Visitor numbers to rise despite fewer cruise ships

The number of cruise ships due to come to Guernsey in 2026 has decreased compared to last year but bosses remain confident about visitor numbers.

This year, 51 cruise ships are expected to arrive at the island, which is 13 fewer than in 2025.

Guernsey Ports said while ship numbers are down, the capacity size of the larger ships will bring more visitors, with up to 50,000 expected this year.

Mark Renouf, cruise operations manager at Guernsey Ports, said in addition, 2027 is expected to bring a "significant increase" in passengers to the island, if all provisional bookings are confirmed.

Guernsey Ports said P&O Cruises, Silversea, and Ambassador feature prominently in this year's advance schedule, and Carnival's AIDAsol is due to make its maiden voyage to the island in April.

Renouf said he is hoping to attract an increased number of larger ships to "bring more wealth to the island".

He added: "When we approach cruise line companies, it's about selling the island as a whole.

"Being able to demonstrate our unique history for those cruise lines to buy into that as part of their trip and their itinerary is what really attracts them to the island."

There are also eight ships coming to Alderney, six to Sark and three to Herm this year.

The full cruise ship schedule for 2026 is on the Guernsey Harbours website.

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