Le Havre to Open New Cruise Terminals Starting This Fall

The Port of Le Havre has announced the phased opening of its three new cruise terminals, with the first two set to welcome passengers this fall and the third to follow in April 2026. Once completed, the terminals will span a combined 15,000 square meters, designed to enhance passenger flow and deliver high-quality services, according to port representatives.

The upgraded infrastructure will accommodate up to 13,500 cruise passengers daily, including turnaround capabilities for as many as 6,000 guests. Each terminal will offer sheltered parking, over 100 designated coach bays for shore excursions, a taxi area, and convenient access to bicycles and scooters.

Terminals 2 and 3—serving Quai Pierre Callet and Quai Johannes Couvert—are on track to open in the coming months, while Terminal 1, located at Quai Roger Meunier, is scheduled for completion in April 2026.

A key sustainability feature of the development is the installation of shore power. Initial test connections are taking place this summer, with full commissioning across all three terminals expected by mid- to late 2026. Each facility will deliver up to 14 megawatts (MW), for a total shore power capacity of 30 MW. The energy mix will include 67% nuclear-sourced electricity, supplemented by hydro, wind, solar, and a minor share from LNG.

The entire investment—including terminals and shore power infrastructure—is valued at €120 million.

For the 2025 season, Le Havre anticipates 137 cruise calls and more than 142 days with ships in port. This includes 57 turnaround operations, divided between 19 full and 38 partial, along with 20 double calls and eight inaugural visits from vessels such as Norwegian Bliss, Mein Schiff 7, Carnival Miracle, Hamburg, and Seven Seas Grandeur.

Due to ongoing construction, the port is currently limited to accommodating two cruise ships simultaneously until all terminals are fully operational.

Le Havre aims to reach 600,000 cruise passengers annually by 2030, as part of a long-term development strategy focused on sustainability, service quality, and responsible integration of cruise tourism into the local economy and community.

The terminals are situated within a 22-acre publicly accessible zone, which includes 10 acres of green space. A rooftop viewing terrace will be open to residents and visitors on days when ships are arriving or departing, offering a unique vantage point for cruise activity year-round.