New cruise ships to head to Liverpool in 2018

Five cruise ships will make inaugural visits to Liverpool Cruise Terminal on the River Mersey in the UK this year.

In addition to maiden calls from AIDA Cruises’ AIDAaura, FTI Cruises’ Berlin, Pullmantur’s Ocean Dream, Seabourn Ovation and Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Sun, the city will welcome 52 other cruise ships in 2018. Combined passenger and crew numbers will hit 100,000.

Notable return callers will include Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, and Princess Cruises’ flagship Royal Princess, which will make four calls this season. Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic will also return for the fourth time in three years this September. Plans are underway to stage a special sail away show to mark the occasion. Other repeat visitors will include Celebrity Cruises with Celebrity Eclipse and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Europa 2, which will both overnight at the terminal.

“We’re thrilled to have so many ships making their inaugural visit to the city and delighted to welcome back old friends,” said Wendy Simon, assistant mayor and cabinet member for culture, tourism and events in Liverpool. “Our cruise offering is exceptional, and we look forward to welcoming more than 100,000 people to experience the city and all it has to offer.” Liverpool’s cruise industry is expected to generate more than £7 million (US$9.6 million) for the local economy in 2018.

“Here at Cruise Liverpool, we welcome the world to the heart of our city and to the birthplace of passenger shipping,” said Peter Murney, Liverpool’s cruise and operations manager. “With such a wealth of things to see and do here, we’re a truly unbeatable destination for international passengers and will remain so.”