UK Port Expects Record-Breaking Cruise Ship Calls in 2025
Portsmouth Port Set for Record Cruise Season
Portsmouth International Port, located on England’s picturesque south coast, is gearing up for an exciting cruise season in 2025. The port is set to welcome a record 94 ships, including several luxury cruise liners making their maiden visits. This surge in cruise activity marks a significant milestone for the port, which is about 20 miles west of Southampton. The anticipated increase in cruise calls is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to the local community and the surrounding region.
Economic Impact of Increased Cruise Calls
The influx of cruise ships at Portsmouth International Port is expected to generate considerable revenue for the local economy. Each ship that docks at the port can contribute as much as £1.5 million (approximately $1.8 million USD) to the area. This figure includes port fees and the spending habits of cruise passengers, who often engage in excursions and shop at local businesses.
Steve Pitt, the leader of Portsmouth City Council, emphasized the port’s importance to the city’s infrastructure and economy. He stated, “The international port is a vital part of our city’s infrastructure and history, generating £9.2 million ($11 million USD) in profit, which goes directly back into council services.” This revenue not only supports local services but also enhances the overall quality of life for residents.
Moreover, the port is taking significant steps towards sustainability. With a goal to achieve emissions-free operations by 2050, Portsmouth International Port is investing in innovative shore power technology. This system will allow up to three cruise ships to plug into the local electrical grid simultaneously, significantly reducing emissions while ships are docked. The shore power project, named Sea Change, is a pioneering initiative in the UK, showcasing Portsmouth’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
New Terminal and Facilities
In 2024, Portsmouth International Port welcomed approximately 168,000 cruise guests, surpassing initial predictions of 155,000. This success coincided with the first full year of operation for the port’s new terminal, which opened in the summer of 2023. The terminal, which cost £11.25 million ($14.34 million USD), has the capacity to accommodate ships up to 984 feet long, making it accessible to some of the largest vessels in the industry.
The new terminal is designed with sustainability in mind. It is net carbon-neutral and features advanced systems, such as seawater technology for heating and cooling. Andrew Williamson, head of cruise and ferry at Portsmouth International Port, noted, “Our new terminal has now welcomed over 168,000 cruise passengers, and we have worked hard to secure some long-term partnerships with our unique cruise offering.”
Maiden Calls and Upcoming Cruise Season
The 2025 cruise season will officially kick off on January 4, 2025, with the arrival of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Borealis. This ship will embark on a 28-night Caribbean cruise, making nearly a dozen stops at various island destinations. Other notable ships making their maiden calls at Portsmouth include Viking Cruises’ Viking Vela, Silversea Cruises’ Silver Endeavour, and Ritz-Carlton’s Ilma, among others.
In July, Virgin Voyages will again base its Scarlet Lady at the port, offering voyages around the British Isles, Iceland, and Northern Europe. The diverse lineup of cruise ships scheduled to visit Portsmouth in 2025 highlights the port’s growing reputation as a premier cruise destination. With its commitment to sustainability and passenger satisfaction, Portsmouth International Port is poised for a successful and record-breaking cruise season.
