As Liverpool continues to welcome a new fleet of luxury liners to the Cruise Liner Terminal, Albert Dock has partnered with Liverpool ONE, Liverpool Cathedral, City Central BID, Commercial BID District and, new to this year, Marketing Liverpool to provide a direct bus link into the city centre for visiting cruise passengers.

All aboard the Cruise Connector bus

With a five-figure investment, the Cruise Connector bus is a privately funded initiative to give cruise tourists a warm Liverpool welcome. Now in its fifth year, passengers are greeted as they board by a group of the City Stars volunteers, who welcome travellers with maps and guides of the city, historical tales of landmarks on-route and recommendations on where to experience the very best of Liverpool’s entertainment, leisure and retail offerings.

The Cruise Connector bus provides a regular free service to passengers during the ship’s visit, and swiftly transports them to some of Liverpool’s main public areas, including Albert Dock, Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool ONE, the Town Hall and Commercial District, and Central Station.

Chris Brown, director of Marketing Liverpool, said:

“Not many cities have the advantage of cruises docking right at their heart, so it’s important we maximise the opportunity and connect some of the city’s key sites in the easiest way possible. The specially-designed Cruise Connector bus is the perfect vehicle to make exploring the city simple, and encourage return visits in the future.

“As well as creating a good lasting impression, it has an important immediate role too. The cruise industry plays a huge role in the city’s visitor economy, and it is growing each year. Cruise passengers tend to have significant spending potential, and guiding them through the city makes it much more likely they will spend here rather than in other ports of call.”

Peter Cronin, director of development and marketing for Albert Dock Liverpool, said:

“The Cruise Connector bus provides cruise passengers with an efficient, convenient and totally free way of exploring our wonderful city, including Albert Dock, which is home to some of the city’s most loved attractions, the Beatles Story, Tate Liverpool and the Merseyside Maritime Museum. The bus is also a great example of how we can work with our city partners to give guests the very best visitor experience possible while they are here.”

Jenny Moran, visitor services manager, Anglican Cathedral, said:

“The Cruise Connector continues to go from strength to strength, with the passengers receiving a warm Scouse welcome when they arrive. We are able to take them into the heart of the city right outside some of our most famous tourist attractions and of course a shopping offer second to none. They always leave the bus with a smile.”

Chris Bliss, estate director of Liverpool ONE, said:

“Along with our partners, we want to make sure that cruise passengers receive the warm Liverpool welcome that the city is renowned for. The free shuttle bus means those who wish to hit the shops while they’re here can move easily between the ship, the main shopping areas and key visitor attractions. In addition, the City Star volunteer scheme, which we drive in partnership with Liverpool City Council give that personal touch.”

Bill Addy, City Central BID, said:

“Cruise passengers are a vital part of our summer economy and a free bus service is a great way to showcase what the city centre has to offer.

“The Cruise Connector bus is the perfect way for visiting cruise passengers to explore the various districts of the city, which they might have missed out on. This efficient and convenient service not only benefits businesses all around the city, but makes Liverpool more accessible allowing passengers to get the absolute most out of their visit.”