Guernsey has been attracting a record number of cruise ship travellers this year, as much as 1,30,000 that is quite a hike from last year’s number that was recorded at 1,23,000.
The number of cruise passengers visiting this region is expected to rise even higher since Britannia and Queen Mary 2, the larger ships are yet to arrive before the season finally ends on Sunday.
Even though there have been very few ship calls to the St. Peter Port, the Channel Island has welcomed a fifth year of increasing passenger numbers. For the very first time, Guernsey has welcomed the Disney Cruise. The next year, it would be welcoming a new ship known as the Vision of the Seas owned by Royal Caribbean.
2017 is expected to mark a sixth year of growth in terms of cruise ship passengers, with then numbers expected to rise up to 1,60,000.
A spokesperson said that they are expecting the numbers to rise to a great extent and in 2017, the passenger numbers would be much higher as compared to that in 2016. Guernsey has made several improvements and additions to facilitate cruise ship passengers this year. The improvements comprise a new pontoon, a tourist train, a newly-opened restaurant and new staff to manage the traffic and crowd.
Pier 17 is the name of the new restaurant that has been built in Guernsey. And, this is exactly where the passengers can drop in to enjoy a drink or eat something as they keep waiting for the tenders.
Le Petit Train leaves from the place where the cruise passengers disembark. It offers a 35-minute return trip around the town, passing through all the important landmarks.
The new pontoon makes way for passengers to take three tenders all at once. It also allows for two tenders for large ships like the P&O Cruises’ Britannia that regularly calls at the island.
VisitGuernsey has also posted police by employing 37 special constables to assist the region in controlling and supervising the traffic and cruise passengers. It would recruit more police constables in 2017. Next year, this island is contemplating the installation of a temporary tarpaulin cover that would keep the passengers dry as they return to their ships.
Last year, Guernsey had established free Wi-Fi on the pier that would help cruise ship passengers.
