A total of 114 cruise ships from 52 cruise lines visited 55 ports across Britain in 2016, according to figures from CruiseBritain.
Many CruiseBritain member ports are ideally placed for cruise guests to visit some of Britain’s key national and regional attractions, and its best scenery and coastlines. Located just an hour from London, Tilbury port provides easy access to London's world-class attractions. Up in Scotland, the port of Orkney is an hour from Skara Brae and the Italian Chapel, while the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge is close to the Port of Southampton. Customers are spoiled for choice when on a cruising holiday in Britain.
Growing cruise numbers have encouraged many British ports to invest in developments that will help them improve both the cruise line and passenger experience. For instance, on the south coast, the Port of Southampton refurbished all four cruise terminals in 2016, Portland Port has opened its extended berth, and Poole will open a new cruise facility his November.
Passenger comfort enhancements have taken place in Guernsey and Portsmouth, while Tilbury continues to improve its Grade II-listed terminal and floating landing stage.
“Britain really can offer a port for every cruise ship currently sailing – from the largest vessels to mid-range and boutique ships, and to the small expedition ships looking for a more secluded and bespoke experience,” comments Angie Redhead, chair of CruiseBritain. ‘’Industry growth shows no sign of slowing down and is testament to our world-class attractions and the tireless work of our members and of the British cruise industry.’’
CruiseBritain expects that Britain’s popularity as a cruise destination will only increase as ports look set to continue handling more than one million passengers, many of them British.