Miami 14th March 2011 

Double-digit growth for the handling of the Italian cruise ports in 2011. It was announced by Sergio Senesi, president of Cemar Agency Network of Genoa, at the Seatrade Cruise Shipping being held last 14-18th March in Miami.

The year 2011 will in fact record a new and important increase in the handling of passengers at Italian ports, with a forecast of 10,982,000 passengers (+16.94%) and 5062 calls (+ 4.81%).

"Once again we are faced with a very significant growth - said Sergio Senesi – which we can accredit to all the innovations that characterize the cruise industry this year. The Royal Caribbean group will notably increase its presence in the Mediterranean Sea, registering a 45.40% boost compared to 2010 with 23 ships, 2,525,200 passengers and 865 calls. Carnival Corporation, will also increase it’s presence, with + 17.25% compared to 2010, 51 ships ,about 1,724 calls and 4,357,300 passengers. We must also add another important aspect to this, the presence for the first time in Mare Nostrum of 16 ships with over 3,000 passengers and the itinerary of Norwegian Epic, the new flagship of Norwegian Cruise Line with 4,200 passengers. "

Italy remains at the continental top with regards to passenger movements. Civitavecchia will still be the main Italian cruise port in 2011 (also first European Port from this year), with 2,458,000 passengers handled, followed by the port of Venice (1,650,000 pax), then Naples (1,275,000 pax) and Livorno (945,000 pax) in fourth position ahead of the port of Savona (931,000), Genoa (874,000), Bari (525,000) and Palermo (519,000).

The 2011 cruise season will involve 52 companies, 149 cruise ships, 67 ports and 12 Italian regions.



Research based on data by CEMAR - Sergio Senesi

CEMAR AGENCY NETWORK cruising department is active in the business for over 29 years. Born as a company dedicated to providing services for large yachts, Cemar is now specialized in cruise ships and represents some of the main shipping companies of the world in Italy.