Pat Moscaritolo honored for his years of service
Leadership from the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) joined elected officials and local community members to celebrate Flynn Cruiseport Boston’s record-breaking 2018 cruise season and recognize President and CEO of the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) Pat Moscaritolo for his contributions to the cruise industry over the years. Massport officials also announced the 6th millionth passengers to go through Flynn Cruiseport, who are Boston residents that will be departing on the Norwegian Dawn to San Juan.
Massport and elected officials recognized GBCVB President and CEO Pat Moscaritolo for his efforts in promoting the Massachusetts tourism industry as he prepares to leave the organization in early 2019. Since 1991, Pat Moscaritolo has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of the GBCVB, a primary marketing and visitor service organization that leads the development of convention and tourism business for Greater Boston and today represents more than 1,200 businesses throughout New England. Prior to joining the GBCVB, Moscaritolo served as the Deputy Executive Director of Massport and as the Director of Logan Airport. During his tenure, Logan Airport won national awards for its “Airports Are for People, Too” customer service initiatives.
Elected officials helped celebrate the event and thanked both Massport CEO Tom Glynn and Moscaritolo for their work to improve the port over the years.
Ambassador and former Mayor Ray Flynn spoke about the revitalization of the Port of Boston. “Tom you revived this port to be what it once was way back during the hay day. It’s one of the most vibrant ports in America and we owe you and Pat for your hard work.”
“It was telling from the beginning that Tom had a real keen hand and commitment to the working port of Boston in a way that we hadn’t seen,” State Senator Nick Collins said. “Pat, time and time again has been an advocate and a successful supporter of the blue-collar job sector in Boston. Hotel workers, longshoremen, waiters, chefs, bartenders, valets, the list goes on and they all and we all owe Pat a debt of gratitude.”
“I’d like to applaud Massport and salute my colleagues for investing in the working port that creates blue collar jobs and is an economic engine for not only Boston and Commonwealth, but the northeast region,” State Representative David Biele said. “I’d also like to congratulate Pat for being at the forefront of tourism here at the port.”
Several elected officials, including City Councilor Ed Flynn, also acknowledged the hard work done every day by members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA).
“Boston continues to draw more cruise passengers as both a port of call and a starting point for longer journeys to the North, Caribbean and beyond, and men and women employed at the Cruiseport recognize the significant impact tourism has on the Commonwealth and the country as a whole,” said Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn. “I would like to thank my friend Pat Moscaritolo for his dedication to making Boston the hub it is today and helping us reach this milestone.”
“Thanks to Massport’s Flynn Cruiseport Boston efforts our visitor industry has seen dramatic and record setting growth in business activity this cruise season,” said Pat Moscraritolo, President and CEO of the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau. “With over 150 cruise ships delivering 400,000 visitors to Boston’s shores, business has boomed for our attractions, museums, restaurants and retailers. Our visitor season now extends into November because of Flynn Cruiseport Boston’s schedule of ships calling on Boston. As strong as this season has been, we are all excited by Massport’s expansion plans and 21st century upgrades to the Black Falcon terminal and what that will mean for our visitor industry and visitor economy.”
During the 2018 cruise season, Flynn Cruiseport Boston welcomed a record 390,696 visitors to Boston. Cruise visitors arrived to Boston from April through November via a record 152 ship calls from 33 vessels representing 20 different international cruise lines. The Cruiseport saw an increase from last year’s 388,222 passengers and 150 calls from 35 vessels.
Four ships made their maiden or first-time call to Boston in 2018: Hurtigruten’s MS Fram, Noble Caledonia’s Hebridean Sky, Windstar’s Star Pride, and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Silhouette. Current trends in cruising are for overnight port calls, allowing guests the opportunity to enjoy the destination for an extended amount of time. In 2018, Flynn Cruiseport Boston welcomed 12 ships to overnight at the terminal and will continue this trend into the future.
Massport is delighted to announce some exciting changes out of Boston throughout the 2019 cruise season. Norwegian Cruise Line will be changing their weekly ship sailing from Boston to Bermuda. The Norwegian Dawn will be replaced by the Norwegian Gem, offering loyal NCL clientele a new experience for their annual getaway out of Boston. Norwegian will also be offering three Caribbean itineraries on the Gem, departing March 29, October 25, and November 8.
“The Port of Boston is a popular cruise destination attracting visitors from around the world to the rich history of our region, our championship sports teams, award-winning restaurants, and beautiful sights and we continue to watch Boston grow as an embarkation port and destination port of call for many cruise lines,” said Massport’s Port Director, Lisa Wieland. “I would also like to thank Pat Moscaritolo for his leadership and commitment to making Boston a top tourist destination and bustling center of commerce.”
Next season passengers will be transported to new and exciting destinations offered by three different cruise lines. Ponant’s Le Champlain will cruise to Puerto Morelos, Mexico on October 26th. Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas will embark to the Southern Caribbean islands on October 27th. Holland America will once again offer their Voyage of the Vikings on the Zuiderdam, departing on July 30th and stopping in places such as Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and the Netherlands. Massport will also continue to offer the weekly escapes to Bermuda and the beautiful fall itineraries through Canada/New England.
Boston is one of America’s oldest cities and a 21st century powerhouse. Visit revolutionary landmarks along the Freedom Trail, stroll through Boston Common to Faneuil Hall or tour Fenway Park, the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. Neighborhoods such as the North End, Beacon Hill and the Back Bay offer unique flavors, sights and sounds for every interest. Venture across the Charles River to Cambridge and enjoy the iconic grounds of Harvard University and MIT. Boston is a city where tradition and innovation blend to create a unique cosmopolitan destination.
