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The arrival of 'Albatros' on 19th November marks the end of the 2015 cruise season at Portsmouth International Port, with staff at the Port now getting ready for an exciting 2016.
The German liner has called at Portsmouth twice in the last month and, each stop delivered a full day ashore for more than 800 passengers.
The world class tourist attractions in and around Portsmouth look set to be a major draw in 2016 too. With 35 cruise ships currently booked to call at Portsmouth International Port next year it will be another busy cruise season, starting on 15 April with the arrival of Swan Hellenic’s Minerva.
May will be the busiest month of 2016 with 12 visits booked. Fully flexible facilities mean ships and passengers will receive the highest levels of bespoke service at the thriving Port.
Among new callers in 2016 is the National Geographic ship Orion. It represents a continuing trend at Portsmouth International Port, which has become known as a destination for smaller, luxury explorer ships in recent years.
With just 53 cabins for 102 guests, the ship was designed and purpose built in Germany in 2003 specifically for expedition travel. National Geographic Orion was created from the outset to explore the far corners of the Earth in complete self-sufficiency. It has a hull that can withstand ice, and carries 14 Zodiac inflatables for up-close exploration.
At the other end of the scale, Saga Sapphire, with up to 720 passengers, is also making a first time visit to Portsmouth International Port. With an informal atmosphere, spacious cabins and even a quirky Beach Club and a crazy golf course, it is a ship that has certainly been designed for fun! Saga cruise ships are no strangers to the Port, with the Saga Ruby and Saga Pearl II having visited in the past. It is great to welcome Saga back.
Rupert Taylor, harbour master at Portsmouth International Port, is in charge of the cruise ship schedule. He said: “We've worked hard over the last few years to attract a wide range of ships to the Port for turnaround and tourist calls; attending the major exhibitions and conventions to explain why Portsmouth is such a fabulous place for cruise ships to visit. We're delighted that new ships will be joining our regular callers in 2016, bringing thousands of passengers to experience the wonderful history and attractions on our doorstep.”