Liverpool's Cruise Liner Terminal open
_tcm81-112593.jpg "The QE2 at the Cruise Liner Terminal in September 2007")
Liverpool's new cruise liner terminal was officially opened on 21st September 2007 as the QE2 made a 40th birthday visit to the city's new cruise liner terminal.
HRH the Duke of Kent unveiled a plaque to formally open the terminal. The ceremony was also attended by Margaret Hodge, the Minister for Culture and Tourism, Carol Marlow, President of Cunard Line, and representatives of the organisations involved in developing the terminal.
Margaret Hodge said:
"Liverpool has a rich history and is recognised internationally as a thriving, creative and cultural centre. As it gears up to become Capital of Culture, bringing thousands of visitors from around the world, it is fitting that Liverpool will be able to welcome cruise liners in style."
The £19m terminal allows the world's great cruise ships to return to the Mersey on a regular basis. A total of 23 vessels with more than 25,000 cruise passengers are already confirmed for 2008 and 2009.
The new terminal involved creating an extension connected to the existing landing stage at Princes Dock, allowing cruise ships of up to 350-metres in length to berth. It also has top class visitor facilities.
Funding for the facility included £10 million from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and £7.1m from the Merseyside Objective One programme
Cllr Warren Bradley, City Council Leader, said:
"The new terminal is a major step forward not only for the city but for the region. It means that once again we will have some of the world's greatest vessels berthed in front of one of the world's great waterfronts, bringing visitors from all over the world and boosting the local economy. And what better way to celebrate its opening than with the QE2 being one of the first ships to berth at the new terminal."
Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the NWDA, said:
"Liverpool's new cruise liner facility will provide a major boost for the region's tourism industry, and will put Merseyside and the North West on the map as a major international cruise destination. The Agency is committed to ensuring that Liverpool's Capital of Culture year leaves the region with a strong legacy which is why we are investing heavily in major projects such as the cruise liner, a project that will have a lasting impact on the local and regional economy beyond 2008."
Carol Marlow, President and Managing Director, Cunard Line, added:
"We are delighted QE2 is officiating at the opening of the splendid new City of Liverpool Cruise Terminal. Cunard was founded in Liverpool in 1839 and the city was home to our Head Office for nearly 130 years so it's always nice to come back 'home'"
Sara Wilde, Chair of Mersey Waterfront, said:
"We're proud to welcome the QE2 to this fantastic new gateway to the Mersey Waterfront. As well as being welcomed ashore into a World Heritage Site, visitors will also experience a diverse range of rural and urban locations along our superb 145km coastline."
The terminal has been developed by a partnership between Liverpool City Council, Peel Ports, Northwest Regional Development Agency, Liverpool Vision, City Focus, Government Office North West and the Mersey Waterfront Regional Park.
Following the official opening of the terminal there was a reception for guests aboard the QE2, after which ceremony guests and passengers attended a concert at Liverpool Cathedral to celebrate the QE2 visit. In the evening there was a spectacular firework display as the QE2 bid farewell to the Mersey.
In July 2007, Thomson Cruises - one of the world's largest holiday operators - announced that it intends to base a luxury cruise liner in Liverpool during the Capital of Culture year. The 1,300-capacity Celebration will offer luxury journeys to Morocco and other Mediterranean ports, Greenland and the Amazon. This will be the first time the company has used Liverpool as a starting point for its cruises as part of its drive to cater for growing demand from holidaymakers from Merseyside and the North West.