In Travel News for November 10th, 2022 we talk about how the recent election will affect Easter U.S. and Canadian cruises, a new cruise port opens in Texas, and we take a closer look at European travel numbers.
Bar Harbor, Maine Votes to Limit Cruise Passengers
Bar Harbor, Maine is a popular starting point for Acadia National Park and frequent stop for cruises along the eastern side of the U.S. and Canada. Citizens of the town have recently voted in favor of limiting the number of visitors arriving via cruise ships to 1,000. That number includes travelers and crew. The town council had previously placed limits on the number of disembarking passengers to 3,500 for July and August, and 3,800 during the months of May, June, September, and October. Currently over 95% of cruise passengers that visit Bar Harbor arrive on cruise ships with a capacity greater then 1,000. Its still too early to say how this will affect cruises along the east coast of the U.S. and Canada, but expect itinerary changes for these cruises in the coming months.
Royal Caribbean Opens New Port in Galveston, Texas
This week Royal Caribbean International has officially opened their newest Cruise terminal in Galveston, Texas. Just about every cruise line has been working hard to increase sustainability, and this $125 million dollar terminal is no exception. The terminal will generate 100% of the power needed for operation through onsite solar panels. Royal Caribbean is expecting the terminal to handle around 630,000 passengers each year. The terminal will also be home to the Allure of the Seas. Carrying more the 5,400 passengers the oasis class ship will be the largest cruise ship operating out of Texas. The Allure of the Seas and their other oasis class ships offer some of the best Family Cruise options in the industry.
European Travel Data Shows Strong Demand
When Russia invaded the Ukraine there was concern within the travel industry that U.S. travelers would avoid European travel. Well the most recent data has bee released by the European Travel Commission and it shows that European demand from U.S. travelers is exceedingly high. This is largely the result of a strong U.S. dollar reaching parity with the British Pound and Euro. And it’s not just London or Paris that are benefiting, many other destinations have seen increases. Turkey saw an increase in travel by over 61% as compared to 2019. Portugal has seen a 17% increase, Poland had a 5.5% increase, and Lithuania had a 6.6% increase. What this is showing is that demand is currently high for just about every European destination, so if you’re planning a trip to Europe you will need to book sooner rather then later.