Major cruise port operator enjoys unprecedented growth

Global Ports Holding, the world’s largest cruise port operator, has seen remarkable growth in the Americas and Europe over the past two years as it took over management of several cruise ports worldwide in the wake of the pandemic.

Ports managed by Global Ports Holding include Alicante Cruise Port, Prince Rupert Cruise Port, St. Lucia, San Juan Cruise Port, Canary Islands and Taranto Cruise Port. But it’s in the ports of America that the operator has had its greatest successes.

Significant developments in America

During Seatrade Cruise Global this week, executives from Global Ports Holding discussed the latest developments at their ports in North America, Bahamas and the Caribbean, including two of the most popular cruise ports in the Bahamas and Caribbean, Antigua Cruise Port, Nassau Cruise Port.

At Antigua Cruise Port, the official opening of the port’s fifth berth took place on December 6, 2022. In addition, the port successfully concluded a highly successful home port season P&O’s 180,000 gross register Excel class cruise ship Arvia in March 2023.

Nassau Cruise Port, the busiest cruise port in the world, set a new record in February 2023 with 28,554 passengers aboard six cruise ships in a single day. Among the ships docked in the port were two ships from Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis class, the Wonder of the Seas and the Harmony of the Seas, the first and third largest ships in the world, respectively.

Other cruise ships in port were Carnival Cruise Lines’ Excel class carnivalCelebrity Cruise Lines Celebrity Reflection And celebrity beyondand MSC Meraviglia.

Nassau is currently undergoing a $250+ million redevelopment project, with expanded berths for larger ships and a new waterfront area to improve the overall cruise experience for cruise guests.

Mike Maura Jr., Global Ports Holding Americas Regional Director, expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s growth and investments in these destinations.

Mike Maura Jr.: “The investments made in these destinations will enhance the experience for millions of cruise passengers each year and boost economic activity in the surrounding communities. These investments have been strategically designed to support the holistic development of each destination and demonstrate why Global Ports Holding is the world’s largest port operator.”

San Juan Cruise Port and Prince Rupert Cruise Port

Global Ports Holdings doesn’t just focus on established cruise ports like Antigua and Nassau. The San Juan Cruise Port has long been a popular cruise ship destination, but needs modernization to continue to welcome the world’s largest ships to its docks.

San Juan Cruise Port in Puerto Rico signed an agreement with Global Ports Holding Improve, expand and manage the cruise piers in the city. The $425 million project includes the repair and refurbishment of existing port facilities and the construction of a state-of-the-art cruise terminal that will enable San Juan to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships.

Prince Rupert cruise port in British Columbiawhich welcomed just 41,000 cruise passengers in 2022, has entered into a 10-year concession agreement with Global Ports Holding with a 10-year renewal option to manage cruise services at the port.

Because of its location, Prince Rupert is an ideal place to take full advantage of the many cruise ships that sail to Alaska each summer. For the 2023 cruise season, passenger numbers are projected to increase to nearly 80,000 and are expected to increase further after this year.