Greenock set for record year with 150,000 cruise passengers expectedGreenock set for record year with 150,000 cruise passengers expected

It is a 25% increase on 2022, which the destination attributes to a new dedicated berthing pontoon. 

£20m visitor centre being built

Work on a new £20m cruise ship visitor centre in the locality is also scheduled to conclude later this year. It will feature a museum paying tribute to the renowned, late artist George Wyllie, a restaurant and roof terrace with views of the River Clyde, as well as a purpose-built arrivals and departure hall.

Luxury cruise ships

MSC Virtuosa will call at the small town on the River Clyde near Glasgow for the first time this season. According to Clydeport’s port director Jim McSporran, the port will also be frequented by many ships from the luxury segment. ‘We’re extremely proud to announce a record cruise year for Greenock Ocean Terminal, with much of our business coming from luxury cruise liners serving international travellers,’ he said.

Greenock’s highlights

Situated on Scotland’s west coast, Greenock offers easy access to explore the Scottish countryside including Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and the historical village of Balloch, as well as being just a short journey away from some of the country’s top tourist attractions.

In addition to castles and whisky, passengers can venture to the nearby city of Glasgow – the country’s biggest and busiest metropolitan area – for shops, restaurants, bars and tourist attractions.

Excursions include visits to see the Jacobite Steam Train whose carriages were used in the Harry Potter films.

‘With its bustling cities, picturesque countryside, and even perfectly white sandy beaches, the country really does have something for everyone,’ continued McSporran, ‘It’s a hidden gem for international travellers.’

He added, ‘We can’t wait to welcome our international visitors in style and look forward to giving them a famous Scottish welcome when they arrive.’

Peel Ports Group, which operates Clydeport, will attend Seatrade Cruise Global taking place next week at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.