5 March 2013
Portsmouth International Port has been named as a leading player in Britain's
booming cruise ship industry
New figures, released by the Passenger Shipping Association, show that 'no fly' ex
UK cruises have increased by 10% in the last year. The trend is clearly seen at
Portsmouth International Port, which is credited by the PSA for playing its part in
creating a substantial increase in capacity.
There will be a 32% increase in cruise ship activity at Portsmouth International Port
in 2013. The increase comes after large amounts of investment in passenger and
shipping facilities over the last three years, including a new cruise and ferry
terminal building. Figures from the PSA show that a majority of cruise passengers
live in Southern England. With that in mind, a number of leading operators now
choose Portsmouth as a base for 'small ship' cruises, attracted by the excellent
road and transport links.
It’s not just passengers leaving from UK ports on cruises that are contributing to a
remarkable growth in business. The PSA reports that there was a similar increase in
passengers visiting UK ports during their cruises in 2012, with an 11% increase in
calls. Portsmouth International Port has become a firm favourite with visiting cruise
liners. Passengers are able to visit major historical sites and landmarks, whilst
enjoying high quality shops and restaurants.
Due to an increase in the length of 'Berth 2' last year, Portsmouth will see its biggest
ever visiting cruise ship this year. The German cruise ship “Artania” will call twice in
2013, bringing more than a thousand passengers to Portsmouth on each occasion.
The ship is 231 metres long and is the longest commercial vessel ever to have
sailed into the Port.
Martin Putman, Port Manager of Portsmouth International Port said, "This latest
report from the Passenger Shipping Association really reflects what we have been
seeing here at Portsmouth over the last 10 years. Our investment in new facilities
has helped to bring exciting new growth in the number of cruise ships that use the
Port, which is owned by the City Council. Not only are passengers spending money
at local shops, restaurants and attractions, but any profits we make are ploughed
back into council services. It's a benefit to the whole area."
The most spectacular visitor to Portsmouth this year has to be ‘Wind Surf’, the
largest sailing ship on the planet. The sleek five-masted yacht accommodates 312
guests in luxury accommodation over six decks. Part of the Windstar fleet, its
passengers will be coming to Portsmouth for a chance to visit one of the most
famous sailing vessels in history, HMS Victory.
PSA director, William Gibbons, said: ‘The past year was an impressive one for the
UK cruise industry, especially in view of the combination of challenges the year
presented. The increase in passenger figures bears testament to the value and
diversity that cruising represents and the positive experiences that bring
passengers back time and time again. We feel 2012’s record results for British ports
are particularly remarkable and we very much look forward to seeing UK ports
achieve the million mark in 2013, and the associated economic benefits that this
will bring to the country.’
Key figures released by the Passenger Shipping Association:

1,701,000 cruises were taken by British passengers in 2012

Ultra-luxury cruises saw a 10 per cent year-on-year increase

More than half of all UK passengers took more than one cruise during the
year

British bookings to Northern European destinations grew by 29 per cent

UK departures were up 10 per cent to 962,000 in 2012

One in eight overseas package holidays booked is now a cruise

52 UK ports received cruise calls in 2012
For further information please contact Emma Gaisford/Julie Blackwell on 01730
235666, emma.gaisford@navigate-design.com or Julie.blackwell@navigatedesign.com
For further information from the PSA contact Penny Guy on Email: penny@psa-ace.org
Tel: 020 7436 2449