The new Greenock Ocean Terminal, which opened a few months ago, will now come into full operation, with a cruise season that is expected to be very busy.
From April to September, at least 49 cruise ships of various sizes will dock at Greenock, with many passengers expected to visit Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The new terminal prepares for the arrival of cruise ships
According to Inverclyde Council, the project is expected to provide a £26 million boost to the Scottish economy, and it has already created over 70 jobs. The development aimed to increase the annual passenger count to 150,000, a target that has not only been met but is also expected to be significantly surpassed, thanks to the upcoming cruise season.
The new terminal is ready to welcome ships from the world’s leading cruise lines, including arrivals from Princess Cruises, AIDA, Norwegian Cruise Line, and TUI Cruises during the summer months.
Additionally, July will see the arrival of a ship from Carnival, the world’s second-largest cruise line. This ship, the Carnival Legend, is described by cruise expert Leo Dibari as small but one of the most beautiful in the entire fleet.
However, the stop in Scotland will only serve as a port of call, if you want to enjoy the cruise the only port of departure, for now, remains Dover.
Effects on tourism
Greenock provides easy access for passengers to both cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh, and to the most beautiful locations in the Scottish countryside.
Several excursions are already scheduled to visit Loch Lomond and Inveraray Castle, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, The Falkirk Wheel, Stirling, as well as the historic and scenic sights of Scotland’s two major cities.
Jim McSporran, the port director at Peel Ports Clydeport stated: “We’re expecting another strong year for cruise numbers, building on last year’s record numbers, as we continue to look to grow tourist numbers to the terminal in the years ahead.”
With the cruise industry’s growth throughout the United Kingdom, Scotland stands to particularly benefit from this strategic investment.
