The Ravenna Port Authority has awarded a tender to construct and operate a new cruise terminal and the cruise operations concessions in Porto Corsini to RCL Cruises Ltd, a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group.
Royal Caribbean said in a blog that it promised an innovative new cruise terminal, which will be complete in spring 2024.
The new cruise terminal will showcase integrated landscaping, spanning 12 hectares, with public green spaces, pedestrian and cycling pathways, and entertainment areas for residents and visitors, all celebrating the surrounding natural coastal environment.
Prior to the cruise industry shutdown in 2020, Royal Caribbean was planning to move its ships from Venice to Ravenna.
Sustainability is a critical aspect of this new terminal, as it has LEED certification focusing on water and energy efficiency, renewable energy production, recycling and waste management, and sustainable sourcing of materials.
In addition, shore power will be available on the berths to enable ships in port to turn off their engines. To support these efforts, the Port Authority has obtained €30 mill in funding from Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza ((PNRR)).
When the terminal is fully operational, the total number of guests is expected to be over 300,000 per year, most of whom will begin and end their cruises at Ravenna.
Royal Caribbean said that Ravenna’s close proximity to Venice, as well as the nearby airports at Bologna, Forlì, and Rimini, make it ideal for a a significant economic boon with pre- and post-cruise visitors.
Ravenna’s new terminal will allow for an expansion of options for cruise travellers in the Adriatic region and throughout the Mediterranean.
This major infrastructure investment and partnership with the Port Authority is part of the Port Hub marine project, which will give access to a greater number of ships through the North Inner Port area.
“We are so honoured to partner with the Ravenna Port Authority on this exciting cutting-edge project which will return growth to Ravenna and bring a new era of cruising to the region. Royal Caribbean has assembled a world-class team that is committed to a high-quality experience through sustainable development while embracing the extraordinary natural beauty and warm hospitality this region has become so well known for.
“There is a wealth of opportunities for visitors to discover the rich historic and cultural treasures, art and antiquities, the thrill of motor racing, unspoiled nature and beaches, international nightlife and Italian culinary tradition,” said Joshua Carroll, Vice President, Destination Development at Royal Caribbean Group.
“We thank the Port Authority, the Municipality of Ravenna, the Emilia Romagna region and the entire port and city community that have welcomed us and supported our project. We are also pleased to partner with our investors at VSL Club in Italy who will join us on this adventure,” he added.
When not being used as a cruise terminal, public and private events such as sport competitions, artistic and literary presentations, etc., will take place. In addition, sizeable ground floor spaces are suitable for trade fairs and other large gatherings.
