generating 1.4m as today they need 35 check-in already possible on RCLs Anthem and mid-size ships to guarantee passenger movements per year; desks but only 10-15 in the future. and Quantum ships. higher satisfaction levels? Should ports thinking about the future In April last year Venice opened And when they go ashore, they steer them away from need to know that a significant a new VIP terminal with 88 check-in perhaps tour guides could be marquee ports, which anchor most number will be coming to Europe,” desks as Perocchio believes that dispensed with and a Google itineraries? highlighted Michel Nestour, ports will still be compelled to Glass type of product worn? Not Cruise ships such as RCLs Allure VP Global Ports & Destination invest in very large buildings in according to Gianluca Suprani, of the Seas out of Barcelona Development Group Euro-Med for the future “because there will be Head of Global Port Development & and Anthem of the Seas out of Carnival Corporation. occasions when there are delays or Shore Activities for MSC, who says Southampton need larger turning Ameliorating some of these whatever and hospitality needs to that “80% of the success of a tour basins at port, larger bollards to logistical issues is the smart be given.” is the tour guide” but perhaps this pull alongside, more fenders and technology that comes with the Hamburg will open a third is because the current demographic bigger fenders, and that’s just to be new generation of large cruise ship. terminal on the opposite side of is less techno savvy? able to get in and out of the port. “If passengers check-in at home Altona and Hafen City this June, One benefit of these mega Once alongside, they need more then it’s only a ten-minute walk capable of processing 6,000-8,000 smart ships will be the more gangways and bigger gangways, from sidewalk to ship,” said Adam passengers in ten hours. detailed customer information more and larger set-down areas. Sharp, Manager Port Operations & Millenials will expect to do cruise agents will have at their Will there be enough tour buses, Guest Port Services Europe at RCL. everything online, including fingertips and that will help them sufficient taxis, enough seats in “Check-in used to be 100 desks but booking their shore excursions, sell more tailored cruises to suit restaurants? The list is endless. now it might be just ten.” their meals and spa appointments each market segment.

“It has great potential and I’m artists, that add to the flavour on sure it will appear more strongly board. There are talks on board on on the cruise map.” Cuban culture. To date, Fred.Olsen has It’s a seven-day itinerary with included an overnight on previous six ports of call and one day at itineraries and Star Clipper is sea, embarking and disembarking calling in this season. in Havana, the former colonial Canadian company Cuba Cruise capital. The cruise circles the launched a seven-day winter island in a clockwise direction itinerary in January 2013 using and includes a stop at Jamaica’s the 1,000 passenger Louis Cristal Montego Bay. President Obama’s decision vessel, as the cruise line is a Ports of call are seven to eight on January 15th this year to partner in this venture. hours long and shore excursions ease restrictions on Cuba travel Running November to end April both half-day and full-day. “We has given a huge fillip to the in 2015, it is the brainchild of offer lots of time on shore so Caribbean island. The downside Dugald Wells, President. “I was passengers don’t feel rushed,” of course could be hordes of amazed at the cruise ship terminal says Wells. American tourists flocking there - despite being built in the Fifties Shore excursions include the in the not too distant future so - and by the natural port. The city classic Havana City Tour, an art the message agents should be lies in a sheltered harbour and crawl of the old colonial capital, giving to passengers is, ‘Get ships cruise through a cut in the getting down and dirty on a there fast!’ rock. Then passengers only have farm for the day, epic cabaret It’s already a destination that as short walk to downtown.“ evenings, visits to the birthplace land-based British holidaymakers The company has positioned of Fidel Castro, horseback know well but less so for cruise. the ship as a floating resort as riding, swimming with dolphins, “It’s bound to pick up interest “food is pretty abysmal in most snorkeling, bamboo rafting from the small ships,” says of the resorts, although that’s and cultural diversions such as Rachel Wright, Director of Cruise changing,” says Wells. On board a visit to the UNESCO World Select. “It’s been ignored are high-end food restaurants, heritage site of El Morro Castle in completely yet it’s a casino, spa and many Cuban Santiago. bang in the middle of crew, mainly the * See our next issue the Caribbean,” says dancers, (summer) for a full review Mervyn Willard, singers and of the destination. GM at Travelux.

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Photography: Christine Blaney (Sept-Îles) Eric Lindberg (Gaspésie) CRUISESAINTLAWRENCE.COM Mathieu Dupuis (all other photos) ÎLES DE LA MADELEINE 20 | Spring 2015 | | Text | Text |

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Eyes on the prize The Mediterranean island of Cyprus has a great cruise product and it is trying to overcome geopolitical challenges in the region to woo cruise passengers once again, explains Gillian Upton

Cyprus is the perfect winter on the cruise map in recent years. but private investors are not Alecos Michaelides, chairman of destination, far enough into the Once cruise lines took Egypt and the forthcoming. the board of the Port Authority, Eastern Mediterranean region to Lebanon off their itineraries, Cyprus The exception is the glitzy says there are no marketing funds bask in late summer and balmy tended to come off too. new £350m marina in Limassol available “but we are determined winter sun. Moreover, the rich “The Adriatic and the Greek which opened last summer, a to sell cruise”. Cyprus has been treasure trove of antiquities islands keep customers satisfied,” private Cypriot enterprise partly on regularly exhibiting at Seatrade spread across this small island, believes Mervyn Willard, GM of reclaimed land with apartments Europe as part of this strategy. with ten UNESCO World Heritage Travelux. ”Cyprus needs to re- and villas, high-end shops, a mix of Michaelides remains upbeat, churches alone, plus the lure invest.” restaurants, a spa, a concert venue, saying the country has now turned of plentiful blue flag beaches, And there’s the rub. The port helipad and even a manufactured a corner economically. He is also mountains, pretty hillside villages, authority and tourist board are beach on its western flank. hoping that the combination of good food and friendly locals - all painfully aware that investment is “It’s improved the tourism rising fuel costs and consequent of whom speak English - provide required, and urgently, but funds are product,” says Marketing Manager move to short steamings will help sufficient diversions for even the in short supply since the banking Sophia Paraskeva. “It’s given a new make the case for Cyprus, with four most jaded cruise passenger. crisis a few years ago. Their lease of life to the cultural and ports in easy reach (see panel on Sadly though, geopolitics has got strategy is to establish Cyprus as a historical heart of the city.” page 25). in the way of Cyprus staying firmly hub in the Eastern Mediterranean More needs to be done but In terms of the tourism product,

Bodrum etc. “When they come to Cyprus they often don’t want antiquities, they want something different.” It’s a great shame as the one thing Cyprus has in abundance is tantalising antiquities. Aeolos organises olive picking and cooking lessons in villages, hiking trips, horse riding, a catamaran and other water-based experiences, among others. Kittiris questions the resolve of the Port Authority to push through improvements for the cruise industry as he says that, “The Port Authority has income from cargo and military ships so are not too worried about cruise.” He would like to see port charges reduced by 50% as an incentive to the Limassol attracts around 220 there were a dozen ports of call, cruise lines. ports of call each year and there including Europa and Azamara. are currently taxis and buses The last port is Latsi on the directly outside. The bus service northwest coast. Even smaller The four ports on runs downtown every ten minutes. than Paphos, it is also an anchor the island The No 30 takes passengers and tender port, which enjoyed a directly from the port to the local maiden call from Europa last year. The main port is Limassol on the mall, My Mall. There are plans to expand the south coast, a mixed-used cargo Larnaka on the southeast coast facilities here. and cruise port, which offers five is not the prettiest of ports as it is There are also plans to create berths currently. In two years’ time an energy port. It has two quays a port of call at Agia Napa on the the eastern quay will be extended totalling 660m and is itching for southeast tip of the island, with to 800m and later this year a redevelopment. A private partner ships anchored in the bay of Protara there are plans to upgrade the futuristic new passenger terminal was assigned to create a dedicated close to a five-star resort hotel. It visitor experience at all ancient opens, which will move the cruise cruise port eight years ago but would be a seven-minute tender ruins, to build more golf courses, activity closer to the old town, cannot raise the funds needed - journey. to open resort-style casinos in particularly once a new entrance, Euros 130m for phase 1 alone - so Limassol and in each town, and road and walking/cycling path the project is being re-tendered. to introduce a tram system in opens, linking to the new marina. ‘We’re examining all possibilities,” Nicosia. The capital will also get a More importantly, it will move said Michaelides. He would like to remarkable Zahir Hadid designed the cruise activity away from the see Larnaca develop as a homeport public space to be called Freedom cargo activity as currently the for eastern Med cruises. “The Square in the centre of town which likes of MSC, Costa and AIDA are situation with Syria will end so will have part of the city’s fabulous berthed wherever they can fit in there is potential,” he says. “Cyprus star-shaped Venetian walls as its during the peak season. is seen as a safe destination.” backdrop. ‘Post opening our plan is to keep The number of calls has declined Andros Kittiris, National Cruise the East Quay exclusively for cruise to around 70 due to the regional Manager of the Aeolos travel ships. It’s an area shared with the problems. agency on the island (part of UN now but we will move them,” The third port is the much smaller Intercruises Cyprus), says 70% explains Deputy Port Manager George Paphos, on the west coast. It is an of clients visiting Cyprus are not Pouros. But Pouros concedes that, anchor and tender port without a interested in culture but more “when five or six cruise ships arrive terminal and, once again, is ripe for in interactive excursions but he on the same day then other quays will development. The Port Authority is concedes that, “Americans and have to be used.” “exploring the possibility of having Brits want cultural and historical The futuristic-looking new terminal a jetty so passengers can walk to experiences.” (pictured above left) will provide a shore,” said Michaelides, rather The trend has been driven by the departure hall, two arrivals hall, an than the ten-minute tender journey surfeit of antiquity passengers view extensive luggage handling area, a now which can be choppy as it’s on Eastern Med cruises: Athen’s restaurant on the first floor and ample open sea. Hapag Lloyd calls several Acropolis, Egypt’s pyramids, Turkey’s parking outside. times during the year and in 2014

There is a lot to see and thankfully roads are excellent. The main Cyprus as a tourist motorway runs on an east-west axis, between Paphos in the west and Agia Napa in the east, making the journey times easy and the ride comfortable. destination A surprising sight is a massive salt lake near the airport. Full of With average daytime winter temperatures of 15-20 migratory birds in winter such as flamingos, it’s also where the world’s degrees and a sea temperature of 25 degrees, fourth most important mosque is located, the Hal Sultan Tekkesi built in Cyprus ticks the box for winter cruising. 648AD. Nearby is a camel park too.

Troodos Mountains and winemaking region One hour by car (or hiking the nature trails) is the Troodos Mountain range stretching across the western side of the island, with Mount Olympus piercing the skyline at 1,952m high. There are 8-seater Jeep safaris that can do the area justice or, on the southern slopes, Larnaca Lefkara Limassol the less arduous winemaking region Larnaca is often the first stopping From Larnaca passengers can head Most cruises dock in the main port which specialises in dry red wine. point if passengers have arrived for the hills and in half an hour of Limassol, and this is a lively, The wine-making village of by air, as this is where the island’s reach the pretty village of Lefkara, big, bustling city with miles of Omodos is very popular as it’s a international airport is. The most known for the delicate filigree silver promenade. Surrounded by seven pretty mountain village with a maze important sights in the city are the work and equally beautiful lace the hills, the old town is anchored of narrow streets, an old monastery 9thC stone Church of St Lazarus, a locals create. Lace designs such as around the castle the Ottomans and a pretty central square dotted beautiful Byzantine style building Leonardo, made into trays, napkins, built in the 16thC, and the Greek with tavernas. Passengers will built 1,000 years ago with intricate doylies and the like, are the Orthodox cathedral practically enjoy a hearty lunch at Stou Kir wooden carved iconostasis and the traditional designs - all sewn on next door. This is where the Yianni: spicey lentils, humous, tomb of St Lazarus in the sanctuary. Irish linen with French thread - and rich lived and built their two- tzatizi, grilled halloumi in divine- Close by are the ruins of the city the tiny winding cobbled streets are storey stone houses with grand tasting bread and of course, salad. kingdom of Kition dating back to the full of shops selling these items as balconies and it’s also where all The village used to be one of the 13thC BC. Culture vultures should well as silver bowls and jewellery. the trendy restaurants, bars and most important winemaking villages visit the Archaeological Museum Passengers shouldn’t leave before shops are today, notably those and there is still evidence of this for its exhibits of mainly Neolithic visiting the Lefkara Museum in the in the converted carob mill and industry from the rows of bonsai- finds, and the fort on the seafront. former home of a wealthy merchant, storehouses. The old courthouse like vines that fill the southern Much of Larnaca is run down but to get a glimpse of what life was and town hall are two distinctive slopes of the Troodos mountains there are exceptions, such as the like in the Twenties and Thirties. buildings here too. Kerameas at in neat rows, as well as the huge Old Customs House and the modern 55 Agkyaw Street is a pottery communal wine press in the village. Palm Promenade dotted with palm workshop in this area selling one- For passengers on a pre or post trees, restaurants and the main off pieces rather than same-old tour, it’s worth hiring a car and hotels of the city. souvenirs. taking one of the seven wine routes across Cyprus as there are 40 boutique wineries to choose from. Cyprus is also known for a dessert wine called Commanderin.

Kourian Nicosia Paphos Distance in nautical miles Omodos is often the lunch stop on The only divided capital left in The jewel in the Cyrus crown is between Cyprus ports a full-day short excursion, which Europe is a sobering sight. The old undoubtedly Paphos. The entire takes in the archaeological site city is fabulous for a walk-through, town is a UNESCO World Heritage Limassol-Paphos 42 of Kourian and upwards to Mount centred along Ledra Street, and the Site and justly so. The open-air Olympus. Omodos is also on the boho chic Mint & Cinnamon bistro Archaeological Park is directly Limassol-Latsi 75 bicycle route from Limassol for at 24 Onasagorou Street perfect for behind the port and the remains of those passengers energetic enough a sit-down and amazing homemade stunning mosaic floors depicting Limassol-Larnaca 38 to scale the hills. cakes and pastries. mythological scenes decorate Just 20km from Limassol, Kourian Visitors can get the best view what’s left of wealthy merchants’ Paphos- Latsi 33 was one of the most important city of both sides of the city from the homes from when Paphos was the kingdoms founded by the Greeks in 11th floor of the Ledra Street capital. Dating from 2nd -5thC AD, Pahos-Larnaca 75 the 14thC BC. Overlooking the sea Observatory. Across the ‘green line’ the best examples are to be found and destoyed by an earthquake the that divides the city the Cathedral in four Roman villas, the House of Larnaca -Latsi 108 ruins are mainly from the Roman of St Sophia, the island’s largest Dionysus, the House of Aeon, the period. Passengers can marvel at and oldest gothic church, is in full House of Thesius and the House of Where to stay the ancient amphitheatre built in view, although it is now a mosque. Orpheus. the 2ndC BC and attend musical And on the hills beyond a vast A short drive away is the Tomb Larnaca Golden Bay Beach Hotel and theatrical events staged here Turkish flag has been built into the of the Kings, a cemetery from between May and October. It was hillside, as a constant reminder of 3rd-4thC BC. Despite there being Limassol Curium Palace Hotel reconstructed in the Sixties, but the the invasion by the Turks in 1974 no kings buried here, the two most original stones have been re-used in when they conquered 37% of the important tombs are numbers 3 – Paphos Amathus Hotel, the front rows. island. Passengers can pass through an underground tomb supported Annabelle Hotel, Close by is the House of security and visit the Turkish- by carved limestone pillars - and Athena Hotel, Athena Eustolios, a Roman villa built in the occupied part of Nicosia. number 8 which is rumoured to be Royal, Elysium Hotel 5thC and donated to the city as a the tomb of Cleopatra’s brother. or Almyra spa; visible still are the baths and An Agrotourism beautiful mosaic floors. project offers self- catering stays in restored traditional houses in mountain villages.

Liverno is the port for Tuscany, It’s all close by, on good road and the central region of Italy with rail connections. The lure of Florence as its regional capital. Knowing where to start is Aside from the stunning city of perhaps the challenge. Should it Florence, Tuscany’s attractions be the thermal baths in Saturnia, are many, including Siena, Pisa, the leaning tower of Pisa or Siena’s Lucca, extraordinary countryside, stunning Gothic cathedral? Livorno a sea coast and islands to If the city fathers had their way Livorno is putting itself on the cruise map as the explore, and not forgetting fine they would keep all the cruise port for Tuscany, with ambitious plans over the art, gourmet food and wine and passengers in Livorno for the day. architecture that spans the next few years to become a major player Etruscan, Roman and the rich Renaissance period.

Work is due to start this year, Livorno as a tourist city (about a 45-minute journey). It although work on dredging the destination offers regular connections to the UK. river began late last year in order Ryanair, for example, provides high If the cruise ship has docked in one to accommodate more cruise ships frequency, low-cost flights from four of the industrial wharfs then there while the work goes on. cities: London, Edinburgh, Birmingham is a shuttle bus service, which picks The port currently provides 11 and Liverpool (www.ryanair.com). up (and drops off) at Piazza del port berths for cruise but this is British Airways, Alitalia, KLM, Municipio, which is opposite Livorno shared with a busy ferry service, Lufthansa and Flybe also fly ex-UK, Town Hall (or Comune). which connects Italy to Corsica and with many more UK departure points The Fortezza Nuova defences Sardinia. There are also three cruise between them. in the city centre that overlook the terminals but, once again, these are Most tourists view Livorno as a Fosso Reale canal are worth more shared with ferries. transit point to get to other, places than a glance, and, although it’s not Plans have been approved to beyond its city walls, chiefly Florence, quite Venice, it’s pleasant to take a expand the cruise port to almost which is an hour’s drive away and this boat ride on the Fossi (canal). Lastly, double the current area and to is where most cruise passengers head promenade along the sweeping separate the ferry and cruise for on a day-long port of call. Terrazza Mascagni for some fresh sea operations by building new cruise For repeat visitors, alternative day breezes. docks in the Alto Fondale dock, an trips are the walled city of Lucca, Pisa Any Vespa scooter afficionados area where already, old warehouses with the famous Leaning Tower, the should head straight for the Vespa have been converted to a passenger world famous vineyards in Bolgheri, workshop in the San Jacopo district terminal for mega cruise ship nearby beaches and the small, walled of the city. passengers. The masterplan also medieval hill town of San Gimignano, Livorno is geographically well includes revitalizing the entire area. registered as a UNESCO World placed as Pisa International Airport The port of Livorno The new-look cruise port should Cultural Heritage site. is the closest international airport Cruise passengers will find be finished for the 2018/19 cruise at only a few kilometres from the themselves docked in the expansive season. industrial port of Livorno, close Livorno already attracts a to downtown. The port lacks sizeable cruise market. In 2012, one sufficient space for cruise ships million passengers visited on 480 in the long term, which is why ship calls. Passenger numbers in the public/private company Port the intervening two years dipped of Livorno 2000 has launched and it is hoped that this year figures a Euros10million- Euros25m will be around 500 calls and that masterplan over the next five years the port will experience new growth that will transform it. in 2016.

| Spring 2015 | 27

| Overnighting | OPINION |

Overnight sensation Are cruise lines missing a trick and not I am lucky because Iceland is a Let’s face it, Iceland is a destination that manages to seduce showstopper on any cruise itinerary, staying long enough in port? Passengers even the most experienced of traveller so it’s hardly any wonder that shore - regardless of weather, season and/ excursion sales excel there. But want longer in destinations so might or travel reason. It’s a land of surreal there is a downside to such heady natural beauty complimented by popularity and that’s the genuine it solve the overcrowding issue? Liz a rich, evocative history, fuelled by risk of overcrowding. environmentally friendly geothermal The unprecedented rise in Gammon of Iceland Travel puts the case energy and illuminated by the tourist numbers in recent years has midnight sun and the white nights of also left some of the top tourist for more overnight stays in port the arctic summer. ’ attractions struggling to cope on During dark winter months (and busy days - especially when there occasionally during autumn), Iceland’s might be two or more cruise ships pollution free skies provide an inky in port. backdrop to the magical aurora In such circumstances there is borealis - aka the northern lights. no question that the ship that has Such is the pull of this 103, booked an overnight stay wins. 00 KM2 volcanic island, located Every time! just shy of the Arctic Circle and During the 2014 summer season prevalent on most Northern Europe Iceland had 36 overnight stays - 24 cruise itineraries. of them in the capital Reykjavik.

It’s thought that the growing quite as lucrative as it sounds sites are not so overcrowded and freedom. Overnights, overlands, overnight trend has resulted from and can leave the tour operator services are not overburdened. Volcanic Expeditions, even day Iceland’s (most notably Reykjavik’s) lamenting over the many missed Popular tours can also be combined trips to Greenland! By giving the successful pre/post passenger shorex sales opportunities. and built into bumper full-day destination more time you are turnaround programmes, its high- The solution is an overnight experiences for passengers, further effectively providing passengers scoring shore excursion offerings itinerary that offers an overnight increasing revenue opportunities. with more time to enjoy a and positive port ratings. Or it could with two FULL days on either side From a creative side it opens much more varied, in-depth and be that they are due to inclement - effectively enhancing service up so many more doors. Once enjoyable shore side experience. weather or mechanical issues? delivery, the selection of shore the shackles of a standard one- And, as we know, a satisfied Either way there is a positive excursions that can be run and the day call have been removed, it passenger more often than not response from passengers and subsequent revenue gained. allows for so much more creative means a repeat passenger. shore excursion executives alike. The benefits of an A typical overnight port call in Reykjavik consists of an overnight overnight stay Who is Liz Gammon? stay with two half days on either The practical benefits accrued from Liz Gammon is the Manager of Shore Excursions and Cruise Services at side. For example, the ship will an overnight stay or extended time Iceland Travel, the country’s largest and longest running tour operator. berth at around 13:00, overnights, in port are varied and immensely She works with local suppliers to create sustainable excursions that and then sails at around 14:00 next positive - ranging from being able capture Iceland’s unique beauty, while developing press releases, social day. No doubt the lure of Iceland’s to utilise guides and coaches more media strategies, and overseeing the successful operation of on-trend 24hr midsummer daylight plays a efficiently, to allowing crew to enjoy a shore excursions in the many ports of Iceland, her adopted home. part in this set-up as full day tours well-earned extended break ashore. She and her team have won, among others, the Seatrade Insider’s can run well into the night on the Tour departure times can be Innovative Shorex 2011 award and the Federation of European Tour first day. Which, in reality, is not staggered ensuring that popular Guides Fair Deal Tour 2012. Liz also achieved the ambitious objective of launching the ‘Professional Women in Cruise Forum’ in 2012.

30 | Spring 2015 | Port of GIBRALTAR

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Cruise-Ports&Destinations2013.indd 1 22/02/2013 10:10 | INDUSTRY ISSUES | Overnighting |

Cruise passengers would like more time ashore and cruise lines are creating evening entertainment shorex to satisfy demand, says Gillian Upton

The escalating cost of fuel “I can’t think of anything better,” and operational requirements/ has become a major factor in says Rachel Wright, Director infrastructure,” says Bruce itinerary planning and it has led to of Cruise Select. Sarah Vine of Krumrine, VP Shore Operations itineraries with less ports, longer Travelux agrees. “It can only be a for Europe & Exotics at Princess stays, multiple-day stays and good thing, and St Petersburg is Cruises. evening stays. In short, more time a prime example where you can Additional port fees and ashore for passengers. sample the nightlife,” she says. services for an overnight stay It’s good news for cruise agents, Overnighters are the norm on will affect cruise lines’ yield, as these overnighters attract high world cruises but it’s a growing geographic proximity may not allow passenger satisfaction scores and trend with shorter cruises and overnight stays while the port appeal very much to repeat cruisers on this scale. Cruise lines such infrastucture has so give agents another reason to as Azamara are well entrenched to allow for the make a call. That is, as long as the already. What’s driving this trend? overnight stay extra time ashore is in marquee “There are five factors: guest to work ports such as Venice, St Petersberg, demand, guest satisfaction, seamlessly Istanbul and Rome. yield, geographic proximity and smoothly.

Museums are shut, guides and memorable evening in one port impact for the local community,” coaches cost more and it may be a will compensate for less ports of as well as savings on fuel and struggle to persuade shops to open. call. Cruise lines are busy creating F&B for the cruise line. Improved And if the port is a cargo port too it evening events within walking crew morale is another plus. may involve moving the ship in the distance from the ship, the Royal “For me, more overnighters are evening, which will trigger higher Tattoo in Edinburgh, the theatre at directly connected to better guest pilot charges. Ephesus in Turkey, a Northern Lights satisfaction” says de Nardo. Ballet in St Petersburg The cruise line also loses out on Tour or the Ballet in St Petersburg Marquee ports are, of course, the ship’s casino and shops being perhaps, as an added-value to the still the big magnet. Princess’ closed. Less passengers venture out itinerary. passenger ratings for 2014 gave top when the port of call is located in a Elisabeth de Nardo, Director Port marks to Venice (90.5%), followed commercial port Operations at Silversea, says that by Florence (87%), Istanbul (86%), “It’s a trade-off between the late one of the clear advantages for her Naples (85%), Athens (84%) and night stay in port and us missing guests is the marvellous overland Rome (83.6%). another port,” says Krumrine. “But options the extra time in port * Turn to page 29 for an not spending enough time in port affords. “They can get to the Great opinion piece on why cruise will frustrate guests.” Wall or Machu Picchu,” she says. lines should give passengers The thinking goes that a “And it means a higher economic more time ashore.

Come together, right now The lyric from the Beatles classic has great associations strengthened their from national and regionally- hand last autumn when they based memberships to offer an resonance on the issue of greater industry announced a strategic cooperation international programme. “You’re with the European Sea Ports no longer a member of say, CLIA collaboration needed in order for the cruise Organisation (ESPO) to become the Germany but just CLIA,” explained official voice of the European cruise Bo Larsen, CLIAs Global Director of industry to get the recognition it deserves and ferry port sector. It was one in Port Engagement & Development. the eye for CLIA Europe. CLIA Europe has also increased the and move forward, says Gillian Upton Cruise Baltic, Cruise Norway number of resources in Brussels. (both CLIA members), Cruise Europe The events of 2014 resemble and MedCruise and ESPO will The launch of CLIAs global role That was the worry from the likes a tennis match as the so-called intensify its efforts to become a early last year caused much of Cruise Europe and MedCruise, opposing teams rallied and single voice for the European cruise consternation, and the remainder who did not want to meld into CLIA. defended themselves, an activity industry; they will meet regularly of 2014 was beset by disgruntled CLIA is dangling a US$25,000 that has continued into 2015. to discuss the latest developments port associations across Europe carrot for fast track access to On January 1st CLIA introduced at EU policy level, investigate worried that some members cruise lines at a global level. CLIA lower-entry membership levels to potential collaborative synergies would leave them for the global represents 63 cruise lines and woo the reluctant ports. There is and develop a Code of Good reach of CLIA, if that is, they could top cruise line execs are part of now a gold level membership at Practice. justify the US$25,000 joining fee. the global ports and destinations US$5,000 and a silver entry point Ingvar M Mathisen, chairman of It was only natural that for CLIA committee, such as RCLs John at just US$2,500. Cruise Norway, believes the move to become global that its focus Tercek and Giora Israel of Carnival To date, 25 ports have signed will “minimise duplication of work, would turn to Europe as historically, Corporation as Chair. up for the all-singing, all-dancing save resources and should provide its strength has always lain in MedCruise and CLIA were in Diamond tier CLIA membership better results.” North America. talks last year about how to move at US$25,000. The port of Venice MedCruise President Stavros But, would it create a two-tier forward but Stavros Hatzakos, has signed up, for example, but Hatzakos says it is “a clear mark industry with European marquee president of Medcruise, announced: the other members are not all of cruise ports’ commitment and and large turnaround ports “On a number of issues we differ marquee ports, as CLIAs Larsen investment in effective alliances.” defecting to CLIA and the rest and are better served by our explained: “A lot of smaller, less Just not an alliance with CLIA. staying where they are in their association.” visited ports have signed up for CLIA then moved away long-established port associations? The four main European port the Diamond level.”

Port of Barcelona

As far as European port more passengers on shorex, associations go, Cruise Norway and infrastructural shortcomings at Baltic have made the leap of faith ports and finding a better solution but Cruise Europe and MedCruise than ‘first-come, first-served’ for have not joined. ”We’d like them berthing policies at port that is not to join; we want everyone to join,” helping the congestion issue. See says CLIAs Larsen. panel. Cruise Baltic’s Claus Bodker Pierre Francesco Vago, CEO of reckons CLIA membership “adds MSC Cruises and Chair of CLIA value to our members. I think Cruise Europe, reiterates, “we have to Europe have a problem with the engage and work together as it global ports committee but we’re will benefit everybody. “We have pragm