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Port of Tyne welcomes P&O cruises11 Aug 2010
The Port of Tyne is set to welcome its first cruise call from P&O cruises. The Artemis will arrive on the Tyne 18 August, as part of a successful sell out round Britain cruise.
Carrying 1,200 passengers Artemis offers a uniquely different cruising experience and passengers can enjoy world class dining and entertainment onboard with a packed schedule of shore excursions.
The UK cruise market has doubled in size during the last decade, and is predicted to double again over the next 10 years - to three million passengers annually. As major cruise operators look to explore new markets the Tyne is fast becoming an attractive destination for Northern European cruises.
North East England has much to rival other destinations with world-famous landmarks, heritage sites, boasting more castles than in any other English region, and voted one of Time Magazine's Secret Capitals of Europe - Newcastle offers an exciting cultural mix with something for everyone.
Steven Harrison Chief Operating Officer Port of Tyne says "The Port of Tyne has been successful in attracting some of the world's leading cruise lines, including P&O. In addition we are also working with one of the world's largest cruise lines, Holland America Line and 2010 sees a first visit from the Westerdam carrying over 2,000 passengers to the region on 12 August.
"The Port's cruise and ferries business has a positive economic impact on the region, contributing in excess of £30 million in tourist spend".
Cruise operations at the Port of Tyne continue to perform well with 20 cruise calls due in 2010 and a further 5 associated with the Tall Ships, the really good news is, that with 19 calls already booked for 2011 including another call from P&O the Port will continue to be a major contributor to tourism in the North East.
In April 2010 the Artemis made history, as she set sail with P&O Cruises first female Captain, Sarah Breton, at the helm, becoming only the second female in the world to captain a major cruise liner and the first for P&O.
Steven adds "The Port of Tyne looks forward to welcoming Captain Breton, Artemis and its passengers. As part of this welcome we will be providing a taste of Northumberland reception whereby passengers can sample local produce as there are greeted by the Northumbrian pipes".
The Port of Tyne continues to establish itself as one of the UK's leading cruise ports with over £7 million having been invested in passenger facilities since 2007. The Tyne is well placed to benefit from the continued popularity of cruising. As figures from the Passenger Shipping Association show 1.53 million UK holidaymakers took a cruise last year despite a challenging year for the travel industry. Fourteen new cruise ships are to be launched this year and passenger numbers are on course to rise further still to two million by 2014.
For further information please contact:
Lisa Donohoe, Port of Tyne Assistant Marketing & Communications Manager
Tel: 07912 390 777 Email: lisa.donohoe@portoftyne.co.uk