Latest cruise passenger figures 'encouraging'

Guernsey Ports officials say the number of cruise passengers visiting the island this year has provided "encouraging signs" that the sector is expanding again.

Mark Renouf, cruise operations and business development manager, said 2026 was the first year passenger numbers had stabilised year-on-year since the pandemic and were expected to reach 28,000.

He said there were already 63 cruise bookings for 2027, compared with 51 in 2026, as well as an increase in overall ship capacity of about 8,000 passengers.

"While we are still some way from the levels seen before Covid, this season has provided encouraging signs that our cruise sector is moving in the right direction," Renouf said.

Renouf said a scheme bringing local stallholders into the cruise area on busy ship days had "helped create a more memorable welcome experience for visitors while providing another opportunity for local producers to benefit from cruise tourism".

"Cruise lines plan their itineraries years in advance, so building relationships and raising Guernsey's profile within the industry is essential," he said.

"The work that has taken place over the past few years is beginning to deliver results, with new cruise lines choosing to visit Guernsey and established operators showing renewed confidence in the island."

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