Bumper year on horizon for Plymouth’s cruise tourism

Plymouth’s reputation as a must-see cruise destination is soaring with more than 10,000 passengers due to arrive by sea in Britain’s ocean city this year.

Known for centuries as a magnet for seafarers, adventurers and explorers, the city’s rich heritage is proving ever more popular as a port of call for today’s international cruise liners, with bookings up 40% from 2023.

Plymouth is also enjoying growing fame for its warm welcome, thanks to Cruise Plymouth Ambassador volunteers meeting guests as they come ashore, greetings from the town crier and the rousing performance of Plymouth Maritime Corps of Drums plus the support of Plymouth Waterfront Partnership.

Among the 14 vessels already confirmed this year are several making their first call to Plymouth plus several expedition vessels. They include the first visit by Ambassador Cruise Line with their ships Ambition and Ambience, and expedition vessels such as Seabourn Venture, Exploris One, Star Legend, and Le Dumont D’urville.  The port will also welcome luxury cruise liners including Silver Dawn, Silver Spirit, Sirena and Seabourn Sojourn along with visits by German operator Phoenix Reisen with Artania, Amadea, and Amera.

The first liner arrives in April and bookings continue monthly until October with cruise lines from the USA, Germany and France represented along with UK ships. More visits are in the pipeline for 2024 and inquiries are coming in for next year and 2026.

The burgeoning cruise line business all adds up to a significant boost to the local economy and additional employment opportunities. Passengers and many members of the crew generate additional revenue by spending on everything from visiting attractions, taking tours and boat trips, and shopping in gift shops and other retail outlets, cafes and restaurants. The port also benefits from berthing, pilotage and harbour fees.

Amanda Lumley, Destination Plymouth’s chief executive says: “Plymouth, Britain’s ocean city has been working hard to cement our reputation as a must-see port of call and a great many people are busy behind the scenes to make these cruise visits a huge success.

“We recently hosted a two-day familiarisation visit by some cruise industry representatives, including cruise line executives, cruise media and a cruise line ship management representative, to showcase some of the top attractions we have to offer. Their tour included visits to the National Marine Aquarium, Mount Edgcumbe House and Gardens, the Mayflower Museum, Plymouth’s award-winning Museum, gallery and archive The Box, the Elizabethan House living museum and Plymouth Gin Distillery. We also took them on a walk through the historic Barbican with a stop at Mayflower Steps, an exclusive visit to the Royal Citadel, an overview of Plymouth Hoe and an experience out on Plymouth Sound to enjoy the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park – the first in the UK – onboard the Pilot boat.

“The Cruise Plymouth Partnership pulled out all of the stops to ensure our cruise industry guests’ visit was memorable.

“We’re also delighted to say the city has already achieved a reputation within the industry as one of the most welcoming ports for cruise ship visits. One passenger from Saga Cruises’ Spirit of Discovery said that, having been on over 50 cruises around the world, the welcome provided in Plymouth was ‘one of the best’ they had seen.”

Glen Gardner, Destination Plymouth’s Cruise new business development manager said: “Plymouth’s cruise business is going from strength to strength and enhancing the city’s reputation on an international level.

“The familiarisation visits have proved very popular, and were incredibly well-received, with more already planned, and we are delighted to have also been able to offer the opportunity to visit the facilities at Millbay Dock, owned and operated by Associated British Ports (ABP), which are currently undergoing upgrades through a multi-million investment programme to improve berthing and passenger facilities that are due to be in place before the 2025 season.

“A key element of our success is the fantastic welcome we give to all our cruise passengers and we’ll continue to ensure each cruise visit is a really special one.”

The Cruise Plymouth Partnership was created in 2021 with a shared vision to increase the number of cruise ships visiting Plymouth.  This partnership includes Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, ABP (Associated British Ports) Mill Bay, Destination Plymouth, The BID (Business Improvement District) – Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and Plymouth City Centre Company, and Plymouth City Council.