Communications |

Cruise into the city

Coinciding with LiverpoolÕs year as European Capital of Culture, 2008 also saw cruise liners return to the city for the first time in 40 years. Throughout the year some 13 vessels, carrying 16,000 passengers, docked in the River Mersey at the new terminal situated at Pier Head. 
Located 10 minutes from Liverpool city centre, the £19m cruise terminal is 250 ft long and has capacity for vessels up to 350 ft. 
Keith Blundell,Head of Tourism at Liverpool Culture Company,said:Ò2008 has been a fantastic launch for the terminal.It has helped reconnect the river to the city and given everyone pride in seeing these majestic vessels docking on a regular basis once again.Ó 
There are already 14 liners booked to dock at Liverpool for 2009 including the Queen Mary 2, CunardÕs flagship liner with capacity for 3,056 passengers. The 2009 season is estimated to generate £1.6m for LiverpoolÕs economy. Predicted tourist spending through the cruise terminal is estimated at £2.94m by 2012. 
http://sites.liverpool08.com/cruise 
© Liverpool Vision 

The QE2 on her last visit to Liverpool at the new cruise terminal