Construction Begins on New Ravenna Cruise Terminal

RAVENNA, ITALY - October 24, 2024 - Ravenna Civitas Cruise Port (RCCP) today held a groundbreaking ceremony as it officially began construction of its new 10,000 square meter cruise terminal in Ravenna, Italy. 

“This is a major milestone for both the Ravenna Port Authority, our partners and the local community,” said Daniele Rossi, President of Ravenna Port Authority. “The new terminal demonstrates the commitment of the cruise industry to invest in the sustainable development of Ravenna, ensuring guests can enjoy this wonderful area whilst bringing new jobs to the region.” 

Scheduled to open in 2026, the new cruise terminal, developed by Cruise Terminals International and Royal Caribbean Group, will be able to host two ships at the same time and will be open to all cruise operators. It will feature integrated landscaping, spanning 12 hectares, with public green spaces, pedestrian and cycling pathways, and entertainment areas for residents and visitors, all celebrating the surrounding natural coastal environment. 

The terminal will also pursue the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification, making it the first LEED certified cruise terminal in Italy. The sustainable design will focus on water and energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, recycling and waste management. The Ravenna Port Authority will also invest in shore power technology so ships can turn off their engines whilst in port.

“We are so honored to partner with the Ravenna Port Authority on this exciting project,” said Anna D’Imporzanno, RCCP General Manager. “This new facility will have a stunning, bold and sustainable architectural design and technological advancements that not only will enhance the experience for the cruise passengers but also will involve the local community.” 

The new terminal will position the port of Ravenna as an attractive world-class homeport for cruise ships to begin and end their itineraries. According to an industry report, a homeport passenger spends an average of $385 USD on accommodation, retail and food and drink. With the terminal likely to generate 100 to 200 direct and indirect jobs in a variety of positions, the new facility will help deliver a positive economic impact across the local community.  

“Today’s groundbreaking represents a pivotal moment for Ravenna, the community and the cruise industry,” said Graham Olver, CEO of CTI. “Delivering jobs, economic impact and a Gold LEED facility, the new terminal really is a showcase for what can be achieved when innovation meets passion.” 

Ravenna and its surrounding region are known for their extraordinary natural beauty and warm hospitality. Visitors will be able to experience and enjoy rich historic and cultural treasures, ancient art and antiquities, unspoiled nature and beaches and traditional Italian cuisine.

Architects Atelier(s) Alfonso Femia and engineering consultants at RINA Consulting will work with RCCP and its partners to construct the cutting-edge terminal that will showcase integrated landscaping and public green spaces.

"We are honored to join the groundbreaking ceremony as we celebrate the next step on the journey to develop a new Gold LEED cruise terminal in the heart of Europe,” said Joshua Carroll, senior vice president, Destination Development, Royal Caribbean Group. “This project was made possible thanks to the hard work and unwavering support of so many people and I’d like thank the Port Authority, the Municipality of Ravenna, the Emilia Romagna region and the entire port and city community that have welcomed us and supported this project since the beginning.” 

Community engagement was a central focus throughout the design phase of the new terminal which is poised to become a symbolic landmark in Ravenna and a focal point for activities and events. The two-story terminal will feature a crew center, tourist information desk and areas for enjoying local street food. The terminal building will be connected to ships via an elevated walkway running along the pier.

Guests will enjoy incredible views of the sea and beaches of Ravenna as they make their way to their ship on next-generation mobile boarding bridges. On days without ships at berth, the terminal and its walkway over the sea will be open for public and private events including sport competitions, artistic and literary presentations, and much more. Sizable ground-floor spaces will also provide opportunities for trade fairs and other large gatherings.  

ENDS 

About RCCP 

Ravenna Civitas Cruise Port (RCCP) is a joint venture between CTI (Cruise Terminals International) and Royal Caribbean Group. The entity is the concessionaire of the Ravenna Cruise Terminal that will be set to open for cruise season 2026 positioning the port of Ravenna as an attractive world-class homeport for cruise ships to begin and end their itineraries in the heart of the mediterranean.  

About CTI 

Cruise Terminals International (CTI) owns, develops and manages cruise port infrastructure throughout the world. CTI is developing a robust pipeline of port infrastructure projects to meet the growing demands of the cruise industry in close partnership with local communities and with a strong focus on sustainability. 

About Royal Caribbean Group 

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is a vacation industry leader with a global fleet of 68 ships across its five brands traveling to approximately 1,000 destinations. With a mission to deliver the best vacations responsibly, Royal Caribbean Group serves millions of guests each year through its portfolio of best-in-class brands, including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea; and expanding portfolio of land-based vacation experiences through Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club collection. The company also owns 50% of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. With a rich history of innovating, Royal Caribbean Group continually delivers exciting new products and guest experiences that help shape the future of leisure travel. Learn more at www.royalcaribbeangroup.com or www.rclinvestor.com.