Passengers on the prestigious cruise liner company Grand Princess marked Liverpool as the 6th most enjoyable port of call, from 38 destinations, with a score of 87.5 out of 100 - with top port St Petersburg just a few points ahead on 91 percent.

And in the passenger satisfaction survey Liverpool scored the highest out of all UK ports for the question: "Which port most influenced you to book this cruise."

The ratings come on the eve of Liverpool's 2009 cruise season and seals an historic return to the seas for the city after a 40-year absence as a port of call.

Councillor Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: ''2008 was a fantastic year to launch the terminal, and these approval ratings from the passengers are a huge boost to everyone who has worked so hard both in the cruise operation and the wider tourism industry to make it a success."

Keith Blundell, Head of Tourism at Liverpool City Council, added: ''The bookings for '09 proves Liverpool's world class cultural offer has huge international appeal and this terminal is only adding to the city's status as a must see destination.

"The feedback from the passengers has been phenomenal with many praising the friendliness of the people and the beauty of the city.''

After welcoming 13 vessels in 2008, carrying over 16,000 passengers, the council-run owned and operated City of Liverpool Cruise Terminal is looking to bigger horizons.

This year 15 cruise liners will bring in over 23,000 passengers, which is expected to generate over £1.6m to the city's economy.

On Monday, June 29 the city welcomes the arrival of Crown Princess which at 116,000 tons is the largest ever cruise ship to enter the River Mersey - only for that record to be beaten in October with the arrival of Queen Mary 2.

Cunard's flagship cruise liner is a 148,000 ton vessel, with capacity for 3,056 passengers and a crew of 1,253. And at 1,132 ft. the £400m ships 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 QE2 - the future for the terminal looks very bright with predicted tourism spend by 2012 at £2.94m.

Liberal democrat Councillor Gary Millar, executive member for enterprise and tourism, said: "Liverpool has certainly made an impact both on the cruise industry and visitors alike, and as we know, word of mouth is the best possible recommendation.
"The fact the city is so highly regarded in terms of its offer and welcome augers extremely well for the future."

Cruise liners port of call in Liverpool 2009