Cruising on the Roker Riviera: Sunderland signs up to business network which could bring in holiday ships

Mackems have always known Sunderland is the best place to be – now cruising holidaymakers will be able to discover it for themselves.
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Port of Sunderland has signed up to Cruise Britain, which brings together ports, port agents and companies involved in the industry to raise the profile of Britain as a “world-class cruise destination.”

Its members work to bring together “the cities and countryside, culture and heritage, scenery and activities that make a truly memorable cruise itinerary” with Wearside now part of the network, which could lead to the city’s docks being used by those taking a tour by boat as another gateway to the North East’s tourism gems.

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Its set up means that huge liners will not be able to make a visit, with smaller boats to be lined up to make stops.

Matthew Hunt, Port Director, said: “Alongside our shipping and cargo operations, the Port of Sunderland has for many years welcomed and hosted cruise ships and their passengers.

The port, which hosted the Tall Ships Races in 2018, has joined Cruise Britain to fully explore the opportunities that exist within the cruise market and hopefully increase the frequency of cruise visits to the port in coming years.

"This will allow the port to fully utilise existing port infrastructure, bringing ships and their passengers to the city and the wider North East region.

The Port of Sunderland hosted the Tall Ships Races in 2018. Photo by Bernadette Malcolmson.The Port of Sunderland hosted the Tall Ships Races in 2018. Photo by Bernadette Malcolmson.
The Port of Sunderland hosted the Tall Ships Races in 2018. Photo by Bernadette Malcolmson.
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"There will be limitations to the size of cruise ships that can visit and the port is looking at small to medium size ships and the expedition-cruise market.

“Cruise lines typically plan three years ahead, joining Cruise Britain at this time, helps to make our presence known across the cruise industry.”

Cruise Britain to its team and said it will help give “access to some of the world's finest landscapes and visitor attractions” adding Sunderland was on “Britain’s glorious North East coast.”

Port of Sunderland welcomed the huge Brave Tern, a heavy-lift jack-up vessel built for installing offshore wind installations, last January.Port of Sunderland welcomed the huge Brave Tern, a heavy-lift jack-up vessel built for installing offshore wind installations, last January.
Port of Sunderland welcomed the huge Brave Tern, a heavy-lift jack-up vessel built for installing offshore wind installations, last January.

It aims to put the UK across as an “exciting, varied and innovative” destination for cruises and make its ports attractive to operators when they are putting together their itineraries.

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It also brings them together to offer a voice on matters impacting the industry across the world, while respecting different regional identities and share information and practices to offer the best customer service.

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