As expected, the Delaware River Port Authority Board of Commissioners voted Wednesday to cease cruise operations in Philadelphia.
"In 2006, with a cruise calendar of 36 ships, the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal was bustling with activity. Today, with only two cruises slated for 2011, it no longer makes economic sense for DRPA to continue in the cruise business," said the port authority’s CEO, John Matheussen.
Since 2006, the cruise industry has introduced larger ships, which has hurt Philadelphia, said the port authority.
The cruise terminal will honor its commitments through June 30, including all previously scheduled events and cruises, said the port authority.
The board’s decision will provide the port authority an immediate savings of $627,000 in operating expenses.
The port authority added that $18 million in capital improvements to upgrade the cruise terminal will no longer be necessary and that additional savings in the amount of $2.2 million will result from the termination of the lease and closure of the facility.