With many more cruise ships being added to the cruise market, cruise lines must make sure there are appealing ports available to entice cruisers. Travel professionals look for new and unique ports of call from the cruise lines to attract past cruisers, keeping the cruise brand fresh and inviting. Other ports require updates and modernization to keep up with security and the increase in cruise ship demand.
Falmouth, Jamaica
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines will be adding a new port of call in Falmouth, Jamaica in 2011, thanks to negotiations between Royal Caribbean and the Port Authority of Jamaica. The new cruise port, still under construction, is positioned on the north coast between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
After a year’s delay the new port attraction should be opening in early 2011. The new port town is hoping to be reminiscent of the historic bustling Caribbean town of Falmouth of the later 1700’s and 1800’s. After completion, the port will accommodate two ships simultaneously.
Royal Caribbean is planning cruise stops at the new port in March, 2011. Royal Caribbean, Holland America and P&O Cruises were scheduled to make stops this fall, but changed their plans after construction delays. When the cruise ships begin arriving, passengers will have choices also of shore excursions at Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, both within a half hour from Falmouth. Reservations are now available for cruises to the Falmouth port.
Trujillo, Banana Coast, Honduras
Trujillo, on the Banana Coast in the western Caribbean, will be sporting a brand new cruise port in 2012 if all goes well. Trujillo Bay, featuring a deep water naturally protected harbor, will accommodate two ships, and will be the first mainland cruise port in Honduras, Central America. The town is about 45 miles south of the island of Roatan, already a cruise port.
Trujillo will keep its' rich cultural heritage of the banana trade and natives of the country, within a new shopping village, Banana Coast Landing, set along cobblestone streets and historic sites. Banana Coast, Honduras, prides itself with superb beaches fronting the tropical rain forests just waiting for the cruise passengers to arrive to boost their struggling economy.
San Diego's new Port Pavilion at Broadway Pier
The shiny new Port Pavilion at Broadway Pier at the Port of San Diego will modernize the embarkation procedure for cruise passengers, thanks in part to a loan by Carnival Cruise Lines to begin construction. The facility is being built with the green theme in mind, making environmentally friendly facilities with energy saving designs.
A dedication ceremony and open house is planned for December 18, 2010, when the terminal should be completed. The terminal will also be available for public and private events when ships are not in port.
Critics are expressing concern about the downturned economy and Mexico travel warnings, in fear of declining number of future cruise passengers for Mexico cruises. Regardless, supporters feel the new terminal is necessary for security and promoting San Diego, and aesthetic value to the waterfront.
Share your views of ports of calls and port experiences from passengers on my New Port blog.