Cowes Harbour Commission is working with Destination Cowes and Visit Isle of Wight to promote Cowes as a unique destination port-of-call, encouraged by the rising demand in the cruise ship market, including growth in the Northern European luxury cruise market.
Cowes offers exceptional visitor appeal with cruise ship passengers able to visit a number of Island attractions including Osborne House recently used as the setting for the major feature film Victoria and Abdul.
Every year, a number of small and medium-sized cruise ships on Northern European itineraries are welcomed to the Isle of Wight to enjoy the delights of Cowes, as well as the Island’s stunning coastlines and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. This new Cowes Harbour Commission initiative seeks to secure increased cruise ship calls to Cowes for the benefit of the harbour, town and local economy.
Harbour Master Captain Stuart McIntosh said: “We are excited at the prospect of welcoming more visiting cruise ships to Cowes with the town putting cruise guests within easy reach of a multitude of landmark attractions and diverse excursion choices on the Isle of Wight, hence why our Island is often referred to as England in miniature.”
Cowes is ideally located and is a cost-effective stopover port for European and UK cruise itineraries. The sheltered anchorage offers ample swinging room with a quick tender run to Trinity Landing for disembarkation enabling visitors to arrive on The Parade, which is next to Henry VIII’s “Cowes Castle”, home to the prestigious Royal Yacht Squadron and a short stroll to the heart of Cowes.
Cowes is the home of world yachting. Opportunities could include a guided tour of the Sir Max Aitken maritime history museum, which houses a collection of unique nautical artefacts, lunch at a local yacht club and boutique shopping in Cowes High Street.
Nearby is Carisbrooke Castle, inspiring countryside, historic houses , ancient monuments, beautiful beaches, coastal towns and pretty villages. All are just a few minutes apart from each other on a safe and welcoming Island.
Cruise vessels up to 150m LOA can use the Cowes anchorage in the Solent, with a 5 minute tender run to Trinity Landing, while larger vessels over 150m LOA are safely anchored in the ABP Anchorage, from where it is a 15 minute tender trip ashore.