ABP’s ports of Ayr and Troon are set to receive a record number of cruise calls in 2016, with this year’s Open Golf Championship at Royal Troon sparking the increase of ships to the area, says ABP.
Six vessels are due to visit the Ports of Ayr and Troon multiple times this year, including the cruise vessels Celebrity Silhouette and Azamara Quest, which will call at the Port of Ayr on the last two days of the Open Golf Championship in July.
Over 5,000 passengers and crew members are expected to come ashore during the visits.
Cruise ship calls will continue into the rest of 2016, including when passengers will embark on the M/V Clio at the Port of Ayr in September – the first time any cruise ship has had a full embarkation at the port.
Port Manager for Ayr and Troon, Stuart Cresswell said: "Cruise calls have long been an occasional business for the port but 2016 is shaping up to be an exciting year.
“We are really encouraged to see the spin-off business that the Open Golf Championship will provide, not only to the ports but the entire community, and we are looking forward to embarking passengers for the first time at Ayr later this year.”
Jill Cronin, Head of Enterprise, Development and Leisure at South Ayrshire Council said: “The rise in cruise calls is good news for South Ayrshire, with the increase in numbers a welcome boost for the local economy. This summer the Open golf championship is expected to attract 150,000 to 170,000 visitors between 10 and 17 July.
“We’re sure that visitors will appreciate the stunning coastlines along with our unique history and culture. Our many tourist attractions are sure to benefit as will accommodation providers, retailers and restaurants.”
The full list of 2016 cruise calls for vessels due at Ayr and Troon is as follows:
Michaela Rose – five visits to the Port of Troon between May and July.
Celebrity Silhouette – arriving at the Port of Ayr on Saturday 16 July for Open Golf Championship.
Azamara Quest - arriving at the Port of Ayr on Sunday 17 July for Open Golf Championship.
Europa – arriving at the Port of Ayr in August.
M/V Clio - two visits to the Port of Ayr during September.
Hebridean Princess – arriving at the Port of Troon in November.