The Port Authority of Bilbao, together with Bilbao Tourism, has presented its new maritime cruise station at Seatrade Cruise Global, the main international cruise fair, which was held from March 13 to 16 in Miami/Fort Lauderdale (United States).
The design, materials and characteristics of this station, which will begin operating at the end of March, have been applauded by shipping companies and tour operators for whom "this infrastructure has nothing to envy in other ports and is, without a doubt, at the forefront of European terminals.".
The trade fair also facilitated private meetings with companies to present the services the Port of Bilbao offers to ships and passengers, and to promote the Basque Country as a destination for this type of tourism, with its attractive gastronomic, cultural, and scenic offerings for a sector seeking alternatives to sun and sand. Furthermore, the Port Authority has secured two new berths there for this year.
58 cruises and four embarkations
On March 29, the 'Britannia', from the P&O company, will be the first cruise ship to call at the Port of Bilbao in a season with positive prospects in terms of the number of calls and shipping companies.
Throughout 2017, specifically, and with the two new cruises confirmed at the US fair, a 14% increase in the number of dockings is expected, so the figure, although this can always vary, may be around 58 cruises.
This season, the highlight is the possibility of embarking from Bilbao on three cruises and on four different dates: on the “Europa 2” of Hapag Lloyd (August 1 and October 25), on the “Sirena” of Oceania Cruises (August 8); and on the “Monarch” of Pullmantur (September 16).
This season, the British company Cruise & Maritime Voyages is also visiting the Port of Bilbao for the first time, with five stops.
Luxury North American cruise lines such as Azamara, Crystal, Oceania, Princess, Seabourn, and Silver Cruises are once again investing in Bilbao. And, of course, German European lines like TUI and Hapag-Lloyd, and British lines like P&O, Fred Olsen, and Thomson Cruises are also returning.
