Sailings from UK regional ports expected to rise this year
Figures released today by CruiseBritain show a predicted 3% increase in the number of cruise ship departures from British ports this year.
The growth reflects an increase in the number of sailings from regional ports as well as the more established cruise ports of Southampton and Dover.
Round Britain cruises, focusing on calls to British and Irish ports, are also expected to rise by 12% to 120 departures and show a projected growth of nearly 70% since 2010.
868 cruises are currently scheduled to depart from British ports this year.
"As well as the rise in Round Britain cruises, the growth in departure numbers is encouraging, especially as it involves some ports such as Bristol which have not welcomed cruise ships for 20 years," said Kate O’Hara, chair of CruiseBritain.
"The profile of Britain as a cruise destination is definitely increasing and we welcome all port initiatives to increase traffic."
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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