Bumper Greenock cruise call season expected in 2019

The Ocean Terminal is on course for a record number of passengers and vessels between April and September.

Among the star attractions confirmed are Cunard ships Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, which will stop off in Greenock five times in total.

Huge vessels such as Crown Princess, MSC Orchestra, Brilliance of the Seas and the colourful Disney Magic are also on the list.

Queen Victoria will make her first appearance in Greenock since a reported £34m refit in May and June this year.

She is due to dock on June 6, August 8 and 17 with sister ship Queen Elizabeth expected on August 5 and September 17.

Over 120,000 passengers stopped off in Greenock during the 2018 season - the biggest number to date - with 2019 is expected to be even busier.

Peel Ports, which operates the Clydeport Ocean Terminal, has yet to officially release the full cruise call list and visitor head-count but details are available from ship operators and travel agents as they sell packages to customers.

Speaking earlier this year, site manager Craig Collins said: "It's fantastic for the area because we've not just got the passengers coming through, the crew spend a lot of money in the town centre as well.

"It equates to around £10m that the cruise ships bring to the local economy.

"It's a growing market and we have bookings up to 2022."

Last week, officials from national agency Cruise Scotland announced that the country's ports, including Greenock, are collectively on course to welcome a million passengers annually in the next few years.

To cope with increasing demand, Greenock's Ocean Terminal is the subject of a £15m expansion which will include a new visitor centre, restaurant and museum.

The proposals are currently being considered by planning officials and, if given the go ahead, should be completed by spring or summer 2020.

It will allow for more than 150,000 passengers annually and could boost the economy by £26m.