2025 has been a fantastic year for cruise visits for Cattewater Harbour, Cruise Plymouth and partners.
Since March, and up until just last Thursday with a last-minute call, we’ve welcomed 14 cruise ships to Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City – that’s approximately 13,000 visitors enjoying our city and surrounding area, spending money in local shops, restaurants and attractions and promising to return to explore more one day.
Whilst every cruise visit is special, a couple of highlights this season included:
- Being able to accommodate a cruise vessel alongside on the Barbican Landing Stage – the Hebridean Princess looked spectacular berthed in the heart of the city in July.
- Welcoming two new cruise lines to Plymouth – Norwegian Cruise Line and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises – we’re confident now these two prestigious lines have experienced a warm Plymouth welcome that the port will feature on future itineraries.
This year we’ve also attended Seatrade, both in Miami (April), and Hamburg (September) where Cattewater Harbour commissioned the Cruise Plymouth exhibit as part of the Cruise Britain stand. With thanks to Plymouth Gin for supporting the welcome drinks, as always, a Plymouth Gin and tonic goes down very well!
Evie Smith, Business Support Officer, Cattewater Harbour and Cruise Plymouth:
“It was fantastic to attend both Seatrade exhibitions this year with so many industry colleagues, meet new faces, and hear such positive feedback on previous calls to Plymouth. As ever, it was a pleasure spending time with fellow Cruise Britain members and neighbouring ports, the sense of collaboration across this industry is second to none.”
Cruise Plymouth also joined Cruise Europe this year and look forward to making the most of our membership over the months and years to come.
Captain Richard Allan, CEO and Harbour Master, Cattewater Harbour:
“As we continue to put Plymouth on the map for visiting cruise lines, I want to take a moment to thank all the businesses, people and supporters who make each cruise visit experience the best it can be for the ship’s Captain, crew and, most importantly, guests. From our team of pilots who welcome each ship into Plymouth, to our marine and office team, to the agents, local suppliers, businesses, and attractions, to the brilliant cruise ambassadors who are always on hand to greet guests with a smile and incredible local knowledge, the rousing drummers and Town Crier. Every person involved in a cruise visit has a part to play to ensure Plymouth is shown off the best it can be to the rest of the world as a cruise destination – that’s not to be underestimated.”
As we now look forward to the 2026 season, with 11 cruise ships already confirmed, including two new visitors, Aurora Expeditions’ Douglas Mawson and the The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Evrima, we’re pleased to be able to showcase our new Cruise Plymouth showreel and to show off the Cattewater, Plymouth and the South West to the cruise world.
