Category: Cruise

Charleston, SC - The six-star luxury cruise ship, Crystal Symphony, is in port today, with hundreds of guests supporting local historic and cultural attractions.

The Crystal Symphony and her 814 passengers arrived in Charleston this morning on a 19-night voyage from New York to Los Angeles?through the Panama Canal. The ship departs this evening around 11 pm, but not before her guests enjoy the city?s dining, shopping and attractions. In fact, nearly 400 cruisers are going on organized excursions around town, supporting historical and cultural sites in the local community, including:

This kind of spending is typical for kind of the broad and diverse contributions that cruise ships bring to the community. Since last Thursday, another 2,400 cruisers on port-of-call ships took excursions organized by local company Charleston Convention & Group Services, which has been in operation since 1986.

Many other guests explored the city on their own, shopping, eating and visiting local attractions with assistance from the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, which meets every ship inside the cruise terminal.

In addition to the port-of-call visits, the Carnival Fantasy sails from Charleston every five to seven days, contributing greatly and broadly to the area?s economy. Surveys detail that 37 percent of passengers stay in local hotels, 50 percent eat in local restaurants, 37 percent shop in local stores, and 39 percent visit local attractions and museums.

The local economy will get an estimated $37-million boost this year from cruises alone. With 89 cruise ships on the 2011 calendar, compared to 67 this year, the economic activity associated with cruise spending will likely increase.

The Crystal Symphony is also making stops in Philadelphia, Miami, Georgetown (Grand Cayman), Cartagena (Colombia), Caldera (Costa Rica) and Acapulco and Cabo San Lucas (Mexico).? Fares range from about $5,000 to $30,000 per person.

Charleston, SC - South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) President and CEO Jim Newsome today provided an update on the cruise industry to the community and announced the next steps for the Union Pier property. According to Newsome, this fall the SCSPA will issue a request for proposals (RFP) to architects to design a new passenger terminal at the northern end of Union Pier, and the SCSPA has formed a Cruise Neighbors Advisory Council that includes residents from the neighborhoods closest to the terminal.

Joined by City of Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, Newsome presented what he called a "Report to the Community on the Cruise Ship Industry" and noted that the terminal relocation was in response to community input that was an integral part of SCSPA's planning process during the past year. "This relocation provides numerous benefits," said Newsome, "including reducing traffic, removing all cargo operations and trains from Union Pier, and - most importantly - making the southern portion of the 63-acre property available for public and other uses."

Newsome noted that Charleston has welcomed almost 1,000 cruise ships during the past 37 years. "Cruises are good for Charleston, and good for the port," he said. "Cruise ships provide jobs and more than $37 million in annual economic impact." He added that about one-third of cruise ship passengers spend at least one night in Charleston, about half visit attractions and patronize local restaurants, and almost all of them say they plan to return to Charleston. "They
recognize and appreciate Charleston's special character, and we are firmly committed to manage our cruise business in a way that protects and preserves that character," he added.

Newsome reiterated the SCSPA's commitment to a one-berth one-ship terminal capable of handling ships designed to carry up to 3,500 passengers. "We see Charleston as being able to accommodate about two ships per week," he said. "And, if we see that situation changing, we will consult the community well in advance. After all, it is in our interest to keep Charleston just the way visitors and residents like it."

According to Newsome, cruise ships are subjected to the strictest environmental standards of all the more than 2,000 ships that annually enter the Charleston harbor. "There is absolutely no objective evidence of any environmental malfeasance by a cruise ship in our harbor," he stated. Newsome said that the greatest benefit of relocating the passenger terminal will be unlocking the southern portion of Union Pier for public and other uses. Citing the SCSPA's Concept Plan for Union Pier, Newsome noted some of the potential uses include an appropriate end of Market
Street at the harbor, the re-establishment of the historic Custom House wharf, new view corridors, and significant new public access and open spaces. The SCSPA has already committed to immediate stabilization of the historic Bennett Rice Mill fa?ade within the Union Pier property.

"Quite simply, this is the most important redevelopment opportunity in the Charleston area," he said. "And it is entirely dependent upon the relocation of the passenger terminal. We cannot do one without the other."

Emphasizing that the passenger terminal relocation is the option preferred by the SCSPA as well as the community, Newsome said that upgrading the existing terminal continues to remain an option. "If, for any reason, we are unable to move expeditiously on the relocation of the terminal, we will need to revert to the much less desirable option of upgrading our existing terminal," he said. "That would mean cargo operations would continue on the property. The entire property would always be used for maritime uses. And all 63 acres of Union Pier would continue forever to be separated from the rest of the peninsula by a chain link fence. We think that would be a tragedy."

Mayor Riley stressed how the plan will serve Charleston. "The City has worked very closely with the Ports Authority throughout this collaborative process. The resulting Concept Plan is a tremendous opportunity for those that live, work and visit here in Charleston. But its benefits are contingent on moving the terminal northward. This would allow cruise to continue to serve as an exceptionally positive force for our economy, while enhancing the quality of life in our city. It's evident to me that the Ports Authority is committed to the right balance for this community, and this Concept Plan demonstrates that," he said.

"We need now to move forward, designing a new passenger terminal and beginning the process to redevelop Union Pier," Newsome said. "We are grateful for the broad-based community participation and support for this initiative, and we look forward to continuing our collaborative work with the City, the community, and our newly formed Cruise Neighbors Advisory Council.
Ongoing updates will be posted on www.UnionPierPlan.com."

Historic Charleston, South Carolina - recently named to the number three spot on Travel + Leisure's Best Cities in the U.S. and Canada list - is investing heavily in its cruise facilities on the heels of launching its first year-round cruise calendar.

The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA), which owns and operates Charleston's cruise facility, approved today the purchase of a new, custom passenger loading bridge to safely transition cruise guests from the passenger terminal to the cruise ship's loading doors.

The new, state-of-the-art gangway will feature a hydraulic system to change the elevation and match up with doors on various ships. The SCSPA identified Sweden-based FMT Aircraft Gate Support Systems AB as the preferred vendor and will attempt to finalize a contract to design, construct and deliver a gangway that meets all current laws, regulations, codes and satisfies operating requirements. The gangway along with other improvements should be delivered in February at a cost not to exceed $2.75 million.

This investment comes as the Port of Charleston enters its first year-round cruise calendar and plans to build a new cruise terminal.

In May Carnival began year-round sailing and home-ported the Fantasy in the city. Carnival is operating five-, six- and seven-day voyages to The Bahamas and Key West, Florida and has announced a series of six sailings from Charleston to Bermuda in 2011.

In addition to the Carnival embarks, Charleston also features a number of port calls from others of the world's best-known cruise brands, including Holland America, Regent Seven Seas, Celebrity, Seabourn, Princess and Oceania. Charleston expects 67 embarks or port-of-calls this year and about 94 in 2011.

Charleston's location ideally serves a regional drive market including the Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia. Beyond the close-in resident, the city's position as one of the premier travel brands in all of North America means that its cruise market extends to a proven market of more than 33.5 million households.

In addition, the travel community got a big shot in the arm when Southwest announced it would begin service to Charleston in 2011, complimenting more than 110 existing daily flights between Charleston and 14 cities.

Charleston has a unique blend of historical and natural characteristics, as well as geographic location, that make it a natural for both embarkation and port-of-call visits, said Jim Newsome, president & CEO of the SCSPA.

Charleston is indeed an authentic American destination with European, Caribbean, and African influences. Charleston has been combining Southern charm and sophisticated grace since 1670, when the city was founded as a port town by the British.

At the same time, major efforts to revamp Charleston's cruise infrastructure are underway.

Charleston has initiated a major redevelopment of its cruise terminal and the surrounding area. The port is working to have a new world-class cruise facility operational by the 2012 cruise season, replacing its existing facility.

The SCSPA's plan, developed in conjunction with the community, is to shift its cruise operations north of the existing terminal. Charleston's new cruise terminal would remain in the heart of the historic district in a converted 151,200-square foot building with ample, adjacent surface parking.

This new terminal would remake Charleston's cruise operation, allowing both vessels and passengers to be handled much more efficiently and effectively. The Ports Authority plans to retain an architectural/design firm for the new terminal building and surrounding area shortly.

Cruising from the Port of Charleston is another reason why South Carolina is Made for Vacation.

Posted on behalf of Carnival Lines.

CHARLESTON, S.C. - On Tuesday, May 18, Carnival Cruise Lines officially launched its new, year-round cruise schedule from the historic City of Charleston. Carnival Fantasy will operate five-, six- and seven-day voyages to The Bahamas and Key West, Fla., from the Passenger Terminal in historic downtown Charleston. In 2011, Carnival will also offer a series of Bermuda cruises from Charleston on the Carnival Fantasy.

The Carnival Fantasy sailed into the city's port early on Tuesday morning, accompanied by a fleet of local maritime industry vessels. The Spirit of South Carolina, Charleston Water Taxis, Moran Tug Company, SpiritLine Cruises and the Charleston Harbor Pilots all joined in welcoming Carnival Cruise Lines to the port and celebrating the city's unique maritime history.

Carnival's Senior Cruise Director John Heald emceed the luncheon event, with City of Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, South Carolina State Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome, and Carnival Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Jim Berra on hand. During the proceedings, Newsome presented Captain Costi with a traditional maritime plaque to commemorate Carnival Fantasy's arrival in Charleston.

"Charleston is a beautiful, historic city within easy reach of millions of U.S. residents who will now have convenient access to Carnival's fantastic and affordable cruise vacation options year-round," said Jim Berra. The events today were a celebration of the fun and excitement that both Carnival and the City of Charleston will provide to our guests.

In the spirit of Carnival's Fun For All. All For Fun. mantra, several Charleston area leaders and Carnival team members participated in competitive races down the 82-foot-long dual racing water slides.

Among the sliders were Jim Newsome, City of Charleston Councilwoman Kathleen Wilson, King Street Merchants' Gregg Hoffman, Carnival CMO Jim Berra, Captain Costi and Evan Kelly from ABC News Channel 4.

Carnival Fantasy year-round service is a welcome addition to the Port of Charleston and fits well within the context of the internationally acclaimed Charleston tourism market, Newsome said. Cruise business benefits Charleston because it provides a positive economic impact in the form of jobs, investment and visitor spending. We look forward to continuing our successful, long-standing relationship with Carnival.

"Carnival's year-round service provides an important opportunity not only to enhance our local economy but also to introduce new visitors to our historic city," said Mayor Riley.

After the opening reception and races, guests enjoyed a multi-course luncheon followed by guided tours. While touring the Carnival Fantasy, passengers were introduced to the many on-board amenities and state-of-the-art facilities, including a 12,000-square-foot health spa, extensive children's play zones for kids in three age groups, and a variety of formal and casual dining options, along with 12 lounges and bars. Event attendees were also given an exclusive look at Serenity, the adults-only retreat, and the resort-style main pool area. Also featured is Carnival WaterWorks, an expansive, all-ages aqua park featuring a 300-foot-long water slide, 82-foot-long dual racing slides and a splash zone.

Carnival Fantasy will sail this afternoon on a five-day voyage from Charleston to Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas.

Charleston, SC - The 1,898-passenger Celebrity Mercury sailed into the Port of Charleston today, kicking off the Holy City's first year-round cruise season that will bring $37 million to the local economy this year.

This is the first of seven embarkation sailings aboard the Celebrity Mercury that continue through April, including 10- and 11-night Caribbean voyages as well as a 16-night transit through the Panama Canal that disembarks in Los Angeles, California. According to the cruise line, the Charleston sailings represent very attractive new cruise options for Celebrity's loyal base of cruisers.

The Celebrity Mercury's next embarkation will be February 26, followed by sailings on March 8, 19 and 29, and April 9 and 19. The ship is also booked for a series of five sailings from Charleston in 2011. For more information or to book a cruise, call your local travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.

"The Port of Charleston welcomes the start of cruise season," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA. "Each ship call will bring an economic boost to the area while supporting jobs in a variety of industries."

Each cruise ship will bring about $323,000 in local direct spending and will support more than 400 full-time jobs in the Tri-County region in 2010, according to a new study commissioned by the SCSPA.

Accompanying the first cruise ship of the year is a new traffic plan to more efficiently handle passenger vehicles bound for the terminal on embarkation days.

The SCSPA, which owns and operates the Port of Charleston, worked with the City of Charleston Police Department (CPD) and City staff over the past three months to develop the plan. The team developed a new route and entrance point on port property that moves cruise-related traffic off of city streets. Better signage near the terminal and an email notification system for local residents and businesses are additional improvements.

Tavia Robb, Celebrity Cruises - 305-539-6721 or trobb@celebritycruises.com

Charleston, SC - The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA), the City of Charleston Police Department (CPD) and City staff have spent the past three months working closely to develop a new plan to more efficiently handle cruise traffic.

As a result of the discussions, several major changes were made to how guests arrive for their cruises, including:

-- Re-routing traffic
-- Better signage
-- Moving traffic off city streets
-- Improving communications

"We are thankful for the assistance of City staff, Chief Greg Mullen, as well as SCDOT in helping us to better handle cruise traffic," said Jim Newsome, president & CEO of the SCSPA. "Effectively dealing with traffic has been raised in community meetings, and these changes will be put in place immediately."

The plan will be implemented on February 15 when the first cruise ship of 2010 departs from the Port of Charleston on an 11-night voyage for the eastern Caribbean.

Most cruise ships departing from Charleston bring about 350 to 400 cars that park in SCSPA storage buildings and lots. Limousines, taxis and buses deliver the remaining guests. Importantly, cruise traffic does not add to rush hour congestion as ships leaving from Charleston typically board from the middle of the day until the early afternoon.

The new route to the Passenger Terminal aims to get traffic on the east side of the peninsula as soon as possible. Cars from Interstate 26 are directed to Exit 219B, Morrison Drive. Vehicles are routed south down Morrison Drive and East Bay Street, which handles about 20,000 cars a day.

From East Bay, vehicles are directed east on Chapel Street to Washington Street, east on Charlotte Street, and south down Concord Street. Concord Street ends at the new gate where cars will now enter the terminal, Gate 2 at the corner of Concord & Laurens streets.

Another key element of the plan is new signage posted along the route. More than a dozen permanent and temporary signs will help guide guests along the route and inform locals on cruise embarkation days. The SCSPA contracts for off-duty CPD officers to assist with traffic control.

All cars, including drop-offs, will now enter Union Pier Terminal directly from Concord Street at the new access point at Gate 2. Limos, taxis and buses will continue to enter the Union Pier terminal main gate at 32 Washington Street.

Walk-ups are not permitted, so passengers should not be dropped-off in or around Market Street or the Passenger Terminal. Drop-offs should proceed through the Gate 2 entrance at Concord and Laurens streets.

The SCSPA has striped lanes inside its gates to effectively move traffic off City streets and place it within Union Pier Terminal. Approximately 250 cars can now be lined up on the terminal - not on City streets - as guests arrive for their cruise. The combination of the new entry point and the striping should effectively take cars and lines off local streets.

A final yet important action was to establish better communications both with cruise guests and the public. This includes sharing the details of the new plan with neighbors and cruises visitors.

In addition, residents, merchants and businesses can now receive regular updates and reminders on ship activity with a new "Cruise Notice" e-mail service. Nearly 1,700 people are already signed up.

When cruise ships are taking on passengers to embark from Charleston, there are two street closings, typically from 11 a.m. until around 3:30 p.m., including:

-- Concord Street just north of North Market
-- Washington Street just south of Hasell Street

Although streets are closed briefly during embarkations, there no closings during the debarkation process when guests get off ships after completing a cruise that started in Charleston. Port-of-calls also do not require street closings.

After traffic tie ups around the Passenger Terminal during a ship that departed in November, Charleston Mayor Joe Riley and Newsome agreed to work on a collaborative, fresh approach to more effectively managing cruise traffic.

Details on the cruise traffic plan, directions and the "Cruise Notice" are available online at: https://scspa.com/cruises.

The meeting was hosted by the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA), which owns the property and has been working closely with the City of Charleston, the community and a professional planning team led by Cooper, Robertson & Partners.

"This has been a collaborative process," noted SCSPA President and CEO Jim Newsome. "We have benefited from community input all along the way, and this concept plan specifically reflects what the community told us they want."

Newsome said that the community's interests became very clear through a series of meetings with numerous neighborhoods, individuals and groups. "People told us that they want a more attractive cruise terminal, more public access to the waterfront and additional uses for the Union Pier property. They certainly want a plan to address traffic. They also want a plan that is contextual, considering not only our entire Union Pier property, but also the context of other plans for the peninsula. We believe that this concept plan is responsive to all of those points."

Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley echoed Newsome's enthusiasm for the new passenger terminal location and concept plan. "Shifting the cruise terminal north on the Union Pier property is a fine solution. It affords us the opportunity to better manage traffic, while also eventually opening the remaining land to additional uses and making this property an integral part of our city," he said. "The concept plan does that and more. It connects the community to the water, doing so in an appropriate scale, and it will enhance Charleston for residents and visitors alike."

The concept plan was presented by Cooper Robertson founding principal Jaquelin T. Robertson. He set the context for the plan, referring to Charleston's rich maritime history and how the uses of Charleston's waterfront have changed over the years.

Robertson traced the importance of the Market Street axis, leading to the historic Custom House. He also showed a working granite wharf that now lies buried beneath the parking lot in front of the current cruise ship terminal. The concept plan uncovers and restores that historic wharf as part of a substantial public space that will serve residents and visitors all year long.

Robertson showed how the cruise operations would be shifted to a more northern location on the property, a move that would mitigate traffic associated with cruise ships. The single terminal would accommodate only one ship embarking or debarking at a time, reflecting the scale of Charleston.

Robertson also explained that removing much of the deck and buildings around the existing terminal that reach out into the Cooper River could restore a green, natural shoreline approximately twice the length of Waterfront Park.

Finally, Robertson pointed out that the remainder of the property would then be available for a number of uses - residential, commercial and public - that could be created in response to the needs of the community and the market place.

Following the introduction of the concept plan, community members discussed the plan with members of the planning team in break-out sessions and provided additional input.

Newsome concluded the session. "In keeping with our goals and influenced by community input, this concept plan addresses the pressing need for a new cruise terminal in the context of how the remaining land could be used. The cruise terminal is the first step and will be our immediate focus, as further community input and the market place drive the concept plan's specifics and timing."

Newsome also noted that the community can continue to get information and comment at www.UnionPierPlan.com.

About the South Carolina State Ports Authority

The South Carolina State Ports Authority, established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston and Georgetown, handling international commerce valued at more than $62 billion annually and receiving no regular taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, port operations facilitate 260,800 jobs across South Carolina and nearly $45 billion in economic activity each year.

Charleston, SC - The Port of Charleston's cruise business makes broad and diverse contributions the local economy and is projected to pump $37 million into the region this year while supporting more than 400 jobs.

These are the results of a new study produced by Dr. John Crotts and Dr. Frank Hefner and commissioned by the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA). The researchers analyzed the economic contributions of planned cruise activity in 2010, which includes 16 port-of-calls and 53 embarkations from Charleston.

Among the study's key findings, Charleston's cruise business this year will support in the Tri-County economy:

-- More than $37 million in total economic output
-- 407 jobs
-- $16.2 million in salaries and wages
-- $3.5 million in state sales and income taxes

"Where most communities are only shedding jobs, Charleston is adding them," said Crotts. "Each time a cruise ship is at the dock, there is a local boost of more than $323,000."

Restaurants and hotels see positive impacts from the cruise business, yet the greatest spending occurs in transportation services, such as the ground shuttle and the port industry. Retail stores and wholesale trade, such as a ship's spending for food and other supplies, are other top sectors.

"Cruising contributes to the local community beyond the traditional tourism impacts," said Crotts. "A large portion of passenger and crew spending goes to support resident-oriented businesses, helping to keep them viable for our neighborhoods."

Cruises also serve as a vital marketing tool for the region, noted Crotts.

"Based on income and other demographics, the typical cruise passenger in Charleston is a great match with the local tourism industry's target visitor," said Crotts. "Nearly half are first-time visitors to Charleston and demonstrate a high likelihood to visit again and recommend the City as a vacation destination to family and friends."

Based on passenger surveys in November 2009, two-thirds of passengers on a port-of-call visit will leave the vessel and actively contribute to the local economy. Half of those who leave the vessel during a call will go on organized excursions to plantations, museums, historic houses and other attractions, while the other half will explore the City on their own.

The study was conducted utilizing the IMPLAN econometric model, passenger and crew surveys, as well as surveys of the cruise lines which will call Charleston this year. The surveys measured spending behavior by visitors, crew members, and cruise lines when they visit Charleston.

"The far-reaching economic benefits of the cruise business are clear," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the SCSPA. "We will continue to serve the cruise business in a way that generates these economic contributions while also considering the interests of our neighbors."

Last fall, the SCSPA hired nationally the renowned planning firm of Cooper, Robertson & Partners to develop a master plan for the passenger terminal and surrounding property.

The goals of the project are to create a financially viable plan for a cruise terminal that reflects the character of Charleston and meets today's security requirements, as well as to provide more public access to the waterfront and additional uses for the property for the enjoyment of Charlestonians and the betterment of the economy. Initial planning concepts will be shared with the public on February 9.

The entire economic impact study is available online at www.scspa.com/cruisestudy.

SCSPA President and CEO Jim Newsome said today that the decision was a direct response to community input, which encouraged the SCSPA to think more contextually in its planning effort.

Through extensive discussions with the community, we have been encouraged not only to create the best plan for Charleston's cruise terminal but also to think more contextually, considering the entire footprint of our Union Pier property and other downtown planning initiatives, said Newsome.

Newsome emphasized that public participation continues to be a vital part of the planning process. "We have been working closely with the City and the community," he said. "In addition to a widely publicized listening session in late October, we have held several meetings with individual constituencies and gathered comments on our special website www.UnionPierPlan.com. All of this constructive input has informed the decision we are announcing today."

Public input to date has centered around four recommendations:
1. Create a more attractive cruise terminal.
2. Offer more public access to the waterfront and additional uses for the property.
3. Address traffic issues.
4. Ensure that the plan is contextual and fitting with other area plans.

Goals for the Union Pier area continue to be the creation of a financially viable plan for a cruise terminal that reflects the character of Charleston and meets today's security requirements, as well as providing more public access to the waterfront and additional uses for the property for the enjoyment of Charlestonians and the betterment of the economy.

In September, the SCSPA hired a world-class planning team led by Cooper, Robertson & Partners. The SCSPA Board today authorized a change order in the amount of $563,126 to include the additional work. The planning team and the SCSPA hope to share preliminary thinking for the Union Pier property next month.

Information on the planning process, along with opportunities to ask questions, make comments, and receive ongoing communication, can be found at www.UnionPierPlan.com.

For more information:
Byron D. Miller
Director, Public Relations
South Carolina State Ports Authority
843-577-8197
www.scspa.com
www.UnionPierPlan.com