Press Release
March 2006

Copenhagen Increases Number of Turnarounds

33% of port calls in Copenhagen will be turnarounds in 2006. In addition, the Danish capital is looking forward to a record year with more cruise passengers and new direct flight connections from the USA. In 2005, Copenhagen was named the World's Leading Cruise Port by the World Travel Awards and welcomed the first ever arrival of a Christmas cruise to its harbor.

2005 was a record year for the cruise industry in Copenhagen. A total of 282 ships dropped anchor at Copenhagen Harbor and 360,000 cruise passengers from around the world went ashore. An equal number of ships have already scheduled their arrival in 2006. More than 100 of these planned arrivals, or 33%, are turnarounds. That is an increase of 20% over 2005. The total number of cruise passengers is expected to grow to at least 390,000.

- One of Cruise Copenhagen Network's strategic goals has been to increase the number of turnarounds, so it is with great satisfaction that we have realized this growth. Another strategic goal has been to increase our overseas flight capacity. We are thrilled to be able to welcome two new direct flights from Atlanta and New York, says Per Schmidt, Chairman of Cruise Copenhagen Network.

Cruise Copenhagen Network was established in 1992 as a partnership between the Port of Copenhagen, the City of Copenhagen and 42 professional suppliers, in order to strengthen and develop Copenhagen as the most successful turnaround port for cruises in Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea.

World's Leading Cruise Port
In 2005, Copenhagen won the World Travel Awards for World's Leading Cruise Port. And for the second year in a row, the Danish capital ran away with the coveted title of Europe's Leading Cruise Destination. This was also the year when Copenhagen launched Christmas Cruises.

December 2005 marked the first time ever Copenhagen welcomed the arrival of cruise guests outside of the traditional season that normally runs from April to October. The 1800 passengers experienced "A Taste of Danish Christmas" and were greeted by decorations, a Christmas market, a women's music brigade and Santa Claus. A follow-up survey among the cruise guests, the crew and the captain showed a high rate of satisfaction with Copenhagen as a Christmas cruise destination.

- Copenhagen has dramatically developed into a Christmas destination over the last five years. The city is host to Tivoli's grand Christmas Market, with its Elf land, rides and attractions, outdoor ice skating venues, decorated streets and store windows, as well as Christmas shows performed on various city stages. Two Christmas ships, P&O's Artemis and Cunard's Queen Victoria, have already scheduled their arrival in 2007. This will be the Queen Victoria’s maiden voyage. We look forward to also welcoming port calls in December 2006, says Ole Andersen, Sales and Marketing Director, Wonderful Copenhagen.

For More Information:

Anette Jensen, Cruise Marketing Director, Cruise Copenhagen Network, tel: +45 2338 3059
PerSchmidt, General Manager, Copenhagen Malmö Port, tel: +45 4087 9944
Seatrade booth # 607 - www.cruisecopenhagen.com