When you will be able to see cruise ships entering and leaving the River Tyne this summer

From the Cunard Queen Victoria to the Balmoral – a number of spectacular cruise ships have visited the Port of Tyne in recent months attracting huge crowds.

Spectators in both North and South Tyneside often turn out in their droves to watch the cruise liners as they sail along the River Tyne, capturing some incredible photos along the way. Recent months have seen the Port of Tyne’s Cruise Ship Terminal in North Shields visited by vessels including the Cunard Queen Victoria, Balmoral and AIDAsol.

It comes as the global cruise industry starts to bounce back following a challenging few years during the pandemic, which saw cruises stopped altogether in 2020 before a slight recovery in 2021.

READ MORE: Bid launched to get more cruise ships to visit the North East

Now, three leading businesses in the North East working together to attract more cruise ships to the region. The Port of Tyne, Newcastle International Airport and the NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI) have formed the Cruise North East England project, which aims to boost the region’s tourism economy by attracting more cruise ships to the area.

And a number of other cruise ships are set to visit the River Tyne this summer, according to the Port of Tyne Cruise schedule for 2022.

We’ve rounded up the cruise liners that are due to make an appearance and when you can expect to see them. However, the Port of Tyne has confirmed that these are all subject to change.



The Balmoral cruise ship leaves the River Tyne.
The Balmoral cruise ship leaves the River Tyne.

Balmoral

The Fred Olsen Cruise Liner, which is named after the Scottish residence of the British Royal Family, has made a few visits to the region in recent weeks and looks set to return a number of times this summer.

The Balmoral will arrive at the Port of Tyne at midnight on June 1 before setting sail exactly 24 hours later on a scenic five-night cruise to the Orkney and Shetlands.

The ship will make another visit to the region at midnight on June 6 before setting sail on a nine-night Arctic Fjords cruise the same day.

The vessel will then return to the port on June 15 at midnight before embarking on a seven-night Norwegian Fjords cruise. Then on June 22, the Balmoral will arrive at midnight before departing that same day for a 15-night Norwegian cruise of Spitsbergen’s isolated lands.

The vessel will then make its final summer visit to the port on July 7 at midnight before setting off on a cruise taking in the scenic isles and lochs of Scotland.

Capable of carrying 1,325 passengers, the Balmoral is small compared to other cruise ships. With just 710 guest cabins and measuring 218.05meters, the cruise ship’s smaller size means she is able to navigate some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways, including the Kiel Canal and River Seine.

During the voyage, those on board can enjoy facilities including two swimming pools and four jacuzzis, as well as a spa and fitness centre.



Cunard Queen Victoria leaving the Tyne.
Cunard Queen Victoria leaving the Tyne.

Cunard Queen Victoria

The impressive cruise liner will make a welcome return to the Port of Tyne on at 8am on May 26 before setting off at 5pm that evening for a 12-night British Isles cruise.

The Cunard is measures 294m long and is capable of carrying more than 2,000 passengers as well as 980 crew members. Passengers on board can access a full theatre, a ballroom, a traditional pub, a champagne bar and a club with a 270-degree view of the sea.

There is also a spa and gym, a pool, a large sunning area and an incredible 6,000-book library.

Norwegian Dawn

Norwegian Cruise Liner (NCL) the Norwegian Dawn will make an appearance on June 11 as it sails into the Port at 8am. The vessel will then set off at 6pm that evening for a nine-night cruise of England, Ireland and Amsterdam.

Measuring 294 meters in length and capable of carrying 2,340 passengers the ship also features a theatre and spar.

Sirena

The Oceania Cruises vessel will arrive at the Port at 8am on June 15 before leaving at 6pm that day on a 21-night cruise if the British Isles.

Measuring 593.7 feet long and capable of taking 648 passengers, the Sirena features a pool, spa, sports deck and casino.

AIDAsol, AIDAaura and AIDAbella

These three colourful cruise liners will be hard to miss when they visit the Port over the summer months.

The AIDA Cruise vessels feature a cartoon-style design painted onto the outside which is sure to make for some great photos.

The AIDAsol is due to arrive at 6.30am on June 24 before leaving at midnight that evening on a seven-night British Isles cruise. It will then return on July 12 at 6.30am before leaving at 8pm that evening on a 12-night British Isles cruise.

The cruise liner will then make its final summer trip to the port on July 24 , arriving at 6.30am and leaving at 8pm that evening on a nine-night British Isles cruise.

Its sister ship the AIDAaura will visit the Port on July 4 at 8am before leaving at 7.30pm that evening on a seven-night British Isles Cruise.

The AIDAbella will also make a welcome visit on August 9 at 1pm before leaving at 8am the following day for a British Isles cruise.

Seven Seas Voyager

This luxurious cruise ship will arrive on the Tyne at 8am on July 13 before departing at 6pm for a 12 night Belfast to London cruise.

The Regent Seven Seas vessel measures 204.2 meters in length and can carry 680 guests. Every suite has a private balcony and guests can enjoy a range of entertainment including cabaret shows and a casino as well as fitness and spa facilities.

Amera

The Phoenix Reisen cruise ship will visit the Port at 8am on July 24 before leaving at 9pm that evening for a 14-night cruise around Great Britiain. The impressive cruise liner measures 204 meters and can carry 835 passengers.

Silver Whisper

The Silverseas cruise liner will arrive at the Port at 7am on July 29 before leaving at 1pm that day for a 26-night Reykjavík to Tromsø cruise. The stunning ship is capable of carrying 392 passengers and features a pool deck, spa, library and theatre on board.

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