Liverpool Cruise Terminal has been named as the number one UK port by Cruise Critical, one of the industry’s biggest travel review websites.
Adam Coulter, UK Editor of Cruise Critic, said: “For Beatles fans and football fans alike, Liverpool is a place of pilgrimage, offering plenty to see and do without going far from the ship.”
The Cruise Critical UK Editors’ pick awards for 2013 feature the views of 18 international experts, recognising excellence in ports, cruise lines and ships.
Angie Redhead, Cruise & Operations Manager at Liverpool Cruise Terminal, Princes Dock, said: “This is a fantastic way to top off the strongest year the cruise terminal has had since it opened in 2007.”
The sister site to Trip Advisor based its decision on the warm welcome visitors receive, plus the many attractions such as the historical architecture available to visitors within a half-hour walk of the terminal. The recently improved turnaround terminal also contributed to the win.
Ms Redhead added: “Liverpool has so much to offer visitors, from culture and history to shopping and sightseeing and it is pleasing to be acknowledged in this way.”
She claimed that the majority of the passengers who pass through the terminal say they would recommend the beautiful city and the friendly people.
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet member for culture and tourism Wendy Simon said: “We are delighted with this accolade. Cruise critic is a hugely respected website.
“Liverpool’s win is thoroughly deserved – the team at the terminal go above and beyond to welcome people to the city and make it a memorable trip for them. I’ m sure this recognition will encourage even more people to choose Liverpool as a destination to travel to and from, which will be a great boost for the city.”
Liverpool’s award-winning terminal has welcomed 35 ships and 45,000 passengers so far this year.
The 2014 cruise season has a busy schedule ahead and is expected to see 49 ships and more than 61,000 passengers come to Liverpool.