Liverpool set for £7m boost as cruise season gets underway

Liverpool is preparing to welcome an array of new cruise ships in 2018.

The city’s Cruise Terminal will host 57 vessels this year as they carry over 100k international passengers and crew to Merseyside.

Cruise ships AIDAaura, Berlin, Ocean Dream, Seabourn Ovation and Viking Sun will make their inaugural visits to the city in the coming months.

Cunard Line, meanwhile, will bring its luxury Queen Victoria vessel to Liverpool on May 22 and the Queen Elizabeth on July 23.

Other returning ships include Princess Cruises’ flagship Royal Princess, which weighs the same as 114 Mersey ferries, and Disney Magic.

Liverpool’s cruise industry is forecast to generate over £7m for the local economy in 2018.

Cllr Wendy Simon, Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Events, said: “For more than a decade, Liverpool has been a leading destination within the travel, hospitality and cruise sector.

“We’re thrilled to have so many ships making their inaugural visit to the city and delighted to welcome back old friends.”

She added: “Our cruise offering is exceptional and we look forward to welcoming more than 100, 000 people to experience the city and all it has to offer.”

Liverpool’s Cruise and Operations Manager, Pete Murney, commented: “Here at Cruise Liverpool, we welcome the world to the heart of our city and to the birthplace of passenger shipping.

“With such a wealth of things to see and do here, we’re a truly unbeatable destination for international passengers and will remain so.”