As we gear up for an exciting year ahead and as part of our strategy to optimise for a successful 2024 cruise season, we are thrilled to announce that this week marked the official kick-off of the 2024 cruise season for Shaping Portsmouth’s Cruise Ambassadors, gearing up for the busiest year yet.
The meeting was led Vanessa Busfield, Joint programme lead, alongside Andrew Williamson, Head of Cruise and Ferry at Portsmouth International Port, and Marian Glover our Business Pillar Coordinator.
This team building meeting was an opportunity to welcome new and existing ambassadors, discuss exciting plans for 2024, align on our strategy to optimise our impact and ensure a phenomenal year, as well as share ideas and insights to empower each other for success. As a result of all the amazing work at the Port, last year, Portsmouth International Port at the Wave Awards received the “Best Port “in the world as well as “Best Environmental Innovation”. We are keen that Portsmouth continues to thrive as one of the top cruise Ports hence the importance of this meeting.
This year promises to be even more extraordinary; as Portsmouth International Port is expecting ten inaugural calls and the return of familiar ships bringing in approximately 155,000 passengers to the Port.
Andrew Williamson, head of cruise and ferry at Portsmouth International Port said, “It was brilliant to meet so many volunteers at the first Shaping Portsmouth ambassador meeting of 2024. With over 90 cruise calls scheduled for the year, our cruise ambassador programme has helped to build our success and the port is incredibly grateful to all the volunteers who give up their time to promote the world-class attractions right on our doorstep. Each ship that calls into the city supports local tourism, with an increasing number of passengers choosing to use our complimentary shuttle service and create their own tour of Portsmouth.”
Vanessa Busfield the Joint Programme Lead echoes the sentiment, “Tremendous to be welcoming so many ships to Portsmouth International Port this year! Yesterday, the 17th of January we had the AIDAmar with 2000+ passengers to greet to our great Waterfront City.”
Marian Glover, Business and Marketing Coordinator states, “As we embark on the 2024 cruise season, our dedicated Cruise Ambassadors are excited and looking forward to extending a warm welcome to all passengers who disembark the ships. We are committed to promoting our great waterfront city and all its unique qualities.”
If you would like to become a cruise ambassador, please email Marian Glover at Marian.glover@shapingportsmouth.co.uk
