Named after the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, the terminal is designed to meet the requirements of the largest cruise ships, further consolidating Civitavecchia as one of the Europe’s premier cruise ports.
'Since 2007, when RCT commenced its activity, around 23m cruise passengers have passed through the port of Civitavecchia,' stated John Portelli, gm of RCT, jointly owned by Costa, MSC and Royal Caribbean Cruises.
'It is small wonder that over the years, cruise activity has evolved into one if not the primary activity in the port of Civitavecchia,' he added.
In this respect, Terminal Amerigo Vespucci is a further testament to the shareholders’ contribution to the growth of the city, the port of Civitavecchia and the Lazio region, noted Portelli.
RCT is expected to handle around 2.4m passengers and more than 700 cruise calls this year, the company’s GM confirmed to Seatrade Cruise News.
A €20m investment
'With a full-private investment of around €20m by RCT, 'the new cruise terminal has been inaugurated 18 months from the start of the construction, on budget and schedule, marking a significant milestone for RCT achievements and the development of Civitavecchia as the cruise gateway to Italy's capital and the Lazio region,' Portelli told SCN following the opening ceremony.
'It will be operational in a couple of weeks, after completing all the safety checks, including those related to the new-generation passengers’ bridges,' he revealed.
Covering 11,000sq mtr with full floor-to-ceiling windows, the terminal has passenger and luggage facilities on the ground and a check-in and welcome area on the first floor with a terrace facing the sea and the port.
A crew room is situated in the building’s atrium.
Proceeding from the atrium to the first floor via escalators or elevators, passengers will be welcomed in a check-area with 60 stations, which can be doubled if required.
Close to 90 monitors in the check-in area will keep passengers updated on their status as well as itinerary and other information.
Designed by Genoa-based Studio Vicini Architetti
'The building has been designed by Genoa-based Studio Vicini Architetti on RCT shareholders’ requirements and in order to fulfil present and future cruise operations. We will be able to handle between 5,200 and 6,000 passengers between a mix of turnaround and transits or full turnaround activities,' noted Portelli.
A VIP lounge, a Cruise Bar and the terrace 'are designed to guarantee a pleasant experience for passengers waiting to board the ship, who will also have the opportunity to take photos of the old port and Mediterranean sea.'
Boarding will be via two passenger bridges designed by Spain's Adelte. The first finger will be available when operations begin while the second will become operational by the end of current year.
Museum housing Roman and Etruscan artefacts
As a standing testimony of Civitavecchia’s historical status as the port of Rome and the rich history of Lazio region, a unique feature of the terminal will be a small museum housing Roman and Etruscan artefacts loaned by the harbour master of Civitavecchia port and the superintendent for fine arts and culture of Roma Metropolitana, Viterbo and Southern Etrurian region.
The building also includes offices for the customs agency, security team and RCT staff.
Cruise activity is estimated to generate around €91m annually in direct revenue and expenditure to the economy of Civitavecchia and an economic contribution of around €400m to the Lazio region and supports around 1,700 jobs.
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