With new facilities at Portsmouth International Port helping to attract more cruise ships, Members of the Leading Cruise Agents of the UK took the opportunity, 23 November, to see for themselves how the Port has changed, and they were amongst the first travel professionals to view the recently completed canopy outside the new cruise terminal entrance.
The LCA delegation were in Portsmouth, not only to see the new passenger terminal, but also to view the Marriott Portsmouth Hotel, which is active in the pre and post-cruise market, and visit some of the city’s most famous attractions. The group, who began the day with a networking meeting and lunch, followed by a comprehensive tour of the Terminal, then visited the Historic Dockyard, Spinnaker Tower and Gunwharf Quays - all major attractions available to cruise travellers stopping off on a cruise, or embarking from the city’s port.
Ferry Port Manager, Phil Gadd commented, "We’ve invested more than £16 million in improving passenger facilities at the Port. It’s already paying off, with cruise operators like Fred. Olsen and All Leisure Group deciding to base some of their ships here. This was a great opportunity to show the people who actually sell these holidays to passengers just how the Port has changed, and what a wonderful city Portsmouth is to visit."
With the cruise market continuing to grow, the LCA has dedicated itself to offer expert, professional and unbiased advice on an ever-expanding range of holidays. Its aim is to make sure customers are matched with exactly the right sort of cruise, based on first hand knowledge of what is available. The LCA’s Kevin Griffin and his colleague-Directors were keen to show Members just what Portsmouth has to offer. He said, "LCA agents are focused on offering cruising with a difference - promoting new, exciting developments like Portsmouth, from a base of real expertise and experience. We’re delighted to be learning more about this superb new facility and its surrounding attractions."
