Plymouth has pledged to get serious about cruise and now more volunteers are needed to provide a warm welcome to the visiting passengers as they step ashore.
The city’s Cruise Ambassador Volunteers greet cruise visitors as they arrive and share information and advice about what to see and do in Plymouth.
2022 is set to be a bumper year for cruise visits to Plymouth, with nine ships set to arrive in Britain’s Ocean City.
As a result, more volunteers are needed to help showcase all that Plymouth has to offer.
Destination Plymouth and the Cruise Ambassador Volunteer team are holding an open day next week where local people with an interest and passion in Plymouth can come along to find out more about what’s involved in being a representative.
The open day, sponsored by and hosted at the New Continental Hotel, takes place on Wednesday 16 March between 11am to 2pm. There’s no need to book, anyone that’s interested is welcome to turn up on the day.
The day will include a presentation about the cruise industry by Glen Gardner, Cruise Development Manager for Destination Plymouth, who was appointed last year. Cruise Ambassador lead and volunteer Douglas Kerr will also give an overview about what’s involved, and attendees can meet other members of the volunteer team, learn about different types of ships, berthing and attractions, and sign up to the next training session which takes place on 13 April.
After a successful cruise re-start in 2021 with seven cruise ships visiting following the pandemic, Plymouth will welcome a diverse range of vessels this year including:
- Noble Caledonia Cruise Line’ expedition vessel Ocean Nova
- The luxurious Seabourn Ovation
- The classic Hebridean Princess
- A second successive-year call of the German ship Vasco da Gama of Niko Cruises
- The wonderfully entertaining Disney Magic
- Holland America Line’s impressive Niew Rotterdam
- Amadea of Phoenix Reisen
Destination Plymouth, working with key city partners Associated British Ports, Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and Plymouth City Centre Company, now aims to increase both the number of cruise visits and the financial and reputational benefits that come with each visit, year on year.
Cruise tourism brings much needed additional revenues through passengers and crew spending on everything from visiting attractions, taking tours, buying gifts, eating in cafes and restaurants and taking boat trips. It also generates port revenues for berthing, pilotage, harbour fees and staff, creating potential new employment opportunities.
Amanda Lumley, Chief Executive of Destination Plymouth said: “Plymouth has historically provided a warm welcome to passengers and visitors by sea even from the time of the Mayflower. We want to ensure that everyone who comes to the city feels like they have had a great experience and wants to come back and visit again. The Cruise Ambassador team led by Douglas Kerr have been invaluable providing local knowledge, guidance, enthusiasm and a warm welcome to visiting ships over the past few years. This is a great opportunity to join them if you are passionate about showcasing Britain’s Ocean City.”