This year, 90 ships will call into Portsmouth including Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Star, which will become the largest vessel to enter the harbour.

Andrew Williamson, head of cruise and ferry at Portsmouth International Port, said there would be “a number” of maiden calls including from Regent Seven Seas Cruises. 

  
He said: “We have been working hard over the last few years to boost our offering to cruise lines and attract new customers to the port and city, which has paid off, with the next year looking to be our busiest yet.” 

Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady will carry passengers on a series of three- to six-night sailings as well as weekend breaks to Amsterdam and Zeebrugge. 

The port will also continue its relationship with Saga, with a second season at the port already under way and weekly calls expected throughout January and February. 

Last year Portsmouth won a £19.8 million government grant to build a shore power system across three berths. 

Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson said: “We have some big infrastructure developments under way to further expand our offering to cruise lines.

“This includes shore power capabilities, which will allow ships to plug in to green electricity and switch off their engines whilst in port, improving air quality and slashing carbon emissions.”