Cruise: Galveston, Halifax
Galveston: Port Approves Agreement with City for Cruise Shuttles
The board of trustees of the Galveston Wharves has approved a five year agreement with the city of Galveston for cruise terminal shuttle bus services. The agreement takes effect on January 1, 2016. The seven-member board is the governing authority of the Port of Galveston.
As part of the port’s interlocal contract with the city, the board agreed to pay $87,000 to the city to cover the local share for the acquisition for four new shuttle buses dedicated primarily to cruise ship passenger services.
"The city of Galveston’s Island Transit has been an invaluable partner with the port since year round cruises began operating from the Port in 2000," said Port Director Mike Mierzwa. "We look forward to continuing this partnership with Island Transit in providing a top notch experience for our cruise passengers."
Halifax Port Authority releases final cruise numbers for 2015
The Port of Halifax completed another successful cruise season with the November 2 sailing of the Seven Seas Navigator. During the season, which began on April 27 with the docking of the Phoenix Reisen vessel Amadea, the port received 141 vessel calls with 222,309 passengers, compared to 134 calls and 217,305 passengers in 2014.
The busiest day this year came on October 16 with the debarking in Halifax of 10,000 passengers arriving at the port. It was the first full season in which properly equipped cruise vessels could tap into shore power in Halifax. This year, 17 shore power connections were made.
"This was a good, steady season for cruise in Halifax," said Cathy McGrail, PPM®, Director of Cruise Development and Corporate Affairs for the Halifax Port Authority. "The Halifax Port Authority would like to recognize the outstanding cooperation between all the various partner agencies including cruise vendors, tour operators and those in the tourism and hospitality industry who came together to provide cruise guests with an exceptional experience during their time in Nova Scotia."
A recent economic impact study found the cruise industry in Halifax contributes approximately C$104 million in local economic benefits.
Crystal Symphony shown docked at Halifax’s Pier 20 on October 20 next to the plaza with its statute of Sir Samuel Cunard, founder of Cunard Line and a native Haligonian. Nearby are the port authority administration building and the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market, all part of the Halifax Seaport. The port’s cruise facilities along the seawall include Piers 20 through 22.
Halifax Port Authority