The port authority in charge of Philadelphia's cruise terminal will likely end its relationship with the cruise industry next year.
"In 2006, with a cruise calendar of 36 ships, the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal was bustling with activity," the Delaware River Port Authority said in a statement this month. "Today, with only two cruises slated for 2011, [the DRPA] took the prudent step to end [its] role in the cruise business."
The authority's board will vote on the measure Jan. 5.
The authority said that if the measure is approved, effective Jan. 1, it will terminate its lease of the cruise terminal in the Philadelphia Navy Yard, providing an immediate savings of $627,000 in operating expenses.
In addition, it would save $18 million in capital improvements that were to be made to enhance the terminal.
The authority said many factors have affected Philadelphia's desirability as a cruise port, including the six-hour sail up the Delaware River and the introduction of larger ships that are too big for the river.
At the height of its popularity, in 2005 and 2006, Philadelphia hosted 32 and 36 cruises, respectively, the authority said, making the terminal a "valuable asset, bringing thousands of people to shop, dine, tour and stay in the Philadelphia region."
It said that the terminal would honor the two calls slated for 2011. American Cruise Lines has two cruises departing from Philadelphia next year on the 100-passenger American Spirit.
Former travel agent Thelma Maiorano of Delaware has cruised out of Philadelphia six times and called the closure a "big mistake."
"With New York being so busy and congested in the port area, Philadelphia is a perfect port," she said, adding that flying into larger cities such as New York can be a hassle.
In addition, she said, Philadelphia "has a lot of history to offer."
She also noted that Delaware benefits from the port with pre- and postcruise hotel stays.
"People bring in money to these areas," she said. "This means jobs for people, [and it's] good for businesses and hotels."