Thomson Cruises would be interested in using Liverpool as a home port if the authorities reconsider a decision not to allow its new terminal to be used for embarkation and disembarkation.
The operator had been set to operate cruises out of the city but was forced to pull the plans two years ago after use of the terminal, located yards from Liverpool’s iconic Liver Building, was blocked.
David Selby, Thomson Cruises managing director, said: “We were quite keen to use the port as a turnaround terminal and had made our plans on the expectation that we would be able to do so.
“But they are only allowing ships to use the new terminal that are visiting for the day, so our turnarounds were further up the Mersey at a port that was not so attractive.”
Asked if he would reconsider if there was a possibility of using the port, he added: “I would want assurances we could use that terminal.”
Carol Marlow, P&O Cruises managing director, said the operator “loved to call in on UK ports” and it would look to Liverpool, but said the terminal was too small for a turnaround facility.
“Whilst it’s a great terminal for day calls it’s not big enough for ships to turnaround,” she said.