ABP highlights growing demand for regional and expedition cruise calls across the UK
Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest port operator, is strengthening its role in the UK cruise sector with recent short sea and expedition cruise calls at Swansea and Millbay Docks in Plymouth.
At Plymouth, Millbay welcomed the expedition cruise vessel Douglas Mawson on Tuesday 2 June for her maiden visit to the city and the first alongside cruise call of the season. Built in 2025 and operated by Aurora Expeditions, the ship is purpose-built for polar exploration in Antarctica and the Arctic.
The vessel’s call formed part of a wider UK, Ireland and France itinerary, which began at ABP’s Port of Troon, further demonstrating ABP’s ability to support cruise operations across its network.
In Swansea, Windstar Cruises’ Star Legend became the first cruise ship of the season to call on 14 June, followed by Ponant’s Le Champlain on 18 June. These maiden calls, alongside the successful visit to Plymouth, highlight growing demand for regional UK destinations and expedition-style itineraries.
The Port of Southampton remains the UK’s leading cruise gateway, setting the benchmark for the industry and welcoming millions of passengers each year from leading global cruise operators. Alongside Southampton’s established position, ABP is actively developing opportunities across its wider port portfolio to support both short sea and expedition cruise markets.
ABP’s network offers a range of capabilities, including deep water berths, flexible port infrastructure and access to unique regional destinations. This positions the group to support cruise lines looking to diversify itineraries and offer passengers new coastal experiences around the UK.
Ashley Curnow, Divisional Manager for Wales and the South West, said:
“We are delighted to welcome cruise lines to both Swansea and Plymouth, including the maiden visit of Douglas Mawson to Millbay. These calls show the growing interest in regional destinations and expedition cruising, and the role our ports play in enabling these itineraries.
“While Southampton continues to lead the UK cruise market, there is clear opportunity to grow short sea and expedition cruise activity across the wider ABP network. Ports such as Swansea and Plymouth offer distinctive destinations, strong infrastructure and tangible benefits for local economies.
“We look forward to working with cruise lines and industry partners to build on this momentum and attract more visitors to our ports and regions.”
ABP is also a supporting partner of the Cruise Britain Conference taking place in Plymouth on 24 to 25 June 2026. The event showcases Plymouth and ABP’s wider port network to cruise lines, destinations and tourism stakeholders, with a focus on developing future short sea and expedition cruise opportunities across the UK.
(ABP highlights growing demand for regional and expedition cruise calls across the UK)
