Philly cruises: RIP
As recently as 2006, The Philadelphia Cruise Terminal had 36 ships. But now authorities have voted to shut down future efforts.
The Philadelphia area’s Delaware River Port Authority voted to end its 12-year stint in the cruise business by terminating its lease at the former Navy Yard in South Philadelphia, according to The Courier Post in Cherry Hill, NJ.
“The cruise business was doing very well for us for awhile. However, based on factors beyond our control, it does not make economic sense for DRPA (Delaware River Port Authority) to continue in the cruise business,” said CEO John J. Matheussen.
With only two cruises planned in May and heavy operating expenses anticipated, the board has decided to abandon its multi-year effort to lure more cruise lines to the city, the news outlet says.
“It looks like Philadelphia is getting out of the cruise business, even as sailings out of nearby cities such as Baltimore and New York take off,” said the AP.
A full board still has to approve the termination, which could happen this month.
There are only two cruises slated for 2011. DRPA said it will honor those and other commitments through June 30.
DRPA entered the cruise business in 1998.
By David Wilkening
David
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