Sponsored By

Plymouth poised for over 11,000 cruise passengers this yearPlymouth poised for over 11,000 cruise passengers this year

The number of cruise calls in 2024 exceeded the amount in the previous year by more than 40%.

Holly Payne, Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

January 24, 2025

3 Min Read
Plymouth-cruise-industry-One-Plymouth-Plymouth-Waterfront-Partnership
(L) Ambition is scheduled to call at Plymouth on multiple occasions in 2025; (R) A warm welcome for cruise passengers arriving in PlymouthPHOTO: (L) PLYMOUTH WATERFRONT PARTNERSHIP, (R) ONE PLYMOUTH / PLYMOUTH WATERFRONT PARTNERSHIP

Cruise bookings in Plymouth continue to grow, with a further 14.5% year-on-year increase, according to current 2025 booking data. 

The city is poised to host over 11,700 passengers in 2025. It received almost 10,000 passengers last year – more than 40% compared with 2023.

‘Plymouth’s cruise business is really making us proud,’ said Glen Gardner, Destination Plymouth’s cruise new business development manager. ‘Our international guests enjoy the city’s rich heritage, and we are famed for our warm welcome. This is reflected in our bookings, with numbers growing year-on-year, magnifying the city’s reputation on both a national and international level.’

2025 cruise calls 

Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition is scheduled for multiple visits this year, alongside Saga Cruises' Spirit of Adventure and Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Pearl. 

Gardner said, ‘We are excited to announce that this year we will welcome Norwegian Cruise Line to Plymouth for the very first time. This milestone has been years in the making and we are really looking forward to hosting the stunning Norwegian Pearl on May 6, as part of its transatlantic cruise between New York City and Southampton. 

‘Additionally, we are delighted to announce that Oceania Cruises’ Vista will also be visiting in 2025…We remain committed to ensuring that every visit to Plymouth is a truly memorable experience.’ 

Related:Passengers and crew bring extra £1.5m to Plymouth

Also calling is Oceania Cruises’ Sirena.

Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity will call at the port on more than one occasion.

Saga Cruises’ Spirit of Discovery, Hebridean Island Cruises’ Hebridean Princess and Silversea Cruises’ Silver Dawn will further add to the variety of vessels docking in Plymouth. 

Economic benefit

Plymouth’s cruise season begins in March and runs through September, typically brining passengers from the UK, Germany, Norway and the US. 

The cruise industry continues to have a positive economic impact on Plymouth through spending on shopping and services.

The arrival of large cruise ships brings a flurry of activity to the city, with additional staff employed to ensure a seamless experience, including entertainers, which supports local businesses. 

‘Plymouth has been working tirelessly to cement its reputation as a must-visit port for cruise liners, and countless individuals are working behind the scenes to ensure the success of these visits,’ stated Amanda Lumley, chief executive of Destination Plymouth. 

‘The city’s cruise industry has continued to grow, boosting the economy and we are delighted to see the results of this collective effort. 

‘Plymouth has built such a great reputation as a key destination for cruise ships and one of the most welcoming ports for cruise passengers, and we are excited to welcome both new visitors and old friends to our port in 2025.’

Additional bookings are in discussion for 2026 and 2027.

Read more about:

UK & Ireland

About the Author

Holly Payne

Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

Holly is Deputy Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review & Seatrade Cruise News and has experience managing a range of highly successful international business and consumer titles. With a flair for video reporting and a history of overseas work documenting people and places of diverse cultures, Holly brings a variety of skills to the Seatrade Cruise portfolio.

Holly’s academic credentials include oral and written Arabic language skills (intermediate-advanced), an MA Multimedia Journalism with NCTJ accreditation, and a BA (Hons) Degree in Classical and Archaeological Studies with English and American Literature.

 

The latest cruise news, analysis and more straight to your inbox
Get the free newsletter read by industry experts

You May Also Like