First cruise ship of year at Portland Port brings more than 2,000 visitors to area
The first cruise ship of the year arrived at Portland Port yesterday – bringing more than 2,000 passengers and a much needed economy boost.
The arrival of the huge Costa Mediterranea liner marks the start of a thriving season with the greatest number of cruise ships and passengers coming in to Portland to date. Many passengers choose to visit local attractions in Weymouth and Portland, while some travel further afield on excursions.
The 2,000 who came in yesterday is equal to the total number of people who visited the port back throughout 2009 when it first started welcoming cruise ships.
This year Portland Port will welcome 44 cruise ships from around the world with 11 of these, including the Costa Mediterranea, visiting the area for the first time.
Ian McQuade, General Manager – Commercial at Portland Port said: “It’s always exciting when we welcome a new ship to Portland Port and with this being the first call of the new season it is even more significant than usual. We are also fortunate enough to be welcoming her back again on April 23.
“It is exciting to see everyone’s hard work pay off with the ever-increasing number of cruise ships that are choosing to visit Portland Port and the local area, which was highlighted with the inaugural call of the Costa Mediterranea. We are looking forward to a busy season.”
The Costa Mediterranea, which can carry a total of 2,680 passengers, has 1,056 cabins and a crew capacity of 902.
A welcome ceremony took place on board the vessel in which the captain was given a Portland Port plaque to commemorate the visit.
These plaques are handmade with Portland stone from Portland Sculpture and Quarry Trust to commemorate the ship’s first visit to Portland.
Passengers stepping out on were greeted by the quayside team and the Weyfarers, a group of volunteers organised by Weymouth BID.
Claudia Moore, chief operations officer at Weymouth BID, said: “Weymouth BID is very excited to welcome the first cruise ship of the season and we are grateful to the Weyfarers for giving up their time to help Weymouth be regarded as a welcoming town and to Portland Port for working to improve the prosperity of the area.
“We try to direct footfall around the town as much as possible and there is also a new ‘Yomp and Chomp’ tour starting to give people a two-hour food/history stroll around Weymouth which showcases some of our unique heritage.
“We have a new sign at the drop-off area to ensure that visitors know where they are going, and we are working with the town centre manager on making the whole area more attractive. We are also always looking for new Weyfarers to join us throughout the year.”
Craig Oakes, President of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, said: “Great news that the first cruise ship the Costa Mediteranea kick-starts another great season of diverse and multicultural visitors to Weymouth and Portland.
“It’s a welcome relief for our area and gives a much-needed extra boost to our economy.
Source: Dorset Echo