Cruising : First cruise ship calls at Greenock since pandemic struck

The giant Anthem Of The Seas is the first of 50 arrivals this year at Greenock Ocean Terminal

The first cruise ship to call at Greenock since the Covid crisis effectively closed down the cruise industry was warmly welcomed Thursday morning (Jul 22).

The giant 169,000-tonne Anthem of the Seas (CruiseMapper), capable of carrying 5,000 passengers and 1,500 crew on its 16 decks, arrived just days after the Scottish Government relaxed pandemic rules.

Its arrival heralds a busy late cruising season this year at Greenock, with 50 ships booked into the Inverclyde town’s new cruise terminal by mid-November.

The new terminal is part of a £19m-plus berthing and visitor center development funded by Glasgow City Region City Deal, Peel Ports, Inverclyde Council, and the George Wyllie Foundation.

Before the arrival of Covid, it was estimated that 150,000 cruise passengers per annum could pass through Greenock after the new terminal completion – delivering £26 million in annual visitor and crew spend to the Inverclyde and Scottish economy.

Peel Ports Clydeport director Jim McSporran said:

“It was exciting to see Anthem of The Seas sail into Greenock today. It’s a symbol that the gradual removal of Covid restrictions which is taking place will soon see the cruise industry return to its pre-pandemic scale of operations and more.

We’ve a very busy period coming up this year with 50 bookings at the new cruise terminal, and I’m looking forward to welcoming well in excess of 100 cruise arrivals next year.

Peel Ports Clydeport is ready to play its part in boosting the tourism industry both locally and nationwide as passengers go on to visit tourist destinations throughout Central Scotland.”

Councillor Jim Clocherty, depute leader of Inverclyde Council, said:

“The cruise market is hugely important for Inverclyde and Scotland and worth millions of pounds to the economy.

With more things now opening up again, I’m delighted to see vessels back here on the Clyde and I hope people take the opportunity to discover Inverclyde and the many things it has to offer.

The fact that so many ships and passengers are booked in already for this year and next is testament to the warm welcome visitors receive here and cements Greenock and Inverclyde’s place as a friendly port.”