Cowes Set for Cruise Boom in 2019 with Seven Ship Visits and Luxury Firsts
Cowes Harbour Commission has revealed a cracking cruise schedule for 2019, with seven cruise ship visits lined up, including four debut calls from world-class luxury liners. The cruise season kicks off just before Easter, when the expedition ship Hanseatic Nature arrives on April 17.
Luxury Liners Make Maiden Calls
Between May and July, six more ships are set to dock at the Isle of Wight, featuring regular visitor Europa. But July steals the spotlight with the first-ever visits from ultra-luxury cruisers The World, Seabourn Quest, and Silver Wind.
The World, the biggest private residential ship afloat, will make a landmark overnight stop from July 12-13. Seabourn Quest arrives just days later on July 15. It’s the third in a fleet hailed as a “game-changer for the luxury segment.” Then there’s Silversea’s Silver Wind, freshly upgraded in December 2018, calling on July 18.
Cowes Cruises Poised for Massive Growth
The booming global cruise market is good news for the UK, with ports like Cowes seeing rising passenger numbers. Cowes Harbour Commission aims to cement the town’s status as a top-tier destination for luxury cruise liners seeking unique and personalised travel experiences.
Harbour Master Capt. Stuart McIntosh said:
“Working with local partners, the Commission aims to deliver annual growth in cruise visits to Cowes. We believe the Isle of Wight offers an ideal destination for luxury cruise operators catering to the current demand for experiential and personalised travel. By bringing additional international attention to the Island, we hope to see continual development in cruise tourism.”
New Shore Excursions Boost Visitor Experience
2019 also sees the debut of fresh land and water-based tours, including unique trips in and around vibrant Cowes town, thanks to collaboration with local shoreside operators.
Jack Brooke, Senior Account Manager for Intercruises UK & Ireland, said:
“Cowes is a fascinating coastal town with a long maritime history. We’re thrilled to work closely with Cowes Harbour Commission and local stakeholders as the Isle of Wight gains recognition as an exciting UK cruise destination. With support from local businesses and the port, we’ve developed a varied portfolio of new tours launching this year for cruise passengers.”
Itineraries are packed with authentic, high-quality experiences to satisfy even the most discerning cruise guests.
Interested cruise operators should contact Cowes Harbour Commission for more info and to join the 2019 cruise season action.
