Advertisement

CRUISE CALLERS: Packed piers but fewer passengers

Four cruise ships were docked simultaneously at the Port of Los Angeles’ World Cruise Center on 5 January, while 13,000 passengers were conveyed to and from the vessels Golden Princess, Sapphire Princess, Crystal Symphony and Deutschland.

Although cruise traffic remains important for the California gateway, it has been falling steadily since the start of the recession, with only 153 ships and 755,000 passengers handled in 2010, a 36 per cent drop from 2008, and only 144 ships and 605,000 passengers are expected this year. Drug violence in nearby Mexico is adding to the problem, with some lines electing to leave Southern California ports entirely, in favour of more peaceful cruising areas.

This has seen Royal Caribbean International’s Mariner of the Seas choose Galveston, Texas as its 2011 winter base, while NCL’s Norwegian Star will reposition to Tampa, Florida in May. Next year Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit will reposition to Australia in April to be based out of Sydney.

Ships Montly - January 2024

BP reportedly selling six MR tankers

for $200 million. The 57,000 dwt vessels are the British Chief (2017), and the 2016-built sisters British Engineer, British Officer, British Cadet, British Captain...
Advertisement

Related articles

BP reportedly selling six MR tankers

for $200 million. The 57,000 dwt vessels are the British Chief (2017), and the 2016-built sisters British Engineer,...

Centus Marine Receives Second Hybrid Fast Crew Boat From Strategic Marine

Following the successful debut of Malaysia’s first hybrid Fast Crew Boat (FCB), Strategic Marine is pleased to announce...

Celebrity Xcel to enter service earlier than planned

Celebrity Cruises' newest Edge class ship, Celebrity Xcel, is set to enter service ahead of schedule. The company...

Damen delivers a new ASD Tug to the Lithuanian Navy

On Monday 12May 2025, just nine months after the contract was signed, the christening ceremony took place of...