Massport Continues to See Business Grow at Flynn Cruiseport in 2023, Looks Ahead to Busy 2024 Season

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) saw business continue to grow at Flynn Cruiseport Boston this year with approximately 373,000 passengers, a 20% passenger increase over last year. Flynn Cruiseport welcomed 149 cruise ships this season – a nearly 16% increase over last year - including 58 homeport vessels and 91 port of calls.

Generating more than $135 million in economic impact and supporting more than 2,200 jobs annually, cruising from Boston supports hundreds of businesses throughout the region, from transportation providers and restaurants to tourist attractions, airlines and hotels, souvenir shops and provisioning companies that supply the ships.

“We were thrilled to see the robust demand for cruising in 2023, supporting the City of Boston and the Commonwealth’s travel and tourism industry,” said Massport Port Director Joseph Morris. “Boston has grown as both a homeport and destination port of call for multiple cruise lines, and we look forward to fostering additional growth in passengers, ships, and diversified itineraries as we approach the 2024 season.”

The 2023 cruise season started in March and ended in early December with a last-minute addition accommodating the MSC Meraviglia. Massport celebrated five maiden voyages to Boston, including Phoenix Reisen’s MS Amera, Viking Cruises Viking Neptune, Oceania Cruises Vista, Explora Journeys Explora 1 and Marella Cruises Marella Discovery. The Cruiseport supported itineraries to the Caribbean, Central America, and Iceland/Greenland from 27 different cruise lines and celebrated 16 three-ship days.

Boston is well-known in the cruise industry for having one of the best airport-to-cruiseport proximities in the U.S., with Boston Logan International Airport just a short ride away. This season, the Cruiseport served several new itineraries that either started or ended in Boston: 
•    Boston to Iceland – Holland America’s Zaandam (July 2023)
•    Boston to Panama Canal – Hurtigruten’s MS Fram (Sept 2023)
•    Boston to Montego Bay, Jamaica – Scenic Cruises’ Scenic Eclipse 2 (Oct 2023)
•    Boston to Philipsburg, St. Maarten – Windstar Cruises’ Star Pride (Oct 2023)
•    Boston to Bridgetown, Barbados – Oceania Cruises’ Insignia (Nov 2023)

Holland America Line celebrated its’ 25-year relationship with Massport and the company’s 150th Anniversary at an event onboard the Zaandam this past September. The cruise line presented a commemorative plaque to Massport and the International Longshoremen’s Association and made donations to three Boston-based organizations: Edgerley Family South Boston Boys and Girls Club, South Boston Neighborhood House, and Labouré Center.

Massport also took steps this season to reduce emissions at Flynn Cruiseport as part of the Authority’s Net-Zero strategy. Some of the sustainability initiatives at the Cruiseport include conducting a shore power feasibility study, implementing single-stream recycling, purchasing hybrid/electrical support vehicles, upgrading the HVAC system, and installing LED lighting.

2024 Shaping Up to be a Strong Cruise Season for Flynn Cruiseport Boston:

The 2024 cruise season is expected to be even more robust, set to begin on March 29 with the Norwegian Gem sailing to Bermuda and concluding at the end of November as more cruise lines embrace the spring and late fall timelines of Boston and New England. The 2024 season is slated to welcome 24 cruise brands with over 170 vessels as Flynn Cruiseport Boston expects to establish new records for passenger and ship volumes. Flynn Cruiseport Boston will also welcome 12 maiden calls and 16 three-ship days in 2024.

Flynn Cruiseport Boston will host a record 8 homeport ships in one season:  Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jade, Holland America Line’s Volendam and Zuiderdam, Princess Cruises’ Emerald Princess, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse, Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas, and Oceania Cruises’ Nautica. Princess Cruises’ will celebrate their inaugural Homeport season, offering Canada/New England itineraries sailing from Boston from July through October. Welcoming Princess as one of our committed Homeport partners emphasizes the beauty, allure, and historical and cultural offering that the Canada/New England coastline offers in multiple seasons.

New itineraries for 2024 include:
•    21-day roundtrip from Boston to the Caribbean/Panama Canal - Holland America’s Zuiderdam (Oct 2024)
•    10-day one way Boston to the Caribbean – Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse (Oct 2024)
•    9-day one way Boston to St. Maarten – Windstar Cruises’ Star Pride (Oct 2024)
•    7-day one way Boston to Panama - Hapag Lloyd Cruises’ Hanseatic Inspiration (Oct 2024)
•    14-day one way Boston to the Caribbean - Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam (Nov 2024)

“Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises congratulate Flynn Cruiseport Boston on another successful cruise season,” said Senior Vice President of Port Development and Construction of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd Juan Kuryla. “We are incredibly pleased with our long-standing relationship with Flynn Cruiseport Boston, our partnership positively serves not only our business but also helps stimulate the local Boston economy and support infrastructure investments. As we look ahead to the new year, we look forward to continuing to support the Boston community while also offering our guests a convenient homeport option to explore some of the most picturesque locations on the East Coast, including voyages to the turquoise blue waters of Bermuda and the colorful fall foliage on a Canada & New England voyage.”

“Flynn Cruiseport Boston is an important homeport for Holland America Line sailings, and we look forward to another successful season in 2024,” said Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha. “Guests who board our cruise ships in Boston get to explore historical sites along the New England coast and immerse themselves in the rich cultures of eastern Canada, Greenland, Iceland, the Caribbean, and Panama Canal, all while experiencing impeccable service at sea.”

“We're excited to be homeporting Emerald Princess in Boston next summer, offering unforgettable seven, 10 and 17-day adventures to the East Coast's finest destinations, Canada, New England, and even Greenland,” said Chief Commercial Officer for Princess Cruises Terry Thornton. “Boston's unbeatable convenience as a homeport makes it the perfect gateway for travelers to embark on these remarkable journeys.”

Boston is one of America’s oldest cities. Visitors can experience revolutionary landmarks along the Freedom Trail, visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, stroll through Boston Common to Faneuil Hall, or tour Fenway Park, the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball.  Neighborhoods such as the North End, Beacon Hill and the Back Bay offer unique flavors, sights and sounds for every interest. Tourists can also experience diverse and vibrant neighborhoods such as Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, and Chinatown, providing unique and curated culinary, artistic, and historical connections for those experiencing Boston’s 23 neighborhoods. Boston is a city where tradition and innovation blend to create a unique cosmopolitan destination.

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Powering What’s Possible. The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) owns and operates Boston Logan International Airport, public terminals in the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field, and Worcester Regional Airport.