Twelve ships made their first cruise call this year to Portland Port which has brought 14,000 extra passengers to the area, contributing £1.25m to the local economy.

A total of 64 ships carrying more than 100,000 passengers are due to have called at Portland by the end of this year with 11 on the cruise calendar in October and November - including another inaugural visit from a liner.

This follows the 55th planned cruise call of the year so far to the port, with the Phoenix Amadea bringing in around 600 passengers yesterday.

Whilst some passengers go on organised excursions - including to Stonehenge, amongst other locations - typically, about 50 per cent of visiting cruise guests stay in Dorset with many of them going to Weymouth.

(Image: Corin Messer)

Businesses are pleased with the boost to tourism and have said the visitors are always welcome as the move has been described as a 'real win' for the economy.

Alan Collins of Hedley's of Weymouth gift shop said: "I have an itinerary of cruise ships to make sure that I know when they're coming in - I always make sure the shop is open for people to buy the gifts they need before heading back home.

"It's a positive step to see and the tourists are always welcome and they bring in so much money to the area - it really is a wonderful thing. We're always happy to receive the wonderful passengers from around the world and I think they enjoy all that Weymouth has to offer - it's such a unique place for passengers and always full of joy."

Norwegian Jewel making its maiden call to Portland this year(Image: Zoe Ayton)

Dominique Manasseri, president of the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce said: "The port's record season has given Weymouth a real boost. Cruise visitors bring energy to the town and vital support for our shops, restaurants and attractions -- a real win for the local economy."

Dawn Rondeau-Irvine, chief operations officer for We Are Weymouth (BID), said: "We wholeheartedly acknowledge the significant contribution that the visiting cruise ships make to our local economy.

"Our weekly communications with the port allow our business community to prepare and warmly welcome thousands of visitors.

"On a personal note, I had the joy of seeing family disembark from one of the ships and spend nearly £400 in just five hours -- a clear example of how these visits translate into real economic benefit. With twelve ships making their first call this season, bringing in 14,000 passengers, the figures speak for themselves. Portland Port's record-breaking season is a testament to the positive impact the port's tourism has on our town."

Luxury cruise line Silversea sent three ships to Portland on a total of six calls this year: the Silver Spirit, the Silver Dawn and the Silver Shadow.

Other ships to visit for the first time were Albatros Expeditions' Ocean Albatros, AIDAluna, Le Boreal, Carnival Miracle, MS Europa 2, Ambition, Seven Seas Grandeur, Norwegian Jewel and Viking Vela.

As well as Ocean Albatros, other luxury expedition ships to call have include Ponant's Le Boreal and the Hebridean Princess, which carries just 50 guests.

(Image: Portland Port)

The Viking Vela, from Viking Ocean Cruises, has been among five unscheduled calls for the port so far this year which have materialised from a record-equalling 18 enquiries.

The port has also hosted familiarisation trips for representatives from Fred Olsen, Silversea, Princess and Windstar cruise lines to promote the area and its attractions to attract more ships to the area.

Ian McQuade, Portland Port's commercial general manager and chair of Cruise Britain, said: "We have been fortunate to welcome more ships making their inaugural calls at Portland.

"Some have been from cruise lines with whom we have established strong and supportive relationships over a number of years while others have been from lines choosing Portland for the first time.

"It is also encouraging to see the growth of calls by specialist luxury and expedition ships, which demonstrates the increasingly popularity of the area as a destination for a wide range of passengers.

Cruise passengers a 'real boost' for local economy