The Port of Tyne said it set a new record in 2023 with 61 cruise ship calls, welcoming 710,000 passengers — a 91% increase compared to 2022.
Port of Tyne CEO Matt Beeton said: “From welcoming Cunard’s Royal Viking Sun on 30 August 1999 as our first cruise ship to Fred Olsen’s The Balmoral on 29 August 2024, the day before it all started 25 years ago, our offerings have grown year-on-year, with a record number of cruise ship calls this year.
“We’ve upgraded our facilities over the years to ensure the region remains a top destination for cruise passengers. We are currently extending our 5G network, making us the first smart port in the UK, which will open up even more opportunities for passengers coming into the Tyne.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “The Port of Tyne is synonymous with the North East and welcomes passengers from all corners of the globe to experience the very best our region has to offer.
“It plays a crucial role and is vital to making our area the fantastic place we know it is—to live, work, invest, and visit. The North East has unrivalled access to the North Sea, and as Mayor, I’m determined to harness all the opportunities this presents, to attract more investment, create jobs, and strengthen our visitor economy—firmly placing the North East where it belongs: proudly on the world stage.”
Ian Thomas, Director of Visitor Economy at NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “Anyone who is from here or has visited knows North East England is a fantastic place to visit, offering unrivalled landscapes, world-class cultural experiences, a proper canny welcome, and great value for money.
“We’re very fortunate to have the fantastic facilities at the Port of Tyne, which allow visitors to explore everything from our vibrant food and drink scene to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Hadrian’s Wall.
“The Port of Tyne remains one of the country’s premier international gateways, and it’s amazing that it’s on our doorstep as we continue to work closely alongside Visit Britain to amplify the region’s story to attract more visitors from abroad.
“The growth and further investment in our International Passenger Terminal will help us achieve our goal of doubling the value of the visitor economy over the next decade, supporting numerous jobs and contributing significantly to the regional economy.”