Port Portland (Dorset, England UK) reported significant achievements in its cruise operations during 2024, setting the stage for an even more robust season in 2025. The port welcomed 117,000+ passengers across 52 cruise ship calls in 2024, marking one of the most successful years in its 28-year history.
Cruise vessels called at Portland during 10 out of 12 months, excluding January and March, with representation from 18 different cruise lines and a range of international passengers. Notably, the port handled a record 9 unscheduled visits, including Cunard's liner RMS Queen Mary 2 on June 1st. These calls, prompted by weather disruptions or industrial actions in other ports, highlight Portland's growing importance as a reliable cruise destination.
A standout moment of the year was the inaugural visit of Princess Cruises’ ship Sun Princess, a 345-meter-long vessel with a capacity of 4,300 passengers, marking her maiden season. Cruise ships docked at the port’s GBP 26 million deepwater berth, facilitating passenger disembarkation for organized shore excursions or complimentary shuttle services to Weymouth.
According to data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the cruise calls in 2024 generated ~GBP 10 million for the local economy through passenger and crew spending.
The 2025 cruise season is set to surpass previous records, with 60 cruise ship calls and 100,000+ passengers anticipated. Among these, 5 turnaround calls are planned for the luxury vessel Hebridean Princess, which accommodates just 50 guests. The year will also see first-time visits from Silversea Cruises and Albatros Expeditions, marking Portland's expanding appeal to luxury and expedition cruise lines.
The first call of 2025 was a short-notice visit from Spirit of Discovery on January 7th. Carrying ~1,000 passengers, the ship was diverted to Portland due to adverse weather conditions elsewhere. This call provided a welcome off-season boost to the local economy, with passengers enjoying complimentary transportation to Portland and Weymouth.
This will mark the 4th consecutive season since the COVID crisis with 50+ calls and 100,000 guests, cementing Portland Port’s reputation as a growing hub for cruise tourism along the Dorset coastline.