The new Las Palmas Port Cruise Terminal , operated by Global Ports Canary Islands, opened its doors today with the arrival of the Celebrity Apex at the Santa Catalina Wharf. This first operation at the new facilities marks the beginning of the commissioning of the largest cruise terminal in Europe and a new era for Gran Canaria.
The building, with 14,000 square meters spread over two floors, is equipped with three boarding bridges and the capacity to handle up to four vessels simultaneously. Its design ensures efficient operations for both transit calls and homeport cruises, incorporating systems that optimize the safety and efficiency of port maneuvers.
In addition to these indoor facilities, there is an outdoor esplanade of more than 17,800 square meters, with pedestrian areas, landscaped areas and a restored palm grove as an access to the boulevard, reinforcing the connection of the terminal with the city.
The president of the Port Authority of Las Palmas, Beatriz Calzada, emphasized the significance of this launch: “This facility represents a qualitative leap forward in our infrastructure and services. With this terminal, we are strengthening the Canary Islands' position in the Mid-Atlantic and consolidating Las Palmas as a leading home and transit port for cruise tourism. Furthermore, it is a facility designed with sustainability in mind, reflecting the Port Authority's commitment to innovation and the responsible development of our operations.”.
The project is part of a €40 million investment plan by Global Ports Canary Islands to modernize the facilities in Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura. It has been developed under strict environmental and innovative criteria, using recycled and eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, solar power, and responsible waste management, positioning the Las Palmas cruise terminal as a benchmark in the European port sector.
During the symbolic ceremony marking the first service at the terminal, a commemorative plaque was presented to the captain of the Celebrity Apex, and passengers enjoyed a tasting of Canarian products in collaboration with the Puerto Canteras Association, becoming the first visitors to the new facilities.
The Managing Director of Global Ports Canary Islands, Susana Gutiérrez, expressed her satisfaction: “We are very pleased with the opening of the new cruise terminal. This project marks the beginning of a new era for the Port of La Luz. With this infrastructure, we are taking a decisive step towards the professionalization of cruise services and reinforcing our commitment to sustainable growth on the island. Our immediate commitment is to contribute to strengthening Gran Canaria's position as a leading international cruise destination.”.
The terminal offers services tailored to the needs of cruise passengers, with restaurants, comfortable waiting areas, universal accessibility, and shopping areas that complete the offering. These amenities reinforce its commitment to becoming one of the most modern and efficient facilities in the sector, prepared to meet the anticipated growth in cruise traffic in the coming years.
With this new infrastructure in operation, the Port of Las Palmas is preparing to handle a greater volume of passengers, strengthening its position as a logistics and tourism hub in the Mid-Atlantic and offering a first-class service to both cruise passengers and the city that receives them.
Celebrity Cruises made a stop in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria before continuing its itinerary to Tenerife. Thursday's operation marks the first practical use of the new terminal, whose official opening is scheduled once construction is complete in the coming months.
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
