Liverpool’s new cruise season starts on Sunday, with thousands of passengers set to call into the city during an amazing seven months of visits.
The season will begin with the arrival of the Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ 880 passenger ship Boudicca at 6pm on Sunday (21 April).
Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer our guests the chance to cruise from the world-famous Pier Head in Liverpool in 2013, with its iconic vistas and vibrant atmosphere. We are now making it even easier for our guests to cruise with us from right on their doorstep, and we look forward to welcoming our loyal Merseyside customers aboard Boudicca this year.”
In total, there will be 36 ships visiting the city between now and October. This compares with 15 visits in 2011, and next year looks to be even more successful with 50 cruise ships already booked in.
The breathtaking Queen Mary 2 will be sailing in to coincide with the re-opening of Central Library on May 17 and first time visitor, Celebrity Infinity will be taking pride of place on the Mersey for the final day of the River Festival and Music on the Waterfront in June.
Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “The cruise liner industry is vital to the city’s economy.
“We have had nothing but positive feedback from the liner companies and the increase in cruise ships already booked for the next two years just highlights the success of the city as a tourist destination.
“It will be fantastic to see a new cruise ship, Celebrity Infinity, on our iconic waterfront to coincide with River Festival –I’m sure thousands of people will head down there to take in the free maritime treat!”
Cruise Terminal manager, Angie Redhead, said: “Liverpool is now firmly established in the cruise industry and I am delighted to be welcoming so many cruise ships to the city.
“Our growth is purely from passenger satisfaction, we have had no negative feedback. In fact Liverpool usually exceeds expectations.
“The Cruise Terminal and return of these big passenger shops are tangible evidence of Liverpool’s regeneration and gives local people back a sense of pride.”
The arrivals this season are:
21 April 2013 – BOUDICCA
28 April 2013 – DISCOVERY
03 May 2013 – BOUDICCA
07 May 2013 – DISCOVERY
14 May 2013 – BOUDICCA
16 May 2013 – DISCOVERY
17 May 2013 – QM2
18 May 2013 – Celebrity Infinity
22 May 2013 – Corinthian ll
23 May 2013 – BOUDICCA
05 June 2013 – Voyages of Discovery
06 June 2013 – BOUDICCA
09 June 2013 – Celebrity Infinity
20 June 2013 – Astor
03 July 2013 – Caribbean Princess
14-16 July 2013 The World
17 July 2013 – BOUDICCA
27 July 2013 – Caribbean Princess
31 July 2013 – BOUDICCA
06 August 2013 – Queen Elizabeth
08 August 2013 – Prinsendam
10 August 2013 – Celebrity Infinity
14 August 2013 – BOUDICCA
17 August 2013 – Aida Cara
20 August 2013 – Caribbean Princess
24 August 2013 – Pacific Star
25 August 2013 – Pacific Star
26 August 2013 – BOUDICCA
29 August 2013 – Crystal Serenity
30 August 2013 – BOUDICCA
31 August 2013 – Aida Cara
01 September 2013 – Celebrity Infinity
11 September 2013 – Bremen
13 September 2013 – BOUDICCA
16 October 2013 – BOUDICCA
