Newcastle Upon Tyne’s international passenger terminal is located at the Port of Tyne, North Shields, providing the north of England with a cruise gateway to the rest of the world. Welcoming around 800,000 passengers a year, this recently reconfigured terminal is a busy cruise hub. So, what do you need to know when starting your holiday from there?
Interesting to know
- Newcastle upon Tyne cruise port terminal has two berths, which can accommodate cruise ships with lengths of up to 300m.
- The Port of Tyne has a long history, ranking as England’s 6th largest export port back in the 13th century when it dealt in wool, timber, coal, dairy products, fish, salt and hides.
- The port’s cruising industry began in 1999 when it welcomed its first ship, Cunard’s Royal Viking Sun.
Getting to Newcastle upon Tyne’s Cruise Terminal
Newcastle upon Tyne’s cruise terminal is situated in North Shields, next to the Royal Quays Marina, 9 miles from the city centre. Passengers driving to the port should use the postcode NE29 6EE. Most traffic arriving from the south will use the A1M and A19, while those from the west will use the A69.
The Port of Tyne car park is open every day from 7am to 8pm and it’s just a few minute’s walk to the passenger terminal. There is no charge for the first four hours of parking; after that, it is £12.00 per 24 hours. You are not able to reserve or prepay for your parking. However, it is worth checking with your cruise line in advance for the best rates.
The city’s central rail station is 9 miles or twenty minutes drive from the terminal, with connections to many of the UK’s major cities, including Edinburgh, York and London, as well as frequent regional services. The Metro service from Newcastle Central Station to Percy Main takes just over 15 minutes, with the terminal a 20-minute walk away. Taxis are also available from the city centre to the port and cost around £12.00.
Newcastle International Airport is only a 35-minute drive away.
Inside Newcastle upon Tyne’s Cruise Terminal
The port’s international passenger terminal was reconfigured in July 2019, creating additional baggage handling facilities and parking spaces. It has good passenger facilities, seating for up to 800 passengers, a self-service restaurant, Wi-Fi, cash machines, tourist information and a small shop selling travel essentials.
Cruise Lines departing from Newcastle upon Tyne
Fred. Olsen Cruise Line regularly sails from Newcastle upon Tyne. P&O, Disney Cruise Line, and Marella Cruises also offer occasional cruise holidays departing from here, while Ambassador Cruise Line plans to extend its sailings and depart from Newcastle upon Tyne from 2023.
Where can you sail from Newcastle upon Tyne?
There are cruise holidays to some stunning destinations sailing from Newcastle upon Tyne. If you are seeking the warmth of the sun, then you can head to the Mediterranean or Canary Islands from here. Or, for those seeking to discover spectacular Scandinavia, you’ll find cruises available that explore Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden.
Visiting Newcastle upon Tyne
The North East is celebrated for its innovation, creativity and warm welcome with plenty for visitors to enjoy. As a lively and dynamic city, Newcastle upon Tyne is home to world-class arts, culture and spectacular architecture, including the impressive Millennium Bridge, which spans the River Tyne. There is also a wealth of restaurants, bars and shops, as well as buzzing nightlife.
Just outside the city in Gateshead, the iconic Angel of the North overlooks the A1 motorway, reaching 20 metres tall and 54 metres wide. Meanwhile, the local castles of Alnwick and Bamburgh are some of the largest and most illustrious in the UK, with histories stretching back centuries. Nearby, you can also visit Hadrian’s Wall, a World Heritage site consisting of 73 miles of castles and forts built during ancient Roman Britain times.
