The work focus on the cruise sector of the Baltic area, which in recent years seems to emerges as a strategic and attractive area of rising cruise flows. The research methodology used has qualitative and quantitative nature. It also provides a short deepening on a case study related to MSC Cruises activity in the analyzed area. Regarding the Baltic area, will be analyzed the total cruise flows and the main ports. In addition, with the aim to analyze the degree of competitiveness of ports, the paper contains an index to measure the performance of the various ports within the area. In reference to the case study, it has been taken into account the number of passengers transported in different years, the quantity and nature of the excursions sold by the cruise operator. The ultimate goal of the work is to understand how the cruise sector can be an engine for tourism development of port cities, ports and neighboring territories. Indeed, it is necessary to understand which be the real impact on the territory of rising cruise flows and how the cruise harbors may be able to attract them.

This research paper ranks second among all the articles submitted for the “2017 Rassegna Economica Prize” in the Maritime Section. The author is Giovanna Galeota Lanza.

This paper is available only in the Italian version.