RECORD FIGURES FOR CRUISEBRITAIN
Monday 15th March: cruiseBritain, a new joint initiative between the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA), cruise industry and VisitBritain, is proud
to announce record figures for 2009 despite it being a financially challenging year. The total number of passengers joining their cruise at a UK port has nearly doubled since 2003 to 733,000 in 2009, a three per cent increase on the previous year. The number of visits by cruise passengers to UK ports increased by seven per cent to 448,000.
With more than 450 cruises departing from the UK in 2010, including three brand new ships (Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse, Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth and P&O Cruises’ Azura), Cruise & Maritime introducing a second ship, Ocean Countess, Royal Caribbean International providing a year-round service from Southampton with Independence of the Seas, Disney Cruise Lines and Holland America Line introducing full length cruises out of Dover, further growth for 2010 is guaranteed.
Kate O’Hara, Chair of cruiseBritain confirmed, “It is particularly exciting to witness the growth in the UK, both as a source market and as a destination for visitors. Collectively, the UK can offer such a diverse assortment of themed itineraries and attractions and we are delighted to now have the opportunity to welcome cruise lines to join us at our new pavilion at Seatrade Miami to collectively learn of the opportunities that are available.”
For the first time this year cruiseBritain (supported by the UKT&I) will be hosting a British pavilion at the Cruise and Shipping Conference in Miami (stands 411 and 429). With representation from ABP Port of Southampton, Dover Cruise Port, cruiseGuernsey Government, Holy Loch Marina, Liverpool Cruise Terminal, London Central Cruise Moorings, Port of Jersey, Port of Tyne and Viking Recruitment, the pavilion really does showcase what a diverse destination Britain is.
Speaking from the Conference in Miami, Jordan Hewitt of VisitBritain says “VisitBritain are extremely proud to once again be working in conjunction with CruiseBritain to promote Britain as a key destination to cruise liners itineraries across the world. It is important that we highlight the quality destinations that Britain has to offer and encourage cruise liners to not only come to Britain, but also explore Britain. Land-based excursions are a crucial element of many cruises and with not many parts of Britain far from the sea, many local communities can benefit from local ports that are able to accommodate cruise liners.”
Alongside cruiseBritain’s appearance in Miami a brand new members guide will be available featuring information such as port facilities, passenger amenities and destination information.
Ends
Editors Notes To mark the launch of the British pavilion, cruiseBritain will be hosting a cocktail reception at The National Hotel in Miami on Wednesday 17th March 2010, in conjunction with the British Consulate and VisitBritain. For more information and to obtain an invitation, please contact Hayley Martin, Coordinator at hayley@psa-ace.org. Contact:Hayley Martin, CoordinatorCruiseBritaine: hayley@psa-ace.orgT: 020 7436 2449M: 07843 688385
Date : 15 Mar 2010