Liverpool's first full cruise season in 40 years begins this week - signalling a multi-million pound tourism boost to the current European Capital of Culture.

The first of 15 cruise ships to arrive in Liverpool this year will be sailing up the Mersey on Tuesday, May 20.

The Astor a German, 20,000 tonne luxury vessel will arrive at 8am with almost 600 passengers ready to explore the World Capital of Pop, which in 2004 was also declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO. 

Liverpool Cruise Terminal, built by the City's Lib Dem  Council, is expecting to welcome almost 18,300 cruise passengers in 2008. The estimated tourism spend by passengers will be £1.28m. The predicted tourism spend by year 5 for the terminal is £2.94m.

The start of our first full cruise season is a watershed moment for Liverpool's tourism and maritime industry. The terminal is going to have a major impact on the city's economy and will also breath new life into the river.
 
''For the first time in more than 40 years the Mersey will once again be a cruise port and the emotional side of regaining that status will be a huge boost to the city's image and confidence.
 
''To have coincided with our year as European Capital of Culture is a fantastic boost to our celebrations and its also been an amazing advantage in promoting the new terminal to the trade. The fact that we already have as many vessels booked for 2009 proves there is fantastic international demand to experience the city's world class cultural offer. We're aiming now to build on Liverpool's appeal as a must see destination and the reaction so far bodes extremely well for future growth.''

Liverpool Cruise Terminal in brief:

The biggest vessel to dock in '08 will be the Grand Princess an American cruise liner with 2,600 passengers.

The 290m long ship also has a crew of 1,100.

The final cruise ships booked to arrive at the £17m terminal, which opened last September, is the QEII on October 3 and The Balmoral on October 12.

12 Royal Navy vessels are anticipated to berth at the facility in 2008.