Since July 12, 2020, Bastia and North Corsica cruise ports welcome on a regular basis, cruise ship calls from two French companies - Ponant Cruises (ships Le Lyrial and L’Austral) and CroisiEurope (ship La Belle des Oceans).
Departing from homeport Villefranche-sur-Mer (Nice, France Riviera), both passenger shipping operators have proposed to their French passengers only, exclusive 7-day itineraries around the island with visits to Bastia, Calvi, L’Ile-Rousse and Saint Florent.
Some days, the port of Bastia has the pleasure to welcome Le Lyrial and La Belle des Oceans simultaneously, as it last occurred on October 8, for a double call.
By the end of the first summer season post lockdown, North Corsica and Bastia ports will have welcomed a total of 63 cruise calls for ~6000 passengers. This is the first positive step for the local economy, as well as as a positive signal for the next years.