In 2018 Liverpool Cruise Terminal welcomed 57 vessels carrying more than 100,000 passengers and crew and this year those figures will rise to 86 vessels and 165,000 people. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool’s city centre economy will benefit to the tune of an estimated £12m thanks to the 2019 cruise which begins in a few weeks when the Costa Mediterranea arrives in the Mersey.
This is £5m more than in 2018 when 57 vessels, 24 turnaround calls and 33 transit calls, berthed at Liverpool Cruise Terminal carrying more than 100,000 passengers and crew. This year staff at the terminal will welcome 165,000 passengers on 86 vessels.
One of the highlights of the season, which begins in April, will be the return of Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 which will be calling to pick up passengers in July for a crossing that will take them to New York.
The terminal, which also caters for naval and offshore wind farm support vessels, will welcome 11 newcomers making their maiden voyage along the Mersey this year including Celebrity Reflection, Costa Mediterranea and the Viking Jupiter.
Joining the Liverpool debutants will be the innovator in cruising, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), voted ‘Europe’s Leading Cruise Line’ 11 years in a row. Its 268-meter vessel, Norwegian Spirit, will be visiting three times throughout the year.
Other highlights will include the arrival of two Cunard ships throughout the season – Queen Victoria on June 12 and August 19 and Queen Mary 2 on 16 July. While on September 13 it will be time to wish upon a star as the ever-popular Disney Magic cruise ship makes its fifth return journey to the city.
Liverpool head of cruise and marine operations Peter Murney said: “Last year was an amazing one for us where we really secured Liverpool’s place as a major player and one of the best cruise ship destinations in Europe.
“It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team that even more fantastic vessels will be heading our way in 2019 and we’re looking forward to giving them all a great Liverpool welcome.”