The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) has announced new partnerships with Carnival Corporation brands, to include Princess Cruises and Cunard, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC cruises.
The partnership is for future sailings from both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Cruise Terminals and the agreement prioritizes sustainability, benefit to the community, and offers a strong boost to tourism for the city.
The cruise industry currently contributes about $420 million annually to the local economy, supporting about 2,667 jobs across the city with approximately 2,000 of those jobs directly related to tourism.
“The cruise industry is a massive driver in New York City’s economy, generating thousands of good-paying jobs for New Yorkers and helping fuel the tourism and hospitality industry,” said NYCEDC President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “It is essential to ensure that these large-scale industries remain focused on sustainability and working alongside the community in all aspects, which is exactly what this agreement does.”
The agreements with each cruise line range in term lengths from three to fifteen years with the option for five-year renewals and they replace previous agreements with each cruise line.
Each agreement is designed to expand community benefits through a forward thinking approach including creating a community fund that will directly impact the Red Hook and Midtown Manhattan communities. The Community Priority Fund is expected to contribute approximately $14 million over the next 10 years.
Additionally the agreements are designed to increase sustainability by reducing emissions and connecting to shore power whenever possible. By 2028, it is expected that all ships calling in New York City be equipped with shore power connections.
“New York City – in addition to being my hometown – is an iconic destination beloved by our brands and their guests, and we’re honored to be a part of this vibrant community,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO and Chief Climate Officer, Carnival Corporation & plc. “We’re excited to be partnering with NYCEDC to design an agreement that sustainably supports our operations while also investing in the community that makes New York so special.”
Agreements between the city and the cruise lines also addressed ground transportation planning. The city and cruise lines will partner to improve ground transportation including taking full advantage of all public transportation options, reducing traffic and improving overall travel for both guests and the local communities.
“This agreement represents NCLH’s long-term commitment to New York City, its residents and visitors. We are extremely pleased to have identified, along with the NYCEDC, impactful mechanisms to support local economic growth, climate action and sustainable development throughout the term of our partnership,” said Daniel S. Farkas, General Counsel, EVP and Chief Development Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
The agreements will also increase local provisioning and develop educational partnerships. This includes developing a plan that prioritizes Minority Women Owned Business Enterprises and the cruise lines participating in a minimum of one career fair and one networking event annually.
The cruise industry is a major part of tourism in New York City and brings hundreds of thousands of guests into the city each year. These agreements are designed to not only benefit the local community but ensure the cruise industry continues to thrive.
“This is an absolute win for New York,” said Jessica Walker, President and CEO, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. “Not only will this agreement help to increase tourism, but it is also filled with meaningful benefits for local communities.”