Office de Tourisme du Cotentin | Bureau du Terminal Croisières de Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Cherbourg has forged a long maritime history, as evidenced by its exceptional harbor, Europe?s largest artificial harbor, and its former transatlantic ferry terminal, Europe?s last vestige of Art Deco architecture from the 1930s.
The infrastructures and investments made have enabled the Cherbourg cruise industry to develop at a steady pace since the 2000s.
In 20 years, the momentum continues! The Cruise Department of the Cotentin Tourist Office is in charge of promoting the destination: it manages all local, national and international BtoB and BtoC communications. It represents the destination to shipping lines, tour operators and port agents. He also welcomes cruise passengers as they disembark: presentation of Cherbourg, sale of Cap Cotentin tickets, management of a boutique area?
As a cruise destination, Cherbourg is a port with major competitive advantages:
Geographical location
Cherbourg lies at the crossroads of 3 major cruise regions: the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and North-West Europe. Of the nearly 1,500 itineraries in the North-West region, 490 passed through or stopped off Cherbourg in 2019.
Proximity to Southampton, Europe?s largest port, with nearly 2 million passengers in 2017.
Proximity to mature cruise consumer markets (Germany and the UK): 2,233,000 Germans (up 23% between 2015 and 2018) and 2,009,000 British and Irish (up 11% between 2015 and 2018) went on cruise in 2018. These 2 markets account for 60% of European cruise passengers.
Excellent port facilities (Cherbourg is perceived as a “convenient” port):
Deep-water port protected by dikes forming Europe?s largest artificial harbor;
Accessible 24/7, in all weather conditions and for all types of boats: small (<250m) and large (>250m);
600m long quay (Quai de France) + 45m extension to accommodate a cruise ship and a large ferry at the same time;
Existing, sheltered cruise terminal in the immediate vicinity of the city center;
Covered footbridge with direct access to the Cruise Terminal;
Competitive port services: pilots, tugs, etc
A few dates
1912: 1st Cherbourg ferry terminal
1933: inauguration of the Gare Maritime Transatlantique
1944: destruction of the Gare Maritime Transatlantique
1952: reconstruction of the Gare Maritime with a temporary but functional terminal
2002: opening of La Cité de la Mer
2006: renovation of the Cruise Terminal
2022: Gare Maritime Transatlantique voted France’s Favourite Monument
2024: inauguration of the new Cruise Terminal reception area
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Opening / reception hours
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Office de Tourisme du Cotentin | Bureau du Terminal Croisières de Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
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