Marking 25 years of cruise shipping operations, the Port of Tyne/Newcastle (England) has achieved significant growth in 2023, welcoming a record-breaking 710,000 passengers via cruise and ferry services. This milestone underscores the Port's key role in bolstering the North East’s economy.
As the UK’s first smart port, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the Port of Tyne continues to serve as a leading international gateway, drawing visitors from around the globe to explore North East England. The anniversary coincides with a notable surge in demand for the Port’s International Passenger Terminal services.
In 2023, the Port handled 61 cruise calls, carrying over 164,000 passengers - a more than 100% increase from the previous year. These figures reflect the region’s rising appeal to international tourists. Destination North East England reported an 80% increase in overseas visits in 2023, contributing GBP 6.1 billion to the local economy, with the Port playing a pivotal part in this growth.
Matt Beeton, CEO at the Port of Tyne, commented that from welcoming Cunard’s ship Royal Viking Sun/now Amera on August 30th, 1999 as their first ship to Fred Olsen’s ship Balmoral on August 29th, 2024, the day before it all started 25 years ago, their offerings have grown year-on-year, with a record number of cruise ship calls in 2024.
"We’ve upgraded our facilities over the years to ensure the region remains a top destination for cruise passengers. We are currently extending our 5G network, making us the first smart port in the UK, which will open up even more opportunities for passengers coming into the Tyne.
"Since the International Passenger Terminal opened in 1999, we have invested £5 million in transforming Northumbrian Quay into a purpose-built cruise berth. We’ve also enhanced our passenger lounge, check-in desks, and car parking facilities to serve our guests better. Over the years, we’ve had the honour of shepherding several iconic vessels into the Tyne, including the QE2 during her lap of honour around the UK in 2007 and again in 2008 during her farewell tour. In 2016, we proudly welcomed the Disney Magic cruise ship for the first time, on a day when we handled a record five passenger ships.”