By
Rebecca Gibson |
Britain’s 57 cruise ports welcomed a record number of passengers in 2014, according to CruiseBritain.
Although CLIA reported a decrease in the number of cruise ship departures from the UK in 2014, Britain’s ports handled 110 ships from 53 cruise lines last year. Many of these ships called on multiple occasions and brought a record 922,000 passengers on day calls, a rise of 6% from 2013.
“The growth in day-call passengers is the continuation of a seven-year trend and one that we and our members work tirelessly to encourage,” said Daren Taylor, chair of CruiseBritain. “2014 saw a drop in the number of passengers beginning their cruise at British ports but the introduction of P&O Cruises’ Britannia and Royal Caribbean Interantional’s Anthem of the Seas is anticipated to redress the balance. It is a glowing testament to Britain’s strength as a cruise destination that the country can attract the newest, largest and most contemporary cruise ships in the market.”
Round Britain cruises also remained popular in 2014 because the short sailing distances between the destinations enable passengers to visit many places during their voyage.
“Britain can offer a port for every cruise ship currently sailing – from the largest vessels carrying thousands of passengers to mid-range and boutique ships, and the small expedition ships looking for a more remote experience,” said Taylor.