Plymouth buoyed by extra £1.5 million from cruise business
Plymouth’s burgeoning cruise business has brought in an extra £1.5 million to the city this year after bookings doubled compared with 2022
Data claims that on average, each cruise visitor spends around £90, with the south west coast city and the surrounding economy also benefitting from additional income including port and pilotage fees and the spin-off spend associated with excursions.
Destination Plymouth chief executive Amanda Lumley said the extra income, which is growing by the year, was a “fantastic boost” to the local economy.
“We’re delighted to see so many passengers and crew enjoying our city and spending on everything from visiting the attractions and taking tours, to the gift shops and other retail outlets, cafes and restaurants,” she added.
In 2022 the city welcomed seven cruise ships and this year it will host 14 vessels, equating to a potential 10,500 passengers and more than 5,000 crew. Next year the port has ten vessels slated for arrival with a further four ships set to confirm.
Plymouth to welcome more than 10,000 passengers in 2024
Earlier this year the port shared how it was preparing to host more than 10,000 cruise passengers after bookings rose by 40% compared with the same time in 2023.
Among the 14 vessels confirmed to dock in the city this year are several making their first call, plus a number of expedition vessels.
Ambassador Cruise Line made its debut when Ambition and Ambience arrived in the port, with expedition vessels such as Seabourn Venture, Exploris One, Star Legend, and Le Dumont D’urville set to arrive later this year.
