Plymouth's cursing industry sailing high!

Last year was record-breaking

Plymouth welcomed 13,000 passengers and crew members last year from 13 cruise ships.

And 13 bookings have been secured for this year, including the Norwegian Pearl, the first ship to arrive at the port from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL).

The city’s cruise industry is growing following the establishment of Cruise Plymouth Partnership in 2021 which includes Plymouth City Council.

Speaking at the council’s natural infrastructure and growth scrutiny panel, deputy council leader Jemima Laing (Lab, Stoke) praised volunteer ‘cruise ambassadors’  who she said gave an “extraordinary welcome” to visitors.

Last year was the bestto date for cruise ships, bringing an extra £1.5 million to the city, which is set to be equalled or surpassed in 2025.

Plymouth’s cruise season begins in March and runs to September, featuring visits from the UK, Germany, and Norway, as well as guests travelling from the USA.

Destination Plymouth recently announced that Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition is scheduled for multiple visits, alongside Spirit of Adventure from Saga Cruises.

Phoenix Reisen Cruises will bring Amera, while the luxury Crystal Serenity from Crystal (A&K Travel Group) will also call more than once.

Saga Cruises’ Spirit of Discovery, Hebridean Island Cruises’ Hebridean Princess, and Oceania Cruises’ Vista and Sirena will add to the vessels docking at Plymouth. Additionally, the sleek Silver Dawn from Silversea Cruises is set to make its appearance, rounding out the lineup of international cruise operators for the year.

Cruise new business development manager for Destination Plymouth Glen Gardner said the guests enjoy the rich heritage, and Plymouth is famed for its warm welcome.

“This is reflected in our bookings, with numbers growing year-on-year, magnifying the city’s reputation on both a national and international level,” he said.

Amanda Lumley, chief executive of Destination Plymouth said Plymouth had been “working tirelessly” to cement its reputation as a must-visit port for cruise liners, and to ensure the success of the visits.

Cruise Plymouth Partnership includes Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, ABP Millbay, Destination Plymouth, the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership BID and Plymouth City Centre Company, as well as Plymouth City Council.