Carnival to make 30 more ship calls for 2012 season

MIAMI--Cruise ships from the Carnival Corporation will make more than 30 additional calls to St. Maarten in the 2012-2013 high season. This was an outcome of recent talks between a delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister/Harbour Affairs Minister Theo Heyliger and cruise line executives in Miami, prior to the annual Seatrade Shipping Cruise Conference.

The number of additional calls may increase in the coming months as more lines revamp their itinerary and reposition their ships.

St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies CEO Mark Mingo told The Daily Herald on Thursday that despite some concerns about a recent crime spike, the cruise industry continues to be attracted to St. Maarten. "We are one of their high yield destinations, but this does not mean we don't need improvement."

The additional calls for the upcoming season result from the desirability of St. Maarten, new fuel regulations and a rise in crime in Mexico, a popular cruise destination.

The continued implementation by all United States territories of the 200-mile radius for usage of low sulphur fuel also works in St. Maarten's favour, he added. "We are within the radius, so as a destination our geographic position helps our standing."

With the good news about the increase of calls, the harbour executive cautioned that "sitting still and just basking in the good luck" is not advisable. "Just as was said after last year's Seatrade Conference, St. Maarten must develop more marquee (unique) tours. We have to step up to the plate and offer more to stay competitive, because we will always be within reach of the US mainland."

Mingo said the Caribbean, based on the State of the Union address by cruise executives, have a five per cent decline in growth in the cruise sector, losing business to Europe. Cruise lines are repositioning their ships in the Mediterranean and other "exotic" ports of call in Europe. The region as a whole has seen double digit growth in cruise business in the past year.

On the local crime issue, Mingo said Heyliger, who returned home Thursday morning, had been able to allay fears about increasing crime by outlining some of the measures government has taken, including the additional assistance from the Dutch marines. The request for the help of the marines was channelled by the Council of Ministers via the Cabinet of Governor Eugene Holiday.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/14970-carnival-to-make-30-more-ship-calls-for-2012-season-.html

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