Whitby welcomes first three cruise ships in a decade

There's also interest from more cruise ships for the year ahead.

Author: Karen LiuPublished 28th Jul 2021

Whitby has welcomed its first three cruise ships in a decade.

Captain Chris Burrows, Whitby’s Harbour Master, said:

“Whitby’s been an international port for centuries - after all, this is the place where world-famous explorer Captain Cook set out on his global travels 250 years ago on-board Whitby-built ship, the Endeavour.

“We’ve always been very capable of welcoming cruise ships, but it’s only as a result of ‘the liner lockdown’ that people have started to experience this friendly, historic port for themselves. This July, the first three cruise ships in a decade anchored in Whitby’s harbour – with rave reviews - and we’ve got interest from many more cruise ships for the year ahead, as travel agents begin to spot our potential."

Chris added:

“For many first-time cruise visitors, one of the most awe-inspiring parts of the trip has been the actual journey into Whitby itself, from ship to shore. The dramatic approach by sea is like a piece of magnificent maritime theatre, with Whitby’s gothic abbey standing sentinel on its clifftop, breath-taking views of the dramatic Yorkshire coastline, and the higgledy-piggledy town huddled around the historic fishing harbour. Certainly a picture perfect highlight.

Janet Deacon, Tourism and Culture Manager adds:

“This has been such an unexpected boost for the Yorkshire Coast’s tourism economy, after a tough couple of years, and we’re doing everything we can to convince travel agents to continue supporting UK cruise destinations after travel restrictions lift. Ports like Whitby, a gateway to world-famous attractions and some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain, have so much to offer luxury travellers, especially those who love venturing off the beaten track to explore somewhere a little more ‘exotic’, scenic and distinctive. We believe Whitby’s a winner!”

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