French Port City Celebrates 500 Years

   December 5, 2017 ,   Cruise Industry

2017 has been full of celebration for Le Havre which made the most of its significant anniversary.

Money was spent on extensive improvements, for example EUR 300,000 on renovating the cruise ship terminal and EUR 40,000 on renovating the bus quay in the centre of the city. There has been additional welcome organization for when the passengers alight shuttles. A permanent desk is also in place.

A special tour, offered at the city centre shuttle stop, was organized around the 500-year history, offered free to travellers on every call day. 

Le Havre cruise portHighlights of the cruise year in Le Havre port included the christening of MSC Meraviglia and the historic cruise onboard Queen Mary 2 to New York City which attracted 700 passengers from the region.

Partial turnarounds have become more popular with 40 scheduled for next year from companies like Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises and Princess Cruises

In 2017 there were a total of 129 calls of which twelve were repositioning. Passenger numbers reached around 397,000. In 2018, 140 visits are scheduled, bringing approx 420,000 passengers.

Until 2018 Port of Le Havre has committed to EUR 8 million programme of maintenance works on Pointe de Floride, starting with the modernisation of Pierre Callet & Roger Meunier quays.

The potential for development of cruise activity of Le Havre should lead to the construction of 3 terminals, with the aim of being able to welcome, from 2020, 3 or 4 large ships simultaneously, and include 2 terminals for turnarounds.

Le Havre was announced destination of the year at 2017 Seatrade Cruise Awards.