UK-based owner-operator Forth Ports will be highlighting the Port of Dundee’s cruise offering at the upcoming Cruise Shipping Miami in March 2014.
The Scottish city – situated on the north side of the Firth of Tay between Aberdeen and Edinburgh – is undergoing a £1 billion waterfront renovation which includes a £45 million Victoria and Albert (V&A) art and design museum development.
The project is a bid to ensure Dundee is a twenty-first century cruise destination and will capitalise on its unique combination of facilities and fast transport links to attractions such as Glamis Castle, St Andrews and the ancient City of Perth.
Forth Ports will be promoting its core offerings at the Miami conference – the London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury, and the ports of Leith and Rosyth in Scotland – that are also benefiting from continued investment. The London Cruise Terminal is undergoing a multimillion-pound renovation and facilities upgrade to increase its capacity for bigger ships. Deep-water anchorage options and landing stages are being developed in Scotland so that larger vessels can dock closer to Edinburgh.
“We are excited to be exhibiting at Cruise Shipping Miami again this year,” said Forth Ports business development manager Nik Scott-Gray. “This is a great opportunity to show the industry the offering we have in Scotland and London. We are continually improving the experience for visitors with investment in our cruise terminal facilities.”
Forth Ports welcomed 130 cruise ships carrying more than 130,000 visitors to the UK in 2013. Similar numbers are expected for 2014, while advance bookings are already in place for 2015 and 2016.
“We had an excellent 2013 season and we’re looking forward to a busy 2014,” said Captain Richard Exley, marine and cruise manager at the Port of Tilbury. Our cruise terminals in London and Edinburgh – the ‘quays to the capitals’ – are undergoing significant investment and improvements, and offer an excellent passenger experience with the utmost attention to detail. We offer a first-rate service for both passengers and crew and enjoy telling our story on an international stage.”