Liverpool Cruise Port unveils record breaking Cruise schedule for 2026

Liverpool Cruise Port (LCP), operated by Global Ports Holding, released its full 2026 Cruise Call List earlier this week.

The list confirmed a record-breaking season that will welcome around 250,000 passengers to the city.

The 2026 programme will see 118 individual ship calls into the River Mersey. When berth occupation is measured from arrival to departure, this equates to 135 cruise call days across the year, reflecting a number of overnight and multi-day stays.

The scale and density of the schedule underline Liverpool’s growing strength as a major UK cruise gateway. The projected 250,000 passengers and associated 100,000 crew numbers represent a significant economic contribution to the Liverpool City Region, supporting local employment and generating sustained spend across hospitality, retail, transport and visitor attractions. 

Among the most impactful calls of the season will be multiple visits from Majestic Princess, bringing over 3,500 guests per call to the waterfront. These large-capacity arrivals create immediate and visible city-centre activity, driving footfall and supporting businesses across the region.

A major highlight of the year will be the arrival of Queen Anne on 17 June 2026. Cunard’s presence in Liverpool carries particular historical resonance, linking the city’s maritime heritage with the next generation of ocean travel.

The return of Disney Dream on 9 September is expected to generate strong public interest and further elevate Liverpool’s international profile, while the October call of MSC Preziosa — another vessel carrying more than 3,500 guests — demonstrates the port’s capability to accommodate some of the largest cruise ships operating in Northern Europe.

Premium cruise line Viking Cruises will maintain a strong and consistent presence throughout the season, with multiple calls from vessels including Viking Sky, Viking Saturn, Viking Vela and Viking Jupiter. These culturally focused itineraries bring high-value visitors who engage deeply with Liverpool’s heritage and the wider region.

The 2026 schedule also features a broad mix of luxury operators including Seven Seas, Silversea, Crystal and Azamara, aligning with Liverpool’s expanding premium hospitality offer.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Bolette will once again be a regular homeport presence, reflecting the strength of the long-standing relationship between the cruise line and the city.

In November, Liverpool will host an extended stay from Logos Hope, adding a distinctive community dimension to the cruise calendar and broadening the cultural reach of the port’s activity.

John Mawer, General Manager, GPH UK Cruise Ports, said:

“2026 represents a truly record-breaking year for Liverpool Cruise Port. Welcoming 117 ships and an estimated 350,000 passengers and crew is a significant milestone for the port and for our city.

The continued strength of the Irish Sea itinerary is clearly reflected in this schedule, with global cruise brands choosing Liverpool as a key gateway for British Isles and Northern European sailings. That sustained confidence drives meaningful economic impact across our hospitality, retail and visitor sectors.

In addition to the scale of the programme, we are also planning a number of special moments during the season which remain under wraps for now. We look forward to sharing further details in due course and encouraging our local community to come down to the waterfront to be part of some very special sail away events.”

Find out more on the Liverpool Cruise Port website.

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