Plymouth’s Cruise Tourism Looks Ahead to Another Successful Year
Cruise bookings in Britain’s Ocean City continue to grow, with a further 14.5% year-on-year increase, according to current 2025 booking data
With cruise bookings continuing to rise year-on-year, Plymouth, proudly known as Britain’s Ocean City, is gearing up to host more than 11,700 passengers in 2025. This milestone cements Plymouth’s reputation as a premier destination for international cruise liners, following an exceptionally successful 2024, which saw almost 10,000 passengers arriving by sea – a 40% increase on 2023 figures.
A city with a storied maritime history, Plymouth continues to captivate visitors with its rich heritage and warm hospitality, making it a favoured port of call for travellers from around the globe.
The 2025 cruise season promises a spectacular line-up of ships from world-renowned cruise operators. Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition is scheduled for multiple visits, while Saga Cruises will bring both Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery to the port. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Pearl, Phoenix Reisen Cruises’ Amera, and the luxurious Crystal Serenity from Crystal (A&K Travel Group) will also make appearances. Hebridean Island Cruises’ Hebridean Princess, Oceania Cruises’ Vista and Sirena, and Silversea Cruises’ sleek Silver Dawn are among the other impressive vessels set to dock in Plymouth.
Running from March to September, Plymouth’s cruise season will welcome visitors from the UK, Germany, Norway, and even the USA, further showcasing the city’s international appeal. Looking ahead, discussions are already underway for additional cruise bookings in 2026 and 2027, reflecting the growing demand for Plymouth as a must-visit destination.
Glen Gardner, Destination Plymouth’s Cruise New Business Development Manager said: “Plymouth’s cruise business is really making us proud! Our international guests enjoy the city’s rich heritage, and we are famed for our warm welcome. This is reflected in our bookings, with numbers growing year-on-year, magnifying the city’s reputation on both a national and international level.
“We are excited to announce that this year we will welcome Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) to Plymouth for the very first time. This milestone has been years in the making, and we are really looking forward to hosting the stunning Norwegian Pearl on May 06, as part of its Trans-Atlantic cruise between New York City and Southampton. Additionally, we are delighted to announce that Oceania Cruises’ Vista, a sister company of NCL, will also be visiting in 2025 - further cementing Plymouth’s reputation as a world-class port for the third-largest cruise line company in the world.”
“We remain committed to ensuring that every visit to Plymouth is a truly memorable experience.”
Credit: One Plymouth and Plymouth Waterfront Partnership
This flourishing cruise industry has delivered a significant boost to Plymouth’s economy, generating revenue across local attractions, tours, retail outlets, restaurants, and harbour services. Spending by both passengers and crew contributes directly to the local economy, while the port benefits from berthing, pilotage, and harbour fees, further enhancing Plymouth’s standing as a world-class maritime tourism destination.
The arrival of large cruise ships also brings a buzz of activity to the city, creating employment opportunities to ensure a smooth and memorable experience for visitors. From port staff and security teams to entertainers, tour dispatchers, guides, pilots, and shore-side tendering staff, countless individuals play essential roles in welcoming cruise passengers and supporting Plymouth’s vibrant local businesses.
Amanda Lumley, Chief Executive of Destination Plymouth, stated: “Plymouth has been working tirelessly to cement its reputation as a must-visit port for cruise liners, and countless individuals are working behind the scenes to ensure the success of these visits.
“The city’s cruise industry has continued to grow, boosting the economy and we are delighted to see the results of this collective effort. Plymouth has built such a great reputation as a key destination for cruise ships and one of the most welcoming ports for cruise passengers, and we are excited to welcome both new visitors and old friends to our port in 2025.”
The Cruise Plymouth Partnership, established in 2021, is dedicated to increasing the number of cruise ships visiting Plymouth. The partnership brings together key stakeholders, including Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, ABP Millbay, Destination Plymouth, the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership BID, Plymouth City Centre Company, and Plymouth City Council.
For the full 2025 cruise ship schedule, visit Latest Cruise Visits on the Visit Plymouth website.