The terminal, which will be able to cater for ships with up to 3,600 passengers, will be built at the currently derelict Princes Jetty site and will form part of the £5 billion Liverpool Waters redevelopment scheme.

Plans for the 10,000-square-metre terminal, which will be built on a suspended deck on steel piles in the river Mersey, had originally secured outline planning permission in April 2018.

Facilities in the two-storey building will include a baggage hall on the ground floor, plus passenger lounge, cafe and check-in area on the first floor.

Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson said: “This is the latest milestone in the re-emergence of Liverpool as a cruise destination. We are creating a world-class experience for the cruise companies and their passengers, and working with some of the very best in the construction industry to deliver the facilities.”

Darran Lawless, development director for Liverpool Waters developer Peel L&P, added: “Planning permission being granted for the new cruise terminal is fantastic news for the city boosting the economy, creating new jobs and providing an opportunity to welcome tourists from around the world.”

Work is expected to start on preparing the site for the cruise terminal in early 2020.