Cruise liners are set to return to Liverpool for the first time in 14 months next week.
Viking Venus, a new ship, will make her maiden voyage to the city on May 24, launching Liverpool’s cruise season after an extended break due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2021, Liverpool Cruise Terminal is expected to welcome around 80 liners, including inaugural visits from MSC Virtuosa , Marella Explorer and the much-acclaimed Anthem of the Seas, which boasts the world’s tallest viewing deck - 300ft above the waves.
Cruise Liverpool will also be welcoming back Fred Olsen ships this year, including new liner the Borealis which will make 20 visits.
This year Liverpool-favourite Disney Magic will not be calling at the city with its usual fanfare, but instead passengers will be able to embark on their trip from Liverpool Cruise Terminal.
Cunard ship the Queen Elizabeth is also expected to visit this summer, with passengers permitted to explore Liverpool as part of organised ‘bubble’ excursions only, with Covid tests required before and during trips.
Cruise operators have worked tirelessly to ensure all ships are Covid-safe. All will be carrying fewer people and have extra measures in place to protect passengers and crew, while allowing everyone on board to make the most of their cruising experience.
Angie Redhead, head of Cruise Liverpool, said: “I am absolutely buzzing with anticipation at getting cruise ships back on our shores. We’ve missed them as much as they’ve missed us.
“Cruise Liverpool has worked collaboratively with Cruise Britain since the start of the pandemic to plan for this moment, alongside other UK ports and providers.
“No stone has been left unturned when it comes to ensuring the safety of passengers, crew and staff on the ground at the UK’s terminals.
“This announcement feels like the start of some normality returning and will be a real boost for cruise fans who are desperate to find their sea-legs again.”
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Below is Liverpool’s full 2021 cruise season schedule, though it is important to note that this is subject to change and will follow government guidelines on travel restrictions.
May 24 - Viking Venus
May 31 - Viking Venus
June 7 - Viking Venus
June 8 - MSC Virtuosa
June 15 - MSC Virtuosa
June 21 - Viking Venus
June 24 - MSC Virtuosa
June 28 - Viking Venus
June 29 - MSC Virtuosa
June 30 - Norwegian Jade
July 1 - Borealis
July 2 - Borealis
July 4 - Borealis
July 5 - Borealis
July 6 - MSC Virtuosa
July 8 - Borealis
July 9 - Anthem of the Seas
July 12 - Borealis
July 13 - MSC Virtuosa
July 15 - Disney Magic
July 16 - Borealis
July 18 - Disney Magic
July 19 - Borealis
July 20 - Disney Magic
July 22 - Borealis
July 23 - Disney Magic
July 24 - Borealis
July 25 - Golden Horizon
July 27 - Disney Magic
July 28 - Celebrity Silhouette
July 29 - Borealis
July 30 - Disney Magic
August 2 - Disney Magic
August 3 - MSC Virtuosa
August 4 - Celebrity Silhouette
August 5 - Anthem of the Seas
August 6 - Borealis
August 8 - Celebrity Silhouette
August 10 - MSC Virtuosa
August 11 - Anthem of the Seas
August 14 - Borealis
August 17 - Nieuw Statendam
August 18 - Marella Explorer 2
August 17 - Nieuw Statendam
August 20 - Anthem of the Seas
August 23 - Borealis
August 24 - MSC Virtuosa
August 25 - Marella Explorer
August 26 - Anthem of the Seas
August 28 - Borealis
August 29 - Queen Elizabeth
August 30 - Celebrity Silhouette
August 31 - MSC Virtuosa
September 1 - P&O Britannia
September 2 - Borealis
September 3 - Anthem of the Seas
September 4 - Marella Explorer 2
September 6 - Queen Elizabeth
September 7 - MSC Virtuosa
September 9 - P&O Britannia
September 11 - Borealis
September 12 - Queen Elizabeth
September 18 - Queen Elizabeth
September 21 - Anthem of the Seas
September 22 - P&O Britannia
September 23 - Celebrity Silhouette
September 26 - Borealis
September 28 - MSC Virtuosa
September 29 - Anthem of the Seas
September 30 - Anthem of the Seas
October 2 - Celebrity Silhouette
October 4 - Anthem of the Seas
October 5 - MSC Virtuosa
October 6 - Celebrity Silhouette
October 7 - Borealis
October 10 - Queen Elizabeth
October 12 - Anthem of the Seas
October 14 - Celebrity Silhouette
October 17 - Anthem of the Seas
October 18 - Borealis
October 19 - Celebrity Silhouette
October 25 - Celebrity Silhouette
November 2 - Borealis
November 16 - Borealis
December 2 - Borealis
December 7 - Borealis
December 21 - Borealis
