FIFTY cruise ship visits are set for Greenock's reopened cruise port this year as work continues on the town's £20m new terminal.

The new floating pontoon which formed the first part of the development was graced on Thursday by the giant Anthem of the Seas ship, reports our sister title The Greenock Telegraph. 

The huge 169,000-tonne vessel — capable of carrying 5,000 passengers and 1,500 crew members — was the first to dock here since 2019.

Last year's summer season was completely wiped out by the pandemic.

But Anthem's visit heralds a busy late cruising season with scores of ships due to come to Greenock between now and mid-November.

Peel Ports Clydeport director Jim McSporran says it is 'exciting' to see the return of cruise ships.

He said: "It's a symbol that the gradual removal of Covid restrictions which is taking place will soon see the cruise industry return to its pre-pandemic scale of operations and more.

"We've a very busy period coming up this year with 50 bookings at the new cruise terminal, and I'm looking forward to welcoming well in excess of 100 cruise arrivals next year.

"Peel Ports Clydeport is ready to play its part in boosting the tourism industry both locally and nationwide as passengers go on to visit tourist destinations throughout central Scotland."

The pontoon where Anthem of the Seas docked is part of a cruise berthing and visitor centre development funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal, Peel Ports, Inverclyde Council and the George Wyllie Foundation.

Work is due to get under way soon on the visitor centre.

Pre-Covid, it was estimated that 150,000 cruise passengers a year could pass through Greenock — delivering £26m in annual visitor and crew spend to the Inverclyde and Scottish economy.

Council depute leader Jim Clocherty said: "The cruise market is hugely important for Inverclyde and Scotland and worth millions of pounds to the economy.

"With more things now opening up again, I'm delighted to see vessels back here on the Clyde and I hope people take the opportunity to discover Inverclyde and the many things it has to offer.

"The fact that so many ships and passengers are booked in already for this year and next is testament to the warm welcome visitors receive here and cements Greenock and Inverclyde's place as a friendly port."