Homeport

Cruise is one of the most dynamic shipping sectors offering a variety of itineraries through the use of different ports. The latter are categorised either as homeports (i.e. the ports where a cruise starts and ends), or as ports of call (i.e. intermediate stoppages), or as hybrid ports (a mixture of the previous two categories). Passenger ports aim to be selected as cruise homeports. In this case the ship spends more time in the terminal acting as income generator (i.e. by increasing the consumption of services and products by all the involved actors that include the cruise company, vessel, crew, passengers, etc). This paper presents the results of an empirical research that aims to (a) identify the criteria on which the cruise companies decide to use a specific port as a homeport and (b) conclude on the hierarchy that each of these criteria is prioritised. An extensive literature review, along with brainstorming sessions involving experts from the industry and the academia, concluded on a wide list of the potential criteria that might be used in practice. Based on these findings, a questionnaire has been developed and distributed to Greek cruise related maritime industries (i.e. cruise companies and cruise ports). The analysis of the collected data determines the criteria on which the cruise industry chooses a cruise port as a homeport and the gravity that each of these criteria has on their decision. Based on the empirical findings, the paper draws up potential strategies for a cruise terminal in order to become a leading cruise port. As competition between cruise ports intensifies, and the cruise industry is increasingly marked by concentration and oligopolies, the provided responses are of vital importance for the future development of cruise ports.

Cruise is one of the most dynamic shipping sectors offering a variety of itineraries through the use of different ports. The latter are categorised either as homeports (i.e. the ports where a cruise starts and ends), or as ports of call (i.e. intermediate stoppages), or as hybrid ports (a mixture of the previous two categories). Passenger ports aim to be selected as cruise homeports. In this case the ship spends more time in the terminal acting as income generator (i.e. by increasing the consumption of services and products by all the involved actors that include the cruise company, vessel, crew, passengers, etc). This paper presents the results of an empirical research that aims to (a) identify the criteria on which the cruise companies decide to use a specific port as a homeport and (b) conclude on the hierarchy that each of these criteria is prioritised. An extensive literature review, along with brainstorming sessions involving experts from the industry and the academia, conclud...

Greece, with significant tourism potential experiences cruise benefits for many years, but only recently focused on policy measures that could increase cruise activity. For many years Greece maintained cabotage rules for cruise ships despite the fact that the European Commission voted EC Regulation 3577/92 for the abolishment of cabotage restrictions. Nevertheless Greece maintained cabotage rules for cruise ships flying non-EU flags. In 2010 the Greek State proceeded into the abolishment of cabotage rules for non EU-flagged cruise ships, aiming mainly to increase homeport operations in Greek ports. Five years after the abolishment of cabotage rules and during this period, Greek cruise showed some signs of development.
The paper examines the impact of the liberalization of the Greek cruise market with an eye on homeport operations. In doing so, it examines the evolution of homeport operations in Greek ports, five years after the abolishment of cabotage rules. Apart from comparing the relevant data, the paper is seeking for experts opinions regarding on how policy interventions have generated a more favorable and business friendly environment.