Portland Port welcomes more than 7,250 cruise passengers

Friday, October 6, 2023

Portland Port recently celebrated a record-breaking achievement with the simultaneous docking of two large cruise ships, the 330m Regal Princess and the 326m Norwegian Getaway. This event marked the largest vessels accommodated by the port in its 27-year history, with over 7,250 passengers disembarking for day tours to regional tourism attractions and Weymouth town center.

The port’s success in attracting cruise ships is notable, with records set this year, including an annual passenger count of 130,000. The recently redeveloped £26 million deep-water berth and extended outer coaling pier played a pivotal role in accommodating these large ships.

Ian McQuade, Portland Port’s commercial general manager and chair of Cruise Britain, highlighted the success, saying, “Saturday’s double calls also saw a record number of guests using the port’s complimentary shuttle bus to Portland Castle and on into Weymouth. Over 4,000 passengers took advantage of the service, no doubt delivering a welcome financial boost at the end of the summer season.”

Looking ahead, Portland Port is scheduled to receive cruise calls for 10 out of 12 calendar months in 2024, reflecting its growing appeal as a cruise destination.

However, the success of the port also comes with challenges, particularly concerning the shuttle bus service that brings cruise passengers into Weymouth town center. Residents have voiced concerns about traffic problems caused by the buses lining residential streets. These issues are expected to persist, prompting discussions about alternative bus drop-off locations and improved traffic management plans to balance the benefits of increased tourism with the needs of the local community.

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