11 July 2023
With the UK summer cruise season in full swing, Cruise Britain has welcomed new members to the association and confirmed changes to the Steering Group.
Interim Chair Ian McQuade, Portland Port, is confirmed as Chair until the end of the current term (December 2024) and the Steering Group is back to full strength with the appointment of Paul Britton, Harbour Master & CEO Dartmouth, who brings extensive cruise line experience and knowledge of boutique tender port operations to the group. In addition, Thea George, Senior Cruise Manager ABP Southampton, will caretake Rebekah Keeler’s position on the Steering Group whilst Rebekah takes maternity leave.
The association has welcomed a number of new members so far this year. Spring joiner Aberdeen Harbour with its new deepwater South Harbour development offers access to Aberdeen, the Cairngorms National Park and Balmoral. The Peel Port cruise ports of Greenock (for Glasgow, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park) and Norfolk resort town Great Yarmouth, gateway to the Norfolk Broads, are the newest port members. Harland & Wolff, the legendary Belfast shipyard has now expanded into Appledore on the Bristol Channel amongst other sites and joins Cruise Britain’s thriving Service Provider membership.
‘We’re delighted to welcome new members to the Cruise Britain family as the association goes from strength to strength. Britain’s distinct national and regional identities help make our islands an outstanding cruise destination and provide a wealth of diverse itineraries within short sailing distances.’ said Ian McQuade, Chair. ‘New colleagues bring new perspectives, support the sharing of best practice and really help us as we work to promote cruising to Britain both within the country and overseas.’
British ports are set to have their best season ever with a projected growth of 8% over 2019, the country’s previous record season. Some regions such as the South West, North West and Scotland are reporting likely figures in excess of this anticipated national growth rate.