Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

2 3 0 FEATURE in helping cruise lines to promote destinations and overcome the operational challenges associated with planning itineraries. “It’s difficult for cruise lines to attract potential customers to relatively unknown destinations, so local governments and ports can invest in marketing to push for greater awareness on the global stage,” says De Nardo. “We’re growing exponentially so we need ports to work in tandem with us to develop workable long-term plans for sustainable tourism, which includes investments in elements such as green shore power and LNG bunkering.” Young agrees. “Ports and destination organisations have a hugely valuable role in facilitating open discussion and collective forums between all interested parties, both within the cruise industry and the local communities we touch,” he explains. “We really value having regular conversations about what our guests want and what developments are taking place in destinations.” De Nardo adds: “We’re all in this together, so we must collaborate to tackle pertinent issues and plan ahead. Forward-thinking cruise lines like MSC Cruises want forward-thinking ports – it’s the only way we can create itineraries that are mutually beneficial and also deliver the best possible experiences to our guests.” CFR Delightful destinations Ports and destination authorities play a key role in helping cruise lines to deliver memorable onshore experiences. We highlight some that stand out from the crowd P&O Cruises ensures that it can provide a range of activities in every port of call A unique destination The home of a princess Filled with Unesco World Heritage-listed architecture, Le Havre in France is no longer regarded as simply the gateway to Paris by cruise lines. Today, the birthplace of the Impressionist art movement is making its mark as a cruise destination in its own right. The city waterfront was completely renovated in 2019 to link the cruise terminal to the beach. Le Havre has also stationed a dedicated multilingual team at both the cruise terminal and the shuttle stop in the city centre to provide each passenger with a map and personalised advice to help them make the most of their visit. There’s a wide variety of exciting experiences awaiting cruise guests and crew when they sail into Arendal, Norway. Highlights include swimming in a heated floating pool in Arendal’s marina, excursions to Raet Marine National Park, boat trips in the archipelago, walking tours through the old town and visits to museums, old churches and shops. There’s even the chance to visit an inhabited lighthouse with a story- telling lighthouse keeper. Meanwhile, Disney fans can also meet Elsa, the protagonist of Frozen , in Arendal, which inspired the princess’s fictional home. Photo: Frédéric Verhoye