Green light given for turnaround cruises

THE Government has given its approval for turnaround cruises to begin and end journeys at Liverpool from May 29 following a long legal wrangle over funding of its terminal.

The council had received a grant in 2007 to build the terminal on the basis that it would only be used as a “call-in” facility where passengers only temporarily disembark.

When the council announced plans to upgrade it to a turaround facility, objections were raised from rival port Southampton that it breached the terms of its funding.
Liverpool council has now regreed to repay the grant – either in an £8.8m lump sum or a payment of £12.6m phased over 15 years.

A temporary customs and baggage building with parking and drop-off facilities is now almost complete opposite the current facility on Princes Parade. This will be ready in time for the arrival of the first turnaround vessel – the Ocean Countess – on May 29.

Liverpool’s newly-elected Mayor, Joe Anderson, said: “I am delighted that the pledge that I made to bring turnaround cruises to Liverpool is now set to become reality.

“This is the moment the whole city has been waiting for. It is a hugely significant milestone in our future and vitally important to the success of our local economy.

“It will provide a big boost to our tourism industry, with each vessel worth up to £1 million – creating and sustaining many jobs.

“Liverpool has an unrivalled maritime history and we are now on the way to restoring our reputation as a leading cruise destination. For far too long, holiday makers in the north have had to travel to and from other places to start their journeys, and this will return Liverpool to its rightful place as a major cruise port.”

The temporary building will be used for three years until a new permanent facility with an accompanying hotel is built.

The city council forecasts the turnaround facility will have around a 5% share of an expanding UK cruise market.