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Dominican Capital’s Cruise Ship Port Reconstruction Close to Completion |
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The first phase of the project to build the Sans
Souci cruise ship terminal is concluding with the reconstruction of
piers, new infrastructure, and with the improvements of nautical
systems, at a cost of more than $50 million. Sans Souci Group president Lisandro Macarrulla yesterday said the Don Diego terminal has received more than 150,000 passengers since 2007. He said the Eastern Zone has many tourist attractions which have yet to be suitably exploited. He showed the advance of the works to reporters, authorities of Santo Domingo East and special guests. “We have worked with the mayors of the National District and of Santo Domingo East to measure the social impact of this work in Villa Duarte and adjacent sectors.” The terminal has three floors, which Macarrulla said is among the most modern and functional in the Caribbean and Central America. He said in five years one million passengers are expected to arrive in the terminal. |
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Cruise
travelers are most interested in Eastern
Mediterranean destinations
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Because of the increased interest in
European cruising, Cruise Critic, the online
resource for consumer-oriented cruise reviews and
news, conducted a survey about cruising in Europe.
More than 1,400 travelers from around the world
completed the survey.
Forty-two percent of survey
respondents are planning to take a European cruise
within the next three years.
“According to our survey, Europe is a draw because cruisers can experience a variety of different cultures and attractions in one trip,” said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief, Cruise Critic. Europe = Variety Nearly one third of survey respondents indicated that what they find most appealing about a European cruise is the opportunity to experience a variety of different cultures and attractions. Another 27 percent said it is the opportunity to visit many different European cities/locations during one holiday. Mediterranean Tops Cruise Itineraries The Mediterranean is the top choice for cruise itineraries in Europe, with 32 percent of the respondents choosing the Eastern Mediterranean (Athens, Istanbul, Greek Islands) and 20 percent opting for the Western Mediterranean (Rome, Naples, Barcelona) as the European cruise holiday itinerary that interests them most. When it comes to the ports travelers are most interested in visiting, the Greek Islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Ios) were the favorite for 25 percent of respondents. Moving into northern waters, St. Petersburg, Russia is second with nine percent. Rome (15 percent) and Venice (13 percent) are the most popular destinations for travelers that want to add an on-land vacation to their cruise trips. Big Ship Style When it comes to style of cruise holiday in Europe just over half (51 percent) of the respondents said their preference was for a big ship with lots of activities and entertainment. The next most appealing European cruise experience is on a small ship/yacht (31 percent) followed by a river cruise (19 percent.) Cost Concerns The main deterrent to taking a cruise in Europe is cost, with the high exchange rate especially worrying American travelers (33 percent), as is the cost of the airfare (14 percent.) Sailing Saves The most common cost-cutting tip given by cruisers is to either book early or last-minute. Other popular suggestions include booking your own air and transfer arrangements, staying in a cheaper category of cabin, using a travel agent or cruise broker, and researching online. When asked how to save money during a cruise holiday, the most frequent recommendations concern shore excursions, drinks and gambling. The top tip is to arrange your own excursions and not take those organized by the ship. Suggestions for avoiding the bar bill blues (alcohol and sodas) include smuggling a private supply on board, checking the bar tab daily, ordering the drink-of-the-day or purchasing an all-inclusive package. The recommendation for gambling is – “don’t.” Top 10 European Cruise Ports, (in alphabetical order) Compiled by Cruise Critic editors, this list provides travellers with the names of ports that are almost certain to be the highlight of any cruise vacation in Europe. Barcelona Copenhagen Dubrovnik Florence (Livorno) Istanbul London (Dover, Harwich, Southampton, Tilbury) Rome (Civitavecchia) Santorini St. Petersburg Venice
London, even though very few ships
are able tp actually berth in "London" never the
less is in the top 10 European ports list because it
is one of the regions most dynamic and interesting
cities, is also one of the most popular ports of
embarkation in Europe. Travelling here to board a
ship makes London a natural spot for a pre or
post-cruise stay.
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Seabourn said it is bucking the big-ship trend by building ‘intimate, yacht-like vessels" |
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The first of three smaller ships
under construction for The Yachts of Seaborn is the
Seabourn Odyssey, due in June next year.
‘I think there is a line between a small-ship and a large-ship experience,’ said Seabourn president and ceo Pamela Conover. ‘We choose not to cross that line,’ she continued, ‘because we are committed to providing the sort of individualized experience that is the reason Seabourn guests choose to travel with us. We are building for a particular sort of very discerning traveler who understands the equation between intimacy and luxury.’ The line also touted its access to smaller ports and secluded anchorages where the ships can deploy their watersports marinas, such as in Triluke Bay on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast and the Greek island of Amorgos. Seabourn further noted that ‘other other ultra-luxury ships are being designed for up to 750 guests,’ in what may be a reference to Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Regent hasn’t ordered yet but Silversea Cruises, for example, is building a 36,000gt vessel with capacity for 540 passengers. However, the French Company - Compagnie des isles du Ponont (CIP) have 2 even smaller (264 Pax) more intimate and very luxurious ships under construction for delivery in 2009 and early 2010. Seabourn’s own newbuilds are 32,000gt each -- triple the size of its existing 10,000gt ships. However, in carrying 450 passengers each, they are only just over twice the capacity of the current 208-passenger Seabourn trio. So the space ratio of the newbuilds will be extremely high. With the exception of an 11,500-square-foot indoor/outdoor spa, spread over two decks, the new Seabourn Odyssey design is not emphasizing large spaces. The ship sports four alternative dining venues and lounges that Seabourn said are ‘scaled for informal gathering and conversation.’ |
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Grand Turk - more
cruise calls and more retail outlets
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Grand Turk Cruise Center expects more than 200 calls
carrying a total of 400,000 passengers in 2008, up from 180 calls
and 380,000 passengers last year. The facility also announced the opening of new retail outlets: Ron Jon Surf Shop, Piranha Joe’s and Froots (for fruit smoothies). The facility provides more than 40 shops encompassing 40,000 square feet of space with names including Margaritaville, Little Switzerland, Bruno Fine Art, Goodmark Jewelers and the cruise center’s anchor retail tenant, duty-free giant Dufry. |
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Canadian Sailing vessel is operational - cruising French Caribbean & E. Canada coast |
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Canadian Sailing Expeditions has launched its 77-passenger tall ship, Caledonia, into service in the French Caribbean and Dominica. The 245-foot Caledonia
is Canadian built, flagged and crewed. Its Caribbean arrival makes
Halifax-based Canadian Sailing Expeditions the only Canadian cruise
line that trades internationally. |
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