MEDIA

01 Apr 2023

Global Ports Holding Americas Ports Shine at Seatrade Cruise Global 2023

Global Ports Holding Plc ("GPH"), the world's largest cruise port operator, highlighted the exciting changes underway at each of its ports in the Americas during Seatrade Cruise Global 2023. Company executives shared updates from Antigua Cruise Port in Antigua & Barbuda, Nassau Cruise Port in The Bahamas, San Juan Cruise Port in Puerto Rico, and Prince Rupert Cruise Port in British Columbia, Canada.

Dona Regis Prosper, General Manager of Antigua Cruise Port, confirmed that Antigua officially commissioned the fifth berth on December 6, 2022 – a major step forward in enhancing capacity on the beautiful Caribbean island which boasts 365 beaches. Antigua also launched homeporting operations in January 2023 and successfully completed the homeporting season with P&O Arvia in March. Antigua Cruise Port is quickly becoming a popular homeport for luxury cruise lines seeking to explore the Caribbean with passengers who desire exclusive and unique sailing experiences.

Mike Maura Jr., Regional Director for GPH Americas and CEO of Nassau Cruise Port, communicated that Nassau, the busiest transit port in the world, recently set a new one-day passenger record of 28,554 passengers aboard six cruise ships in February 2023. This massive number was made directly possible by the recent expansion of the berths to accommodate more and larger ships as a part of its ongoing $250 million-plus redevelopment project. Nassau will launch its highly anticipated Authentically Bahamian retail, dining, and cultural experience in May 2023. This transformative new addition to the downtown waterfront will include a state-of-the-art arrivals terminal, an immersive Junkanoo Museum experience, a 3,000-person amphitheatre, new shopping and F&B outlets, and much more.

Federico Gonzalez, General Manager of San Juan Cruise Port - the gateway to the eastern and southern Caribbean - shared that GPH has signed an agreement to upgrade, expand, and manage the cruise piers in San Juan. The $425 million project, which will start following the financial close of the concession, will include the repair and refurbishment of the existing port facilities and construction of a state-of-the-art cruise terminal. These enhancements will support the growth of the destination as San Juan “cruises into the future” by welcoming the world's largest cruise ships.

Kevin D’Costa, General Manager of Prince Rupert Cruise Port noted that GPH has signed a 10-year concession agreement with a 10-year extension option to manage cruise services at Prince Rupert Cruise Port in British Columbia. Only 40 miles from Alaska, this destination is the first GPH-managed cruise port in North America. Here, GPH will focus on strengthening and expanding the shore excursion capabilities of the destination by supporting the development of related opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Mike Maura Jr., Regional Director of GPH Americas stated “This is truly an incredible period of growth for our company and especially for our regional ports. The investments being made in these destinations will enhance the experience for millions of cruise passengers each year and provide a boost in economic activity in the surrounding communities. These investments have been strategically designed to support the holistic development of each destination and clearly show why GPH is the world’s largest port operator. At GPH, we consistently combine our global mindset with a uniquely local approach in each port destination that we serve. We are not simply a cruise port operator and developer - we are capable and willing partners in community development.”

GPH currently manages 27 ports in 14 countries.