Cruise bookings in Britain’s Ocean City continue to grow, with a further 14.5% year-on-year increase, according to current 2025 booking data
With cruise bookings continuing to increase year-on-year, Plymouth – proudly known as Britain’s Ocean City – is poised to host over 11,700 passengers in 2025, solidifying its status as a premier destination for international cruise liners after an incredibly successful 2024, which saw almost 10,000 passengers arriving by sea last year, an increase of 40% on 2023.
A city steeped in maritime history, Plymouth continues to captivate travellers with its timeless appeal. It’s this rich heritage, combined with exceptional hospitality, that has made Plymouth a preferred port of call.
The 2025 cruise season will see the arrival of an array of ships from globally renowned cruise lines.
Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition is scheduled for multiple visits, alongside Spirit of Adventure from Saga Cruises and Norwegian Pearl from NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line). Phoenix Reisen Cruises will bring Amera, while the luxury Crystal Serenity from Crystal (A&K Travel Group) will also call at the port on more than one occasion. Saga Cruises’ Spirit of Discovery, Hebridean Island Cruises’ Hebridean Princess, and Oceania Cruises’ Vista and Sirena will add to the variety of vessels docking in Plymouth. Additionally, the sleek Silver Dawn from Silversea Cruises is set to make its appearance, rounding out an impressive lineup of international cruise operators for the year.
Plymouth’s cruise season begins in March and runs through September, featuring visits from the UK, Germany, and Norway, and guests travelling from the USA. Additional bookings are already in discussion for 2026 and 2027.
Glen Gardner, Destination Plymouth’s Cruise New Business Development Manager said:
“Plymouth’s cruise business is really making us proud! Our international guests enjoy the city’s rich heritage, and we are famed for our warm welcome. This is reflected in our bookings, with numbers growing year-on-year, magnifying the city’s reputation on both a national and international level.
“We are excited to announce that this year we will welcome Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) to Plymouth for the very first time. This milestone has been years in the making, and we are really looking forward to hosting the stunning Norwegian Pearl on May 06, as part of its Trans-Atlantic cruise between New York City and Southampton. Additionally, we are delighted to announce that Oceania Cruises’ Vista, a sister company of NCL, will also be visiting in 2025 – further cementing Plymouth’s reputation as a world-class port for the third-largest cruise line company in the world.”
“We remain committed to ensuring that every visit to Plymouth is a truly memorable experience.”
This thriving cruise business has had a significant impact on Plymouth’s economy, driving revenue through local attractions, tours, retail, dining, and harbour services. Crew and passenger spending bolsters the local economy, while the port benefits from berthing, pilotage, and harbour fees, further reinforcing Plymouth’s reputation as a world-class destination for maritime tourism.
The arrival of large cruise ships in Plymouth also brings a flurry of activity to the city, with additional staff employed to ensure a seamless experience. Port staff, security teams, entertainers, tour dispatchers, guides, pilots, and shore-side tendering staff all play vital roles in welcoming cruise passengers and supporting local businesses.
Amanda Lumley, Chief Executive of Destination Plymouth, stated:
“Plymouth has been working tirelessly to cement its reputation as a must-visit port for cruise liners, and countless individuals are working behind the scenes to ensure the success of these visits.
“The city’s cruise industry has continued to grow, boosting the economy and we are delighted to see the results of this collective effort. Plymouth has built such a great reputation as a key destination for cruise ships and one of the most welcoming ports for cruise passengers, and we are excited to welcome both new visitors and old friends to our port in 2025.”
The Cruise Plymouth Partnership, established in 2021, is dedicated to increasing the number of cruise ships visiting Plymouth. The partnership brings together key stakeholders, including Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, ABP Millbay, Destination Plymouth, the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership BID, Plymouth City Centre Company, and Plymouth City Council.