THE Haven Gateway continues to focus strongly on the promotion of the area as a varied and unique destination for cruise ships. Once again we have been working in close partnership with Harwich International Port, which offers a well-placed, well-equipped cruise terminal and plenty of experience in handling both turnround and day calls.

Last week (March 14-18) a joint delegation travelled to the annual cruise shipping exhibition in the US which is attended by the world’s major cruise lines – and their decision makers! It’s important to get our message across at this major event, particularly as cruise lines are continually on the lookout for new destinations and day excursion ideas for the rapidly growing number of cruise passengers.

From stately homes and gardens to oysters and jam, the Haven Gateway offers a wonderful range of visitor attractions within easy reach of Harwich, for passengers taking a day trip while their cruise ship is in port.

Our membership of the new EU Cruise Gateway North Sea Project is another key part of our strategy. Partners within this project will be sharing information about how to improve the branding, facilities, attraction and sustainability of the North Sea Region for cruising.

The increasing price of fuel could prove a major advantage to NSR ports, delegates heard at Cruise Gateway’s opening conference last month (February).

Chris Hayman, chairman of Seatrade and moderator for the conference discussions, said: “Cruise lines are very conscious of maximising their fuel economy and are tending to favour itineraries which enable them to steam more slowly in order. That means they are looking for ports which are quite close together – offering a short hop to the next destination.” 

As the price of fuel continues to increase, the importance of fuel economy will remain high-profile; the North Sea, with its concentration of diversity, offers a wealth of opportunities in this respect, delegates agreed.

The conference, hosted by Port of Hamburg Marketing, was attended by more than 120 delegates from the cruise, ports, tourism and governmental sectors across Europe. Discussions centred on developing and promoting much more cruise activity, on a sustainable basis, in the NSR. This includes tackling a lack of maritime identity for the region and creating a strong ‘Cruise Destination North Sea’ brand.

“Clearly the opportunity is there for the development of the North Sea as a cruise destination. The North Sea Region hasn’t achieved its full potential and there was a lot of discussion about how that potential could and should be achieved,” said Chris Hayman. “Some very good ideas emerged from the conference.”

He dismissed any ideas that the weather could reduce the North Sea’s appeal. “There are many cruise customers who are not looking for brilliant sunshine but are interested in cultural visits and attractions,” he said. “I think it is a question of identifying opportunities and engaging in discussion with the cruise lines about increasing their itineraries in the region. An awful lot of factors go into the itinerary planning process and it is very important for regions to address all these considerations.”