It’s been an enormous 12 months for Sardinia, Italy, and it’s not over but.
Cagliari Cruise Port, positioned on the Mediterranean island off the southwest coast of Italy, simply welcomed its 500,000th cruise passenger of the 12 months on November 5, 2024.
The landmark arrival displays a profitable season for the port, with 76 extra cruise arrivals in 2024 than the earlier 12 months and its first-ever winter cruise calls.
The five hundred,000th passenger was welcomed to Sardinia by Cagliari Cruise Port’s Normal Supervisor Raffaella Del Prete, Sardinia Sea Port System Authority President Massimo Deiana, and Valeria Mangiarotti, advertising supervisor of the Port System Authority.
Mentioned Del Prete, “We’ve all the time believed that Cagliari is a perfect vacationer vacation spot for all seasons, not only for its stunning seashores however for its distinctive historical past and excellent options.”
“As terminal operators, we’re the primary level of contact between cruise passengers and the area, so it’s pure for us to have fun these extraordinary milestones by thanking the cruise strains that select us and their visitors, with a symbolic award for the five hundred,000th passenger,” she continued.
In celebration of the half-million passenger mark, the port offered the unnamed visitor from an unidentified ship with a present package deal that included two airline tickets for a future go to to Cagliari and a two-night in a single day keep on the luxurious Palazzo Tirso resort.
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The milestone was made much more particular by the simultaneous calls of the 5,224-passenger Costa Smeralda from Costa Cruise Traces, Princess Cruises’ 2,200-passenger Island Princess, and Emerald Cruises’ Emerald Sakara, a luxurious ship that accommodates 100 passengers.
Costa Smeralda arrived for its name throughout a 7-night voyage from Genoa, Italy; Island Princess throughout a 20-night Adriatic and Greek Isles cruise from Athens to Rome; and Emerald Sakara throughout an 11-night journey from Rome to Barcelona.
Cagliari’s Rising Position in Mediterranean Cruising
The rise in passenger numbers at Cagliari is a part of a broader development development for Sardinian cruising. In accordance with Deiana, the Sardinian Sea Port System is on monitor to shut 2024 with round 700,000 cruise passengers, reflecting an over 50 % year-over-year improve.
With ships now calling weekly, even within the winter, the achievement aligns with efforts by Cagliari Cruise Port, the Sardinian Sea Port System Authority, and native establishments to raise town’s standing as a year-round vacation spot.
The port will end 2024 with 178 cruise ship arrivals, up from 102 in 2023.
“Right now is a record-breaking day for Cagliari Port and all the Sardinian Port System,” added Deiana, who says the aim is to succeed in 1 million cruise passengers throughout the subsequent 5 years and develop into one of many prime Mediterranean cruise ports.
Italian cruise ports, generally, are set to greatest the nation’s document for cruise passengers in 2024. With over 5,000 calls scheduled – the best in 10 years – Italy is predicted to see 13 million visitor arrivals this 12 months, with anticipation that 2025 will proceed to see will increase.
Earlier than the 12 months ends, a number of cruise strains will proceed to name on Cagliari, together with Superstar Cruises’ Superstar Equinox; Silversea’s Silver Moon and Silver Ray; Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Woman; Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Escape; Holland America Line’s Volendam; Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess; and MSC Cruises’ MSC Lirica.
Costa Smeralda and Island Princess shall be making return calls via the top of 2024, whereas MSC Lirica will convey the final visitors to Cagliari on December 30, 2024.
