332 cruise ship calls, carrying as many as 620,000 passengers, will make 2009 another record season for cruise tourism in Copenhagen. But the city is not resting on its laurels. A new cruise pier is under development and, this season, numerous passengers can check-in to their flight directly from their cruise ship.
When the first cruise ship arrives on April 21, it will mark the beginning of another record season for cruise tourism in Copenhagen. With 332 cruise ship calls carrying as many as 620,000 cruise passengers, Copenhagen will once again lock in its position as Europe’s Leading Cruise Destination. In 2008, Copenhagen saw 301 arrivals bringing 580,000 passengers.
Underscoring Copenhagen’s appeal as a homeport where passengers begin or end their cruises, half of the ships that call at Port of Copenhagen now use Denmark’s cosmopolitan capital as a turnaround port. Thanks to an excellent airport, efficient ship and passenger facilities, a population that speaks English as a second language and Copenhagen’s many attractions.
At the same time, Copenhagen’s cruise season is lengthening and a record-breaking four cruise liners are expected in December for Christmas.
New developments to keep Copenhagen on top
Despite numerous awards and continued success, the city and port are not resting on its laurels. A new 800 meter cruise pier is set to be ready in 2012 in the North Harbour. Also, the port and city council will invest 300 million euro over the next years in access roads to the various piers. The first roads will be ready for the cruise season in 2009-2010.
Securing more capacity is a priority for the newly appointed General Manager for Cruises at Copenhagen Malmo Port, Arnt Moeller Pedersen.
– In theory we have the capacity to receive 1300 cruise ships per season. We and Cruise Copenhagen Network are working hard to expand the number of cruise ships coming to Copenhagen. We have room to receive more ships and are doing all we can to maintain our position as the leading cruise destination in Europe.
Furthermore, SAS will begin a check-in system on board selected cruise ships this season. This means that many of SAS and Star Alliance passengers can check-in their suitcases from on board their ship. Depending on how the trial will work, this service is set to expand over the next years.
