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Britannia due to get 2019 cruise season under way

ALMOST 100 cruise ships calls are set for this summer, which would potentially bring more than 170,000 visitors and crew to the island.

P&O’s 143,000-tonne Britannia is due to be the first ship of 2019 to anchor in the Little Russel so that her passengers can come ashore, as many as 4,324 of them.
P&O’s 143,000-tonne Britannia is due to be the first ship of 2019 to anchor in the Little Russel so that her passengers can come ashore, as many as 4,324 of them. / Not for sale

The first ship, the Britannia, is due tomorrow, carrying up to 4,324 passengers.

It is one of the ships scheduled for April, and one of 94 throughout the season until mid-October.

Economic Development member Dawn Tindall said Britain has witnessed phenomenal growth as a cruise destination, with an average annual increase of 17%.

‘Much of this is down to the growth in round British Isle cruises, especially amongst Americans, where Guernsey is included in many itineraries and recognised as a key destination, as evidenced by Cruise Critic UK Editors Picks award, which Guernsey was proud to receive again in 2018, making it the fourth such award since 2015,’ she said.

‘The cruise market has continued to be one of the priorities of VisitGuernsey and has received positive commitment from the cruise industry for 2019, 2020 and 2021.’

Encouraging cruise passengers to return for holidays and longer visits is one of the objectives for VisitGuernsey.

In 2018, 2.7%, just under 5,000 of those who had visited Guernsey previously, said in the 2018 visitor exit survey that they had visited on a cruise ship.

‘We want to encourage more to return and key to this is ensuring our cruise visitors have an unforgettable time in Guernsey with land-based visits on the island,’ Deputy Tindall said.

To help achieve this, new excursions and tours are on offer this year such as High Cliffs & High Spirits, West Coast Wheels and The Potato Peel Pie, themed guided coach tour, and excursions to Sark and Herm.

The welcome team of local residents greeting passengers has also been enhanced for the season to ensure an even flow of passengers into the Town helping to reduce congestion.

Harbour master Captain David Barker said the team has worked hard to ensure cruise guests could move smoothly from ship to shore and back.

‘We hope that they will enjoy a taste of our beautiful harbour and island,’ he said.

. Parking arrangements will be the same as last season with the red light arm on the Albert Pier closed on ship days with the aim to open as quickly as possible on smaller ship days.

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