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Princess Cruises has pulled out of Guernsey for 2024 to reduce fuel consumption - with the States set target more “smaller high-end” liners instead, according to Economic Development.
Two of Princess' ships have been to the island so far for this year's cruising season. The Sky Princess, which carries a maximum of 3,660 passengers, arrived on 7 May for its only visit.
The Regal Princess – 3,560 maximum passengers - was booked for 12 separate dockings, with its first visit on 2 May and final scheduled for 1 October.
Deputy Neil Inder, President of Economic Development, told Express his Committee is “naturally disappointed” that the company had made a “business decision” to not visit the island next year.
They were assured that “its decision was made primarily to reduce the amount of fuel it uses. It is in no way a reflection of Guernsey or our offer to cruise passengers, which Princess Cruises has always been very complimentary about”.
Economic Development says it is “currently targeting new business, in particular smaller high-end cruise companies which are an excellent fit for our product.”
Pictured: An increasingly familiar sight in the Little Russell over the summer months.
Deputy Inder added: “The Bailiwick continues to have a very strong offering for the cruise market, as evidenced by the Bailiwick being named as the ‘Best UK & British Isles Port of Call’ at the prestigious annual Cruise Critic industry awards last year”.
45 ships, sailed by companies including MSC, P&O, and Ambassador, are slated to visit the island in 2024 so far with several of those ships able to carry over 2,000 passengers.
35 fewer ships were booked to visit Guernsey this year compared to 2022. The first of the season, Ambassador’s Ambience, was due to visit on April 12 but cancelled due to poor weather.
Princess Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Group, was approached for comment but was unable to respond in time for publication.
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