A new reception terminal for cruise passengers in 2024
As part of its Reception and Information Dissemination Plan, the Tourist Office (SPL for Tourist Development) wanted to modernize and optimize the reception of passengers in the Cruise Terminal.




Cruise passengers, mainly British, German and American, first choose their journey because it passes through France, Normandy, and then, upon disembarking at Quai de France, they discover the Cotentin, Cherbourg and our "French Art de Vivre".
The idea is to give them a unique, timeless experience from the baggage claim area to the terminal, thanks to a space for discovery, relaxation, entertainment and a shop.



The terminal is the first image or showcase that cruise passengers have of our beautiful territory. The reception and environmental conditions were essential in this achievement.
This space was designed and created by the agency Making Sense, at the origin of all the concept stores of the Cotentin Tourist Office and financed by the Cotentin Agglomeration.
While fitting into a large hall of contemporary design, the idea was to draw inspiration from the baggage room, from the French atmosphere of the 30s, which is firmly anchored in the imagination of international tourists.
2000 to today: Cherbourg, the Cotentin opens up to the world
Cherbourg has forged a long maritime history, as evidenced by its exceptional harbor, the largest artificial harbor in Europe and its former transatlantic ferry terminal, the last vestige in Europe of Art Deco architecture from the 1930s.

The infrastructure and investments made have enabled cruises to develop in Cherbourg at a sustained pace since the 2000s.
In 20 years, the momentum continues! The Cruise service of the Cotentin Tourist Office is responsible for promoting the destination : he manages all communication at the local, national and international level in BtoB and BtoC. He represents the destination with shipping companies, tour operators and port agents. And manages Cruise ship reception when they get off the boat: presentation of Cherbourg, sale of Cap Cotentin tickets, management of a boutique area, etc.
As a cruise destination, Cherbourg is a port which has major advantages over the competition:
Its geographical location
- Cherbourg is located at the crossroads of 3 major “cruise” regions : Caribbean, Mediterranean and North-West Europe; out of nearly 1 routes in the North-West region, 500 passed off Cherbourg or stopped there in 490.
- Proximity to Southampton, the largest port in Europe with nearly 2 million passengers in 2017.
- Proximity to mature cruise consumer markets (Germany and UK) : 2 Germans (an increase of 233% between 000 and 23) and 2015 British and Irish (an increase of 2018% between 2 and 009) went on a cruise in 000. These two markets represent 2% of European cruise passengers.
Its excellent port facilities (Cherbourg is seen as a “practical” port):
- Deep-water port protected by dikes forming the largest artificial harbor in Europe;
- Accessible 24/24, in all weather conditions and for all types of boats: small (<7m) and large (>7m);
- Berthing quay (Quai de France) with a length of 600m + 45m extension allowing the simultaneous reception of a cruise ship and a large ferry;
- Existing Cruise Terminal, sheltered and in the immediate vicinity of the city center;
- Covered pedestrian walkway with direct access to the Cruise Terminal;
- Competitive port services: pilots, tugs, etc.
Welcoming a stopover
A stopover is not simply the reception of a boat and its passengers, it is also the occasion for a "collective celebration" for the local population and a real economic opportunity for several activities including shops, taxis, guides, etc.
The Tourist Office provides a special welcome with dedicated communication tools:
- Brochures and maps for cruise passengers.
- Un label " Cruise Friendly » which unites traders around welcoming cruise passengers.
Project – a port in ecological transition in 2026
The next stage of cruise development for Cherbourg-en-Cotentin is the electrification of the Quai de France planned for 2026 to meet environmental challenges.
Powering ships at dock offers many benefits: improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, reduced fossil fuel consumption and reduced vibration and noise pollution for better societal acceptability.

Numbers:
The cruise today in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
- 2023 – 43 stopovers – 109 passengers (+356 crew members) / 36 excursionists
- 2024 – 61 stopovers – 120 passengers (+000 crew members)
- 2025 – 59 stopovers – 140 passengers (forecast)
On average, 20% of passengers go on excursions within the territory, which means that around 80% stay in Cherbourg and go off to explore its city centre and/or its immediate surroundings.
Top nationalities
- British (59%)
- Germans (20%)
- Americans and Canadians (11%)
Cruise companies are increasingly loyal (Carnival UK, MSC).
Some dates
- elevenrd Cherbourg maritime station
- 1933: inauguration of the Transatlantic Maritime Station
- 1944: destruction of the Transatlantic Maritime Station
- 1952: reconstruction of the Maritime Station with a temporary but functional terminal
- 2002: opening of Cité de la Mer
- 2006: renovation of the Cruise Terminal
- 2022: Transatlantic Maritime Station voted the French people’s favorite monument
- 2024: inauguration of the new Cruise Terminal reception area



Themes