More cruise ships on the way to lift city economy
PLYMOUTH is expected to receive an economic boost when it welcomes 11 cruise ships in 2022 as the city steps up its ambition to become a leading destination for visiting vessels.
Its cruise industry has seen a positive restart, with seven cruise calls to Britain’s Ocean City this summer.
It has welcomed vessels including the Golden Horizon of Tradewind Voyages, the world’s largest square rigged sailing cruise ship; the boutique cruise ship Hebridean Princess; and, most recently, the maiden call of Vasco da Gama of Germany’s Nicko Cruises, part of the Mystic Cruises Group.
This year’s visits were warmly welcomed after all planned visits during 2020 were cancelled due to Covid.
With a further 11 cruise calls already scheduled for 2022, Amanda Lumley, executive director of Destination Plymouth, said: “We’ve been working hard to grow the number of cruise visits to the city and develop the offering for passengers, so we were delighted to welcome seven ships this year.
“Cruise tourism is a huge opportunity and provides a real economic boost for local businesses as many passengers will choose to remain in Plymouth and explore our attractions, shops and eateries.
“We’ve pledged to get serious about cruise, increasing the number of visits and the financial and reputational benefits that each of those visits brings.”
In July, Plymouth appointed Glen Gardner as cruise development manager shortly after announcing that Trinity Pier was set to become a major berth for cruise ships. The city’s Visitor Plan envisages Plymouth
becoming a ‘premier destination’ for cruise ships during the next five years, with key locations for boats to arrive and leave at Millbay Docks.
Trinity Pier, where a huge warehouse was demolished early this year, is earmarked as a berth for vessels up to 150m in length. At West Wharf pier, at the opposite side of the dock, ships as long as 220m are able to pull alongside.
Even larger vessels are able to be anchored in Plymouth Sound, from where passengers can be brought ashore in tender boats. Excursion passengers will usually be tendered into the recently enhanced facility at Associated British Ports’ Millbay port, while independent guests are tendered ashore to the Barbican landing stage.
Throughout this year, extra effort has been made to improve the welcome cruise visitors receive when they arrive in Plymouth. A team of cruise ambassador volunteers have been on hand to share information and advice about what to see and do. Town crier John Pitt and deputy town crier David Green have also joined the welcoming parties.
During the call of the Vasco da Gama last Sunday, a newly-refurbished Destination Plymouth cruise caravan trailer was set up at Commercial Wharf to provide ‘pop-up’ tourist information, staffed by the cruise ambassador volunteers. Material provided for the guests included maps and information written in German.
Tasty samples of locally produced food and drink were also on offer, thanks to donations from Plymouth Gin and Burts Snacks.
Strict protocols were in place for all guests and crew, with access only being allowed after stringent checks, including a full testing regime.