Portsmouth Poised for Biggest Cruise Season Yet

Portsmouth International Port looks set for a bumper year, as it prepares to welcome more cruise ships – and visitors – throughout 2024.

Featuring 10 inaugural calls and the return of some familiar faces, this year will see Portsmouth welcome approximately 155,000 passengers to the port. Many will commence their journey through the new cruise terminal extension or stop off as a port of call to explore the city’s world-class attractions.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Star will become the largest vessel ever to enter the harbour when the 294-metre ship arrives in May. Meanwhile, Regent Seven Seas will be using the port for the first time in April.

Portsmouth will also continue its established relationship with Saga, with a second season at the port already underway and weekly calls expected throughout January and February.

August welcomes the eagerly anticipated return of Virgin Voyages. Resilient Lady will be taking passengers on a series of three to six-night sailings around ‘English Sights and European Delights’, as well as their popular weekend breaks to Amsterdam and Zeebrugge.

Virgin Voyages have become a familiar sight for the city, which hosted the brand’s debut season in 2021. Since the start of their success, Virgin has made Portsmouth their UK port of call, with ships Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady both becoming honorary members of the city’s skyline.

Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Portsmouth City Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the port, said: “The port’s success is very much the city’s success, with profits going directly back into council services. 2024 is looking to be an exciting year with some new brands and big names returning to Portsmouth. Both crew and passengers will experience our stunning harbour entrance and have the chance to explore the world-class attractions right on the doorstep.

“We also have some big infrastructure developments underway to further expand our offering for cruise lines. This includes shore power capabilities, which will allow ships to plug-in to green electricity and switch off their engines whilst in port, improving air quality and slashing carbon emissions.”