The Port of Tyne celebrated the start of its 2015 cruise season when the first cruise ship arrived at the North Shields Quay on Saturday 28th March.
Each year over 600,000 passengers are welcomed at the Port of Tyne and with the British cruise market going from strength to strength, UK based Fred Olsen Cruise Lines and Cruise & Maritime Voyages are extending their departures and destinations from Norht Shields.
The first cruise to arrive at the Port was ‘Magellan’ the proud new flag ship of Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV)named after the sixteenth century Portuguese explorer. Magellan joined the CMV fleet on 12th March.
Chris Coates, Commercial Director said: “The introduction of Magellan to our growing ocean fleet is another important milestone in the expansion and strategic development of the CMV presence in the UK and wider international markets which will increase our overall capacity to 115,000 passengers.
“Since launching Magellan’s programme in November 2014, we have sold 65% of her capacity which clearly demonstrates the strong demand for smaller ship cruising in the British market.”
Remodelled in 2010 at the cost of £40m, the 221.3 metre long Magellan delivers the traditional 5 star British cruise experience offering fine dining, first-class entertainment with a stylish contemporary twist.
Newton News had the privilege of touring the ship and can report it is a fine vessel with every conceivable facility on board offering high standards of comfort and cuisine.
Susan Wear, Port of Tyne Director of Corporate Affairs, said: “Cruise departures are growing with many more people choosing to start their holiday directly from the Port of Tyne and it is really good news that CMV and Fred. Olsen are both extending their departures to include new and exciting destinations like St. Petersburg, Morocco, Spain, and the Azores.”
To mark the inaugural call of Magellan, Susan Wear presented Cruise & Maritime Voyages with a hand blown piece of coloured glass highlighting the Tyne’s tradition of glass making. CMV cruises can be viewed on their website: www.cruiseand maritime.com
