By
Cherie Rowlands |
MSC Lirica is the first of the new cruise operators boosting cruise calls to record level at the Port of Tyne this year.
The port’s chief operating officer Steven Harrison said: “We will welcome 37 cruise ships this year which is a record number for the Port of Tyne. The Tyne is a new destination for MSC and the Lirica, but other new cruise operators we will welcome this year include Seabourn, Discovery, Swan Hellenic and Peter Deilmann.”
The Lirica delivered more than 1,700 passengers to the port on 12 April for a day of sightseeing across the region. Attractions included Hadrian's Wall, Alnwick Castle, the Pennines, Newcastle City Centre and Durham Cathedral.
Hadrian's Wall Heritage CEO Linda Tutiett said: “Visitors to Hadrian's Wall have definitely increased because of the influx of cruise calls to the Port of Tyne. It’s a remarkable success story that shows no signs of stopping and we look forward to welcoming passengers from MSC Lirica throughout the cruise season.”
Cruise ships visiting the Port of Tyne pushed up the region’s economy by £45 million in 2011.