Portsmouth International Port has unveiled its 2025 cruise schedule, marking a significant milestone with a record 94 cruise ships scheduled to call at the harbor throughout the year. This represents the highest number of annual cruise calls in the port’s history.
Sustainability is a central focus for the coming year, highlighted by the introduction of the UK’s first shore power system capable of supplying clean energy to multiple vessels simultaneously across multiple berths. This innovation aligns with the port’s broader objective of achieving emissions-free operations by 2050.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, emphasized the port’s importance to the city’s infrastructure and heritage, noting its contribution of GBP 9.2 million in profit, which directly supports council services. He expressed enthusiasm for the port's growing cruise operations and its positive impact on local tourism, as well as Portsmouth’s reputation among global cruise brands. Pitt underscored the port’s commitment to sustainability, describing the shore power initiative as a bold step that positions Portsmouth at the forefront of the UK port industry.
The economic impact of each cruise call is significant, with passenger spending and berthing fees potentially generating up to GBP 1.5 million for the city. As a local authority-owned facility, profits are reinvested into council services, fostering collaboration between the port, businesses, and stakeholders to maximize local tourism and spending across Portsmouth’s attractions.
Andrew Williamson, head of cruise and ferry operations at Portsmouth International Port, reflected on the achievements of 2024, including the successful debut of the new terminal, which welcomed 168,000+ cruise passengers. He highlighted the port’s recognition as Best Port at the prestigious Wave Awards for the second consecutive year and expressed optimism for 2025, which promises to be the port’s busiest year yet. Williamson emphasized the port’s commitment to providing premium services while strengthening long-term partnerships.
The 2025 schedule features a mix of familiar and maiden calls. Regular seasonal turnarounds by Fred Olsen and Saga Cruises bookend the year, with Fred Olsen’s Borealis inaugurating the season on January 4th with a voyage to the Caribbean. Maiden visits will include Silverseas, Swan Hellenic, and Crystal, while Ritz Carlton’s superyacht Ilma will embark on a maiden British Isles voyage from Portsmouth in July.
Viking OCEAN’s newest ship Viking Vela is set to make her first visit to Portsmouth on January 9th, following her inaugural voyage in December 2024.
Returning favorites include Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, scheduled for multiple calls in July, August, and September. Since launching from Portsmouth in 2021, Virgin Voyages has maintained a strong partnership with the port, which became the first in the world to welcome all three of the brand’s “lady” ships when Resilient Lady made her UK debut in 2024.