First cruise ship call for port is on the horizon

THE start of a new cruise season is heading over the horizon at Portsmouth International Port, with preparations being made for the first arrival this year.

By The Newsroom

Published 21st Apr 2017, 05:55 BST

Updated 9th May 2017, 18:30 BST

MV Deutschland cruises in on April 22, bringing more than 500 passengers from Hamburg in Germany.

The ship, which this year celebrates its 21st birthday, is operated by German cruise company Phoenix Reisen.

Portsmouth International Port is MV Deutschland’s first call on an 18-night cruise to the Canary Islands.

Rupert Taylor, harbour master, said: ‘After a busy Easter break looking after ferry passengers, everyone here at the port is looking forward to the start of our 2017 cruise season. I’ll be personally welcoming the passengers and crew of MV Deutschland to Portsmouth International Port, and wishing them a wonderful day out in our fantastic maritime city and the surrounding area.

‘Visiting cruise ships are not just a key part of business at the Port, they are increasingly important to the local economy.’

Rupert Taylor Germany