UK port secures calls from seven operators as part of their cruises along the English coastline
By
Rebecca Gibson |
The Port of Tyne is preparing for a rise in cruise guests in the summer 2021 season after seven cruise operators confirmed they will sail to and from the port as part of their new UK-only sailings.
The port, which has two purpose-built, lock-free cruise berths that can accommodate vessels of up to 300 metres in length, has secured calls from operators such as Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Saga and Tradewind Voyages. Fred. Olsen has also scheduled 21 new sailings from the Port of Tyne for summer 2022.
Port of Tyne’s team has worked with cruise operators, the UK Department for Transport, Cruise Lines International Association, the UK Chamber of Shipping and other industry stakeholders to produce a new framework to ensure it can safely restart cruise operations once domestic travel bans lift in the UK on 17 May. Some of the new health and safety measures include Covid-19 testing, health screenings, face coverings, physical distancing and enhanced cleaning.
“Cruise operators using the port are an intrinsic part of our service offering and we are delighted to see the imminent return of sailings after a very difficult year,” said Kate O'Hara, commercial director at Port of Tyne. “We are well-versed in Covid-safe working; the port has been open continuously since the outset of the pandemic and we go to great lengths to ensure the safety of everyone on-site who uses our facilities. Now this means doing everything possible to help cruise operators restore public confidence and get people back out enjoying the amazing holiday experiences they offer."