Cagliari Cruise Port: A Look Back at 2022

Although hit hard by the severe blow inflicted by the pandemic on the cruise sector, Cagliari Cruise Port has once again demonstrated its resilience, maintaining its position in the Mediterranean market, as confirmed by the Italian Cruise Watch 2021 data.

Among the first ports to resume operations in 2020, hosting calls from Costa Diadema, Costa Smeralda, and MSC Grandiosa — also thanks to the rigorous anti-Covid-19 protocols recognized by the WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council) — Cagliari Cruise Port closed 2021 with 47 calls and around 60,000 passengers. Most importantly, its 2022 schedule hints at results not far from those of the pre-crisis period.

Operations will resume on January 21 with the arrival of the Amera cruise ship, operated by German company Phoenix Reisen, and will continue until December with a calendar featuring 121 calls from 27 different cruise lines.

A decisive role will be played by the new Costa Cruises ship, Costa Firenze, which will call at Cagliari no less than 33 times from April to November. In second place is a highly anticipated newcomer: Virgin Cruises, which — following an educational tour organized by Cagliari Cruise Port in 2019 with the support of the Municipality of Cagliari — has confirmed the Sardinian capital in its inaugural Mediterranean itinerary with 11 calls from Valiant Lady.

While the data illustrates a recovery, concerns remain regarding Italy’s regulatory situation for the cruise sector. The laws that in 2020 allowed Italy to be one of the first nations to reopen to cruise traffic led, in 2021, to a significant containment of the cruise experience, especially compared to other Mediterranean destinations, as well as making it difficult for cruise lines to include Italian ports in international itineraries.

Among the various restrictions, passengers were obliged to take shore excursions only if organized and managed by the cruise company, meaning they could not visit destinations independently. Moreover, ports of call — according to Art. 53 of the D.P.C.M. 02.03.2021 — had to be located in countries listed in categories A, B, and C, constantly updated, otherwise ships would be unable to dock.

This situation not only caused the cancellation of numerous calls at the port of Cagliari in 2021 but also led to an unprecedented volatility in cruise scheduling. While before 2020 schedules were defined and confirmed at least two years in advance, fleet deployments are now revised almost weekly, depending on the epidemic situation in the countries of destination or origin of the guests. The 2022 cruise schedule for Cagliari is no exception, still showing many uncertainties just weeks before the start of the season.

Nonetheless, Cagliari Cruise Port is moving forward with its growth strategy. Its 2022 plan includes both projects for the sustainable improvement of port infrastructure — in line with recently obtained ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications — and cultural initiatives, such as its continued participation in promoting the “Anagata” project by Sardegna Teatro.

Cagliari Cruise Port General Manager Antonio Di Monte commented:
“”Operations are resuming, albeit with slowdowns and constant adjustments. Cagliari Cruise Port has always remained vigilant, attentive to market changes, and ready to seize every new opportunity in the Mediterranean, demonstrating not only great adaptability but also the appreciation of cruise lines for the services offered, as evidenced by the calls made in the last two years and those scheduled for the future. The short-term goal is to return to pre-crisis traffic levels, making the most of the lessons learned in this delicate phase and promoting coordinated, harmonious action by institutions and local authorities to strengthen Cagliari’s image as a premier cruise destination in the Western Mediterranean.”

Massimo Deiana, President of the Sardinian Sea Port Authority (AdSP del Mare di Sardegna), added:
“”Despite a dramatic 2020, which saw the near-total collapse of cruise calls worldwide, the port of Cagliari managed to keep the light on, serving as a safe haven in the fog of the pandemic and sustaining the Sardinian cruise system in a naturally volatile market. This resilience — despite all the difficulties and limitations dictated by health protocols — led to a modest but encouraging recovery in the closing year, inspiring a revival in other Sardinian ports as well. At this crucial stage, we must look ahead with optimism, supported by forecasts like those for the year ahead, which bring us gradually closer to pre-Covid levels and the long-awaited return to normality in 2023.”

Alessandro Sorgia, Councillor for Productive Activities, Tourism and Territorial Promotion of the Municipality of Cagliari, stated:
“”The Municipality of Cagliari and my Department have worked side by side with Cagliari Cruise Port — especially in the difficult times caused by the pandemic — with the goal of returning as quickly as possible to the important traffic levels we had achieved before 2020. This administration is fully committed to ensuring our city holds a prominent place among Mediterranean cruise destinations, and we will continue to work with maximum involvement alongside all stakeholders.”

Giovanni Chessa, Councillor for Tourism, Handicrafts and Commerce of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, said:
“”Cruises play a very important role not only for Sardinia’s tourism market but also for the economic fabric of the cities that welcome cruise passengers. Unfortunately, the health emergency — and especially the implementation of certain restrictive measures — caused significant organizational difficulties for those whose planning was suddenly disrupted. It is essential to listen to the needs of cruise companies to assess how politics can intervene to allow, always in compliance with health regulations, the restart of adequate programming.”

Since the end of 2016, Cagliari Cruise Port has been part of the Global Ports Holding (GPH) network, the world’s largest independent cruise port operator, with a consolidated presence in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Asia-Pacific regions. Thanks to recent acquisitions and continuous growth, GPH currently manages 21 cruise ports in 14 different countries, serving 14 million passengers annually and achieving a 24% market share in the Mediterranean.