Cattewater Harbour, Plymouth has enjoyed a bumper year of visiting vessels, playing host to a diverse range from historic ships to luxurious superyachts and new and returning cruise lines.
Tens of thousands of visitors have disembarked at the Barbican Landing Stage, arriving into the historic heart of the city. Its strategic location and modern facilities make it an ideal berthing option.
Some notable visiting vessels this year have included:
· PS Waverley – as part of the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners’ 150th anniversary, the world’s last ocean-going paddle steamer returned to Plymouth for a sold out series of voyages.
· Superyachts – Sport, Ocean Z, My MA, 2112, Akula and Santosha are some of the vessels that visited Britain’s Ocean City with their crews, owners and passengers all enjoying the local attractions, and using local businesses when required.
· The Bessie Ellen, Irene of Bridgwater, Pelican of London, TS Royalist (Cadet training ship) all spent time alongside on the Barbican Landing Stage and Galeon Andalucia returned for a second year, this year as part of the waterfront’s Plymouth Pirates Weekend.
· Cruise visits reached record numbers this year with many cruise ship visits enjoying the use of the Barbican Landing Stage, tendering direct into the heart of the waterfront, adjacent to the Mayflower Steps. Cattewater Harbour are an integral member of the Cruise Plymouth Partnership.
There are numerous people, businesses and organisations involved in the process of bringing these vessels into the city, both prior to their arrival and during their stay, including agents, coach and taxi drivers, shore excursion managers, cruise ambassadors, harbour and Pilotage staff, and the many local traders who provide a warm Plymouth welcome to all their visitors.
Captain Richard Allan, CEO and Harbour Master, Cattewater Harbour:
“Last year we set some internal targets for cruise, superyacht and leisure visitors, and it is pleasing that we significantly exceeded these. It is primarily down to the efforts of my Business Development staff who are actively engaging with cruise lines and superyachts regularly, promoting the facilities, and what Plymouth has to offer.
The upgrades to the Barbican Landing Stage, and the new addition of the Mayflower Pontoon has enabled us to grow the leisure visitor economy considerably, whilst still facilitating local license holders commercial operations.
There are so many cogs involved that make a successful visit, from the engagement years in advance, to the volunteers who greet and guide visitors when coming ashore, to the local businesses who support the vessels, from upholstery, carpentry to stores. When all the cogs turn together, we really can be proud of what we are achieving, changing the image of Plymouth to marine visitors and putting us back on the map.
The feedback we receive is mostly positive but we will always continue to strive to improve the offering for visitors. Taking this into account we are pleased to be providing new amenity facilities, including Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant toilets, baby changing and shower facilities from the New Year for visiting leisure vessels and cruise passengers using the Barbican Landing Stage.
My team and I look forward to welcoming an increase in cruise ship visits to the city next year, including first time visitors, as well as return visitors. We also look forward to welcoming more superyachts, which also brings a buzz to the waterfront when they are alongside.”
The boost of visitors from these vessels has a positive impact on Plymouth’s economy, generating revenue for businesses, hotels, restaurants, and attractions. It has also reinforced Cattewater Harbour’s commitment to growing the number of visiting vessels year on year by showcasing the Harbour team’s ability to accommodate a diverse range of vessels all year round.
With bookings in the diary up to 2028 already, Cattewater Harbour are confident that this year is just the beginning for ensuring the Cattewater and Plymouth becomes a ‘must visit’ destination for a wide range of leisure vessels.
Image credits: One Plymouth, Different View Photography, Drone Capture SW
