A new start for Azamara?

The news (19 Jan 2021) that the Royal Caribbean Group had sold its subsidiary Azamara Club Cruises to private equity firm Sycamore Partners was unexpected, although not really a surprise.

Azamara has long been the unloved child in the Royal Caribbean family, having started life in 2007 with just two second hand ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, both originally units of the R Class of Renaissance Cruises, launched as R Six and R Seven respectively.  A decade later, and having been unable to pursuade their Royal Caribbean parent to let them build any new ships, they were instead allowed to add another R Class, the former R Eight which following a £50m refit in Belfast entered service in 2018 as Azamara Pursuit.  It must have been pretty galling to be given a 17 year old ship on the 6th stage of her career when your group stablemates, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Silversea, were spending $billions on new builds.

With Silversea obviously being the favoured "small ship", premium brand in the group, it was difficult to see where Royal Caribbean saw Azamara fitting into its portfolio.  With a trio of ships now twenty years old it must have been getting harder to sell the brand to affluent, and discerning cruisers.

Azamara like to have a couple of our Ambassadors go onboard their ships, which we always do for them, setting up a hospitality desk in the atrium to give out city maps, advise on things to see and do ashore, and answer whatever questions their guests have on spending the day in Liverpool and the wider area.  The ships normally berth alongside, but on 23 July 2017, and coinciding with the Open Golf Championship taking place at Royal Birkdale, we had two ships visiting Liverpool and with Celebrity Silhouette occupying the terminal berth, Azamara Journey had to anchor mid river and guests were taken ashore onboard the Mersey Ferry Snowdrop. Myself and Alan, who we sadly lost from our Ambassador family last year, were taken out to the anchorage to run the hospitality desk.

Although I've never cruised on the ships, having spent some time onboard Journey and Quest I was impressed with their beautifully appointed decor, although with few facilities due to their size I feel I'd quickly find the small number of public areas a downside compared to newer and larger ships with their multiple lounges and bars.

One unique offering from Azamara on each cruise was an onshore event called an "Azamazing Evening" and these have often taken place on their Liverpool calls, with guests being taken by coach to  a private concert at either Liverpool Cathedral or St George's Hall, before returning to the ship for a firework display as they sailed away down the Mersey.  It'll be good for these to continue as they were always well received.

The Azamara trio are currently laid up together in the King George V Dock in Glasgow, and are scheduled to resume service from 1st May 2021. At the moment their new owners have not announced any changes to these plans, and it'll be interesting to see how their resumption of sailing proceeds, and what Sycamore decide to do with their new acquisition in the future. 

Azamara is a great brand, with a small fleet of good looking ships, able to sail into ports denied to larger vessels, meaning their loyal customer base is able to get closer to the action in cities, islands and harbours around the world. However with newer competitors from the likes of  Viking Ocean Cruises, Silversea, Seaborne etc entering service each year, I expect they'll need to consider fleet replacement or addition before very long.

Update 26/01/2021:

Following the announcement last week that Princess Cruises had sold their Pacific Princess, another R Class ship, originally R3, Azamara today confirmed that they are the buyers, and that the ship will join the fleet later this year on European itineraries. Her new name has not yet been revealed.  

Update 21/03/2021:

The new name for the former Pacific Princess was revealed a few days ago and she will re-enter service as Azamara Onward.

Liverpool Cruise Season 2020

2020 certainly turned out very different to how we anticipated it would at the start of the year. We had over 100 ships scheduled into Liverpool this year, it was due to be our busiest season yet, with over 120,000 passengers and thousands more crew expected to explore the city and region, not to mention spending money in our shops and attractions.

Even as the first visitor of the year, Virgin Voyages "Scarlet Lady" sailed into the Mersey in February, the pandemic storm clouds were already gathering on the horizon, with cruises being curtailed and cancelled, but even then we didn't think the disruption would last for the entire year, and beyond.

As I've said the 2020 season started as expected on 25th February with the northern media launch for the new Virgin Voyages brand. The striking grey and red liveried "Scarlet Lady" arrived after a overnight sailing from Dover with a complement of social media influencers and journalists. The upper cruise terminal had been transformed into a setting more nightclub than passenger lounge, and hundreds more invited guests arrived for lunch and ship tours during the day, and for a dinner and overnight experience. 

The following day they were replaced by guests who were to sail out into a winter north Atlantic bound, they thought, for New York where further media events were planned. However with the Covid19 pandemic getting worse Virgin cancelled the New York programme whilst the ship was mid Atlantic and she changed course and headed for her home port of Miami.

With "Scarlet Lady" having put to sea it was time for the scaffolding lads to decend on the floating landing stage to build two towers to enable 13,000 ticket holders to board the next newcomer to the Mersey as the second of the Royal Navy's new Aircraft Carriers "HMS Prince of Wales" made her public debut.

The carrier is enormous, and of course easy access for members of the public wasn't high on the architects plans hence the shore towers from which gangway access could be made to the starboard side aircraft lifts, and then into the vast hanger were various ships departments had set up stalls to explain how their work contributed to the effective operation of the vessel.

Although "Prince of Wales" was only open to the public during the weekend, she remained in port all week as trade visits were made as the many companies involved in her construction tried to secure further work and sales.

The following week was the turn of a smaller but equally impressive new ship, the Norwegian exploration cruise ship "Fridtjof Nansen" to visit as she launched with a series of 5 day cruises around the British Isles, one of these cruises ended in Liverpool, and the next sailing embarked here.

One of the interesting aspects of the Hurtigruten ship is her ability to run on battery power, and it was noticeable how silent she was coming alongside the stage.

"Fridtjof Nansen" and her sisters have a team of scientists onboard and laboratories where their guests can learn about the flora and fauna of the environment.

Unfortunately Nansen's departure on 11th March also marked the final passenger movements of the year, although not the final ship. Whilst cruising is the main purpose of our terminal, we have a flexible berth that can handle most ships coming into the river, and is especially useful for ships needing a berth for maintenance and crew changes, with those employed on the Irish Sea windfarm and gas rig sectors frequently handled.

The otherwise empty berth was used by the Cammel Laird shipyard as a handy facility for ships waiting to gain access to their Birkenhead yard, with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary replenishment ships "Tiderace" and "Tidesurge" both spending time alongside

A high profile ship visiting twice was the Antarctic Research ship "Sir David Attenborough", aka Boaty McBoatface

Her first call in August was unexpected due to the drydock not being prepared correctly, then she made another call in October for final adjustments to be made before she headed into the Irish Sea for sea trials

Another unexpected caller appeared on 4th July when Viking Ocean Cruises "Viking Sun" sailed in. She had been laid up in Belfast but the Harland and Wolff berth she was occupying was needed for an incoming ferry refit, so the plan was that she would anchor off the Isle of Man for a week, however with unseasonably bad weather incoming her captain went for the safer option and headed into Liverpool instead.  

Viking Sun, and her sisters have become frequent visitors to the Mersey so it was good to see her again, although of course she had no guests onboard and even her crew were not allowed to leave the ship. The seventh vessel in the series, Viking Venus, currently being fitted out at the Fincantieri yard in Ancona is scheduled to call here seven times next year, in addition to two return calls from Viking Sun.

Sadly 2020 has also been an awful year for our cruise terminal family, as we lost three of our dear friends and colleagues.  In April, Alan, the team leader of our volunteer Ambassadors died, and then in August we lost Paula too.  Alan and Paula were both incredibly kind, warm and entertaining characters, who lived life to the full, and were so proud of their city. Their enthusiasm and love of people was inspirational to the whole team and we will miss them with all our hearts.  In February we were shocked to hear that Roy from the security team had unexpectedly passed away, Roy would always go above and beyond to ensure that our guests came first and received a warm Liverpool welcome.  Rest in Peace dear friends.

So as we wind down what remains of this most unusual years, we hope that those working so hard to combat this dreadful illness enjoy continued success and it won't be too long before we are able welcome new and returning guests to Cruise Liverpool.

Where are Liverpool's Ships?

I started to map the world cruise fleet locations during the Covid19 suspension, it is quite a task, so as a first installment, here are the current locations of all the ships scheduled to call at Liverpool this season:

AIDAbella - Piraeus Greece 

AidaVita - Dubai UAE

Astor - Sea for Bremerhaven

Astoria - Tilbury UK

Azamara Pursuit - Sea for Panama 

Black Watch - Firth of Forth Anch UK 

Bremen - Auckland NZ

Celebrity Reflection - Bahamas Anch

Costa Fortuna - Salahah, Oman

Crystal Symphony - Singapore 

Deutschland - Sea for Bremerhaven

Disney Magic - Cape Canaveral Anch

Europa 2 - Marseille France 

Hamburg - Setubal Anch Portugal 

L'Austral - Rio de Janeiro

Le Boréal - Sea for Rio de Janeiro 

Magellan - Tilbury

Mein Schiff 3 - Tenerife Anch

Nautica - Dubai UAE

Norwegian Star - Sea for Panama 

Ocean Dream - Hiroshima 

Queen Victoria - Sea for Southampton 

Regal Princess - Bahamas Anch

Rotterdam - Sea for Puerto Vallarta Mex

Saga Sapphire - Tilbury 

Seven Seas Explorer - Nassau, Bahamas 

Seven Seas Splendor - San Diego

Sirena - Miami 

The World - Fremantle Anch Australia 

Vasco de Gama - Sea for Fremantle 

Veendam - Bahamas Anch 

Viking Jupiter - sea for Barbados

Viking Star - Tilbury 

Viking Sun - Dubai 

Liverpool Cruise Season 2019

2019 has been the busiest season so far at Liverpool Cruise Terminal with 86 calls including 9 ships visiting the Mersey for the first time.  In all we welcomed 165,000 passengers and crew to our city.

Here are just some of the beautiful ships which I photographed when I was at the terminal this year.

Costa Cruises "Costa Mediterranea" opened the 2019 season on 12th April, she called again in May and August.

Costa Mediterranea

Celebrity Cruises "Celebrity Reflection" called 4 times this year.   These two alongside shots were taken on her visit on 17th June. 

Celebrity Reflection

Celebrity Reflection

She is shown here sailing away on 13th July

Celebrity Reflection

Aida Cruises had three ships calling this year, I was able to capture AidaVita on 18th May

AidaVita

AidaAura arrived for an overnight stay on 5th August

AidaAura

and AidaBella arriving on 17th August

AidaBella

You may have been watching the Channel 5 Programme about the "Most Expensive Cruise Ship In the World" this year, the star of the show Seven Seas Explorer called on 9th June

Seven Seas Explorer

Seven Seas Explorer

Oceania Cruises sisterships Nautica and Insignia called this year.  Here Insignia is shown sailing away on 21st June

Insignia

Whilst Oceania own 4 of the 8 "R Class" ships originally built for Renaissance Cruises, a further 3 sail for Azamara Club Cruises, here Azamara Journey is alongside on 25th July.  The 8th member of the class "Pacific Princess" called at Liverpool last year.

Azamara Journey

Another class of ships which have called at Liverpool this year are the Ocean Class of Viking Ocean Cruises.  We welcomed 3 of their fleet, making a total of 8 visits this year, including inaugural calls by Viking Sea and Viking Jupiter.

Here Viking Jupiter moves off the landing stage on 3rd August.

Viking Jupiter

Here we are 2 shots of Viking Sun, alongside in weather more befitting her name on 25th August

Viking Sun

Viking Sun

The flagship of the Cunard fleet, Queen Mary 2 called on 16th July with a late sailing into the sunset

Queen Mary 2

The following day we also had a late sailing of the brand new Spirit of Discovery which was on her maiden voyage for Saga Cruises, having only been named by the Duchess of Cornwall the previous week

Spirit of Discovery

Princess Cruises "Crown Princess" made 4 calls this year and is seen here approaching the Landing Stage on her final visit on 14th September.  

Crown Princess

Making her first, and last, visit in Pullmantur colours was Zenith on 14th July, she has since been sold to Peaceboat so we may see her again under a new name

Zenith

Zenith

Liverpool is popular with cruise lines catering to the German market.  Here we have Hapag Lloyd's Europa 2 alongside on 14th August

Europa 2

Transocean's  "Astor" called on 24th August

Astor

And Tui Cruises "Mein Schiff 5" is shown alongside on 2nd August

Mein Schiff 5

Another ship calling for the first time was Ponant's expedition ship "Le Dumont D'Urville on 16th September

Le Dumont D'Urville

On 3rd July Norwegian Cruises "Norwegian Spirit" made the second of her three visits in 2019.  Her first visit on 2nd June coincided with Liverpool FC's European Champions parade, an event which made her LFC supporting Captain extremely happy!

Norwegian Spirit

Finally in this review are two of our most regular callers.  Fred Olsen Cruises "Black Watch" was our most regular visitor, with 22 sailings in 2019.  She is alongside here in the autumn sunshine on 12th October

Black Watch

CMV's Magellan made 9 calls this year, and also stayed alongside for 2 overnight party events.  She is seen here at her berth on 27th October for her Halloween Party event.

Magellan

Of course none of our ships can make it alongside without the muscle power of our team of boatmen, and with over 100 ships scheduled for 2020 they'll be even busier next year!  

I hope you've enjoyed this gallery of just a small collection of the ships which graced the River Mersey this year.  We also had calls by ships of Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruises, Holland America Line, Phoenix Reisen, and Seabourn.  It has been a pleasure to welcome passengers and crew from all corners of the world this year and I'm looking forward to even more ships making their way into Liverpool "The Birthplace of Passenger Shipping" in 2020.

Election 2019 - shock, not really

Well the shock of last night is slowly abating and actually I feel quite relaxed about it, perhaps that is because deep down it wasn’t actually that much of a shock.

The fight for the UK to remain in the EU at this time is lost.  I accept that, I don’t agree with it, but I accept it.  The paralysis of the last 3 and a half years is over, England has chosen it’s path, and given Johnson the majority to take us down that path, and down that path we must go.  Those who wanted Brexit have got what they wanted, and they must now be given what they voted for.  Be it good or bad.  Boris Johnson has told lie after lie after lie and the English electorate have believed him.  Well that is their choice, their decision.  Johnson has promised them sunlit uplands, investment in infrastructure and skills and promised them better jobs and better pay.  He must now deliver on those promises.  The size of his majority will actually make his life more difficult.  He fought this election in his image.  He won it in his image.  He will govern in his image.  When it goes wrong, as I believe it will, he won’t be able to blame the last Labour government, he won’t be able to blame Corbyn, he won’t be able to blame the EU.  This is a personal victory for the brand called Boris, but he will occupy a lonely podium, and the cheers will soon turn against him when he doesn’t deliver on those empty words and meaningless slogans.

One bright light during the cold dark December night is that the non-party of Farage, Tice and Widdecombe left empty handed, they may have caused many causalities but there will be no spoils of war for them.

The most important thing for me, as a European, is the decades of peace and prosperity that a union of the peoples of Europe has brought to this continent too often at war with each other.  It is sad to see the UK cut off from that family, heading into isolation, but the prize of European peace is bigger than any one nation.  I am and will remain a passionate European Federalist 

 

Greenpower Aintree 2019

A midweek trip to Aintree for this year's Greenpower Races on Wednesday 25th September.  The Greenpower Education Trust is a UK based charity which gets young people enthusiastic about science and engineering by challenging them to design, build and race an electric car.  The Greenpower challenge uses the excitement of motorsport to inspire young people to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (the STEM subjects). 

Each September Aintree is the northwest venue for their race programme, which sees 90 minutes of practise, followed by a 90 minute race for the 11-16 year olds (IET Formula 24), a midday 60 minute race for the 16-25 year olds (IET Formula 24+) followed a second 90 minute race for the younger competitors.  Whilst all cars use the same motor and battery packs, the teams use their ingenuity to create custom built bodies, within strict built requirements, although for those teams just starting out a standard kit build is available.

The participants at the Aintree heat are predominately from the North West, although teams from other parts of the country, and indeed overseas, travel to the Merseyside circuit with competitors in the F24+ race hailing from Portugal, Poland and even a team from Argentina.  Not the first time Argentina has been represented on the Aintree Circuit of course, as the great Juan Manuel Fangio did battle in the Formula 1 races of the 50s and 60s, albeit with a few more horses under his bonnet.

Volunteers are in great demand for the event as Scrutineering is a busy part of the set up in the morning, and then cars have to be pushed safely around the paddock and onto the starting grid. Companies such as Siemens (the main sponsor) provide personnel to help on the day, and my own company Amey provided 6 staff members on their annual Community Involvement Day to assist with the smooth running of the event.

Heavy rain the previous day had left a lot of debris on the track so 4 of us headed to Bechers armed with brushes and spent an hour clearing stones and grass from the roadway.  Then it was time for the marshals briefing and then to get into position to allow practice to get underway.  I left my work colleagues carrying out scrutineering and I headed to Bechers Out, my marshalling spot for the day.

One aspect of these electric races is the batteries do tend to die towards the end of each session, so you get a steady stream of cars slowing to a halt and needing to be picked up by the two recovery trailers being driven by John Hardon and Phil Howarth.  For most of the sessions though the cars are giving a good account of themselves,with 30+ mph laps not uncommon for the more aerodynamic cars.  Other mechanical troubles show themselves too with bodywork failures, lose connections or punctures causing a swift recovery back to the paddock and the awaiting mechanics.

At Bechers you are in prime spot to see some good and close, occasionally a bit too close, racing (yes we do report failures of driving standards), and I doubt even back in the 1950s you had cars entering the railway straight 4 abreast!

This year we had 34 cars in the F24 races and 9 cars competing in the F24+.  The number of drivers was much higher as although the F24+ race has one driver in each car for the entire race, in the F24 class drivers must swap over after 30 minutes so you have 3 drivers for each car.  Some team even had different drivers for the afternoon race.

Sandbach High School were the winners of both F24 races again this year In Race 1 their car #2 "Mr Basil Slicker" averaging 27.9mph measured over 27 laps (with a fastest lap recorded at 33.1mph) indeed the top 8 cars all averaged lap speeds in excess of 20mph.    In the afternoon Race 2 they managed to get in an additional lap, although their average speed over 28 laps was identical to their morning performance of 27.9mph.  Consistency from the Cheshire team.

In the F24+ class, Team Bird GP in their Car #506 "Firebird" were victorious with an average lap speed of 35mph measured over 23 laps (fastest lap 35.8mph).   Indeed 6 of the 9 competitors were lapping in excess of 30 mph over the whole hour.

The enthusiasm of the participating children is fantastic to see, and I'm sure some will have been bitten by the racing bug, as well the engineering and design aspect of the sport, and you never know perhaps a future Formula E champion was in our midst.

Sean Robertson
Liverpool Motor Club

Travelling to CTT/MGP 2019 via Liverpool

Hi, I’m Sean Robertson, Deputy Sector Marshal at Mountain Box (Sector 9) on the TT course, and an Ambassador at Liverpool Cruise Terminal.  Every year we welcome thousands of bikers through Liverpool on their way to the Isle of Man and I have updated my guide to Liverpool and the embarkation process to help your journey to the Isle of Man go smoothly and safely.

Location
The Liverpool terminal is situated at the Pier Head, next to the Royal Liver Building and the Cruise Terminal.   Address is St Nicholas Place, L3 1DL

Access
M62, M57, M58 follow signs for “Waterfront” not for the commercial freight docks.  As you approach the tall waterfront buildings the Royal Liver Building is recognisable by the Liver Birds on top of the towers, head for this building.  From the south turn left at the lights immediately after the Liver Building. The slip road into check-in is second on the left (not counting the car park). From the north as you approach the Liver Building get into the right lane and turn right at the lights at the Liver Building.
p.s. If you’re coming in on the M62 the speed limit reduces to 50 about half a mile from the end (with a very profitable speed camera, next to the “Motorway Ends 1/3rd Mile” overhead sign).

M53, go through the Wallasey Tunnel, when leaving at the Liverpool tunnel keep right and follow for the Waterfront – the exit road from the tunnel is a favourite place for the police to do speed checks – 30mph.  Once off the tunnel approach road and onto Scotland Road you'll be turning right at the next lights. Then carry straight on until the road veers to the left after the 3rd set of lights, get into the right-hand lane and turn right at the Liver Building.

A41 through Cheshire head for the Birkenhead tunnel.  Keep in the left-hand lane as you enter the tunnel, the tunnel is 2 miles long, but towards the end there is a left turn, take this and when you emerge from the tunnel you’ll be directly opposite the Liver Building. Go straight ahead at the lights leaving the tunnel, then get into the right lane as you turn right at the next lights.   

If you miss the turn off in the tunnel turn left after leaving the main exit of the tunnel then left at the second set of lights. Head down Leeds St carrying straight on until the road veers to the left after the 3rd set of lights, get into the right-hand lane and turn right at the Liver Building (updated 19/08 as Dale Street is temporarily closed) 
p.s. as you approach Birkenhead on the A41 the Rock Ferry Bypass now has average speed cameras operating (50 mph)

For both tunnels, motorbikes are free, there is a dedicated motorbike lane at the toll booths, Cars are £1.80, and you pay in cash or contactless card at the booths (Birkenhead/Wallasey end only - both directions). 

M56 and over the Runcorn Bridge, the old bridge is closed, the new bridge is a toll bridge, it is free for motorbikes but if you’re in a car or van you need to pay (£2 for cars), there are no toll booths you need to log onto https://www.merseyflow.co.uk/ and pay your toll, you have until midnight the day after you cross the bridge, but you can log on and pay in advance and the toll will be taken when you cross.

Security
As with any large city, Liverpool has its share of crime, although statistically, and despite the stereotype, it has one of the lowest levels of vehicle crime of any large UK city.  Indeed, with increased Police presence in Liverpool some of the organised thieves have moved their attention to Heysham.
However, if yours is the bike that gets stolen statistics are meaningless. Opportunistic and organised thieves will always help themselves to easy pickings and thousands of bikers who don’t know the area are an all too easy target. Never leave your bike or belongings unattended. 

If you need to head off for food or the shops and cannot leave someone looking after your bike put it one of the nearby car parks.  A few pounds are a small price to pay for peace of mind.

These three are open and staffed 24/7.
Liverpool Waters - Princes Dock - along from the Crown Plaza Hotel.
Q Park - Liverpool One - enter/exit via The Strand
Capital Building - enter/exit via Rumford Place behind the Mercure Atlantic Tower Hotel.

Terminal
The passenger terminal is on the floating stage, and marshalling area for bikes/cars has no facilities apart from the check in booth. Toilets are in the passenger terminal on the floating stage, or in the hotels over the road - Crown Plaza or Mercure Atlantic Tower. Toilets also in the Museum of Liverpool. 

Check In (bikes and cars)

Once through the pair of check in booths you’ll be directed round to the holding area, then down the grey bridge onto the floating stage.  Note: halfway down the bridge to the stage your boarding pass will be collected so keep it handy, from that point the stage becomes a secure location so anyone not travelling will not be able to go down there, nor will you be allowed back up.  Once on the stage you’ll be parked up in rows to wait your turn to board the ship. Bikes normally go on first, then foot passengers, with cars put on last.

Food
McDonalds* and KFC* are on the Strand and are 24/7, but if you are here during the day, consider heading to the Baltic Triangle area. 

Thursday to Sunday I recommend the Baltic Market at Cains Brewery on Stanhope Street.

A good place during the day is Brasco Lounge near to Liverpool Museum on the waterfront, just a few minutes’ walk from the terminal. If you want something more substantial head to Liverpool One or Castle Street.

* warning - a few bikes have been stolen in the past from McDonalds - don’t leave your bike unattended here!

Nearest Services and Facilities
Supermarkets
Tesco - Strand L2 0PP - Daily 6am to 11pm
Tesco - Old Hall Street L3 9RQ - Daily 6am to 11pm (Sainsburys opposite)
Cashpoints - at the above supermarkets
Hotels - many in the city centre, the nearest are:
Crown Plaza (opposite the terminal)
Mercure Atlantic Tower
Malmaison
Ibis (opposite Albert Dock)
Jury’s Inn (Kings Dock)
Shops - the open air Liverpool One Shopping area with 170+ shops is opposite the Albert Dock. Shops are open Mon to Fri 9:30am to 8pm; Sat 9am to 7pm; Sun 11am to 5pm

Fuel
Nearest petrol stations are:
Costco - Cardholders only - Waterloo Road L3 7HY - Store hours
BP - Great Howard Street L3 7AT - 7am to 10pm
BP - Sefton Street L8 6UD - 7am to 10pm
Shell - Scotland Road L5 5AQ - 24 hours
Shell - Derby Road L20 1AD - 24 hours
Shell - Edge Lane L7 9LD - 24 hours

Cruise Terminal
The cruise terminal is next to the Isle of Man terminal, and the ships berth on the same floating stage.  Take care when cruise ships are in port, passengers are mostly American or continental European, who won’t be used to hundreds of bikes going past on the “wrong” side of the road.  The larger ships can carry over 3,000 passengers and we can have 40+ coaches heading to the terminal from shore excursions, plus hundreds of passengers walking back into the terminal especially in the late afternoon when our busy time is between 4pm and 6pm.

During CTT/MGP 2019, the following ships are scheduled:

Date, Ship, Arrive-Depart
17th Aug, Aida Bella, 09:00-22:00
18th Aug, Magellan, 09:00-20:00
19th Aug, Queen Victoria, 08:00-23:00
20th Aug, Celebrity Reflection, 06:00-17:00
21st Aug, Black Watch, 06:30-17:00
24th Aug, Astor, 08:00-19:00
25th Aug, Viking Sun, 07:00-18:00 
26th Aug, Black Watch, 06:30-17:00
29th Aug, Magellan, 12:00-20:00
30th Aug, Costa Mediterranea, 08:00-18:00
3rd Sept, Black Watch, 06:30-17:00

Note, during cruise ship operations the section of Princes Parade adjacent to the cruise terminal is closed to traffic and pedestrians, but there is a road around the back of the terminal. 

Events
There are no events happening around the city in the next few weeks which impact on travel to or from the ferry terminal.
Home football matches cause delays especially on the A59, East Lancs Road and M62:
Sat 17th Aug     Everton v Watford    15:00 kick off
Sat 24th Aug     Liverpool v Arsenal    17:30 kick off
Sun 1st Sept    Everton v Wolves    14:00 kick off

Going Home
When disembarking from Manannan on the way home, you’ll leave the stage via the shorter of the bridges, this can be VERY steep at low tide (1 in 4), so take care.  When you get to the top and into St Nicolas Place lots of bikes will pull over to group together, so it can get very congested here, especially with taxis and cruise ship traffic, if you are going to wait to group up, try riding around the back of the cruise terminal where there is much more space on Princes Parade.

From St Nicholas Place you’ll come to the first set of traffic lights.  If you are heading for the M62 or Wallasey Tunnel and M53. Turn left then get into the middle or right lane to head up Leeds Street then follow the signs to the motorway or tunnel.

If you are heading for the Birkenhead tunnel (A41) go straight ahead (between the white hotel and church) this road (Tithebarn Street) leads to the tunnel entrance.  DO NOT go this way of you're heading for the M62, the flyover at the end of the road is now closed and you cannot continue straight on. 

If you're heading for the M57 or M58, turn left and head north for 4 miles until you get to Seaforth and then follow the signs for the motorways.

I hope the information above has been useful.  If you spot anything that needs correcting, amending or adding to, please leave a comment or tweet me @seanlxiv and I’ll try to keep this updated.

Ride safely. Look after yourself, your bike and belongings and have a great CTT and Manx Grand Prix