News & Media
1st September 2017
Norwegian Cruise Line Visits Port of Tyne
The 294 metre-long cruise ship Norwegian Jade made its inaugural call at the Port of Tyne today (Friday, 1 September) marking the first call of Norwegian Cruise Line - bringing with her 2,400 passengers and over 1,000 crew to explore North East England.
Visitors from every corner of the globe will be disembarking from Norwegian Jade, as passengers from 45 different nations set out to explore the region's iconic attractions and hidden gems.
During their time ashore they will be visiting Newcastle City Centre, Hadrian's Roman Wall, Durham Cathedral and Castle, Beamish museum, Alnwick Castle and Gardens and the Durham Dales.
Norwegian Jade was delivered to Norwegian Cruise Line in 2006 - and the ship boasts 15 different restaurants, pools a spa, theatre, library, Broadway style show lounge and an art gallery.
Steven Harrison, Port of Tyne Chief Operating Officer, said: "The combined effect of the Port of Tyne cruise and ferry business adds some £51 million to the regional economy supporting 1,700 tourism related jobs - making a significant impact.
"The Port has worked hard to expand our cruise operations to accommodate these large cruise ships and we are proud to welcome Norwegian Cruise Line for the first time - we hope that Norwegian Jade's passengers and crew enjoy their visit and return again soon."
The growth in cruise operations at the Port of Tyne is evident in the record number of cruise calls - in 2017 there will be 52 cruise arrivals and already 52 provisionally booked for 2018.
The number of passengers is also rising with 50,000 cruise ship passengers and around 600k ferry passengers and growing each year.
Norwegian Jade will we sailing at 5pm on Friday (1st September) but the region won't have to wait long to see her return as she will be back for three calls in 2018.
For further information please contact:
Lisa Donohoe, Public Relations Manager
Tel: +44 (0)191 455 2671 Mobile: +44 (0)79123 90777