French Atlantic Ports Anticipate 875,000+ Cruise Guests in 2024

The French Atlantic Ports are projected to welcome more than 875,000 cruise passengers in 2024, as announced in a recent statement by the association.

This marks a rise of over 15 percent compared to the 755,000 passengers received in 2023, and more than double the number since 2014.

This growth is attributed to a decade-long series of initiatives undertaken by the member ports, which include Rouen, Honfleur, Caen-Ouistreham, Le Havre, Cherbourg, Saint-Malo, Brest, Nantes/Saint-Nazaire, and Bordeaux.

The association highlighted that, in addition to a marketing campaign, these projects aim to establish the ports as a sustainable cruise destination.

In Rouen, shore power installations are underway at the cruise terminal, now able to accommodate vessels up to 250 meters in length. Honfleur is also working on introducing shore power, with the technology expected at the QSH3 berth by 2027.

Le Havre, which boasts three cruise terminals capable of handling up to 13,500 passengers daily, is equipping three quays with shore power ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Caen is set to open a newly enhanced city center cruise quay in 2025, coinciding with the Millennium international event.

Cherbourg will also add shore power at its cruise terminal starting in the 2026-27 season.

Saint-Malo, having added new mooring buoys, can now accommodate cruise ships up to 250 meters in length.

Bordeaux has opened upgraded cruise facilities, including a new pier in Pauillac, located in the Medoc wine region. The dock, operational since August 2024, can receive ships up to 320 meters long.

While Nantes continues to host small vessels at its Cheviré Terminal, Brest accommodates ships of all sizes at its new Marine Renewable Energy Quay.

“The Channel/Atlantic route has undoubtedly gained a strong reputation among cruise lines, affirming the French Atlantic Ports’ strategy of collaboration rather than competition,” the association said.