Portsmouth International Port

04/09/2026

An honour to welcome Vestland Classic's Nordstjernen to Portsmouth today, as the vintage coastal passenger ship celebrates 70 incredible years at sea. Built in 1956, this historic former Hurtigruten vessel holds Norway’s highest level of state heritage protection and offers nostalgic cruises for its guests.

Currently on a round trip anniversary cruise, she will leave Portsmouth tonight to head to Falmouth before touring the Isles of Scilly, Fishguard, Avonmouth, Lundy, Penzance, Dartmouth and back via Cowes. You can catch her sailing out of the harbour at 1800 tonight.

Our head of cruise and ferry, Andrew Williamson had the privilege of going onboard to meet Captain Odd Nordahl-Hansen for the traditional plaque exchange.

03/09/2026

Today is Merchant Navy Day ⚓

From the food on our shelves to the goods we use every day, much of what we rely on arrives by sea.

Merchant seafarers are the people behind that effort, keeping trade flowing and supply chains moving around the world. Their contribution has been critical throughout history, from supporting Britain during two World Wars to maintaining essential services during the Covid-19 pandemic.

As a city shaped by the sea, Portsmouth is proud to recognise the dedication, resilience and professionalism of merchant seafarers everywhere.

Thank you to all those who serve under the Red Ensign.

30/08/2026

One final Portsmouth call 🚢

Today we welcome the Deutschland for the last time as part of her farewell season with Phoenix Reisen GmbH Bonn. A true classic of the seas, she has been carrying guests on unforgettable voyages for decades, and we're proud to have played a small part in her story.

If you wish to catch her one last time, she will be departing the port at 1900.

Fair winds, Deutschland, and thank you for visiting Portsmouth ⚓💙

27/08/2026

Today we bid a fond farewell to Valiant Lady, marking five years of Virgin Voyages sailing from the city. Each inaugural season has marked a new moment in the evolution of the global brand, and Portsmouth has always been the backdrop. Take a look back at where it all began, and our journey as Virgin Voyages’ UK home port.

🚢 Six years of growing together

2021
Our newly, multi-million-pound berth extension opened and welcomed Scarlet Lady for Virgin Voyages' first-ever commercial passenger sailing. Working together through strict Covid-19 protocols and a pop-up terminal, we launched the new cruise line's first turnaround season. Virgin Voyages later thanked Portsmouth in an open letter and announced that Valiant Lady would make her debut from our port the following year. 2021 became a record-breaking year for cruise in Portsmouth 🏆

2022
We welcomed Valiant Lady for her inaugural season, strengthening our partnership with Virgin Voyages and further establishing Portsmouth as the cruise line's UK home port. As Virgin Voyages' fleet grew, so did our cruise operation and ambitions.

2023
Our landmark sustainable passenger terminal opened to passengers for the first time, welcoming 75,000 guests in its first six months. Later that year, Virgin Voyages confirmed its return to Portsmouth for 2024, reflecting the success of a partnership that continued to go from strength to strength 💪

2024
We welcomed Resilient Lady for her UK debut, making us the first port in the world to host all three Virgin Voyages ships. Throughout the season, the cruise line became an even bigger part of the city's story, with Resilient Lady sailing past Victorious Festival during Fatboy Slim's headline set. Each call generated an estimated £1.5 million in passenger spend for the local economy.

2025
Scarlet Lady returned to her UK home port, followed by newcomer Brilliant Lady. Portsmouth solidified its position first and only port in the world to welcome every ship in the Virgin Voyages fleet. Brilliant Lady also hosted careers specialists from schools and colleges across Portsmouth and the surrounding area, helping inspire future generations.

2026
Our UK-first high-voltage, multi-berth, multi-user shore power system went live, with Valiant Lady the first cruise ship to make a commercial connection. It was also the first time a Virgin Voyages ship connected to shore power anywhere in Europe, marking another sustainability milestone achieved together.

From berth extensions and pop-up spaces to a sustainable passenger terminal and pioneering shore power technology, we've spent six years growing alongside Virgin Voyages. Together, we've helped redefine what cruising can look like from Portsmouth, and we're excited to see where the journey takes us next ❤️

27/08/2026

It's not goodbye, it's sea you later 🥲

Five magical years of Virgin Voyages, four lady ships, four inaugural seasons, countless record breaking and one UK home port. Thank you for making Portsmouth home to hundreds of thousands of happy sailors. We'll be here waiting for your return to your British roots... ❤️

One last “ahoy” before we get all misty-eyed about it 🥹

Portsmouth, you’ve been a joy. Thank you for making every hello feel exciting and every sailaway feel special. Big love to Portsmouth International Port, Portsmouth, Portsmouth City Council, and everyone who shared this summer season with us ❤️

26/08/2026

NOTICE FOR PRIDE OF PORTSMOUTH TRAIL SEEKERS

Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady will be in the port tomorrow (Thursday 27th August).

This means that it might be busier than usual. If you are planning to find Hertha, please bear this in mind 🦁

The sky garden is still accessible, please ask a member of staff to help guide you if it is busy when you arrive.

25/08/2026

Three categories just isn’t enough for us... we’re now also a contender for a consumer Wave Award: 'Favourite Cruise Port' at Seatrade Cruise News Wave Awards, alongside Best Port, Best Environmental Innovation, and Best Tourism Authority for Visit Portsmouth.

This nomination has been put forward by World of Cruising’s readers which makes it extra special as the only award open to the public to have their say. Have you travelled through our cruise port? Been to our open day and met our friendly staff? We would love your support in making us an award-winning port.

Vote for us to win 'Favourite Cruise Port' here: https://www.worldofcruising.co.uk/wave-awards-2026-shortlist

You will need to vote in all categories to be able to submit your answer, voting is free and takes two minutes!

Voting closes on 30 September 2026, with the winners being announced at the Wave Awards on Tuesday 24 November 2026.

21/08/2026

It was lovely to welcome Azamara Quest to Portsmouth for a maiden turnaround call earlier this week, where guests boarded the luxury vessel for a 12 night cruise to Lisbon. On departure, they were treated to an exclusive fly-past and aerial display by the Navy Wings team, featuring historic World War II aircraft.

Captain Dario Guerrieri received the traditional plaque exchange from our head of cruise and ferry Andrew Williamson, and said the crew and guests were excited to be in port: “Portsmouth was ready to welcome us this morning as we sailed in past the Spinnaker Tower and beautiful harbour entrance.
“Azamara travel the world and as a destination focused cruise line, our vessels are designed to be the perfect size for visiting interesting locations where attractions are right on the doorstep.”

We are looking forward to welcoming Azamara Cruises back in 2027 for a number of calls.

19/08/2026

NOTICE FOR PRIDE OF PORTSMOUTH TRAIL SEEKERS

Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady will be in the port tomorrow (Thursday 20th August).

This means that it might be busier than usual. If you are planning to find Hertha, please bear this in mind 🦁

The sky garden is still accessible, please ask a member of staff to help guide you if it is busy when you arrive.