Member Article

Liverpool named as UK's best port-of-call for cruises

Liverpool has been named the UK’S best port of call by the world’s largest travel review website

‘Cruise Critic’ – sister site of ‘Trip Advisor’ - named the city as their top pick based on the warm welcome visitors receive when they arrive in Liverpool, the historic architecture and the fact that so many attractions are within a half hour walk of the terminal.

They also highlighted the benefits of the city’s recently constructed turnaround terminal.

The awards celebrate excellence in cruise travel, and are selected by an international panel of cruise journalists in 18 different categories, recognising the very best cruise lines, ships and ports.

Adam Coulter, UK Editor of Cruise Critic, said: “For Beatles fans and football fans alike, Liverpool is a place of pilgrimage, and the centrally located, historic port is convenient for cruise visitors, offering plenty to see and do without going far from the ship.

“Highlights of the city’s maritime history include the Albert Dock and Pier Head, which features the Liver building, the Port of Liverpool building and the soon-to-be- refurbished Cunard Building.”

Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “We are delighted with this accolade! Cruise critic is a hugely respected website and a must-visit for anyone taking a cruise.

“Liverpool’s win is thoroughly deserved – the team at the terminal, along with representatives from our tourist industry go above and beyond to welcome people to the city and make it a memorable trip for them.

“I’m sure this recognition will encourage even more people to choose Liverpool as a destination to travel to and from which will be a great boost for the city.”

Angie Redhead, Cruise & Operations Manager PFSO at Liverpool Cruise Terminal, Princes Dock, said: “This is a fantastic way to top off the strongest year the cruise terminal has had since it opened in 2007. Liverpool has so much to offer visitors, from culture and history to shopping and sightseeing and it is pleasing to be acknowledged in this way.

“Almost all of the passengers coming through the terminal have said they would recommend the city as a destination not to be missed and have cited the beauty of the city and the friendliness of the people. We have a busy schedule of cruise liners confirmed for next year so it is full steam ahead including overnight stays from the Queen Victoria and Celebrity Infinity.”

In addition to the award for Best UK Port of Call, the Editors’ Picks Awards also name the best cruise lines and ships in 17 other categories. Of those categories, several awards went to cruise lines that call at Liverpool including:

· Celebrity Cruises: Best Suites; Best Cruise Ship Bar (SKY Bar)

· Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines: Best Value for Money

· Thomson Cruises: Best for Cruising with Kids

· Princess Cruises: Best for Romance

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .