Cruise lines return to Liverpool
Liverpool is hoping to see more cruiselines start voyages from the city following a decision to award its port "turnaround status".
Cruise ships are currently only allowed to stop off at the Pier Head terminal, which was built by Liverpool City Council in 2008 with £20m grant aid.
The Department for Transport said Liverpool would be granted turn-around status, allowing cruise ships to start and end their voyages in the city, on condition that the City Council repays £8.8m of the aid.
Southampton port had argued against Liverpool gaining turnaround status unless it repays the full grant, which was awarded out of public funds.
Fred. Olsen cruise welcomed the news and said it would bring Boudicca back to the city in spring/summer 2013.
The cruise line is making a return with 10 cruises between April and August 2013.
Nathan Philpot, sales and marketing director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: "Having been a supporter of the Merseyside region for a number of years, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines welcomes the decision to grant turnaround status for Pier Head in Liverpool.
"This is a great opportunity for the City of Liverpool to boost its status as a major departure port in the UK. It also benefits Fred. Olsen and other cruise operators, as it will improve the accessibility of the port by eliminating locks and increasing the tidal window available to cruise ships."
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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