Cruise Terminal of Le Havre

The Cruise Terminal reopened on May, 18th 2010 on the occasion of a
Costa Atlantica call and was inaugurated on the 19th, during the double
call of Aida Aura and Albatros.

Evolution

A study led in 2008 proved that the cruise market was promised to a sustainable development, particularly in Europe where the market is booming. The expected growth of the French clientele enables the city of Le Havre to become a turnaround port.

The arrangements of the cruise centre realized in 2007 by the municipality of Le Havre in the "Hall 1", situated at the "Pointe de Floride" which already offered welcome facilities.

In 2009, the municipality of Le Havre validated the implementation of a second part of works permitting to transform this centre in a genuine cruise terminal, thus meeting the safety and security standards.

Financing was insured by: the Municipality of Le Havre, the Department, the Region and the State for a global amount of 1 Million of Euros.

During the works duration, between November 2009 and May 2010, welcoming of passengers was insured in a temporary space in order not to break the quality of welcome offered to passengers and crew members.

Collaboration

Tourist Office, Municipal Services, Port, Immigration Officer, Customs and Shipping Agents elaborated a development plan answering conditions linked with the boarding and landing of the passengers and crew members (boarding and landing, luggage storage, security, proceedings...).

Besides the technical arrangements and services, decorations were particularly polished to create a warm atmosphere bringing into relief models of passenger ships, promotional brochures of the city (architecture, impressionism), pictures of famous personalities who have transited in our port (Alfred Hitchcock, Ernest Hemingway, Salvador Dali or David Niven), an exotic touch with some palm trees emphasized this whole offering a welcome space of quality to the cruise passengers. Last but not least refinement, a picture window was created on the north front, thus offering a pleasant panorama over the city.

Activity

The Cruise Terminal reopened on May, 18th 2010 on the occasion of a Costa Atlantica call and was inaugurated on the 19th, during the double call of Aida Aura and Albatros.

The 2010 season started as from February, 11th and will end on December, 19th after 66 calls (against 50 in 2009). The number of 100 000 passengers will be overcome as 120 000 passengers are expected (against 86 000 in 2009). Turnarounds are already scheduled in September on board Costa Atlantica, Costa Deliziosa and Mein Schiff.

The Tourist Office of Le Havre, member of Cruise Europe and Atlantic Alliance is in charge of cruise development.

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