The La Goulette cruise port has welcomed the Spirit of Discovery, its first ship of the season and the first ship to call at the port in seven years. The Spirit of Discovery, operated by Saga Cruises, began its voyage from the UK and is visiting various destinations in the Mediterranean.
The La Goulette cruise port welcomed its 724 passengers with a parade featuring the national band and traditional camels. As part of their shore excursions, the passengers visited the Medina, Sidi Bou Said, Carthage, Sousse, and Kairouan. The village of La Goulette, located at the port, was bustling with activity, its shops overflowing with a variety of local products reflecting Tunisian culture. The restaurants and cafes offering Tunisian cuisine were filled with visiting passengers.
Sami Debbich, General Manager of the La Goulette Cruise Port, together with the Minister of Tourism, the Minister of Transport, the Secretary of State for Maritime Affairs, the Governor of Tunisia, the Chief of Customs, the Chief of Police and the Ambassador of England, presented the “Plaque” at the traditional welcoming ceremony to the Captain of the Spirit of Discovery.
Mr. Debbich commented: “We are delighted to welcome cruise passengers back to our port. This truly reflects our hard work. We anticipate a season with 40 cruise ships scheduled for 2022. As the Cruise Port of La Goulette, we will continue to offer the best services with all the necessary health and safety measures in place for our business partners.”.
La Goulette is situated in a coastal area that includes the ruins of ancient Carthage and the picturesque Sidi Bou Said, sites that attract more visitors than Tunis itself. The town, home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, is a masterpiece of Tunisia's historical and cultural heritage.
The La Goulette cruise port, operated by a joint venture between Global Ports Holding Plc and MSC Cruises SA, began operations in May 2019. With two terminals, the La Goulette cruise port can easily handle cruise ship operations.
