Taranto's Cruise Season 2025 sets sail with the Island Princess!
PORT OF TARANTO, APRIL 8th 2025 - Today's maiden call of the Island Princess officially marks the beginning of the 2025 cruise season in Taranto port-city: from April to October, the Ionian cruise destination will welcome approximately 124,000 passengers
Identified as a ‘floating resort’, the Island Princess is a coral-class ship of the American company Princess Cruises - owned by the Carnival Corporation group. Taranto is a first-time call ever of the dream itinerary operated by the prestigious premium ship of the Princess Cruises fleet. Indeed, the stopover in Taranto is part of an amazing World Cruise that touches 51 cruise destinations in 6 continents, crossing 26 countries and as many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The cruise ship, chosen by a majority of American passengers, is known to be preferred by lovers of medium-large ships, as well as luxury and design enthusiasts. In general, it is ideal option for those looking for superior quality services, even couples and families with children looking for private and exclusive experiences.
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The traditional maiden call was opened by the celebrations at sea with the usual water games of the Gruppo Rimorchiatori. Captain Marco Cataldi hosted on board the cruise ship the crest exchange ceremony which was attended by representatives of the Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea, the Harbour Master's Office, the Police Headquarters as well as the Taranto Cruise Port and the ship agent Titi Shipping.
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With the first call of the year performed by the Island Princess, Taranto port-city inaugurates, today, a new season that, until next October, will record 35 calls by 7 cruise lines. In addition to the consolidated partnership with Costa Crociere - which this year has confirmed 16 calls of the Costa Fascinosa itinerary in the Eastern Mediterranean - there are further confirmations by P&O Cruises (7 calls), TUI Cruises (6 calls) and Azamara Cruises (3 calls).
The 2025 cruise season also welcomes two new high-end companies: AIDA Cruises (1 stopover) and the American Mystery Cruise which, only on April 21st, will reveal its real identity when it will finally reach Taranto as port of call of its brand-new and exclusive itinerary.
After numerous preparatory meetings between port and city public administrations, operators and the concessionary company for cruise services, Taranto Cruise Port - aimed at ensuring the best reception service for the ship and passengers - the start of a new cruise season is now considered as a real day of celebration for Taranto port-city, as well as an opportunity to underline the importance of cruise tourism for the relaunch of the economy.
For the Port Authority, the cruise market has been consolidated for about 10 years: since then, together with local stakeholders, the Authority promotes Taranto as a cruise destination to an international audience. Over the years, there has been an ever-increasing appeal: loyalty among cruise lines has increased as they are now certain to find efficient passenger reception and traffic management services in Taranto. Furthermore, there is an increasing number of encouraging feedbacks from cruisers, who report their amazement for the plenty of cultural, naturalistic, food and wine attractions offered by the destination and its surroundings which represent a must-see for those cruising to Taranto.
The hope is that this season will definitely mark the beginning of new and lasting commercial and tourist relationships for both the Port and the City of Taranto. Indeed, the cruise business is a segment capable of ensuring balanced and sustainable development for the local economy while contributing, at the same time, to the creation of new opportunities for the whole territorial community where the port represents the privileged gateway.