Following a successful 2013 cruise season, Forth Ports Limited, with cruise terminals serving the UK Capitals of London and Edinburgh will be back at the Cruise Shipping Miami Conference in March, to showcase their cruise destinations to the industry.
As the only port operator in the United Kingdom that can offer direct access to two capital cities, Forth Ports welcomed 130 cruise liners in 2013 bringing over 130,000 visitors to the UK. The business is investing significantly in the cruise operations with a multimillion pound renovation project underway at the historic London cruise terminal to upgrade the facilities and increase the capacity to accommodate larger vessels. In Scotland, we are developing a programme of alternative deep water anchorage options and landing stages to bring larger liners closer to Edinburgh.
This year in Miami, the Forth Ports team will be focussing on their core destinations in London and Edinburgh but will also highlight the cruise offering in Dundee. Dundee is undergoing many changes, with a £1billion renovation of the city’s waterfront and the £45 million V&A design museum development. Dundee’s modern surroundings will make it a cruise destination for the 21st century offering a unique combination of excellent facilities and fast transport links to attractions such as Glamis Castle, St Andrews and the ancient City of Perth.
For both London and Edinburgh, the 2014 cruise season is on track for another successful year, with a number of ships booked for the season and schedules for 2015 and 2016 well advanced.
Nik Scott-Gray, Business Development Manager at Forth Ports, commented: “We are excited to be exhibiting at Seatrade again this year. This is a great opportunity to show the industry the offering we have in Scotland and London. We are continually improving the experience for visitors with investment in our cruise terminal facilities and we have launched a new on-board magazine this season for visitors. We pride ourselves on offering an exceptional level of service for cruise lines, providing passengers with their passport to two of the UK’s capital cities and surrounding areas. Our 2014 season is looking very healthy and we are delighted to have some advance bookings for 2015 and 2016.”
Captain Richard Exley, Marine and Cruise Manager at the Port of Tilbury in London, said: “Forth Ports’ cruise terminals had an excellent 2013 season and we’re looking forward to a busy 2014. Our Cruise Terminals in London and Edinburgh, the ‘quays to the capitals’ are currently undergoing significant investment and improvements, and offer an excellent passenger experience with the utmost attention to detail. We offer a first rate service for both passengers and crew and enjoy telling our story on an international stage.”
Forth Ports’ stand will be part of the Cruise Britain pavilion at Seatrade in Miami from 10th – 13th March.
As part of their ongoing development Forth Ports Group are now members of the CLIA Europe (Cruise Lines International Association), as well as being members of Cruise Britain, Cruise Scotland and Cruise Europe.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
