Royal Caribbean International, P&O Cruises and TUI Cruises all called alongside Liverpool for the first time this year.
Ships on first calls included Albatross, Saga Pearl, Marco Polo and AIDAcara. About 27,000 passengers on 15 calls called the UK port with 30,000 on 20 calls forecast for 2012.
The City of Liverpool Cruise Terminal is awaiting confirmation from the Government that it can commence turnaround operations. Keith Blundell, head of tourism Liverpool City Council, said he believes Liverpool has put a convincing case to government vis a vis competition issues and that there will be only a small impact on the UK market from Liverpool’s entry.
If Liverpool is successsful, a temporary passenger facility will be erected at Pier Head to cater primarily to existing departures from Langton Dock. At present the maximum number of turnaround calls that could be catered for annually is 50. Medium size and smaller vessels could be accommodated. The quay is 250m long with two dolphins.
