Civitavecchia Sets Record Cruise Arrivals for 2023

You can receive daily cruise news updates directly to your inbox, so you don't miss a thing! Go ahead and Subscribe here.

The port of Civitavecchia is witnessing a remarkable surge in cruise activity, with an unprecedented number of guests arriving at its docks. In 2023, the Italian cruise hub has shattered its own records, handling over 3 million passengers, surpassing the pre-pandemic high of 2019. 

By placing more effort into becoming a major turnaround port, and the construction of a brand-new cruise terminal, the port of Civitavecchia expects to welcome over 3.5 million cruise passengers in the year 2025.

Record-Breaking Passenger Traffic

Civitavecchia, the port city that acts as the gateway to Rome and Vatican City, has long been one of Europe’s busiest cruise ports, with all major cruise lines using the port intensively as a starting and endpoint of their cruises. In 2023, the cruise port exceeded the previous record of 2.69 million cruise passengers. The cruise port welcomed its three millionth cruise passenger, a number that will likely grow to some 3.29 million.

The remarkable feat was announced by Pino Musolino, the president of the central-southern Tyrrhenian port system authority, alongside John Portelli, the general manager of Roma Cruise Terminal – a joint venture of Costa Cruise, MSC Cruises, and the Royal Caribbean Group.

“The 2.69 million passengers totaled in 2019 was already a record for this port. But the 3 million reached now are a historic record compared to all Italian ports,” said Pino Musolino.

Looking ahead, Civitavecchia is expecting the numbers to continue growing further.

Cruise Ships Docked at Port of Civitavecchia
Cruise Ships Docked at Port of Civitavecchia (Photo Credit: Alessia Pierdomenico)

John Portelli, the general manager of Roma Cruise Terminal: “Having reached our target of 3 million guests by October 31, 2023, we’re now aiming even higher, expecting to close the year with 3.29 million. Our sights are set on hosting 3.5 million guests by 2025.” 

The port’s strategic focus is also shifting towards welcoming more turnaround passengers – those who embark and disembark at Civitavecchia, as opposed to merely transiting. In 2019, 38% of the port’s total cruise passengers were in this category, a figure that has risen to 47% in 2023.

Economic Impacts and Future Developments

The rise in turnaround passengers is significant for the local economy, engaging a wide range of services including port workers, security personnel, and local hospitality businesses.

“Turnaround passengers have a ripple effect on the local economy, benefiting hotels, bed & breakfasts in Civitavecchia and Rome, and creating job opportunities for hundreds,” Portelli remarked. 

To drive continued growth, Civitavecchia is building a new cruise terminal, the Bramante Cruise Terminal, which will be inaugurated in 2025. The cruise terminal, which will cost around 6.3 million euros, is named after Renaissance architect Donato Bramante.

Norwegian Getaway at Port of Civitavecchia
Photo Courtesy: Norwegian Cruise Line

The new cruise terminal is expected to modernize the guest experience at Civitavecchia, an aspect where the port has been lacking in recent years. The terminal will offer state-of-the-art facilities and services, reinforcing Civitavecchia’s position as a leading Mediterranean cruise destination.

Read Also: Top 10 Busiest US Cruise Homeports

The expansion of the Bramante Cruise Terminal in Civitavecchia represents a strategic investment by Roma Cruise Terminal, amounting to 30 million euros since 2007, which includes the construction of the Amerigo Vespucci cruise terminal in May 2018. The initiative is particularly timely, considering the shifting landscape of the European cruise industry. 

As some major European ports, such as Barcelona, are adopting a more restrictive approach towards cruising โ€“ for example, Barcelona’s recent partial ban on cruising โ€“ Civitavecchia stands to gain from this trend.

This will strengthen Civitavecchia’s role as a Mediterranean cruise hub and promises substantial economic benefits, as the influx of cruise ships and their guests can stimulate local businesses, create job opportunities, and contribute to the region’s overall economic growth.

If you enjoyed the article and would like no fuss daily cruise news to your inbox directly from Cruise Hive, you can Subscribe here.

Voting is now open at the Cruise Hive Awards, including your favorite cruise ships, cruise lines, ship features, private islands and homeports!

Robert McGillivray
Robert McGillivray
Robert has been involved in the cruise industry since January 2007. He joined his first ship, the Seabourn Pride, in Miami Florida, and never looked back. Robert started his cruise career as a bar-waiter and worked his way up to being a corporate trainer for the same luxury 6-star cruise line. After a short break from ships in 2013, Robert has worked as a Hotel Director onboard several different cruise ships worldwide and even in Antarctica, and on the North Pole. As a writer for Cruise Hive Robert stays on top of all current developments and brings you breaking news, facts, and special reports. As an avid traveler and photographer, Robert has visited no less than 101 countries worldwide and stepped on to his 7th continent on his 30th birthday. His photos have been published by news media like Bloomberg and The New York Times, and are used by Celebrity and Azamara Cruise lines for their promotional materials. Robert currently resides in the Philippines on the tropical island of Panglao, with his wife and two daughters. Find out more about us here.

Don't Miss Cruise Hive's Daily Update!

Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! We'll send you the latest cruise updates daily to your inbox.

Don't Miss Any Cruise News!

We'll send you the latest cruise updates daily to your inbox.

457 Shares
Copy link