Plymouth is primed and ready for more

On a FAM trip to Plymouth (Devon, UK) before Easter, Cruise Europe witnessed firsthand, not only what is on offer for the ships and passengers - and there is plenty - but just how clearly the people at Cattewater Harbour Commissioners (CHC), Plymouth, understand the business of cruising.

It is apparent from the outset that our hosts, ceo and harbour master Captain Richard Allan and business support officer Evie Smith, are passionate about the city, the destination and cruise. They also want to make sure that everyone on the ground is engaged in the process.

This was demonstrated throughout our visit by Allan ensuring that CE’s fellow travellers (cruiseline executives and shore excursion agents) engaged in dialogue with the representatives we visited, so that all those involved had a better understanding of what could be offered and what is needed for visiting passengers/ships.

There may only be 10 calls this year, with the likelihood of increased numbers each year thereafter, but the dedication to making each one a success is palpable and, from all the conversations we had over two days, the desire to be flexible is paramount.

This was demonstrated by everyone we met, from The Eliot Arms that opened especially on a Tuesday to give us lunch to the pilot boat taking time out of busy port operations to showcase the harbour, the anchorage and to get a view of what the passengers see as they come into Plymouth and arrive at one of two tender pontoons via the Barbican Landing Stage.

Both are a stone’s throw from the Mayflower Steps (where the Pilgrim Fathers left for the US in 1620) and The Barbican, with its small streets dating back to the 16th century and hosting a myriad of artisan shops and restaurants. This is ideal for both walking tours and independent browsing.

In fact, the whole of Plymouth is walkable if passengers are not averse to a few little hills! Within easy reach is the Plymouth Gin Distillery, dating back to 1431. Our hostess, Karly, gave us a lively account of the history before moving on to how the gin is made before we settled into a tasting which, even for a non-gin drinker, was captivating. Small groups can be accommodated in the ‘secret’ bar and there is a magnificent upstairs Refectory Bar for gin-based cocktails and more to round off any visit.

Along the way you may spot sculptures by local artist, Beryl Cook, who is also featured in The Box, a museum, art gallery and archive all rolled into one. Here you can dive into Plymouth’s maritime legacy spanning thousands of years and view original artefacts from the voyages of none other than Charles Darwin, Captain James Cook and Scott of the Antarctic, all of whom have Plymouth connections or, indeed, set off from its shores.

History abounds in this destination and there is plenty that links the UK and the US. A fine example of this, and one that CHC is extremely proud to offer as an exclusive visit to cruise calls into Plymouth, is a tour of Port Eliot House & Gardens, most likely hosted by the lady of the manor, Bianca Eliot. Her son, Albert, will be the 11th Earl of St Germans. The house is said to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited dwellings in the UK.

The Grade I listed priory and house in St Germans was remodelled by Sir John Soane in the 18th century and the gardens and park were created by Sir Humphrey Repton. Within the grounds and ownership is the former cathedral of Cornwall (926-1030) and just down the road is The Eliot Arms, a perfect stop for a pub lunch.

It was apparent from our visit that private tours can be tailored to each call, whether it be a simple guided tour of the house or a private reception/dinner in the house in one of the rooms where Joshua Reynolds paintings hang, almost nonchalantly, on many a wall. Or in the round room where a stunning mural by local painter, Robert Lenkiewicz, adorns the walls.

Plymouth and its surrounds were badly hit during World War II due to it being a naval base, but restoration and development has been extensive. We were lucky enough to visit Mount Edgcumbe House, a 30-minute boat trip across Plymouth Sound, which was completely restored and reopened to the public in 1988. Housing the national collection of camellias, the gardens are also the site of a splendid orangery where cream teas and other refreshments can be organised.

Last but by no means least, it would be impossible not to mention the food on offer ranging from the magnificent Devonshire cream tea at The Terrace to the scrumptious Cornish pasty from Malcolm Barnecutt, not to mention fish & chips at the aptly-named Fishermans Arms which is also, strangely, famous for its steak and ale pie.

We were also fortunate enough to stop in the Royal William Yard on our boat trip. This has splendid views across the Sound to Cornwall and many historic naval buildings repurposed to house outlets such as microbrewery Steel Brew Co, independent wine lounge Le Vignoble and BLOCK Cafe.

It is worth noting here that huge development work is taking place in the city generally with £1 billion (€1.15 billion) being invested, including into revitalised public spaces and and new leisure experiences.

Cruise calls
On our visit were Bob Hurt, destination manager, shorex, at P&O Cruises/Cunard, and Natalie Simpson, operational planning manager at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, who were enthused by all that we saw and experienced. P&O Cruises is making a first call here this season with Aurora and if Simpson has anything to do with it, Freds may well be docking here before too long.

Meanwhile Ritz-Carlton Yacht Club is calling for the first time and Seabourn is returning, which Allan is delighted about, demonstrating as it does that the first call was such a success, the brand is repeating.

Four Seasons is just one of the other lines showing interest and, at the other end of the spectrum, AIDABella will be calling in August 2028 for the annual national fireworks competition which takes place over two days. It’s definitely worth a diary date if itinerary planning permits.


Port facts
Plymouth Sound is protected by the 1,560m-long Plymouth Breakwater, which is repaired and reinforced annually, and hence the port can operate during all weathers. Indeed, CHC is keen to point out that it can accommodate cruiseships needing to alter itinerary plans at just two hours’ notice.

Most of the cruise ships calling are on anchorage 2 and 6 in the shelter of Plymouth Sound. Vessels up to 340m carrying 3,000 passengers can anchor subject to coordination with the Royal Navy.

The anchorage is an eight-minute tender ride from either the Mayflower Pontoon (2.5m depth plus height of tide, three tenders) or The Barbican Landing Stage (2.5m depth plus height of tide, four tenders). Zodiacs can also be accommodated.

Commercial Wharf acts as the gateway between the harbour (pontoons) and the city. Having just signed off with the council, CHC is aiming to upgrade the area “to make it a bit of a hub for the city”, as Allan puts it, but also for visitors.

Planning permission has been put in for a major upgrade but, in the meantime, a soft launch took place over Easter with food stalls and live music demonstrating what can be offered further down the tracks. Smith explains that CHC works closely with the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and other stakeholders and that the community is very much in favour of cruiseships calling.

For passengers arriving into Plymouth, there is always a welcome from an ex-military drumming band and town crier, as well as a group of local ambassadors to share information on city attractions and advise on tours and directions.

For groups going further afield, there is parking for up to 20 coaches in the local vicinity.

Pilotage is compulsory and organised by CHC, which caters to all marine/port operational needs when it comes to the ships.