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Port of Tyne welcomes largest cruise ship

The Port of Tyne is preparing for its busiest day ever at its International Passenger Terminal in North Shields today.

As well as the arrival of a record five passenger ships in one day, the Port also welcomes the biggest cruise ship ever to visit the site.

Today (Tuesday 16 August) Holland America Line’s Koningsdam will break the record books as the largest cruise ship to visit the Port of Tyne at 297.2 metres long and 99,500 gross tons. Launched in April this year Koningsdam is one of the world’s newest cruise ships bringing almost 4,000 passengers and crew to the region.

Every available passenger berth will be used as five passenger ships arrive bringing visitors the North East region.

German-operated Aida Vita which arrived on Monday is sailing today (Tuesday morning) closely followed by the arrival of Seven Seas Voyager, Koningsdam, the DFDS King Seaways and Astor.

The combined length of all five vessels is 1,043.90 metres (3,424.86 feet) and an estimated 10,000 passengers and crew are expected to pass through the Port’s International Passenger Terminal throughout the day.

Andrew Moffat Port of Tyne, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Port has worked hard to increase the number of cruise ships coming into the region and this year we expect a record 43 cruise calls, up from 29 last year.

“Whilst this is good news for the Port of Tyne, it is also very good for the region - the impact on the local economy is estimated at around £50m each year, supporting 1,700 jobs.

“The team is well prepared and looking forward to welcoming a record number of international visitors in just 24 hours.”

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