Miami 15th March 2010 

On occasion of the Cruise Shipping Conference in Miami from 15th to 18th March 2010, Sergio Senesi, president of Cemar Agency Network in Genova, presents a brief detailed picture on the forecasted cruising activity at Italian ports in 2010.

After the positive results of 2008 (+ 11,8%) and the significant market conservation in 2009, this year will be distinguished by a new growth in the cruising market. 2010 will register an increase in cruising passenger movements at Italian ports, with a prediction of 8.820.000 passeggeri (+ 5,27%) and 4.531 calls of vessels (+ 6,8%): an important economic growth, especially in light of the considerable financial crisis, persisting throughout 2010, which will continue to cause a perceptive reduction of spending for tourism and vacations.

Italy maintains its position at the top of the continent for single port passenger movement, despite itinerary variations carried out by some of the cruising companies. Civitavecchia is once more the major Italian cruising port in 2010, Venezia follows at a narrow distance. Third place is firmly held by Napoli, whilst Genova gains two positions, from sixth to forth place. Livorno and Savona follow.

“The success of cruises is without doubt tied to the optimum relationship quality/price of this product, distinguished by contained costs and standards of service medium-high – Sergio Senesi declared- Besides, choosing a cruise means avoiding flights and possible distress, delays and most important added costs. No other European country has so many embarkation ports as Italy. Thanks to Costa Crociere and MSC Crociere embarkation is possible at 11 Italian ports : Savona, Genova, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Napoli, Catania, Messina, Palermo, Bari, Ancona e Venezia, all easily reached from every corner of our country. We should not forget the arrival of 5 new big vessels (3 of Costa Crociere and 2 of MSC Crociere) with a total of 14.000 beds, as well as the unlimited season offers at increasing competitive prices.

One aspect that provides some concern is the elevated reduction of small vessels calling at Italian ports. A sensitive fall in calls has been registered in the last few years by companies such as Star Clippers, Windstar, Silversea, Sea Dream, due to offers from destinations in other areas with costs definitely lower than our ports. These are companies that handle vessel accommodating from 100 to 300 passengers. In fact the ratio cost/quality at Italian ports, especially for vessels of inferior tonnage, is very high”.

Research based on data by CEMAR - Sergio Senesi

CEMAR AGENCY NETWORK - cruising department celebrates it's 29 years of activity. Born as a company dedicated to assistance to big yachts, today it is dedicated to the assistance of cruising vessels and represents some of the main worldwide cruising companies.