French Atlantic Ports to welcome record 875,000 cruise passengers in 2024 | Cruise News

French Atlantic Ports is preparing to welcome 875,000 cruise passengers in 2024, a notable increase from 755,000 in 2023 and double the figure recorded in 2014. For 2025, projections include 450 cruise calls and 780,000 passengers.

A representative of French Atlantic Ports stated that the Channel/Atlantic route has gained significant traction among cruise lines, highlighting their focus on collaboration over competition. Several ports are making infrastructure improvements to accommodate this growth.

Rouen is currently installing shore power at its cruise terminal, which can now handle ships up to 250 meters in length. Honfleur’s QSH3 pier is set to offer shore power by the 2027 season, while Le Havre will construct 3 advanced cruise terminals with a daily capacity of 13,500 passengers and provide shore power at 3 quays by 2025-2026. Cherbourg is set to introduce a new reception area in its historic Art Deco terminal, also offering shore power by 2026-2027.

In Caen-Ouistreham, a newly enhanced city-center cruise quay will open in 2025, coinciding with the city’s 1,000-year anniversary celebrations. Bordeaux’s cruise facilities have expanded with the opening of a new pier in Pauillac, accommodating vessels up to 320 meters in length within the Medoc wine district. New mooring buoys have also been installed between Dinard and St. Malo for ships up to 250 meters.

In Brest, vessels of all sizes are welcome at the new Marine Renewable Energy Quay, and in Nantes-St. Nazaire, ships under 200 meters can dock at Chevire Terminal, conveniently located near the city center.