Cartagena was the focus of the cruise industry yesterday, with the celebration of the Luxury Cruise Conference, an event resulting from the initiative of the Cartagena Port Authority held in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Cartagena and Mediterranean Unique Experience, and organized by Cruises News Media Group, an international consultancy specializing in the promotion and dissemination of the cruise industry, which organizes the International Cruise Summit and the Cruise Excellence Awards, in addition to other events related to the industry.
The event was inaugurated by the President of the Cartagena Port Authority, Joaquín Segado, who showed Cartagena's willingness to work on the development of this segment of the industry, adapting to the exclusive requirements and needs of Premium and luxury cruises.
Fernando Muñoz, Commercial Director, and Hortensia Sánchez, Head of Cruises and Business Development at the Cartagena Port Authority, presented Cartagena's evolution as a cruise destination in general over the past few years, and specifically in the luxury cruise segment, highlighting the increase in calls by these types of cruise ships scheduled for the coming years. The Port of Cartagena will receive 33% more luxury cruise ship calls this year than in 2015, a trend that will continue and expand in 2020, and is expected to keep growing in subsequent years, given the large order book for luxury ships currently held by European shipyards.
Alfredo Serrano, Director of CLIA Spain, provided an overview of the cruise industry as well as the order book for the coming years, a growing market that adapts to the demands of both consumers and other members of the industry.
Agustín Quesada, Director of Mundomar Cruises, and representative of Princess Cruises and Cunard in Spain, detailed what premium and luxury cruise companies expect to find in a port and destination, while Maco Gil, Head of Sales at Star Class Cruises, presented the different luxury cruise brands that her company represents, both maritime and river cruises, and emphasized the space and crew ratios that make the difference between luxury and standard companies.
Luxury cruises are experiencing a boom with ever-increasing global and domestic demand. Cristina Rodriguez, Cruise Manager of the Cruises & Yachts Division at Pérez y Cía, spoke about the role of shore operators and the requirements for tour operators and consignees for these types of cruises, while Teresa Holzl, Product & Operations Supervisor at Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services, offered insights into the new shore experiences that luxury cruise passengers expect, which must maintain the same high standards of quality they enjoy onboard, seeking originality and exclusivity.
Aurelien Soler, Sales Developer for Spain and Portugal at Ponant Cruises, presented his company, which is investing heavily in luxury expedition cruises, having ordered six ships, two of which have already been launched in recent months. Emiliano González, President of MSC Cruises Spain, explained how their large ships feature a private area for more exclusive clients, offering them luxury service on a spacious vessel. Furthermore, MSC Cruises recently announced its intention to launch a luxury cruise division with smaller ships.
Finally, a round table discussion featuring the participating cruise lines, the Port of Cartagena, and CLIA Spain, moderated by Virginia López, CEO of Cruises News Media Group, explored the opportunities in this booming sector. Attendees were able to ask questions directly to the panelists, clarifying the unique needs of this segment and adapting their services accordingly in Cartagena.
