31st October saw the final tourism call of the cruise season from Portsmouth International Port, with Oceania’s ‘Sirena’ stopping off as part of a 11-night voyage around the British Isles. The last transit call also closed a successful trial with city partners Hovertravel, who saw an influx in visitor numbers following a new stop for the hovercraft being added to the port’s complimentary shuttle bus service.
The luxury cruise liner Sirena brought in just under 600 guests who enjoyed a day in the city, including the unique offering of the world’s only year-round passenger hovercraft service. Hovertravel’s flight experience includes a guided tour by the pilot, expert commentary on the craft’s operations, and a live demonstration during a trip around the Solent.
Neil Chapman, managing director at Hovertravel said: “We are delighted to be part of Portsmouth’s offering to cruise customers, working with Portsmouth International Port and the cruise ambassadors to showcase what is unique about this amazing coastal city. Having been an integral part of the local community for almost six decades, we are keen to attract cruise passengers who visit from around the globe with the world’s only hovercraft flight experience by providing an exciting and memorable excursion. We can guarantee the warmest of welcomes to anyone alighting at the ports complimentary shuttle service stop outside our Southsea terminal.”
Offering an alternative for guests choosing to stay local, the shuttle service runs directly from the quayside and allows cruise guests to plan their own day, with stop offs covering the historic and modern areas of the city. Passengers are also greeted by dedicated cruise ambassadors – expert volunteers from Shaping Portsmouth who promote the best places to visit and how to get there.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said: “As a council-owned port, it is important that the benefits of cruise are shared across the whole city. The port has worked closely with Visit Portsmouth and our tourism partners to ensure the increase in cruise calls is also reflected in visitor numbers to our world-class attractions, and promoting Portsmouth as a destination for itineraries.
One of the brilliant things about Portsmouth is that we have so much on offer right on our doorstep. The shuttle service provides an option for guests choosing not to take organised shore excursions and explore the wider city, including the hover port and The D-Day Story in Southsea, Old Portsmouth, the city centre and Gunwharf.”
Portsmouth International Port is set to achieve its busiest cruise season yet, with 2025’s schedule soon to be announced. The year will round off with turnaround calls from Saga and Fred Olsen, with thousands of passengers starting and finishing their cruises in Portsmouth.
