MASSPORT: About Massport: Pressroom: Archives 2006

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All Aboard as Cruiseport Boston Opens for the New Season; 2006 Itineraries Include New Destinations and Larger Vessels

May 3, 2006

A sure sign that spring has arrived is the welcomed return of cruise ships in Boston Harbor. This month marks the start of the 2006 cruise season at the Massachusetts Port Authority's (Massport) Black Falcon Cruise Terminal in South Boston. Eighty-two vessels including old favorites and new additions will carry more than 200,000 passengers through Boston this season.

This year, the cruise season extends from May through November and features some first-time itineraries and attractions. Thirteen cruise lines will serve the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal, providing a mix of New England/Canada cruises, Bermuda cruises and Caribbean cruises.

"Cruiseport Boston has something to offer everyone, from premium class vessels, to luxurious ocean liners to contemporary cruise ships," said Craig Coy, Massport CEO. "And the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal is not only convenient, but it is also an important gateway to our great city and plays a vital role in our local economy."

An exciting port visit will take place on May 19, when Royal Caribbean's famed Freedom of the Seas visits Boston on a select port inaugural tour. Royal Caribbean's new 160,000-ton Freedom of the Seas is now the world's largest cruise ship, which takes 3,600 guests, boasts the world's first onboard surf park that generates real waves, as well as an indoor ice rink and full-size boxing ring.

Norwegian Cruise Line, a Boston favorite will, for the 13th consecutive year, offer popular weekly Bermuda sailings aboard the Norwegian Majesty. The Norwegian Majesty will make weekly trips from Boston to Bermuda throughout the 22-week season.

Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas and Holland America Line will offer summer and fall cruising along the North Atlantic coastline, stopping in New England and Canadian ports.

Several cruise lines are scheduled to make port of call visits this season including Cunard Line's regal sisters, the Queen Mary II and the Queen Elizabeth II. These elegant vessels will sail into Boston for a day's visit on July 4th and September 21st respectively.

Cruiseport Boston activity has increased nearly 600 percent during the last 12 years, and today cruise ships pump $18 million dollars annually in local purchases into the local economy. Massport's Black Falcon Cruise Terminal is located in South Boston's lively seaport district and only minutes away from downtown Boston's famous historic sites, shops and restaurants. The Black Falcon Cruise Terminal is a ten-minute cab ride from Logan International Airport, making the airport/seaport connection in Boston unrivaled on the East Coast.