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A record 922,000 passengers visited British ports

A record 922,000 passengers visited British ports
Figures released by CruiseBritain show that more passengers than ever before visited Great Britain through the country’s 57 cruise ports in 2014.

110 individual ships called into UK ports, with many ships calling on multiple occasions, and these ships brought a record 922,000 passengers on day calls, a rise of 6% over 2013.

53 different cruise lines visited UK ports in 2014 from Kirkwall, Orkney in the far north to the Channel Islands and the Isles of Scilly off the south coast.  Round Britain cruises remain steadily popular and allow an unusual and seamless way of exploring Britain's diversity of coasts, castles, cities and countryside.

'The growth in day call passengers is the continuation of a seven-year trend and one that we and our members work tirelessly to encourage,’  commented Daren Taylor, Chair of CruiseBritain.   

'2014 saw drop in the number of passengers beginning their cruise at British ports but the introduction of P&O Cruises' Britannia and Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas is anticipated to redress the balance. It is a glowing testament to Britain's strength as a cruise destination that the country can attract the newest, largest and most contemporary cruise ships in the market,’ he commented.

'As the global cruise market continues to grow, we are confident that Britain's appeal as a cruise destination will mirror that growth,’ Taylor said.

CruiseBritain and member ports and service providers are participating at Cruise Shipping Miami this week where the annual British Street Party, taking place on its booth on Tuesday, is supported by the British Consulate, Miami; UK Trade and Investment and Meantime Brewery, Greenwich.