Providence, Rhode Island Welcomes Cruise Tourism Back

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Cruise tourism returns to Providence as ships dock at the bustling waterfront.

News Summary

Providence, Rhode Island, is set to welcome cruise tourism once again after four years, with the city being designated as a port of call for American Cruise Lines. The initiative aims to boost the local economy by attracting tourists to key destinations like Newport and Martha’s Vineyard. Newport has experienced a rise as a preferred cruise destination, accommodating larger vessels and reporting significant cruise visits. New legislation increasing port fees will support future infrastructure enhancements and sustain this revitalized tourism sector.

Providence, Rhode Island Welcomes Cruise Tourism Back

For the first time in four years, cruise tourism will once again make its way to Providence, Rhode Island. Mayor Brett P. Smiley has announced that the city will serve as a port of call for the American Cruise Lines’ New England itineraries, marking a significant return for the local tourism industry.

American Cruise Lines, which is headquartered in Guilford, Connecticut, plans to offer sailings that include notable destinations such as Newport, Block Island, New Bedford, and Martha’s Vineyard. This decision is poised to reinvigorate the local economy by attracting more tourists to the region.

Newport’s Growing Popularity

Newport, in particular, has seen a surge in its status as a cruise liner destination, drawing thousands of visitors each year. The port is capable of accommodating larger cruise ships, with prominent vessels like the Icon and Oasis classes from Royal Caribbean being able to carry over 6,000 passengers. The largest ship to dock in Newport to date, the MSC Meraviglia, measures 315.8 meters in length and can accommodate up to 5,655 passengers. This ship made its first visit to Newport in 2023 and is scheduled to return in 2024.

In terms of overall visitation, Newport welcomed more than 60 cruise ship visits in 2024, utilizing the Perrotti Park as the main docking area for larger vessels. Smaller ships, including the American Constitution and American Star, primarily dock at Fort Adams.

Impressive Fleet Visits

During the 2024 season, Newport recorded a remarkable total of 62 cruise ship visits from 21 different cruise lines. Notable mentions include the RMS Queen Mary 2, which remains the only passenger ocean liner still in operation, and is celebrated for its remarkable dimensions, measuring 1,131.99 feet long and weighing 148,528 tons. Other cruise lines, such as Princess, Holland America, and P&O Cruises, have also made significant contributions to Newport’s bustling cruise season, with Norwegian Cruise Lines sending multiple ships to the city.

The Silversea Cruise Line’s Silver Shadow made the most visits in 2024, reflecting a growing interest in the area among luxury cruise providers. Although the cruise ship schedule for 2025 has yet to be published, the Norwegian Getaway is already listed as a stop on an upcoming seven-day cruise.

Economic Impact and Future Plans

To facilitate the growth of cruise tourism, new legislation has been passed that increases the fees cruise ships must pay upon arrival and departure from $3 to $10 per passenger. This increase in fees aims to generate additional revenue that will support infrastructure costs and debt services associated with enhancing local facilities, including improvements to the Perrotti Park bulkhead.

The return of cruise tourism to Providence not only signifies a positive turn for the local economy but also highlights the city’s commitment to providing top-notch service to visitors. The plans for future cruises indicate a bright outlook as the city embraces its role as a pivotal stop on New England cruise itineraries, showcasing the picturesque beauty and cultural richness of the region.