The facility achieves a 150% rise in visitors compared to the same period last year
By
Richard Humphreys |
Liverpool in the UK has had a record-breaking summer season – with a 150% rise in visitors compared to the same period last year.
From April 2018 to the end of July 2018, the facility at Princes Dock has welcomed 57,990 international passengers and crew. So far this year, the terminal has had 15 turnaround calls and 20 day visits, generating £4 million (US$5.11 million) for the city’s tourism economy. One highlight was a call from Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth, which called on the 80th anniversary of the line’s former RMS Mauritania II leaving Cammell Laird.
By the end of 2018, Cruise Liverpool expects to have welcomed over 400 ships and 600,000 visitors, generating around £60 million (US$76.65 million) for the local economy.
“Liverpool’s appeal to the cruise sector continues to grow and we’re now welcoming more vessels with a larger capacity, hence our record number of visitors this summer,” said Wendy Simon, Deputy Mayor of Liverpool and cabinet member for culture and events. “What is really exciting is that the new cruise terminal will enable us to accommodate theses larger vessels more frequently which is going to provide a great boost to our visitor economy over the coming decade.”
Following the arrival of FTI Cruises’ Berlin on 11 August 2018, Liverpool will welcome maiden calls from AIDA Cruises’ AIDAaura, Seabourn Ovation from Seabourn and Ocean Dream, which is operated by Japanese non-governmental organisation Peace Boat.
On 7 September, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic will return to Liverpool, where the line will host a free ‘Magic on the Mersey’ family-friendly garden party on Princes Parade to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 90th Birthday.
“It’s been a pleasure and an honour to welcome almost 60,000 passengers and crew to Liverpool so far this cruise season,” said Pete Murney, Liverpool’s head of cruise and marine operations. “We have many more visitors to welcome in the next few weeks and are looking forward to showing them everything Liverpool has to offer.”