Vigo has made a new DVD detailing infrastructure, facilities and destinations which it took to Miami when visiting cruise companies in November. It was well received by executives according to Dolores Rois Orza, commercial manager Port of Vigo.
The Spanish port has suffered a downturn in call numbers over the past three years, falling from 118 in 2011 to 87 this year. This is partly due to Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas now spending six months in the Caribbean resulting in 20 less calls.
Saga’s newest ship, Saga Sapphire, made an inaugural call to Guernsey on August 28 although inclement weather prevented the traditional plaque exchange that comes with a first visit taking place.
Earlier this month Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth docked near Castle Cornet, the island’s ancient royal fortress. In October Queen Mary 2 will call returning on November 17 for the last call of the season.
Elsinore’s harbour area is undergoing renovation at a total cost of DKr1bn (E134.5m) with the work scheduled to be finished in 2013.
As part of the development a new quay, Kings Quay,with a length of 143m and depth of 7m was opened in 2011 and can accommodate ships up to 150m in length. A second quay, Ophelia Quay, is now available with a length of 170m and depth of 5.5m. Both are within minutes of the city centre.
The number of calls to Trondheim has changed little since it joined Cruise Europe in 1991 but the passenger numbers have increased significantly. Twenty years ago there were 39 calls and 17,700 passengers whereas this year there are 40 calls and 43,601 passengers, reflecting the increasing size of the vessels.
Next year there are 50 calls confirmed and 77,604 passengers. Pullmantur Cruises are planning to use Trondheim as a turnaround port for Empress. She will make three calls - May 19, June 2 and June 16 2012 - with about 2,000 passengers calling the Norwegian port.
In 1991 the Port of Cork welcomed 10 cruiseships carrying 9,552 passengers and crew to Cobh and by 2011 this has increased to 54 calls carrying 100,902 passengers and crew. One vessel to visit this year was The World (pictured).
This significant growth shows that the Port of Cork’s investment in a dedicated cruise terminal in Cobh has paid dividends. Cork is the only port in Ireland that can berth the larger ships alongside in a deepwater sheltered environment.
