2016, a record year in Var-Provence, France
The renewal of shore excursions is a key part of the development of cruise activity in Var-Provence. Last year saw a record 278 calls (23 maiden calls), 362 479 passengers and 32 cruise lines.
Smaller ports such as Sanary-sur-Mer, Bandol and Saint-Raphaël are emerging while Fréjus and Cavalaire will accommodate their first cruise ships in 2017.
Traditional Provençal ports attract luxury cruise brands because of their quality; easy access; unspoilt environment; and location as gateways to Provence and the French Riviera. The ports of the Embiez island and Porquerolles island are National Parks.
The Ports of Toulon Bay (Toulon/La Seyne-sur-Mer) are incontestably the leaders of Var-Provence, hosting 49% of the calls and 77% of the passengers. Their high security standards, including full ISPS compliance and the presence of the French Navy base in the Bay, as well as their advantageous geographical position that allows cruise vessels to berth under all weather conditions, make them a first-choice destination.
The Var Chamber of Commerce and Industry – manager of the Ports of Toulon Bay – have made significant investments to develop excellent infrastructures able to accommodate the mega-ships. 2016 was a turning point with the inauguration of a brand-new cruise terminal at La Seyne-sur-Mer and important renovation works at Toulon City-Centre’s cruise terminal.
The Ports of Toulon Bay are set to host the prestigious MedCruise General Assembly in October 2017. In line with MedCruise tradition, all regular and associate members will have a first-class opportunity to discuss the developments in the region. They will also devote time in B2B meetings and interactive workshops with cruise line executives. About 120 delegates are expected in Toulon for four days of creative exchange program and fun!
* The Var Provence Cruise Club (VPCC) is a public body launched in 2008 by the Var CCI and the Var General Council to promote the Var area as a major touristic destination, as well as its cruise ports located in both Provence and French Riviera. To date, Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, Sanary-sur-Mer, Bandol, Les Embiez, Ports of Toulon Bay (Toulon/La Seyne), Hyères, Porquerolles, Le Lavandou, Cavalaire, Saint-Tropez, Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël are part of the network.
