Strategy for Growth

At the 38^th general assembly of MedCruise, participating ports outlined strategies for growth, capital investments, and how they are tackling a variety of issues, while preparing for future growth. In his opening comments, Minister of Sea Affairs, Islands and Fisheries J. Diamantidis of Greece, invited cruise lines to participate in the development of port infrastructure and related passenger services. The assembly was hosted by the Port Authority of Piraeus and took place in Athens June 2- 4.

Building Demand

Canada New England must first generate consumer demand, then more summer traffic may build up, according to cruise line executives participating in panel discussions at the Cruise Canada New England Symposium, which took place in New York June 14 – 16. Redeployment of ships typically takes a long time, said Dan Hanrahan, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “Over time, Canada New England has to present a real opportunity to attract more ships.”

Cruise Policy

Year-round cruising and tapping into emerging markets are part of Greece’s long-term objectives, according to the deputy minister of culture and tourism, G. Nikitiadis. He identified the markets are Russia, China and India.

Nikitiadis also said that the cruise industry is strategically important to Greece and that he would like to “ask operators to work with us and help develop the infrastructure.”

Aggressive Plans

Mediterranean ports outlined aggressive growth plans, including helping to tap emerging markets.

Itinerary Planning Insight

Cruise line executives participating in the 38^th MedCruise Assembly represented Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Louis Cruises, Pullmantur Cruises, Royal Caribbean and V. Ships. Simon Douwes, director of deployment and itinerary planning of Holland America, said that deployment for the brand is highly seasonal and is based on past yield performance, expectations for future performance, market demand and traffic congestion, among other factors.

Year-Round from New York

Carnival Cruise Lines is the latest cruise line to offer year-round sailings from New York when the Carnival Miracle starts a program of eight-day cruises in April 2012. The Miracle will be joining Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.

Employment Opportunity

Royal Media Partners is seeking an individual to assist the CFO in managing the account and financing department. For more details, see the Newsletter.

For the full reports, please read the June 17, 2011 edition of Cruise Industry News, the Newsletter, click here to subscribe