AS SYDNEY prepares for the opening of the controversial new
terminal at White Bay, what better time to highlight the fact that
Australian cruise terminals are not the world’s greatest!
The growth of cruising around the globe, however, has spurred the
construction of many modern and efficient facilities, especially in
Asia, easing the way for travellers.
MARINA BAY CRUISE CENTRE, SINGAPORE
The most wonderful feature of this new terminal, completed in
May 2012, is the ability to check in to the airport after disembarking.
A first for this region, the service is ideal for my current Silversea
voyage from Hong Kong, which ends in Singapore tomorrow, as I
have an 8.30pm flight home.
Instead of wondering what to do with my luggage all day, I can
hand over my suitcase in the morning and go off to enjoy a day of
sightseeing (or shopping), then turn up at Changi Airport an hour
before my flight.
The $500 million facility has been specifically built to handle vessels
up to 220,000 tonnes, which just happens to be the size of the
world’s largest cruise ships: Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and
Allure of the Seas.
KAI TAK CRUISE TERMINAL, HONG KONG
The other contender for Asia’s main cruise hub is Hong Kong, which
will also be prepared to turn over the mega-sized ships.
Royal Caribbean is an investor in this facility and already has three
ships scheduled to use it, along with Cunard, Princess and Regent
Seven Seas.
The first terminal is set to open in Victoria Harbour in June, followed
by a second terminal in July 2014.
Built over the old runway of the former Kai Tak airport, the building
has a large park on the top floor, which is open to the public.
SHANGHAI, CHINA
China would be expected to be in the running for the best and
biggest, but the truth is Shanghai International can only handle ships
one-third of the size of other terminals.
It has a good location next to the historic Bund.
Large ships dock at Wusong International Cruise Port, opened in
2011, north of the city.
PORT EVERGLADES, FLORIDA
The United States remains the heart of cruising, with Terminal 18,
part of Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades facility, still the world’s
largest single ship cruise terminal.
It features 90 check-in counters, processing passengers in only 15
minutes, and free wireless internet.
The area is also surrounded by many hotels, which often have
tables set up in the lobby to assist passengers pre-cruise, and regular
shuttle buses.
CANADA PLACE TERMINAL, VANCOUVER
This was one of the first multi-use terminals, combined with yearround
events and attractions. Outside of the summer cruise season,
it hosts concerts, festivals and IMAX movies, while cruise passengers
can also leave their luggage to be delivered to the airport.
