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Cruising on the crest of a wave
Liverpool has witnessed the rebirth of a multi-million pound tourism industry.
As the city's first full cruise season in 40 years sailed into the history books with the QE2's final visit - plans for an even busier 2009 were in motion.
After welcoming 13 vessels in 2008, carrying over 16,000 passengers, the City of Liverpool Cruise Terminal is looking to bigger horizons.
Next year 14 cruise liners are already booked bringing in over 23,000 passengers, which is expected to generate over £1.6m to the city's economy.
The biggest vessel to dock in '09 will be the Queen Mary 2 - Cunard's flagship cruise liner with 3,056 passengers.
The £400m, 151,000 tonne vessel also has a crew of 1,253. And at 1,132 ft. is 147 feet longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall (984 ft.)
And as well as being a huge crowd puller - more than 15,000 people came to see the QEII - the future for the terminal looks very bright with predicted tourism spend by 2012 at £2.94m.
Keith Blundell, Head of Tourism at Liverpool Culture Company, said: ''2008 has been a fantastic launch for the terminal. It has helped reconnect the river to the city and given everyone pride in seeing these majestic vessels docking on a regular basis once again.
''The bookings for '09 proves Liverpool's world class cultural offer has huge international appeal and having this terminal will only add to the city's status as a must see destination.''
Cruise liners port of call in Liverpool 2009
26 May - Rotterdam
29 May - Astor
2 June - Seven Seas Voyager
29 June - Crown Princess
23 July - Crown Princess
14 August - Maasdam
16 August - Crown Princess
28 August - Crown Princess
29 August - Crystal Symphony
31 August - Prinsendam
6 September - Jewel of the Seas
18 September - Deutschland
29 September - Seabourn Pride
20 October - Queen Mary 2