English seaport receives second cruise visit of 2018 as part of its initiative to drive growth
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Cruise tourism is expected to grow in Cowes on the Isle of Wight after the English seaport town handled its second cruise call of the year on 29 April 2018.
Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Astor moored off Cowes at 13:30 local time and passengers took a tender to Trinity Landing at Cowes Parade, where they were greeted by a team of travel ambassadors from Visit Isle of Wight who provided tourist information and leaflets.
Unlike in the past when cruise visitors have been picked up by coaches and taken to other parts of the Isle of Wight, this time they were encouraged to explore Cowes’ own attractions. They include boutiques and galleries, restaurants and cafés, the Sir Max Aitken Museum, the Classic Boat museum, and much more.
“It is great to welcome new visitors to the island and those arriving on cruise ships,” said Zoe Stroud, project manager at Visit Isle of Wight. “The team offered inspiring ideas of things to see and do. We are also developing specific itineraries to really showcase what the island has to offer.”
Astor’s call was secured by the Cowes Harbour Commission and Visit Isle of Wight, who have joined with Destination Cowes to embark on an initiative to encourage more cruise ships to visit Cowes.
“We are very pleased to be having a visit from another cruise ship, Astor,” said Stuart McIntosh, harbour master. “Cowes Harbour Commission has been working very closely with Visit Isle of Wight to try and attract more cruise ships to use Cowes and the Isle of Wight as one of their destinations.”