Ilfracombe prepares for cruise liner visit

Ilfracombe is getting ready to welcome two cruise liners after it was chosen as a destination by a cruise ship company.

North Devon+, the economic regeneration company for Northern Devon, has been a member of Destination South West for several years. Through this membership they proposed Ilfracombe as the perfect destination for the Cruise Ship Company as part of a Devon wide Initiative.

Destination South West said there was "worldwide" competition to attract ships and it had taken "some time" to get a major line to stop there. Chairman Mike Reynolds said: "With strong worldwide competition to attract these calls it has taken some time to get a major line to call at the Port.

Laura Holt, Sales and Marketing Manager for North Devon+ said: " It's great news for the economy of Ilfracombe that once again, they will be in a position to extend a warm welcome to sea-faring visitors. "
The liners will dock in Ilfracombe in May and July after sailing from the United States.
A lifeboat greeting, welcome party, bands and real ale are just a few of the events planned to ensure transatlantic cruise passengers receive a splendid greeting when the first ship arrives in Ilfracombe on Sunday, May 29.

The MV Rotterdam and MV Prinsendam, which are visiting Ilfracombe, on the 29th of May and 22nd July respectively, are operated by the Holland America Line and carry 1,404 and 835 passengers respectively.