Cruise ships are to return to Liverpool for the first time in 14 months.
Companies will once again welcome back º£½ÇÊÓÆµ passengers for short trips to Liverpool, starting on May 24, with the city's terminal expecting around 80 cruise ships throughout the summer season.
That will start with the Viking Venus - a brand new ship - making her maiden voyage to the city, launching the season, followed by inaugural visits from MSC Virtuosa, Marella Explorer and Anthem of the Seas, which boasts the world’s tallest viewing deck - 300ft above the waves.
Cruise Liverpool will also welcome back familiar faces including Fred Olsen, whose brand-new ship – the Borealis – is scheduled to make 20 visits to the city between July and December, and Disney Magic will call at Liverpool and for the first time, passengers will be able to embark on their trip from the city.
The season will also include a visit from a Cunard, with the Queen Elizabeth expected during the late-summer.
Angie Redhead, head of Cruise Liverpool, said: “I am absolutely buzzing with anticipation at getting cruise ships back on our shores. We’ve missed them as much as they’ve missed us.
"Cruise Liverpool has worked collaboratively with Cruise Britain since the start of the pandemic to plan for this moment, alongside other º£½ÇÊÓÆµ ports and providers. No stone has been left unturned when it comes to ensuring the safety of passengers, crew and staff on the ground at the º£½ÇÊÓÆµ’s terminals.
"This announcement feels like the start of some normality returning and will be a real boost for cruise fans who are desperate to find their sea-legs again.”
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Passengers on day visits will be allowed to disembark and visit Liverpool as part of organised ‘bubble’ excursions only. All passengers will take Covid tests before and during trips.
Peter Deer, MD at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, added: “We love sailing from Liverpool and have offered departures from the city since we had our first ship, Black Prince, many years ago.
“Our ships and our crew always get such a wonderful welcome. In fact, Liverpool will be the first port that we resume sailing from July 5, and our new ship Borealis will offer 20 cruises from the city this year.
“We can’t wait to welcome our guests back on board in Liverpool this summer.”