AS CRUISE INDUSTRY ENJOYS A BOOM, PORTS OF AYR & TROON SET TO WELCOME CRUISE SHIP’S MAIDEN CALL
As the UK cruise industry currently enjoys something of a boom, Associated British Ports (ABP) has launched its latest cruise brochure to help entice more cruise calls to its Ports of Ayr & Troon, Cardiff, Swansea, Hull, Barrow, Plymouth and Southampton. Benefiting from a unique geographical spread across the UK, award-winning cruise facilities and close proximity to international airports, ABP’s cruise ports are attractive destinations for the growing number of “Round Britain” and international cruise itineraries.
From 2000 to 2004, the number of cruise passengers who passed through UK ports grew by 14 per cent per year, with the figure looking set to rise in the future. The UK Cruise Passenger Shipping Association estimates that 1.25 million British holidaymakers will take ocean cruises this year. The prospect of further growth is excellent news for Ayr & Troon, with 2,160 cruise passengers expected to call at the two ports in 2006, contributing an estimated £216,000* to the local economy.
It is not hard to see why passengers would be attracted to Ayr and Troon. With historical links to the Vikings, William Wallace and the famous poet, Robert Burns, the two towns offer a range of tourist cultural and historical attractions. Ayshire is home to a number of majestic castles and country parks, such as the famous Culzean Castle and the Burns National Heritage Park. Golfers and golf enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice, with over 40 quality Ayrshire courses to choose from, including two Open Championship courses – the Kintyre Course at the Westin Turnberry Resort and the Old Course at the Royal Troon Golf Club.
A short ferry trip from Ayr and Troon, the Isle of Arran, often referred to as ‘Scotland in Miniature’ due to its blend of mountainous and coastal terrain, is home to the world-famous Isle of Arran Whisky Distillery. Visitors can take a guided tour of the distillery, learn about the art of distilling whisky and bottle the unique flavour of Arran single malt whisky for themselves to take home.
The Ports of Ayr & Troon are ideally located less than 15 minutes by road from Glasgow Prestwick International Airport and a 10-minute walk from their respective town centres. In 2006, the two ports will welcome a quartet of cruise vessels, including Crystal Cruises’ flagship, MS Crystal Serenity. The vessel, capable of accommodating 1,080 passengers, will make her maiden call to the Port of Ayr in early September. Fred Olson’s 550-passenger cruise ship, MS Black Prince, Hapag-Lloyd’s MS Europa and Clipper Cruise Lines’ MS Clipper Adventurer will also call at the two ports this year.
Stuart Cresswell, ABP Port Manager, Ayr & Troon, said:
“This year, the Ports of Ayr & Troon will bring more than 2,000 passengers to the region, boosting the local economy and highlighting Ayrshire’s numerous tourist attractions. Through its new cruise brochure, ABP will continue to promote the two ports as cruise destinations and offer visitors an unforgettable Scottish experience.”
Notes to Editors:
*A report entitled Wales and the Atlantic Arc: Developing Ports, by Professor Stuart Cole of the Wales Transport Research Centre, recently highlighted the benefits the UK cruise industry brings to local economies. The report estimates that each visiting passenger is likely to spend £80-100 per day ashore, providing opportunities for local businesses in the retail and tourism sectors, as well as for local stevedoring companies.
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