The Port of Tyne is set to welcome 59 cruise calls in 2019, and the first large transit ship bringing over 2,000 visiting passengers, and 900 crew is due to arrive at 8am on Thursday 18 April.
At 295.2m long and 86,619 gross tonnage, the Costa Mediterranea is one of the largest cruise ships to call at the Port of Tyne this year. Arriving from Edinburgh as part of a 13 day cruise around Northern Europe passengers will be disembarking to explore North East England.
During their time ashore they will be visiting places like Alnwick Castle and Garden, Beamish Museum, Crook Hall and Gardens in Durham, Durham City and Dales, Hadrian’s Wall, Howick Hall, Newcastle, Holy Island, York and Wallington Hall.
Sven Richards, Port of Tyne Operations Manager – Vessels, said: “We are delighted to welcome 59 cruise vessels this year, up from 51 in 2018. 2019 marks 20-years since the Port of Tyne welcomed its first cruise call and we’ll be giving a warm welcome to a record number of cruise lines during the year.
“Costa Mediterranea is the first of nine inaugural calls that will be calling at the Port this year, and our team at the International Passenger Terminal have been busy making final preparations to ensure that passengers and crew enjoy the most of their time at the Port of Tyne.”
Inspired by Italy’s historic places, Costa Mediterranea represents Italian elegance and its 12 decks are filled with works of art. On-board, there are 1,057 cabins including 660 with private balconies, four restaurants, 12 bars, a wellness centre, four pools, a casino, theatre and shopping centre.
Click here for a tour of the ship.
And if, according to the latest numbers released earlier this week from CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) like, over 2 million British and Irish holidaymakers, you’re thinking of making a cruise your next holiday check out the Port’s website to find out where a cruise sailing direct from the Port of Tyne could take you.
The ship is due to set sail at 8pm the same day bound for Ijmuiden.