MEDIA

06 Oct 2025

Greenock Cruise Port & Regal Princess Hosts Local Schools on Final Call of the Season

Last Friday, Greenock Cruise Port, operated by Global Ports Holding, marked the final call of the season for the Regal Princess with a special community initiative. Students from Port Glasgow High School and Inverclyde High School, currently studying languages, travel and tourism, were invited to experience life on board one of the world’s most recognisable cruise ships.

A total of 32 students took part in the visit, which included a Q&A session with the ship’s Officers and Crew, a guided tour of the vessel, and lunch on board. The programme offered an invaluable insight into the cruise industry, highlighting how a ship operates, the wide range of career opportunities at sea, and the unique chance to travel the world while working.

Feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive, with some immediately asking how they could apply to work onboard. One pupil described the experience as “the best day of my life,” while many others praised the lunch, with the ice cream proving to be a firm favourite.

Allison McGuire, Head of Operations, Greenock Cruise Port said: “At Global Ports Holding, we are committed to creating meaningful connections between the cruise industry and the communities we serve. This initiative with Regal Princess not only gave local students a unique behind-the-scenes experience but also helped inspire them to consider future careers in tourism and hospitality. We are proud to see Greenock Cruise Port play such a vital role in both welcoming international visitors to Scotland and engaging the next generation locally.”

The event underscored the importance of fostering strong connections between the cruise industry and the local community. Greenock Cruise Port is committed to continuing such initiatives in future seasons, inspiring the next generation to consider careers within the cruise and tourism sectors while strengthening ties between global cruise operators and the people of Inverclyde.

Greenock plays an important role in Scotland’s cruise industry, with the port welcoming over 90,000 passengers and crew during the 2024 season. Serving as a gateway to Glasgow and the scenic west coast, Greenock Cruise Port has grown in importance as Scotland’s key transit port, contributing millions of pounds to the regional economy through visitor spending and shore excursions. By connecting global cruise lines with local communities, the port continues to enhance Scotland’s position as a must-visit destination on Northern European itineraries.

As Scotland’s main deep-water cruise terminal, Greenock Cruise Port is equipped to handle the world’s largest cruise ships, offering a seamless experience for both passengers and crew. Strategically located just 25 miles from Glasgow, the port provides easy access to Scotland’s largest city as well as iconic attractions such as Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, and the wider Highlands. Under the operation of Global Ports Holding, Greenock Cruise Port benefits from the company’s international expertise while maintaining its strong local identity, ensuring guests enjoy a warm Scottish welcome.