MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:23 Page 1
MedCruise News
Kristijan Pavić is appointed as the March 2016 new President of MedCruise Issue 51 MedCruise News pg. 1-4 ristijan Pavić, is the new President of membership that spans 20 countries. I am MedCruise, effective from mid- honoured to assume the Presidency of this KFebruary. vibrant Association, dedicated to achieving Port facilities & Since 2014, Kristijan Pavić has held the sustainable and responsible growth of Destinations pg. 5-17 position of svp of MedCruise, representing the cruise activities in the Med and its port of Dubrovnik. adjoining seas. I would like to express my The announcement follows the decision of gratitude to Carla Salvadό for the leadership Meet the MedCruise outgoing President Carla Salvadό to leave her and her excellent work throughout her office at Port of Barcelona, Presidency, and I look members pg. 18-23 which was the MedCruise forward to working with our port that Salvadό devoted family of more than represented on the 100 cruise ports and 34 List of MedCruise Association’s Board of associates in order to Members pg. 24 Directors. continue the same successful Salvadό is now cruise and beneficial results.’ director at Global Ports After graduating with a Holding, also a MedCruise Maritime Science degree from member, and continues to Split University, Pavic worked Come see MedCruise at Seatrade advance cruise activities as a cruise company employee Cruise Global on booth 513 under her new role. at sea. In 2006, he became the The Port of Barcelona general manager of Dubrovnik retains a position on the County Port Authority and MedCruise Board of Directors. since 2012 he has been Following his nomination performing the duty of Pavić said: ‘All ports in the Dubrovnik Port Authority, Med and myself personally are committed deputy general manager. He has been to continuing the excellent work professionally active in cruise destination undertaken by MedCruise in the recent management and cooperation between ports past. MedCruise is celebrating 20 years of and cities, as well as the development of eatrade Cruise Global, the industry’s serving the needs of the ports and the partner relations for all cruise stakeholders, global event which brings together cruise industry in the region, with a especially within the Adriatic region. Severy facet of the business including cruise lines, suppliers, travel agents and partners is being held for the first time in 48th MedCruise GA in Odessa Fort Lauderdale at the Broward County Convention Center. he 48th MedCruise General Assembly cruise sector, as well as the implications In addition to being present on the will take place 22-25 June 2016, in and prospects of cruising in the Med and exhibition floor at booth 513, MedCruise is TOdessa, Ukraine. This major cruise its adjoining seas. also participating in the multi-track event will mark the celebrations of the 20 In line with the MedCruise tradition, all conference program with President Kristijan years of the Association. regular and associate members will have a first Pavić participating on a panel session During the General Assembly meeting, class opportunity to discuss the developments entitled: ‘Where To and Why? Factors MedCruise member representatives in the region, while they will also devote time influencing deployment and itinerary together with other esteemed guests will in B2B meetings and interactive Workshops strategies’ taking place on Thursday March discuss the latest developments of the with cruise line executives. 17 between 9.30-11.00.
Bringing the Med Together 1 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:23 Page 2
MedCruise presents its 2016 MedCruise Statistics report at #SCG2016 heading to
ruise activities in MedCruise Ports: transforming thus Tenerife in Statistics 2015 is an internal MedCruise to the Cproduction of MedCruise. This is a biggest cruise September special edition of the flagship MedCruise ports Association publication, as this year the association beyond the celebrates its 20th anniversary. Established Caribbean and a edCruise will take centre-stage at in Rome in 1996, the MedCruise membership reliable partner of Seatrade Cruise Med 2016 with the spans today in 20 countries and three cruise lines, Mlargest pavilion on the exhibition different continents, namely Africa, Asia and destinations, floor as well as hosting the 49th General Europe. public institutions Assembly on the day after. Previously known A total of 27.3 million cruise passenger and other as the Seatrade Med Cruise Convention, the movements were hosted in MedCruise stakeholders. newly formed Seatrade Cruise Med event is the member ports in 2015, while at the turn of This report-to Mediterranean’s premier cruise industry event. the century the very same ports had be presented during Seatrade Cruise Global The 2016 edition will take place in Santa Cruz, recorded ‘only’ 8.6 million passenger 2016-forms part of a series of studies Tenerife from 21-23 September 2016 at the movements. conducted or commissioned by MedCruise. International Trade Fair and Congress Centre The second biggest cruise region of the The aim is to advance cruise ports in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, and it hosted by the world, namely the Med, demonstrated a competitiveness via benchmarking and Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The remarkable capacity for growth, sharing of knowledge on industry trends. event comprises of an exhibition, conference, networking and travel agent training and is fully supported by MedCruise, CLIA and FCCA. The Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife Princess Project in Barcelona manages five ports in four of the Canary islands. All received cruise calls last year and collectively they welcomed 506 calls and Mediterranean Cruising. 933,161 passengers. Leading port Santa Cruz de The joint project gives the opportunity to 17 Tenerife welcomed 311 ships and over 644,000 MedCruise port members to directly benefit to cruise visitors, followed by Santa Cruz de La be promoted and be educated, via a number of Palma in La Palma which had 125 ships and initiatives that will finally reach the guests of 206,799 passsengers. San Sebatian de la the Holland America Group. Gomera handled 59 ships and over 76,000 Ten initiatives are developed in this context: passengers while Los Cristianos and La Estaca welcome videos for cruise guests, local experts tallied 5 and 6 calls respectively. port presentation videos, speaker series, exclusive guest experience in every port, new tour programs and framework, partnership port Figen Ayan (Istanbul) guides & walking maps, port welcome & and Bruce Krumrine departure experience, local artist exhibit & sale, cooperative marketing & public relations, film ased on the willingness of MedCruise and project. Princess Cruises to enhance and further The first phase of the project concluded in Bdevelop the close relationships and Barcelona the second week of February, where collaboration, MedCruise and Princess decided MedCruise port members, and associate to develop a partnership project. partners at the respective destinations gathered Following a most interesting proposal in a Mediterranean style scene set by Princess developed by Bruce Krumrine, Vice-President, Cruises to shoot videos sharing experiences and Shore Excursions of Holland America Group, the the beauties of the destination to be explored by two partnering organisations currently work on cruisers at their ports and destinations. a twofold goal: to Create the world’s best cruise The project will continue, involving more Santa Cruz de Tenerife experience and Increase Demand for MedCruise member ports and further actions. Promoting the Med cruise experience to China
•Are you Chinese and looking for a cruise project aims to help the Med and holiday? its adjoining region emerge as the • Do you want to know everything about cruise most preferred cruise destination destinations in the Med and its adjoining seas? among Chinese cruise tourists. • Do you know how to spell MedCruise in The strategic marketing plan Chinese? focuses on the fact that the region www.medcruise.cn is now here to provide all itself represents a high degree of the answers attractions, combining different Since early 2015, MedCruise in collaboration elements such as history, nature, with Chinese Friendly is working on a China culture, gastronomy etc., all much Marketing Plan to benefit MedCruise Ports. This appreciated by Chinese tourists.
2 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:23 Page 3
Cruise Excellence Awards
MedCruise member port of Cartagena, Spain. the Best Mediterranean Port & Destination award. The event was organised by Cruises News Stephen Xuereb, CEO of Valletta Cruise Port Media Group and included a round table session said, ‘We are very proud to be receiving this with the participation of cruise companies, port award. Valletta Cruise Port and Malta have the executives, as well as port and shorex agencies. right mix to excel: port infrastructure, MedCruise Vice President and Cruise destination attractiveness, a good product Manager of Ports de la Generalitat Maria Cano offering, outstanding service delivery with good joined the participants discussing the state of passenger flows in the key facilities, varied the cruise industry and presented current transport modes, and safety and security. All opportunities and challenges in the cruise this within a value-for-money proposition, and industry. delivered with pride and passion. We dedicate Fernando Muñoz, Commercial Manager of the this award to all the personnel of Valletta Cruise Port Authority of Cartagena that forms a Port, who together with local stakeholders he 9th edition of Cruise Excellence Awards MedCruise regular member also joined the relentlessly work to ensure that Malta is was celebrated under the auspices of discussions. professional, efficient, reliable and flexible in TMedCruise on February 18th, in the MedCruise member Port of Valletta received meeting expectations on all fronts.’ Discussions on “Maritime Skills and Careers in Blue Economy”
tackled. The Cruise world offers a unique opportunity for growth of the Blue Economy. The cruise port industry and cruise activities in the Mediterranean and the adjoining seas have experience growth Towards a in all respects throughout the last two decades. The presence of qualified and skilful personnel will provide an European Code essential condition for the transformation of this growth to a of Practice for edCruise welcomes the initiative of sustainable one. the European Commission’s Secretary General, Thanos Pallis actively MDirectorate-General for Maritime contributed at the ad-hoc expert group meeting Cruise Ports Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) to develop an on “Maritime Skills and Careers in the Blue Economy” that was organised by DG MARE, in agenda on Maritime Skills and Careers in the edCruise hosted a working meeting of Brussels on December 16th, 2015. Blue Economy of Europe. representatives of ports associations MedCruise welcomes the decision to make We share the views of the European and cruise and ferry ports that institution that growth in the blue economy will maritime skills and careers to a key theme of M discussed and advanced the content of the the 2016 European Maritime Day, as well as the require appropriately skilled workforce, able to forthcoming European Code of Practice for common view of stakeholders that concrete apply the latest advancements in a range of Cruise and Ferry Ports. actions will help achieving the desired targets. disciplines, whereas any skills gap must be The work is part of the efforts of the European Cruise and Ferry Port Network, set up within the European Sea Port Organisation (ESPO). The Network brings together ESPO, Cruise The contribution of cruise in Europe, Cruise Baltic, Cruise Britain, Cruise Norway, and MedCruise, in a strategic cooperation that provides a united voice of the port-cities development European Cruise and Ferry Port sector – while it advances the sharing of expertise, and MedCruise Secretary General Thanos Pallis strengthens the efforts to effectively represent joined the Greek Minister for Shipping and the sector towards the European institutions. Island Policy, the Mayor of the City of Piraeus, The meeting was devoted on best practices as and Stavros Hatzakos, General Manager of the regards the relationships between ports and Port of Piraeus and MedCruise Honorary cruises and ferry lines, with MedCruise and President, discussing the prospects and impact Cruise Europe chairing the discussions of the of cruise activities on city development for the particular sub-group of the Network. Among the city of Piraeus and other cities in the broader participants were also MedCruise members Port Mediterranean region. of Piraeus and Cyprus Port Authority. The one-day event took place at the Four other working groups focus on University of Piraeus, on Wednesday 9 Competition and Cooperation between ports, edCruise took an active part at the one- December and was attended by various shipping Infrastructure Developments, Security and day conference 'Relations between the and cruise industry stakeholders as well as Relations of Ports and the City respectively. Port and the City', organised in Piraeus, representatives of local chambers, and The European Cruise and Ferry Ports Code of M destination management institutions. Practice is expected to be released within 2016. Greece.
3 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:23 Page 4
MedCruise will be participating at the MedCruise Ports heading to Asia
following events iming to transform the Asian market MedCruise will sponsor the Travel Agent worldwide in 2016 into a major passenger source market for Training programme and invite travel agents to AMediterranean cruise ports, MedCruise is cruise in the magic world of the Mediterranean, heading to Asia this spring. Τhe MedCruise offering among others a great opportunity to delegation will travel to Far East in order to discover the history, the architecture, the Seatrade Cruise Global, Fort Lauderdale attend COTTM2016 and Seatrade Cruise Asia. culture, the gastronomy and the amazing sights 14-17 March, 2016 COTTM2016 – Beijing, China of 20 countries around the Med. The Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports will participate at the main Chinese tourism fair, namely COTTM2016 (China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market), to be held 12-14 April, in Beijing, China. This forms an exceptional opportunity for The next edition of Seatrade Cruise Global will MedCruise to meet with the 4,000 Chinese travel be held 14-17 March 2016. MedCruise will be agencies attending the event and promote present with a stand. cruise ports in the Med and its adjoining seas. Thus, MedCruise member ports will further COTTM2016, Beijing benefit by expanding their professional network 12-14 April, 2016 with key travel agents around the globe. Seatrade Cruise Asia 2016 – Busan, Korea MedCruise will be also present at the forthcoming Seatrade Cruise Asia event that will take place 12-14 May 2016 in Busan, Korea. The event will feature a showcase exhibition, MedCruise will participate in 2016 at the main conference and travel agent training. Chinese tourism fair, namely COTTM2016 (China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market), to be held 12-14 April, in Beijing, China.
Seatrade Cruise Asia, Busan Greek Cruise Port 12-14 May, 2016 representatives gathered in Thessaloniki
Hosted by Busan Port Authority, Busan cruise-lines), to integrate port & the Metropolitan City, Korea Tourism Organization city, to develop their own and Korea Marine Leisure Network, Seatrade marketing, networking and Cruise Asia will take place at the Busan professional development tools”. International Passenger Terminal. During the one-day event, participating ports, cruise lines and destination representatives 48th MedCruise General Assembly, Odessa, discussed on the ways to develop Ukraine, 22-25 June, 2016 the cruise activities in the region. Interventions concluded with an interesting discussion of invited stakeholders on the challenges and the opportunities that ports face in Greece following the latest developments in the region, and in The 48th MedCruise General Assembly will edCruise participated at a Hellenic Greece in particular. take place 22-25 June 2016, in Odessa, Ukraine. Ports Association organised public The event followed a two-days seminar on This major cruise event will mark the Mevent on how to advance growth of modern cruise demands that was attended by celebrations of the 20 years of the Association. cruise in Greece that was held at the MedCruise members of the Greek port authorities and was port of Thessaloniki. organised by Exantas, the educational Seatrade Cruise Med, Santa Cruz de During the opening session, MedCruise institution of the Hellenic Ports Association. Tenerife, 21-23 September, 2016 Secretary General Thanos Pallis gave emphasis The port of Thessaloniki is expecting 35 ships on the “Working together” factor and the to call in 2016 bringing in 30-35,000 passengers. dynamics of cooperation which is the key The numbers show an increase year on year element of MedCruise. “The resources are with an emphasis on passenger numbers, available to some but not all, whereas cruise reflecting the increasing size of cruise ship. The lines deploy ships to a region not to a port” port has a Master Plan spanning 25 years Seatrade Cruise Med is the major biennial stated Thanos Pallis. “MedCruise provides including a new passenger terminal and cruise event focused on the world’s second exactly these tools to its members: to promote, associated passenger facilities. largest cruise destination - the Mediterranean. develop & foster good relations and The most popular shore excursion is the city Hosted by MedCruise member collaboration among cruise ports of the region tour comprising visits to various museums Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. (and beyond), to reach the entire port (historical, archaeological, art etc), churches, community (cities, travel agents, passengers temples and local shoppong outlets.
4 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:23 Page 5
Balearic Islands Barcelona
he Balearic ports of Palma and Ibiza are popular for cruise visitors whilst in Ibiza, an forging ahead with upgrading cruise excursion by ferry to the island of Formentera Casa Vicens Tinfrastructure. In busiest port Palma a is often sold out. Formentera is the smallest of new €16m terminal for mega ships is under Spain’s Balearic islands known for its clear construction covering a total surface area of waters, sandy beaches and water sport 9,564sq mtr and due for completion in activities and sailing. December 2017. In addition, €23m investment is planned for extending the North Poniente Quay MedCruise contact: Francisca Leal Albons esplanade covering a surface area of 36,000sq [email protected] mtr and expected to be finished in January 2019. In Ibiza, €3.7m is being spent on extending the south berthing line in the Botafoc area providing a quay length of 330mtr with works due to be completed this summer. In Palma, the port authority which manages five ports in total (Palma, Alcudia, Mahon, Ibiza and La Savina) is focussing on increasing the arcelona is expecting 750 calls and number of calls during the winter season. The around 2.6m passengers this year, Palma City Tour remains one of the most Bcompared to 749 calls and 2,540,302 in 2015. At Adossat Quay a new facility (Terminal E) will soon start to take shape as Carnival Corporation & plc begins work on its new €30m terminal, which will have interior space totaling Bastia/North Corsica 11,500sq mtr, the largest cruise terminal in Europe. It will be used by seven of Carnival's 10 orizon, Zenith and Seven Seas Explorer brands. The company already operates Terminal are among new visitors to Bastia this Calvi D, named Palacruceros, adjacent to the new year where a total of 23,200 passengers facility. The facility will be operational in 2018. H A city brimming with a wide variety of will visit on nine different cruise ships and 20 calls. Ile Rousse will handle 14 calls including excursions, Barcelona Tourism Board highlights Hamburg for the first time and welcome 2,900 the artist Joseph Puig i Cadafalch Museum and passengers. In Calvi, 18 ships on 42 calls are a visit to Gaudi’s Casa Vicens for passengers scheduled to bring 29,000 passengers including wanting to discover new options. first time visits by Le Lyrial, Serenissima, Casa Vicens is a modernist building designed Voyager and Oosterdam. Five ships will call in by Antoni Gaudi located in the area of Gracia. It Saint Florent for a total of 500 passengers. is considered one of the first building of Art Collectively the North Corsica port will Nouveau and one of the first houses designed by welcome 81 calls and 55,600 passengers this Gaudi. The artist mixed different styles together year which is a 5% increase compared to 2015. in his architecture and used a variety of A tour focusing on the mystical side of Bastia materials such as iron, glass, ceramic tiles and features a private concert of Corsican concrete, many of which can be seen in this polyphonic singing in the dark mysterious building. Casa Vicens marked the first time Oratory of the Holy Cross chapel built in Gaudi used an oriental style mixed with Renaissance style. Hispanic-Arabic inspiration.
MedCruise contact: Anne-Marie Spinosi MedCruise contact: Mar Perez [email protected] [email protected] Brindisi
ast year Brindisi inaugurated a new destination in favour of repositioning Trulli houses cruise terminal which successfully tonnage to the Caribbean. However positive Lberthed its first cruise ship, MSC news is MSC Cruises’ is planning weekly Magnifica on her maiden visit. The building calls in 2017 which will lead to an increase houses ticketing area, baggage handling, in cruise visitors to the region. Customs and Border Agency area and Popular tourist attractions within 30 to security operations. The project was 60 minutes’ drive from the port include the developed by the Port Authority of Brindisi unique city of Alberobello whose centre is at an investment of €300,000 and involved listed by UNESCO World Heritage of the renovation of an existing building Humanity due to the ‘Trulli’ houses and the located in the heart of the port and close to stunning city of Ostuni famous for its the main streets of the city centre. whitewashed houses and small roads, The port, located in southern Italy in alleys and arches. (see page 18) Apulia, welcomed around 150,000 passengers in 2015 however this year there MedCruise contact: Laura Cimaglia will be a downturn in numbers as main [email protected] customer MSC Cruises has dropped the
5 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:23 Page 6
Burgas Ceuta
ort of Ceuta, the gateway to Morocco, is investing €2.2m in upgrading its cruise Pberth and terminal enhancing the passenger experience with new signposting, ive ships bringing over 7,500 passengers its list of World Heritage Cities in 1983. Often gardens, new security system and visited the Bulgarian port of Burgas last called the ‘Pearl of the Black Sea’, Nessebar is reorganising of traffic flows within the port year, including Emerald Princess, the older than Rome and Istanbul where there are area. Last year four cruise ships called at F Ceuta but this figure is set to increase in 2016 largest ship that can sail in the Black Sea. In 80 temples in this small peninsular which is 2016, the Port of Burgas is expecting three only 24 hectares in area. with 15 ships booked to date. ships and over 7,000 passengers as the The port is currently renovating the oldest Popular are shore excursions to the number of cruise ships visiting the Black Sea warehouse Magazia 1 into a maritime museum Moroccan cities of Tetouan and Tangier. The remains limited due to geopolitical issues in and cultural centre with functionality as a medina of Tetouan and its network of shaded the area. second passenger terminal for vessels in alleyways is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting tourists have plenty to see with the transit. It was built in 1903 and designed by Its large Jewish quarter was called Little ancient cities of Sozopol, Nessebar and Aqua Eiffel. Although planned to be completed in Jerusalem. Various souks sell clearly defined Khalide nearby plus the newest attraction, the 2017, as work is progressing well it could be goods and in their midst are Hassan II Square island of St Anastasia provide a rich history finished as soon as May this year. (see page 18) and the Royal Palace, a fine example of combined with beautiful nature. Hispano-Moresque architecture. The abundance of historical buildings in MedCruise contact: Stoicho Dimov The Tangier medina has always fascinated Nessebar prompted UNESCO to include it in [email protected] artists and writers – Eugena Delacroix, Henri Matisse, Paul Bowles, Tennessee Williams to name a few have all fallen for the charm of Petit Socco Square and its cafes, especially the famous Tingis when casinos and dance Cartagena halls abounded. The old Mendoub Palace, built in 1929, situated in the north of the medina is now a mansion for foreign VIPs. Paintings are displayed and one room is dedicated to American writer Paul Bowles. Those passengers wishing to stay in Ceuta itself can discover the town on foot passing several monuments, churches, palaces and the Royal Walls providing a rich history of the Spanish autonomous city. For relaxation the Mediterranean Maritime Park has two salt-water lakes, solarium, gardens and marina alongside.
MedCruise contact: Victor M. Jiménez [email protected]
26 ships and more than 200,000 Spanish Mediterranean city in the 18th passengers are expected to visit Cartagena century. Dozens of defence fortifications were 1this year representing a 30% increase in built to protect the Arsenal, harbour and city passenger numbers and 16% growth in calls. A itself against possible attacks. Several external host of ships are making maiden calls forts were built in the surrounding hills. Three including Koningsdam, Oosterdam, Pacific external fortifications Galeras, Atalaya and Los Princess, Royal Princess, Costa neoRomantica, Moros were declared cultural heritage assets in Rhapsody of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, 1997 and these three system defences managed Celebrity Silhouette, Norwegian Jade and to protect the city and the majority remained Seven Seas Explorer. in service until the beginning of the 20th The cruise berth is being extended by 144mtr century. The city is working to be named on this year to provide a quay length of over UNESCO’s World Heritage City list. (see page 18) 700mtr at an investment of €4.6m. It will take 14 months to complete. MedCruise contact: Hortensia Sanchez Cartagena and its Arsenal became the main [email protected]
6 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:23 Page 7
Civitavecchia Corfu
orfu is expecting an 11% increase in An artists impression of the new terminal passengers and calls this year building Con the 407 ships and 612,551 passengers that visited the island in 2015. Corfu is hoping to welcome 865,000 passengers and over 455 ships including 40,000 passengers on turnarounds for Thomson Cruises which has been homeporting in Corfu for the past 12 years.
oma Cruise Terminal, the company time and the history of mankind. managing cruise terminal operations in Roma Cruise Terminal is building a new Rthe port of Civitavecchia, is expecting cruise passenger terminal on Quay 12B North. 2.3m cruise passengers in 2016 and close to 850 The 10,000sq mtr terminal is designed to handle ships. Maiden callers include Carnival Cruise a flow of 4,500 passengers a time and can store Line’s Carnival Vista and Oceania’s Sirena. Last up to 9,000 pieces of luggage. It will be equipped year, 2.2m passengers visited. with two retractable bridges to facilitate the Without doubt Rome remains the main embark and disembark of passengers and is attraction for passengers disembarking in the costing in the region of €20m. (also see page 19) port. An hour away by road from Civitavecchia, its historic building, churches, monuments and MedCruise contact: Malcolm Morini Holland America Line’s newest ship ruins, entices passengers for a journey through [email protected] Koningsdam, Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Esprit, Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Sea, Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Sea Explorer, Oceania Cruises’ Sirena and Carnival Cruise Line’s Cyprus Ports Carnival Vista are all debuting for their cruise brands in summer 2016, and all will be visiting Corfu for the first time. ypriot ports of Lemesos, Larnaka, Paphos St Lazarus Church monuments is With its new berth totalling 450mtr in length and Latsi plus two international airports located, the fully operational, the port can host up to seven Cmake Cyprus an ideal homeporting and Temple of ships simultaneously and is now planning to a year-round cruise destination. Collectively Apollo. build a new 600sq mtr homeporting terminal to they are due to welcome an important number The tour be ready by end 2017 representing an estimated of calls this year. may then cost of €600,000. In the meantime, works are in A new €14.4m passenger terminal at continue with progress at the existing terminal to increase Lemesos is due to be operational soon and the a visit to the capacity in the departure area, to double Ministry of Transportation, Communications Kolossi Castle and the UNESCO World Heritage the check desks and to minimise queues and and Works has issued a tender for the site of Omodos village before returning to the waiting times. submission of ideas and suggestions aiming to city for shopping. From Larnaka port, Corfu Port is the only port in Greece that has establish Larnaka port and marina into a major excursions may combine walking along the a licence to operate as a water airport with cruise destination. sandy beach up to Larnaka Castle, a visit to St Paxos, which comes under the jurisdiction of From Lemesos Lazarus Church and the Salt Lake, which is the Corfu Port, expected to be the second one by port, cruise haunt of 85 species of water birds, the end February. passengers can stonebuilt church of Angeloktisti and then a This offers the opportunity for new flight- take a full day visit to Ayia Napa and Protaras, both popular seeing tours to discover the beauty of Corfu and excursion to tourist resorts, characterised for their beautiful its nearby small islands from a seaplane. (also Kourion where golden sandy beaches see page 19) one of Cyprus’ most important MedCruise contact: Eftychia Christodoulou MedCruise contact: Aristidis Batsoulis archaeological [email protected] [email protected] Constantza
n 2015, 37 ships called at Sea area. Romanian port of That said in early February Constantza was IConstantza bringing 35,000 expecting 30 ships this year including the passengers to the city but its return of Costa Cruises with Costa difficult for the Port of neoRomantica sailing in the Black Sea after Constantza to predict how an absence in 2015. Star Clippers’ Royal many ships it will receive in Clipper is also scheduled to visit twice this 2016 as cruise lines are very year. (also see page 19) often only booking calls up to two months ahead due to the MedCruise contact: Teodor Patrichi geopolitical issues in the Black [email protected]
7 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:23 Page 8
French Riviera Ports Dubrovnik
lobal Port Holding and Bouygues Batiment International are working Gtogether to finance, build and operate a mixed-use infrastructure development, including terminal, at Dubrovnik Gruz Port, awarded by Dubrovnik Port Authority. The plan calls for a new cruise terminal, a shopping mall, a multi-story garage and a main city and international bus station built as a modern replica of Dubrovnik's historical city centre, located at only few kms away. Dubrovnik Gruz Port is located 3km away from the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination in southern Croatia. he ports of Cannes, Nice, Villefranche, by the French Riviera Cruise according to On-site work is planned to start in and Antibes are expecting 334 calls and various criteria and announced on our booth September and October 2016 and to be T592,000 passengers in 2016, a similar during Seatrade Cruise Global in Fort Lauderdale. completed before end 2018. More than 250 jobs number to 2015. The winners of first 3 awards will be will be created during the construction works. French Riviera have launched a 2016 Awards honoured with a VIP invitation to the French scheme to four categories: Riviera during the Film Festival. MedCruise contact: Kristijan Pavic Destination Award - by studying all the Immersion in the picturesque beauty of the [email protected] websites, brochures and promotional material it quaint village of St Paul de Vence with a wine will go to the company presenting our tasting at a beautiful Relais & Chateaux destination in the best way; property features as a Silver Shore Collection, Excursion Award - same as above by an original excursion for the French Riviera. A studying all the materials we will find an guided walking tour is proposed through this unusual excursion in our region; beautiful medieval fortified village perched on a Technical Award - given to the ship who has narrow spur between two deep valleys. Then a successfully handled difficult circumstances drive to the Chateau of Saint-Martin for wine coming into port (i.e. high winds for example)' tasting with a sommelier. (also see page 19) Green Award for the best environmental/ green ship to call at French Riviera ports. MedCruise contact: Anne-Sophie Peyran Heraklion The winner of each category will be decided [email protected] urrently an estimated 300,000 cruise passengers and 162 ships are expected Cin Heraklion in 2016 including seven first Gibraltar time callers namely: Costa Luminosa, Koningsdam, Oosterdam, Carnival Vista, Royal Princess, Celestyal Nefeli and MSC Magnifica. Innovative investments in new cruise infrastructure includes a cruise terminal at Heraklion Airport for turnaround passengers, a special tent structure on the berth to enhance the turnaround experience, the acquisition of an Interactive Information Electric vehicle providing information on local tourist attractions and transportation to the city and the opening of a duty free shop in the passenger terminal. Moreover, the recent years in Heraklion Port significant projects have been implemented for the enhancement of security procedures according to the ISPS code. The mission of the new management of Heraklion Port Authority is to establish the destination as an important cruise port in the ibraltar is expecting 16 first time takes the visitor to famous Gibraltar Eastern Med due to its georgraphic advantage callers this year including Mein landmarks and points of interest such as lying at the convergence of three continents of Schiff’s 1,2,3 and 4, Ovation of the Seas, Europa 100 Ton Gun, Pillars of Hercules, G Europe, Asia and Africa and its 5,000 years of Koningsdam, Thomson Discovery and Apes’ Den, Great Siege Tunnels and the history. (also see page 19) Carnival Vista. These are among 232 ships Moorish Castle, these last three located in expected to visit bringing 346,574 passengers the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. MedCruise contact: Apollon Fillippis in total. 2015 closed with 205 calls and Currently there is no investment taking [email protected] 343,557 passengers so this year sees growth place at Gibraltar’s existing cruise berthing all round. and terminal as it is able to meet current The Rock Tour remains the most popular demand. Long term, opportunities are being shorex and is offered in either a 90 minutes considered to cope with any additional and or three hour tour. Traditionally guests go on potential growth. (also see page 19) a panoramic drive around the ‘Rock’ covering both the city and the east side, home to MedCruise contact: Nicky Guerrero sandy beaches and coastline. The tour also [email protected]
8 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:23 Page 9
Koper Huelva
An assortment of tours are offered in Koper. 1 ships and 29,000 passengers are Excluding the walking tour of the city, the confirmed for 2016 which is a success for most popular shorex are the capital of the Spanish port which only started Ljubljana, Lake Bled (often chosen by UK- 2 attracting cruise business two years ago and sourced passengers), Postojna cave and the old welcomed six calls in 2015. Three new cruise town of Piran. lines will visit Huelva this year: Thomson, Lake Bled is 2,120mtr long, up to 1,380mtr Portuscale and NYK. wide and is of the tectonic origin. The thermal A popular tour sees passengers leaving the springs in the northeast part are captured in Port on a 30 minute drive through the coastline three swimming pools: at the Toplice Grand to Doñana National Park: an environmental jewel Hotel, Park Hotel and Golf Hotel. The temperature of the lake reaches up to 25°C in the summer and gets ice covered in winter. ine ships from Oceania Cruises, Koper is currently in the planning phase for Silversea, Crystal Cruises and MSC a new cruise terminal with goal to be NCruises will make first-time visits to operational for the 2107/18 season, the building Slovenia’s Port of Koper this year where 65 will include all necessary facilities and ships will visit in total bringing more than services for both transit passengers, as well as 70,000 passengers. home porting operations. (also see page 20) This represents a 25% growth compared to 2015 when 49 ships brought 58,000 passengers MedCruise contact: Bojan Babic to the Adriatic port. [email protected]
Igoumenitsa El Rocio and one of the most important protected natural his year Thomson and Silversea started around the 12th Century, but it was areas in Europe. The tour will take you to the Cruises have chosen Igoumenitsa as a not until the 14th Century that these north of the Park in a truck, visiting two of the Tnew destination. The Greek port is precariously perched monasteries began to most important ecosystems of Doñana: the expecting 11 calls in 2016, almost double more emerge. Of the six monasteries still active forests and marshes. Several stops will be made than last year. today, Great Meteoron and Varlaam are the during the tour, and include a visit to the former The Region of Epirus offers an unusually two largest and most visited. royal hunting private area, Coto del Rey, a wide scope of historic sites and monuments, magnificent area crowned by the territory of great cultural wealth, traditional lifestyles MedCruise contact: Konstantinos Grinias lynxes and eagles. A nature guide will explain and stunning natural beauty. [email protected] everything about the fauna and flora in this area, The number one attraction that is and there will be opportunuities to stop for accessible from Igoumenitsa, 180km away, is photos. There will be a stop for appetizers inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora - of the National Park and, last but by no means a remarkable monastic cluster. Meteora least, a trip back to El Rocio Village, a village literally means “suspended in mid air”, which known by its unique pilgrimage, which attracts is probably the best way to describe this hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year, in sublime merging of geological drama and order to enjoy some free time and visit the Holy religious spirituality. The amazingly Sanctuary, where Andalusian beliefs, devotion imposing rocks of Meteora were formed and traditions await. (also see page 20) about 60 million years ago and evidence dates human presence there as far back as MedCruise contact: Manuel Vega 50,000 years. Christian hermitage probably [email protected] Kotor
ontenegro’s port of Kotor at the end became fully operational last year. The of Europe’s southern-most fjord is berthing area and anchorages are covered by Mexpecting 478 calls and 491,632 video surveillance as part of NATO’s Entity passengers this year. Visitors include several Code NCAGE issued to the Port of Kotor by maiden calls such as Crystal Symphony and the Ministry of Defence of the Montenegro Crystal Esprit from Crystal Cruises, Government. Silverseas’ Silver Whisper, Regent Seven One of the most popular shore excursions Seas’ Seven Sea Navigator and Seven Seas from Kotor is the Montenegro Tour visiting Explorer, AIDA’s AIDAbella, Royal Caribbean Boka Bay and the small baroque town of International’s Brilliance of the Seas and Perast and two islands: Our Lady of the Rock Rhapsody of the Seas, Holland America Lines’ and St George, Budva old town, Cetinje – the Eurodam and Thomson Cruises’ Thomson old royal capital city, Ostrog Monastry, Mount Dream, among others, as well as a new cruise Durmitor, Tara River and Skadar Lake. line customer in Cruise & Maritime Voyages with the Azores. MedCruise contact: Mladen Lucic A modern terminal facility costing €721,746 [email protected]
9 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:23 Page 10
La Spezia Livorno
terminal Golfo di Poeti – Cinque Terre Cruise Cinque Terre coastline Terminal of La Spezia opened. With a internal surface area of 1,500sq mtr it can accommodate passengers in transit as well as on turnarounds. Last year La Spezia welcomed maiden calls from MSC Armonia, MSC Divina, Anthem of the Seas and Allure of the Seas and recorded 656,000 passengers, up 38% on the previous year. Maiden calls this year include AIDAaura, MSC Fantasia and Harmony of the Seas – the world largest cruise ship will debut on June 15, 2016. Thanks to its strategic position and excellent rail and road connections cruise passengers can reach the Gulf of La Spezia, Lerici and Porto Venere but can also visit the Cinque Terre within 20 minutes. Other destinations reached by bus from the port include Sarzana, Florence, Pisa, Luca, Parma he Alto Fondale Cruise Terminal, and the marble quarries of Carrara. renovated in 2013 and where ships of Plans are currently being drawn up for a Tmore than 300mtr length can berth 50 ships bringing around 550,000 new quay for cruise ships offering two berths alongside has been recently upgraded to passengers is predicted for 2016 at La of 393mtr and 339mtr as well as a new cruise offer about 3,000sq mtr of space for 1Spezia where the new 600mtr long terminal building. turnaround operations including luggage Garibaldi quay allows any size ship currently handling and Customs Clearance enabling sailing in the Med to berth alongside. MedCruise contact: Fabrizio Bugliani Livorno to target interporting ships as well In September last year the new cruise [email protected] as transit calls which currently make up the majority of traffic. The port is just a few kilometres away from G. Galilei International Airport. Lisbon The Port Plan also foresees a €10m expansion of the building more than doubling its present space for handling of full turnarounds of mega ships. Livorno expects 409 calls and 800,000 passengers in 2016 including new ships: AIDAstella(9 calls), Carnival Vista (18 calls), Costa Diadema (5 partial turnarounds), Mein Schiff 3 (1 visit), MSC Armonia (15 partial turnarounds), Thomson Discovery (10 calls) and seven calls by Viking Sea. This represents a 10% rise in calls and 14% hike in passengers from last year. A popular excursion is a visit to the Venezia district of Livorno’s historic heart. Designed in the 17th century, the area has an island feel, criss-crossed by bridges and canals reminiscent of the city of Venice. The excursion can be made easily by foot in half a day and can be completed with a boat trip he port of Lisbon expects 320 calls and 13,000sq mtr and take into consideration the along the Medici canals offering an unusual around 535,000 cruise visitors this year, aspects of comfort, accessibility and flexibility perspective of the city. Buildings of note are Trepresenting a 5% increase in calls and for the services provided to passengers and the Churches of San Ferdinando and Santa 4% jump in passengers. ships. Caterina, the Bottini dell’Olio (ancient olive 12 new ships will visit the Portugeuse capital With this facility the Port of Lisbon Authority oil warehouse) and the Old Fortress with its in 2016: Koningsdam and Harmony of the Seas aims to double its current more than half a Tuscan red colour, bastions and sloping will call on their maiden voyages as well as million passengers annually in the next ten walls. (also see page 20) maiden calls from National Geographic Orion, years. It will provide the capacity to grow the Viking Sea, Monarch, Aegean Odyssey, number of passengers annually as well as more MedCruise contact: Serena Veroni Thomson Discovery, Sirena, Seven Seas turnarounds. [email protected] Explorer, Mein Schiff 5, Norwegian Star and Le New shorex this year include: a unique tour of Lyrial. They will all get a special welcome Lisbon on a tuk tuk; a day at Mafra and its 18th ceremony. Century Palace plus wine tasting at Qunita de Lisbon Cruise Terminal (LCT), a privately Sant’Ana located in the countryside and Rigid owned company that operates the cruise Inflatable Boat (RIB) adventure on the river terminals of the Port of Lisbon started providing spectacular views of the monuments construction of a new facility late last year and city-scape of Lisbon. (also see page 20) which is expected to be completed by end 2016. An overall investment of €22m. the new Lisbon MedCruise contact: Ana Lourenco Cruise Terminal will cover a total area of [email protected]
10 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:23 Page 11
Mersin Marseille
Gilindire Cave 0 cruise ships from 30 different cruise brands will visit Marseille this year 7bringing 1.7m passengers on 510 calls. They will all call at the dedicated cruise port with three cruise terminals, the largest of which is operated by private consortium, Marseille Provence Cruise Terminal. Small to medium- sized luxury ships can also berth at Joliette (J4) Cruise terminal close to the city centre. To improve the access to the dock for the largest ships, the port is currently widening the northern pass at an investment of €35m. The dismantling of Mourepiane breakwater in 2016 has already made access easier for the largest ships in high winds. The work is due to be fully completed in 2017. Marseille’s Forme 10 dry-dock, the largest in the Med, capable of handling cruise ships of more than 330mtr is due to be operational later assengers visiting Mersin in south Mediterranean Sea rose 70mtr flooding the this year. (also see page 20) eastern Turkey can discover Gilindire bottom of the cave. Stalagmites and PCave, located about 7.5km southeast of stalactites abound in this cave and due to MedCruise contact: Christelle Maubec Sancak Point and Kurtini Creek. It was being underwater have remained unaffected [email protected] discovered by a shepherd in 1999 when the by atmospheric changes through the years. state-owned Mineral Research and The lake’s water is brackish to a depth of Exploration Co undertook exploration works 12mtr while deeper water is saline. in the cave they discovered a lake at the end Mersin is hoping to welcome five ships of the cave, 480tr from the entrance. this year. According to experts the cave was formed in the beginning of the transition phase from MedCruise contact: the last glacial climate change when the [email protected] Motril-Granada
dozens of beaches and Messina small coves with crystal-clear water, 320 sunny days a year and essina is due to sign a contract soon average temperature of for the design of a new cruise 20 degrees. Two Mterminal, coming at a time when the centuries ago, this was port is experiencing good traffic growth with the only place in Europe calls expected to be up by 18% and passenger where subtropical fruits numbers up 15% compared to 2015. 187 ships such as mangos, bringing 377,112 passengers are booked to call cherimoyas, avocados in 2016 including 13 ships that have never been and papayas were to the Sicilian port city before. Of these MSC grown. The Finca San Poesia will call 31 times. Passenger should look Ramón, agro touristic out for the wine tasting tour in S. Placido farm welcomes visitors Calonero, a Benedictine Monastery dating back who can enjoy over 12 to 1363. It offers a magnificant view of the Strait hectares of crops and of Messina and houses an agricultural school unbeatable views of the and wine cellar. It is an ideal place to relax and beautiful bay of La visit the cloisters and vineyards of ‘Faro Doc’ Herradura. Enjoy the and sample some black pork salami, local experience in a cheeses, typical biscuits all served with local workshop and tasting of wines. (also see page 21) subtropical fruits. he most popular shore excursion from The Port of Motril, which is expecting 23 MedCruise contact: Cristiana Laurà Motril is the Alhambra and the ships and over 5,000 passengers this year, [email protected] TAlbaicín, in Granada, both UNESCO offers a new direct entrance to the highway, World Heritage sites. It can be combined with enabling quicker access for shore excursions S. Placido Calonero flamenco and Spanish gastronomy which is around the region. New callers in 2016 always a fun experience. Another classic include Ponant’s Le Lyrial and L´Austral and tour is the sugar cane route with a visit to Aegean Odyssey operated by Voyages to the plantations. Antiquity. (also see page 21) A new shore excursion is a visit to an agritourist farm where European subtropical MedCruise contact: Lorenzo Vera Franco fruits are grown. Granada’s coastal area has [email protected]
11 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:24 Page 12
Odessa Piraeus
toga. At the eastern end a Pushkin statue and a British Tiger Gun, captured in 1845 during the Crimean campaign, stand before the pink and white colonnaded Odessa City Hall. Several hundred metres from the City Hall is the impressive building of the Opera and Ballet Theatre designed by Viennese architects Felner & Gelmer in the 1880s in the Habsburg Baroque of the day, with a number of Italian Renaissance features. Next up is the five domed Uspensky Cathedral down the tree-lined streets to the Palace of dessa is rich with picturesque Count Pototsky, housing Odessa Fine Arts palaces, monuments, museums, Museum. Its maze of over 15 rooms on two his year sees Carnival Vista boulevards and parks, cathedrals and O floors has treasures reflecting the undertaking six full turnarounds in synagogues, hotels and universities. A half development of national art from 15th Piraeus and in order to serve this vessel day tour enables cruise visitors to see the T century icons to contemporary painting, the port is upgrading the facilities at Terminal famous sights of the city in a nutshell. The graphic art, sculpture and decorative art. B creating a fully air-conditioned waiting tour starts at Prymorsky Boulevard with its Odessa is expecting 36 cruise ships and halls for passengers of 2,000sq mtr, adding 60 19th century buildings and continues to the over 35,000 passengers in 2016. (see page 21) new check-in desks, additional X-Ray park tumbling towards the sea and the machines for checking luggage and sweeping Potemkin Steps. The 193 steps MedCruise contact: Elvira Leshchynska passengers with conveyor belts, new traffic built between 1837 and 1841 descend from a [email protected] regulations for the whole area and creation of statue of the Duke de Richelieu in a Roman a new lounge exclusively for crew. In July 2014 approval from the EU’s DG COM provided for the financing of two new berths Palermo for cruise ships of more than 300mtr with alongside draft of 18mtr and additional land space of 140,000sq mtr. The total cost is around €135m with the aid approved covering €113.9m. 630 calls bringing an estimated 1.1m passengers is the prospect for Port of Piraeus this year which represents an increase from 621 calls and 980,149 cruise visitors in 2015. In addition to Carnival Vista’s debut other new ships visiting the Greek port for the first time include Seabourn Encore, Amadea, Jewel of the Seas, Royal Clipper, Koningsdam, Ventura and Sirena. China's Cosco Pacific is set to invest €135m ($150m) in developing Piraeus' cruise facilities and services. In mid-January, Cosco Pacific emerged as the only bidder for the Greek government's 67% stake up for sale in the Piraeus Port Authority. The Chinese company’s aim is to develop the potential of the Greek cruise market and for Piraeus to emerge as one of the world’s biggest cruise orwegian Epic returns to Palermo this Madonie Park is Cefalu - one of the most ports by 2017. year along with regular customers popular attractions in Sicily thanks to its MSC and Costa as 182 ships are Norman dome and cloisters. Close to the sea N MedCruise contact: Stavros Hatzakos scheduled to visit the Sicilian port. and near mountain villages it boasts a small [email protected] This year Palermo is a new addition to the picturesque port with peculiar arches UNESCO World Heritage list and whilst most protecting the boats. At the Mandralisca shore excursions concentrate on the Musuem view the Portrait of an Unknown coastline, visitors are recommended to take a Man by Antonello Messina. walk among the city streets to admire its Work on the new cruise terminal has been rich treasure of churches and palaces temporarily suspended for a project variance including the Cathedral, the Royal Palace, the and it is not yet known when it will be ready Palatine Chapel, the Churches of St Giovanni but in the meantime the Port Authority is degli Eremiti, the church of Martorana, the equipping Piave quay to welcome cruise church of St Cataldo, the Zisa Palace and the tourists. (also see page 21) Cathedral of Monreale and its cloister, just outside Palermo. MedCruise contact: Daniela Mezzatesta Forty minutes from the city, within the [email protected]
12 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:24 Page 13
Portofino Portoferraio
he Marina of Portofino is investing in a ore than 110 ships visited Elba in project that will allow more ships to 2015 bringing 37486 passengers an Tanchor closer to the village, the new Mincrease of some 37% on the cruise ship anchorage area, authorized by previous year. Forcasts for 2016 are the Harbour Master will be 0.3 nautical miles encouraging with 120 ships booked so far, from Portofino Harbour entrance and many of them large in size. If this figure is provides two radar detectable buoys to confirmed it will represent another record indicate the outer limits. The buoys are year with around 40,000 passengers calling equipped with AIS signals, wave-wind in Portoferraio. meters and cameras. All transmitted data will be visible online and available for all arriving ships. The project costing €200,000 is expected to be completed by April 2016. 79 ships are due to call bringing around 30,000 passengers to Portofino in 2016 which is 10,000 more than last year when 65 ships visited. A popular excursion is a visit to San Fruttuoso via private boat or ferry, a beautiful and secluded fishing village south of Portofino with 10th century Abbey with houses paintings and handicrafts, welcoming beachfront trattorias, a beach and underwater statue of Christ as well as part of the Regional Natural park. (also see page 22) New ships to chose Portoferraio as a port of call this year include Sirena, Costa MedCruise contact: Giorgia Collalti neoClassica, Seven Seas Navigator and [email protected] Thomson Discovery. A new shore excursion is a trip to the top of Mount Capanne. A coach drives passengers into the hills to the cable car station passing through beautiful scenery Rijeka along the coastline and up the surrounding hilltop villages. During the ride they will hear about the history of the island and its culture and nature. On arriving at the station, passengers embark the cable car two at a time every 20 seconds to take them up the mountain to 1,019 metres inside 20 minutes. The views on the way up and from the peak are unforgettable – a not to be missed photo opportunity. From the top, passengers will enjoy views of the islands of the Tuscan archipelago while relaxing with a coffee on the panoramic terrace.
MedCruise contact: Giampiero Costagli [email protected]
roatia’s vibrant new cruise port of awards for Innovation in Research and Rijeka is capturing major interest from Technology for its new mobile app for Cthe cruise lines and is eagerly looking outdoor bike tours enabling visitors to search forward to welcoming 15 ships this year, 40 cycling trails shown on Google Maps and including 9 maiden visits. In addition, 965 provide directions on how to reach them. All pleasure craft will visit including motor trails include descriptions of attractions, sailing craft, catamarans, yachts and location of food and drink venues and cruisers. Around 12,000 of the 160,500 service centres. With the help of free Wi-Fi passengers arriving by sea will be from within the city of Rijeka its existing tourist cruise ships. The Port of Rijeka Authority app, Rijeka Connect, provides users with a and Rijeka Tourism Board and the City of historical overview of over 50 cultural Rijeka report single and multiple call monuments across the city. (also see page 22) confirmations from six US-based cruise lines and seven European brands through to 2018. MedCruise contact: Snijezana Papes Rijeka won 2nd place in the recent UNWTO [email protected]
13 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:24 Page 14
Savona Sibenik
Nostra Signora della Misericordia
ibenik is known for its beautiful cathedral but it is less known that this Scity is proud of its four impressive fortresses. St Michael’s Fortress is a recognizable monument in the heart of Sibenik, open to visitors and a place that promotes culture ast November 21, Savona welcomed its 10 crowning achievement for the port of Savona’ and art through various musical and millionth cruise passenger a historic declared the mayor of the city, Federico Berruti. theatrical events. Visitors can absorb the milestone since the Ligurian port began According to CLIA Europe, Savona was the fourth soul of medieval Sibenik and its turbulent L past, enjoy the panoramic views and musical welcoming cruise ships in 1996. Paola Braschi leading cruise port in Italy in 2014. Overall from from Genoa who arrived on Costa Diadema with 2003 to 2015, Costa Cruises and the Port Authority and stage performances by Croatian and her husband and two children was presented has invested nearly €30m in Savona. international artists on a unique open-air with a prize of a cabin for a 98-day cruise Savona is set to welcome 212 calls all from stage. Archaeological excavations inside the around the world on Costa Luminosa departing Costa Cruises in 2016 resulting in around 1 complex of the fortress revealed many from Savona on September 2, 2016. million passengers, up from 980,000 in 2015. In prehistoric and medieval cultural remains. The special guest was also given a pass the year of the Holy Jubilee a visit to the Nostra Also popular with visitors, the Kornati allowing free entrance to the city’s museums Signora della Misericordia in the city is National Park is made up of a group of until the end of this year. ‘Slightly less than 20 recommended. (also see page 22) islands scattered off the coast of Croatia. years ago it was unimaginable to think that There are more than 140 uninhabited islets today we would be celebrating the ten millionth MedCruise contact: Cristina De Gregori and islands in total, some rocky and some cruise passenger that can be considered a [email protected] cloaked in vast olives groves and sweeping vineyards. It is possible to sail around the island and swim along the way. Port of Sibenik reports 82 ships and 12,000 Sète passengers expected to visit in 2016 including new callers Crystal Esprit, Azamara Journey and Prinsendam. The renewed and reconstructed Vrulje Quay of Canal du Midi 510mtr in length has changed the vision of this part of Sibenik and can accommodate cruise ships up to 260mtr in length. The port is planning to build a passenger terminal in the next two years. (also see page 22)
MedCruise contact: Gordana Mrcela [email protected]
ète is looking forward to welcoming Mediterranean. Shaded by more than 10,000 Holland America Line’s Oosterdam for trees and lined by picturesque villages it is Sfour calls in 2016 – the largest cruise a beautiful heritage attraction. Passengers ship ever to call in the French port. In total, can take a barge trip from the nine locks at 42 ships will bring 25,000 passengers this Fonseranes and experience a peaceful year, which represents growth of 35% in the mini-cruise through the Languedoc number of calls and 22% increase in visitors. countryside. For the more active, kayaking One of the five UNESCO World Heritage in the company of an instructor and sites accessible from the port, the Canal du English-speaking guide enables passengers Midi is a stunning attraction with its to enjoy a different view of this charming tranquil waters shaded by plane trees and canal. (also see page 22) fascinating architecture along the way. The 240km long canal runs from Toulouse to MedCruise contact: Catherine Lafon the Thai Lagoon near Sète and was built in [email protected] Kornati National Park the 17th century to link the Atlantic to the
14 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:24 Page 15
Souda/Chania Split
mong the most popular shore environment. Also near the city are historic ort of Split is building two new cruise excursions from Souda/Chania is the sites such as the monastery in Agia Triada berths in the outer side of the harbour Aold city of Chania with its picturesque or Venizelos tombs in the Akrotiri region. Pbreakwater which are due to be old port, museums, archaeological sites and The Cretan port of Souda is expecting completed by the end of this year. In the narrow streets. A few minutes away from more than 70 ships and over 150,000 meantime one berth will be ready for the the harbour (7-15km) are Agios Apostoli (St. passengers in 2016, representing a 25% start of this summer enabling the port to Paul’s beach) Platanias and Ag. Marina’s increase in cruise business. The security handle cruise ships up to a length of 320mtr beaches with various water sports available system at the port has been upgraded with alongside with a 10.5mtr maximum draft. including parascending. electronic surveillance equipment while the 7km from the port lies the ancient city of facilities remain friendly for passengers. Aptera on the hillside and famous for its 4th The local bus company offers free tickets for century BC antiquities, Roman water tanks, those passengers in wheelchairs wishing to an open-air theatre and the ruins of a 19th travel from the harbour of Souda to the city century castle. of Chania and back. (also see page 22) Besides the famous Cretan Gorges (Samaria and Theriso), the lake of Kournas MedCruise contact: Stella Manioudaki surrounded by mountains offers a peaceful [email protected]
From 2017 the two berths will accommodate ships of 270mtr and 320mtr respectively both with 10.5mtr draft significantly increasing the capacity to handle large ships and raise the level of service, safety and security for passengers. 291 ships are scheduled to call at Port of Split this year bringing 300,000 passengers which is an increase in traffic from 2015 Tarragona when 262 ships brought 271,445 cruise visitors to the city. The pedestrianised ancient UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Split offers numerous cafes, taverns and restaurants for tasting local cuisine such as pruscuitto, sheep cheese, fish and stewed lamb or beef as well as fine wines from the Dalmatia region. Nearby are the ruins of Salona – the ancient Roman Capital of the Province of Dalmatia, the historic Fortress of Kils, and the UNESCO listed picturesque town of Trogir. For the adventurous, an unforgettable experience is rafting on the mighty Cetina River and the Krka River National Park with maginifcent waterfalls. (also see page 22)
MedCruise contact: Josko Berket-Bakota [email protected] arragona Cruise Port Costa Daurada studying plans for a new, multi-functional continues to grow in stature as a cruise facility at Prats quay, to be used exclusively Tdestination. During 2015, 11 ships for cruise ships. It could be ready by 2018. visited the cruise terminal in the Port of Attractions include the archaeological Tarragona, located on Levante quay, bringing remains of the old Roman Tarraco and the 11,600 passengers. These figures represents medieval monastery of Poblet - both UNESCO 83% growth on last year, and the forecast for World Heritage sites - as well as the Human 2016 is even higher with 18 ships and 13,000 Towers. Gaudí's native city, Reus is close by. cruise visitors expected. Under construction is Ferrari Land, the first Currently smaller ships of under 140mtr Ferrari Park in Europe, which will be in can be accommodated at Marina Port PortAventura, Europe’s second largest Tarraco, whilst larger vessels use Levante destination resort and the largest in the quay. Mediterranean. Tarragona is also hosting the Whilst the destination is currently 2017 Mediterranean Games. (also see page 23) focussed on attracting ships carrying around 2,500 passengers in order to address future MedCruise contact: Alba Colet growth potential, Port of Tarragona is [email protected]
15 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:24 Page 16
Valletta Toulon-Var
Excellence Awards in Cartagena, Spain. Provence The Cruise Excellence Awards recognizes the protagonists of the cruise industry in 13 categories. The awards are Mourillon Beach based on the results of a macro survey to cruise travellers that has been conducted in 2015. Stephen Xuereb, CEO of Valletta Cruise Port said, ‘We are very proud to be receiving this award. Valletta Cruise Port and Malta have the right mix to excel: port infrastructure, destination attractiveness, a good product offering, outstanding service delivery with good passenger flows in the key facilities, alletta Cruise Port registered a record varied transport modes, and safety and breaking 668,277 passengers on 306 security. All this within a value-for-money Vcruise vessels last year representing proposition, and delivered with pride and an increase of 150,683 passengers or a 29.1% passion. We dedicate this award to all the hike on 2014. The previous record was set in personnel of Valletta Cruise Port, who 2012, with 608,786 passenger movements. together with local stakeholders relentlessly Transit passengers represented 79% of the work to ensure that Malta is professional, movements. Homeport operations accounted efficient, reliable and flexible in meeting for 21%. expectations on all fronts.’ The busiest month in 2015 was October The Maltese port, in which Global Ports when 16% of the annual total arrived in the Holding holds a majority stake, is expected to Maltese capital. The busiest day was July 22 welcome in excess of 740,000 passenger welcoming over 13,500 passengers movements in 2016. This February, Valletta Cruise Port has oulon Rugby Club is known to rugby received the Best Mediterranean Port & MedCruise contact: Stephen Xuereb fans worldwide thanks to victories in Destination award conferred at the Cruise [email protected] Tthe European Champions Cup – three time winners in a row - and its emblematic international players like Tana Umaga and Jonny Wilkinson. The Rugby Club’s Mayol Venice Stadium is located right in front of the cruise terminal and offers guided tours for passengers where they can enjoy a beer at the RCT pub, learn to sing its theme tune Pilou Pilou and have a chat with the players. For racing fans another sport-related tour involves a visit to the Paul Ricard Circuit for a guided tour of the paddock, pit lane buildings, video control centre and for the very adventurous a karting experience, driving a GT car or Segway tour of the racing track. A new cruise terminal building is currently under construction in La Seyne sur mer and will be operational for the first cruise call of the 2016 season at the end of March. This year Toulon is anticipating an enice is a unique city where history expecting to record 529 calls and 1.55m increase in numbers with 146 calls due to and culture come in different shapes, passengers this year, versus 521 calls and bring 330,000 passengers which is a rise of offering an exciting array of 1.58m passengers last year. Royal Caribbean 37% compared to last year. 18 of the calls V will be from ships visiting for the first excursions and activities for everyone’s International’s Rhapsody of the Seas, AIDA taste and within a short walking, sailing and Cruises’ AIDAbella, Holland America Line’s time. (also see page 23) driving distance from the ships at berth. Eurodam, Oceania Cruises’ Sirena and Crystal Popular half day or full day excursions range Yacht Cruises’ Crystal Esprit are among MedCruise contact: Anne-Marie Blum from a visit to the memorable St Marks ships making maiden calls at Venice in 2016. [email protected] Basilica and Doge’s Palace to an excursion Ongoing investments include an increase amid glass creations, lace traditions and in the number of outdoor shelters for mosaic treasures on Murano, Burano and luggage delivery and passenger welcome Torcello islands; from a serenade on a area and improvement of the automation gondola ride to a walk through an intricate system for parking and online bookings labyrinth of hidden passageways, clusters of system. (also see page 23) tightly packed buildings, ornate squares and bridges. MedCruise contact: Francesco Drigo Based on bookings received, Venice is [email protected]
16 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:25 Page 17
Zadar
construction of the Terminal is planned to start in summer 2016 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2017. PZA expects to launch the tender for the terminal building operator concession in the first half of 2016. The Croatian port is expecting about 120 cruise calls in 2016 and more than 120,000 passengers compared with about 75,000 cruise visitors last year which represents more than a 50% increase in traffic. (also see page 23)
MedCruise contact: Djoni Stambuk [email protected]
ll infrastructure work in the new port of cruise ships and international standard on- Zadar Sea Organ Gazenica, situated just 3km from city shore facilities for passengers and vehicles (5 Acentre is completed. It is directly berths). Draft depths in the new passenger port connected to the new motorway network (a four range from 6mtr to 13mtr for cruise ships. The lane highway) with rapid access to Zadar longest berth is 375mtr. Airport, Zagreb, the rest of Croatia and central Port of Zadar Authority (PZA) has been Europe through the road and motorway entrusted with the responsibility of relocation networks. of the existing ferry port of Zadar in the area of The new port provides extended berthing Gaženica port, as well to build and manage a capacity for large international ferries and new ferry and cruise terminal building. The
News in brief
fter a record season in 2015, the Azores he Ports of Madeira (Funchal and Porto is expecting a slight decrease in Santo) are expecting 302 ships this year Anumbers with 135,000 passengers Tof which five are maiden calls: scheduled to visit the islands, including ten AIDAmar, Le Lyrial, Sea Explorer I, maiden callers, which will still result in the Koningsdam and Seven Seas Explorer. In second best cruise season so far. The most 2015, Funchal welcomed 308 calls and 578,492 popular shorex for passengers visiting the passengers while Porto Santo, located 43 Azores is a full day trip to Furnas Valley with kilometre northeast of Madeira and known Fire Lake on San Miguel Island. (see page 18) for its sandy beaches and natural landscapes, had four ships visiting bringing 1,856 MedCruise contact: Andre Velho Cabral Moura passengers. (also see page 20) 06,720 passengers are expected in [email protected] Valencia this year arriving on 192 ship MedCruise contact: Alexandra Mendonca 4calls and berthing on two quays for [email protected] ships up to 300mtr plus three more berths for ships of over 300mtr. The new Northern part of the port includes plans for a new cruise facility with three berths for large ships. It also includes dock space to handle all operational requirements. The excellent climate with more than 300 sunny days a year makes Valencia a great place to enjoy a pleasant bike ride or Segway excursion n 2015, the Turkish port of Istanbul through the narrow streets of the old town or welcomed 589,314 passengers and 331 the wide open spaces along the length of the calls. The waterfront project is going I Jardines del Turia. (also see page 23) ahead with pile driving starting in the first quarter of 2016 for a 10mtr extension of the MedCruise contact: Francesca Antonelli existing berth at Salipazari. 95 cruise ships are expected to arrive in Naples during 2016 bringing 1,280,000 [email protected] MedCruise contact: Figen Ayan 4passengers; new visitors include the [email protected] Viking pair of Viking Sea and Viking Sky as well as Holland America Line’s new flagship Koninsgdam, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Vista and Royal Caribbean international’s Harmony of the seas. The numbers represent an increase of 10% more ships and 1% growth in passengers compared to last year. (see page 21)
MedCruise contact: Barbara Casolla [email protected]
17 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:25 Page 18
In contact
Meet the personalities representing MedCruise ports and destinations in the marketplace.
Captain Haluk Sayman, marketing & business development manager, Alanya Cruise Port ‘Our biggest challenge is to aptain Haluk become a home port.’ Sayman is an ocean Cgoing Master Mariner having graduated from Istanbul’s Merchant Marine Academy in 1984. After a career at sea he Andre Velho Cabral, cruise manager, Azores Port Authority moved into management positions in shipping, yachting, tourism and port operations. He also ndre’s debut in the cruise challenge is AIDA’s winter season in served on the Council of the Antalya Chamber industry started in 2010 when the archipelago – a new achievement of Shipping and the MedCruise BoD. Since Ahe was invited to manage all and an important one. Together with 2011, Haluk has been Harbour Pilot and cruise activity in the Azores. the Tourism Department we will marketing & business development manager Together with Filipe Macedo, new develop a special and warm welcome at Alanya Cruise Port. Haluk’s favourite guidelines were established and in for those passengers.’ Andre has pastimes are reading, listening to music, 2012 for the first time Azorean ports been a cruise ship spotter from an fishing, hiking and travelling. ‘The biggest reached 100 calls and 100,000 early age. He recalls seeing Canberra challenge facing Alanya Cruise Port is a rush passengers. Last year new records in the Azores as a child. He is also a to cancel cruise calls against the backdrop of were set when 138 ships brought 141,847 keen photographer of cruise ships. continuing turmoil in the Middle East.’ cruise visitors to the islands. ‘In 2016 a big Dian Dimov, executive director, Port of Burgas Laura Cimaglia, manager cruise and communication ian Dimov, the executive director of proved we have the Port of Brindisi Authority Port of Burgas, graduated from Odessa capability to handle cruise University of Marine Engineers calls and an infrastructure D aura was born and majoring in economics and water transport. to match. With the He has over 30 years of experience in port construction of a second lived in Taranto until operations holding various positions. He is passenger terminal we Lshe went to president of Black & Azov Sea Ports will be able to serve two university in Bologna. In Association. ‘Our challenge is to increase our ships simultaneously and 1996/7 she spent a year cruise business despite the complicated with a close proximity of abroad at the University of political situation in the Black Sea region Burgas Airport we could Kent, UK where she and increasing prices for crossing the become a home port.’ He takes a keen obtained a Diploma in Bosporus. Over the past two years we have interest in sport when not working. European Legal Studies and broadened her language skills. She graduated in shipping law at Bologna University in 2000. Laura started work at Brindisi Port Authority in 2007 and has been ‘Our challenge is to increase our involved in the cruise business since 2102. In her spare time she enjoys reading, going to cruise business despite the the movies and art exhibitions but travelling is her real passion. ‘We have many interesting complicated political situation shorex and I believe our main goal is to raise Brindisi’s appeal in the vast Med cruise in the Black Sea.’ market and are working hard to increase the level of efficiency of the services offered to the cruise lines.’
Fernando Munoz, business development manager & Hortensia Sanchez, manager commercial and marketing, Port Authority of Cartagena ernando Munoz and Hortensia Sanchez department for 19 years. She was born in are the public figures for Port of Spain but spent her childhood in FCartagena’s cruise business. Fernando Washington DC. ‘As of today the Port graduated as a doctor in Physical Sciences at Authority has experienced a great growth the Complutense University of Madrid and in the number of calls and passengers it has been business development manager of receives and the main goal is to maintain the Port Authority of Cartagena since 1999. these figure, however our biggest Hortensia graduated from the School of challenge is to become a home port.’ They Tourism of Cartagena in 1998 and has been both love travelling and learning about working in the port’s business development other cultures.
18 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:25 Page 19
‘The main challenge is to build a John Portelli, general manager, partnership between the terminal Roma Cruise Terminal, operator, the port authority and the city Civitavecchia and the key rests on an appreciation of ohn Portelli is the economic and social benefits that general manager of JRoma Cruise emanate for cruise activity.’ Terminal, the private company responsible for cruise operations in the Port of Civitavecchia. He Teodor Patrichi, cruise terminal representative, Port of Constantza has been involved in passenger and cargo port sector for over 20 years and joined RCT from eodor Patrichi has a mechanical volunteering and Valletta Cruise Port. He also served as the engineering degree from Ovidius running community gm of CMA CGM’s Malta office as well as TUniversity, Constantza specialising in social projects, like the director of MFT Ltd one of Europe’s largest port machinery. After finishing his studies in 2015 International container terminals. John has written and 2005 he stated working within the Constantza Coastal Cleaning, his lectured about port reform, development Port Authority with experience in various hobbies include and management. He is a graduate of the departments and being placed in charge of the swimming, basketball University of Malta and University of cruise terminal since 2006. As well as active and beach walks. Manchester. ‘The main challenge is to build a partnership between the terminal Anne-Sophie Peyran, marketing, Bob Sanguinetti, ceo and Captain, operator, the port authority and the city and the key rests on an appreciation of the sales and communication manager, Port of Gibraltar economic and social benefits that emanate French Riviera Ports for cruise activity.’ ob Sanguinetti assumed the role of Aris Batsoulis, head of cruise dept. nne-Sophie Peyran is the marketing, sales Bceo and Captain of and PFSO, Corfu Port and communication the Port of Gibraltar in A May 2014. Born and manager of the French Riviera Ports with 10 years raised in Gibraltar he ris Batsoulis is a qualified of experience in port studied at Oxford Mechanical Engineer who enjoys activities. She is the University and served in Aspending time with his family and secretary general of the the Royal Navy for three friends and is an avid reader, a trained French Riviera Cruise Club, decades, rising to the yachtsman and loves boasting 200 members and sits on the rank of Commodore. The former mariner being outdoors. He MedCruise BoD in charge of professional served at sea and commanded several Royal started working in the development and CLIA France. ‘You may Navy warships and a multinational coalition cruise sector in 2000 as a think promoting the French Riviera is easy Task Group before working at the Ministry supervising engineer in since the destination is so well known of Defence in a number of strategic roles. the construction of the worldwide but the reality is that in the Married to Sylvia, they have three ports’ cruise terminal. In context of globalisation and competition, we university-age daughters (Annabel, Helena 2003 he became the Port work hard to promote the hidden flavours of and Christina) and a very energetic springer Facility Security Officer the area. This is our biggest challenge to spaniel (Tinto). ‘I am delighted to be back at and gradually took on offer the best experience to the cruise my birthplace and contributing to the well- more responsibility for the port operations industry’s complete value chain: being and continued development of the and berthing allocation and in 2012 became passengers, crew, travel agencies and cruise Port which is expecting over 348,000 head of the cruise department. ‘The biggest lines.’ Her pastime is to ‘live’: dancing, passengers this year.’ challenge the port of Corfu is facing is to drinking and talking with friends and prove in a world with increasing tension meeting new people. and uncertainty, it is chosen by the cruise lines as safe and secure. The fact we are a welcoming port is shown by the rise in traffic expected in 2016.’ ‘I am delighted to be Apollon Filippis, president and ceo, Port of Heraklion back at my birthplace and contributing to the pollon Filippis graduated as an subject in conferences electrical engineer at the University of and seminars. From continued development APavia, Faculty of Engineering in Italy. December 2015, he assumed the role of He speaks Italian and English. He has been a president and ceo at the Port of Heraklion of the port.’ Professor in the Electrical Engineering faculty focussed on further developing the port at the Technological Educational Institute of especially the commercial department, cruise Crete and participated in Environment, and services. His vision, in cooperation with Energy and Waste Management committees local authorities, is Heraklion becomes ‘a focal in Crete and has made presentations on the point’ in the Mediterranean Sea.
19 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:25 Page 20
Juan Manuel Vega Granda, Giovanni Spadoni, technical and commercial director, Porto di Livorno 2000 commercial manager, Port of Huelva past MedCruise president, Giovanni biggest challenge is to Spadoni is technical and commercial increase the infrastructure Adirector of Porto di Livorno 2000 – a to match the growing size panish merchant post he has held since 1998. His previous roles of cruise ships and captain Juan Manuel covered ships’ operations and commercial arrivals. The recent SVega Granda joined activity as a ship agent. He calls the term as Livorno Port Plan in the Port of Huelva after MedCruise president in 2008-10, ‘a very progress is supplying the more than 11 years having challenging and fruitful experience’. For answers.’ Giovanni’s hobby served on merchant ships. Livorno the port for Tuscany, ‘our single is reading. He held various roles as head of safety and operations manager for Alexandra Mendonca, ceo, Madeira Port Authority over 19 years. He took on the role of commercial manager three years ago, which includes the cruise sector, among others. lexandra has been ceo of changing face of cruising. The Port of Huelva first welcomed cruise ships Madeira Port Authority since Madeira Islands have a long tradition two years ago and is expecting 21 calls in ANovember 2011 and a member in the cruise market and we are 2016. ‘the most important challenge is for of the executive board since 2009. facing competition from other areas every stakeholder involved in cruise She has also been on the board of including the growing Asian market activity throughout the city and port joins Madeira Tourism. Until September and the variety of deployment as a single voice and to this end, we are 2014, Alexandra sat on the MedCruise options available to cruise lines. We working on forming a network. Juan Manuel BoD, responsible for security matters. believe the Atlantic Corridor and loves jogging and studying to improve his ‘Our biggest challenge is the Madeira region is standing still.’ English language skills. He jogs an average 40km a week.
Bojan Babic, cruise terminal director Vodja PC Potniski terminal, Koper ‘On the other hand the challenge is ojan Babic has been overseeing Koper’s working in a constantly changing cruise business since it started Bwelcoming ships. His key role is to business that requires regular response involve all stakeholders in Slovenia to serve, develop and operate the to provide high quality standards as far broad range of service needs to cater to calling as services rendered are concerned.’ cruise ships, passengers and other customers. One of Bojan’s main focusses currently is the planning of a new cruise terminal building which is due to open for the 2017/18 season.
Ana Lourenco, cruise manager, Jean-Francois Suhas, head of Port of Lisbon Authority Marseille Provence Cruise Club
na has been working for the Port lected in January 2015 to Authority for 16 years and has been replace Jacques Truau at Ainvolved in cruise for the past 11 Ethe head of the Marseille years. She calls this her ‘dream job’ allowing Provence Cruise Club, Jean- Jean-Francois worked her to be in contact with a range of people Francois is a maritime pilot including cruise ship operators, port having joined Marseille-Fos on cruise ships operators, agents, authorities, passengers Pilots’ Station in 1999 and been and ships making her job both interesting its secretary general since 2011. including Mermoz and enriching. Ana is proud to work in a Hailing from the Basque Country and with a sector that contributes to the growth and passion for the sea Jean-Francois first and Club Med. recognition of Portugal as discovered Marseille when studying at the a tourist destination. ‘On Ecole Nationale Superieure de Marseille. He the other hand the then served on cruise ships first with the challenge is working in a Mermoz and later with Club Med. After ten constantly changing years at sea new family commitments brought business that requires his back to shore. ‘Our biggest challenge is to regular response to provide explain to everyone locally the importance of high quality standards as the cruise business and maintain Marseille as far as services rendered one of the top five Med cruise ports and to try are concerned.’ and be in the top ten in the world!’
20 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:25 Page 21
Cristiana Laura manager of Lorenzo’s hobbies are having a drink promotion Port Authority of Messina and tapas, listening to classical music 5-year-old Cristiana Laura has been the and relaxing walks in Grenada. 4manager of the port’s promotion office since 2004 and her role is to promote cruise and logistic activities at the ports of Messina and Milazzo. She organises Lorenzo Vera Franco, commercial manager, Motrilport-Granada special welcomes for maiden cruise ships, handles all PR activities and is involved in otrilport-Granada was established as learning every day. A challenge is to MOUs with other ports, public entities or an Economic Interest Group in 2014 consolidate as a cruise destination by private bodies in relation to development of to foster business increasing traffic, growing and port activities. ‘The biggest challenge we M development in the province, based in innovating on the shorex side. Our are facing this year is co-ordinating Public the hinterland of the Port of Motril. 2016-2020 action plan calls for the Authorities and local operators to ensure The objective is to integrate all destination and port to improve our cruise passengers and lines get a unique logistics and port sector efforts as a cruise products.’ Hobbies include experience in Messina. I am working with key element of success not forgetting spending time with friends, having a the all stakeholders to plan and organise the significance of the tourist sector drink and tapas, listening to new tours, special welcomes and events, to the economy of the area. ‘I find classical music and relaxing walks new apps and tourist maps.’ cruise is a fascinating world and I am in Granada.
Elvira Leshchinskaya, head of Daniela Mezzatesta manager of development and external relations, promotion and communication Odessa Sea Port Authority department, Palermo Port
The biggest challenge fter obtaining a rs Daniela degree of high Mezzatesta started we are facing is Aeducation in 2003, Mworking at Elvira Leshchinskaya Palermo Port Authority in co-ordinating Public started working in the 1994 and has always been marketing department at involved in the marketing Authorities and local Odessa Sea Port Authority activities of the port. Prior for 12 years before to that she had over 15 operators to ensure becoming head of years’ experience in travel, Development and External Relations in March destination marketing and PR field having passengers get a 2012 (now part of Tourism and worked for travel agencies and tour Eurointegration Department). She joined the operators, destination management unique experience. MedCruise BoD in 2014 and organised the companies and a PR firm. ‘I was and still am Black Sea Cruise conferences in 2008, 2010 literally in love with this work.’ Her biggest and in 2012 aimed at developing passenger challenge is to make Palermo and its port a traffic and cruising in the Black Sea. Talking ‘must-see destination; for anyone visiting of current challenges she says,’ some Sicily.’ To reach this result, ‘it is very international mass media stretch the reality important that the port and city work well of the political situation in Ukraine. Ukraine together as Palermo is expecting 182 calls with its high tourist potential and centuries- this year.’ Her hobbies are crocheting bags Tomaso Cognolato, ceo, Naples long history and fabulous hospitality has all and playing tennis if time permits! the opportunities to offer a safe and Terminal SpA, Port of Naples economically attractive cruise destination.’
omaso Cognolato has 20 years’ experience Tin management, development, marketing and sales in the transport Ukraine with its centuries-long history and and tourism sectors. Thanks to his natural fabulous hospitality has all the predisposition to customer satisfaction and strategic opportunities to offer a safe and skills in problem solving and communication Tomaso has been named chief of the Terminal economically attractive cruise destination. Napoli SpA, a private stock company managing the maritime station in Naples port. The business includes a congress centre, a shopping centre and passenger terminal.
21 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:25 Page 22
‘Marquee ports sell by themselves as Giorgia Collalti, sales and marketing manager, people have heard of those places and Portofino Servizi Turistici Srl want to go there, so our job is to tell them why they should be visiting less well- riginally from Rome, Giorgia moved to known destinations.’ OFlorida in 1997 and graduated with a BS in international Business and Trade. After graduation she immediately got involved in Vlado Mezak, executive director, Port of Rijeka Authority the cruise sector covering different positions in major cruise lines from procurement to IT and from Compliance to lado Mezak, Ph.D. was born in University of Rijeka. ‘In 2015 the port Nautical affairs. She moved to the charming Croatia in 1962. He is was able to handle ships with the town of Portofino in 2014 where she took on Vexecutive director, Port of deepest draft thanks to an alternative the position of marketing and sales manager Rijeka Authority and took the helm solution to berth cruise ships in the representing the famous harbour at major of the organisation after managing modernised container terminal close cruise and yacht shows. ‘It is very crucial to the Commercial Affairs Department to the city centre. Interest in Rijeka as always differentiate and try to offer unique including a major role in the Rijeka a cruise destination is growing and 15 and fun attractions for visitors. Marina di Gateway Project – the biggest calls are due this year.’ Vlado picks Portofino, in collaboration with local project in the port’s history funded out cruise manager Rajko Jurman and businesses, strives to find new and exclusive by the World Bank. He has a degree in Marine head of marketing Snijezana Papes who have tours to offer cruise passengers.’ Engineering, and postgraduate and doctoral ‘contributed significantly to the development degrees from the faculty of Economics at of Rijeka’s cruise activity.’
Cristina de Gregori, cruise manager, Catherine Lafon, cruise manager, Kostas Manolikakis, president of Port Authority of Savona Port of Sète Harbour Management Organization of Chania Prefecture, Souda Port ristina has been working in the atherine Lafon has been working for Promotion, Communication and mechanical engineer Kostas the port of Sète CInstitutional Relations sector of the Port C Manolikakis is contributing his ‘forever’ and took over Authority since 2001. She has a degree in knowledge to foreign languages (she speaks Italian, Spanish, cruise promotion in 2010. A the development of ‘Our biggest challenge is English, Portuguese and service procedures for to increase Sète’s French) and a ships calling at Souda notoriety. Marquee ports specialisation in Port. Manolikakis’ sell by themselves as Intercultural Business biggest challenge ‘is to people have heard of those places and want Negotiation. She studied at make sure visiting to go there, so our job is to tell them why the University of Genoa and passengers leave they should be visiting less well-known also at the University of Chania completely destinations. We work closely with the town Valencia, Spain where she satisfied having fully authorities to raise awareness among all prepared her thesis. Today enjoyed Cretan stakeholders the actions that are needed to Savona welcomes around 1 hospitality.’ million cruise passengers at its two ensure guests satisfaction. We are also Palacrociere terminals. ‘My challenge is to collaborating with several small west Med Josko Berket-Bakota, manager, maintain this high level of activity both in cruise ports to jointly promote the Boutique terms of numbers and in terms of quality of the port concept to the lines.’ When not working Split Port Authority services provided and to make people discover Catherine loves to read, music, gatherings of the beauty of Savona and its province.’ When family or friends and travel around France not working Cristina loves to travel (not only by or abroad. anaging a port ships) and to practice sports. with over 2,000 Myears of tradition is a challenging task in Marijan Petkovic assistant executive director, Port of Sibenik itself, says Josko. ‘The growth that Split has enjoyed in the past ten arijan Petkovic is assistant new ports and terminals are in years presents a whole set executive director Port of demand. New itineraries and of new challenges for us MSibenik but has 16 years of destinations are sought after and this and we are looking to preserve a delicate experience in the role of Executive is very beneficial for smaller ports balance between heritage, sustainable growth Director at the Croatian port. For the like Sibenik as they can actively and ecology for the future. Our goal is not only last ten years, ever since Sibenik promote themselves. The to make Port of Split the leading transit ports became a member of MedCruise he continuous need for new facilities is in the Mediterranean but a tourist destination devoted his attention to developing why we are planning a new terminal with wide range of services to make it cruise tourism and has served on the in the next two years.’ Marijan prefers to appealing for the cruise industry and it is a MedCruise BoD for the past six years. ‘Since spend his free time in natural surroundings challenge we are gladly accepting.’ the cruise industry is in constant growth, and is a keen mountaineer.
22 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:25 Page 23
Genoveva Climent, commercial director, Port of Tarragona Delphine loves cooking, gardening and
enoveva Climent sailing the beautiful Var-Provence coast. has a long Gprofessional career at the Port of Tarragona, which has covered operations, supply chain and port community. Since 2012 she has been Delphine Beudin, head of cruise development, head of business development at the port and assumed Port of Toulon/Var Provence Cruise Club responsibility for the cruise sector in 2015. Genoveva graduated in Law, Masters in International Business for Executives at the elphine spent her childhood on region, as a major cruise destination University Pompeu Fabra, Port Operations the French Atlantic coast and in the French Med. Passionate and Management graduate from Polytechnic Dafter studying in tourism deeply involved in the cruise sector, University of Catalonia and a Masters in arrived in Toulon working in the Delphine has other hobbies and loves Port Management and Intermodal operations and quality management cooking and gardening and sailing Transportation from the University sectors for five years. 10 years ago she and dropping anchor along the Pontificia de Comillas. ‘A big challenge is to entered the cruise business with a beautiful Var Provence coast to enjoy promote the brand Tarragona Cruise Port focus of promoting Toulon first, the sea and sun. So whatever she does Costa Daurada and the region’s tourist followed by the whole Var Provence it’s never far from the sea! attractions and ensuring excellent service for all visitors.’ Her hobbies include Roberto Perocchio, trekking, horse riding and gardening. Francesca Antonelli, marketing managing director, manager, Port of Valencia Venezia Terminal Passeggeri Dr Dimitrios Makris, ceo, Thessaloniki Port rancesca’s oberto graduated professional career, from Law School civil engineer, specialising in Sea Fwhich started in Rand has been Transport and Port Operations and has Switzerland before managing director of Aserved as an executive in Strategic moving to Spain in 2002, Venice’s cruise terminals Planning as well as marketing and sales of has always been focussed since 2005. He also the Thessaloniki Port. on project management, manages three Professional areas of promotion activities and companies specialising expertise include port public relations. She in the management of operations, port speaks several languages including English, marinas and tourist development and Spanish, German, Italian, French, Catalan villages and is currently president of negotiations between port and some Chinese, which is very useful in Assomarinas. He was a MedCruise BoD client sand investors. such an international business as the port looking after EU Relations/Adriatic Sea Dimitrios served as a and the cruise business. ‘I like to face new between 2010-2014 and enjoys spending his lecture and assistant challenges and am a positive spirit and time in the mountains. ‘The biggest professor of the University enjoy working in teams. What I most value challenge for Venice is getting of Thessaly 1998-2012 and represents the port in the professional field is a good working governmental approval for the modification at the European Seaports Organisation (ESPO). environment and emotional intelligence.’ of an existing access channel to allow bigger ships to reach the Cruise Terminals through the Malamocco lagoon entrance.’
Djoni Stambuk, assistant to general manager for commercial affairs, ‘The biggest challenge port ops and marketing, Zadar Port Authority for Venice is getting governmental approval joni is 43 years old and has new facilities in Gazenica Zadar.’ In about 20 years’ experience the next five years the next for modification of Dworking in the maritime challenge ‘is to build a new terminal industry including the last 12 in building’ to cater for the increase in existing access channel Zadar Port Authority. In 1997 he the number of cruise and ferry graduated from the faculty of passengers.’ During free time Djon is to allow bigger ships to Economical Science University of a songwriter for his Zagreb. ‘The biggest challenge for the indie/alternative band called the Cruise Terminals port was developing and contracting the Angry Babies (Ljute Bebe), which has three new port facilities and relocation of ferry published albums. He has also written through Malamocco and cruise traffic from the old city port to music for a few Croatian films. lagoon entrance.’
23 MedCruise Newsletter Issue 51 Mar 2016 25/02/2016 11:25 Page 24
MedCruise News
President: Kristijan Pavić Secretariat MedCruise Thanos Pallis, Secretary General 10 Akti Miaouli Str. Email: [email protected] Contact: Aimilia Papachristou 185 38 Piraeus, Greece Email: [email protected] Tel: +30 210 40 50 282 Contact: Kleopatra Arapi Fax: +30 210 45 50 286 Email: [email protected] [email protected] facebook.com/medcruise.association
@MedCruisePorts L-R: Aimilia Papachristou, Thanos Pallis, Secretary General and Kleopatra Arapi MedCruise March 2016 | Issue 51
MedCruise Members Alanya, Turkey Kavala, Greece Savona, Italy Alicante, Spain Koper, Slovenia Sète, France Ancona, Italy Kotor, Montenegro Sibenik, Croatia Azores, Portugal Kusadasi, Bodrum Sochi, Russia Balearic Islands, Spain & Antalya, Turkey Souda/Chania, Greece Barcelona, Spain La Spezia, Italy Split, Croatia Bari, Italy Lisbon, Portugal Taranto, Italy Bastia/North Corsica, France Livorno, Italy Tarragona, Spain Brindisi, Italy Madeira ports, Portugal Ports of Tenerife Burgas, Bulgaria Málaga, Spain Thessaloniki, Greece Cagliari, Italy Marseille, France Toulon-Var Provence, France Cartagena, Spain Mersin, Turkey Trabzon, Turkey Castellón, Spain Messina, Italy Tunisian ports Ceuta, Spain Monaco Valencia, Spain Civitavecchia, Italy Motril-Granada, Spain Valletta, Malta Constantza, Romania Naples, Italy Venice, Italy Corfu, Greece North Sardinian ports, Italy Volos, Greece Cyprus ports Odessa, Ukraine Zadar, Croatia Dubrovnik, Korcula, Croatia Palamós & Roses, Spain Egyptian ports Palermo, Italy French Riviera ports Patras, Greece Gibraltar Piraeus, Greece Gioia Tauro, Italy Portimão, Portugal Heraklion, Greece Portoferraio, Italy Huelva, Spain Portofino, Italy Igoumenitsa, Greece Ravenna, Italy
Istanbul, Turkey Rijeka, Croatia Published by Seatrade (UBM (UK) Ltd)
Associate Members D’Alessandro Travel MH Bland Costa Brava Tourism Board Donomis Cruise Services MMS (Mercantile Marine Shipping) Council of Sant Carles de la Ràpita Hugo Trumpy Srl Navigator Travel & Tourist Services Dubrovnik County Port Authority Iberoservice Pérez y Cia Kvarner County Tourism Office Idu Shipping & Services Salamis Shipping Services Turisme de Barcelona Inflot World Wide Samer & Co. Shipping Alfaship Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services SNEAL ( Scandinavian Near East Agency S.A.) Allegra Montenegro Karavanmar Cruise Services Tartus Tour Aloschi & Bassani La Goulette Cruise Terminal Transcoma Cruise & Travel B&A Europe (Bermello Ajamil &Partners) Livorno Port Authority Tura Turizm Cemar Mediterranean Unique Experience World Synergy Travel Cruise Services Monaco Medov Srl