Cruising is Still on the Rise
Leisure travel is on the rise.
Global Ports Holding, a cruise port operator of Nassau, Barcelona, and many others, projects a 45% increase in passenger capacity to reach 40 million by 2027.
Over the past year, Global Ports Holding has already seen an impressive recovery, with a 281% increase in passenger numbers compared to 2022.
In the first quarter of 2023 alone, 2.5 million people passed through its terminals.
Looking ahead, Global Ports Holding expects to welcome 11.8 million passengers in 2024, and trading remains in line with market forecasts.
Carnival Cruise Line has progressed in upgrading its fleet by installing Starlink Maritime, a faster internet service.
Eleven ships in Carnival’s fleet have undergone the upgrade, providing guests with significantly improved internet speeds.
The latest update from Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, confirms that the Excel ships were already equipped with Starlink from delivery. At the same time, efforts continue to upgrade the rest of the fleet with Starlink and other internet providers.
The ships that have already been outfitted with Starlink Maritime include Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Elation, Carnival Magic, Carnival Pride, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Valor, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Sunshine, and Carnival Vista.
Crystal Serenity, the first vessel to relaunch after being acquired by A&K Travel Group, has successfully finished its sea trials ahead of its inaugural cruise from Marseille, France, set for July 31st.
Currently undergoing final refurbishment at the Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy, the ship, fully staffed with officers, technicians, and engineers, saw its navigation, technical, and mechanical systems thoroughly tested and approved.
The fire-resistant panels were also checked and confirmed to be correctly certified and non-defective.