Boost for port as more cruise ship calls booked

A RESTORED classic ocean liner will become a familiar sight at Portsmouth International Port next year as the firm that runs it has chosen the city as its start point for four of its holidays.

By The Newsroom

Published 17th Apr 2017, 05:55 BST

Updated 9th May 2017, 18:33 BST

Astoria, operated by Cruise Maritime Voyages

Cruise and Maritime Voyages is the latest cruise operator to make Portsmouth a key part of its 2018 schedule. Last week Saga announced it would be making 15 new visits next year. This follows from All Leisure Holidays going bust and the port losing 19 sailings for 2017/2018.

Mike Sellers, port director, said: ‘This really is a case of our wonderful facilities and location selling themselves.

‘We’ve built a reputation in recent years for offering bespoke services to cruise operators with small and medium-sized luxury ships.’

Astoria’s first cruise from Portsmouth leaves on September 16, 2018 sailing to the fjords of Norway.