Fowey Harbour has been crowned ‘Destination of the Year’ at the prestigious Seatrade Cruise Awards 2024. Fowey’s community centred approach and the amazing selection of excursion opportunities that our small port can offer swayed the judges against hot competition from Abu Dhabi and Tourism Kingston, Canada.

Fowey’s entry showcased how a community can work together and the collaboration of local businesses in the development of a multilingual destination map with online information to provide passengers with inspiration of what they can see and do in the local area.

Cruise ships take centre stage in the harbour with Fowey town just a stone’s throw away and passengers come ashore to enjoy the wonderful selection of independent retailers, art galleries, pubs and eateries. Many pick up a Cornish pasty and set off to explore and immerse themselves in the spectacular scenery on a local coastal walk or boat ride.
Fowey is also perfectly positioned for visits to world-famous visitor attractions, a short distance from the town are places such as the Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan and Bodmin Jail.
Fowey has also been working closely with local producers, such as Colwith Farm, to provide local, bespoke experiences such as their ‘Plough to Bottle Tours’ at their Vodka and Gin Distillery. There really is something for everyone to enjoy!

Seatrade Cruise Awards said “Your community spirit and unique excursion offerings truly set you apart.”

Fowey Harbour’s Head of Cruise, Kate O’Hara said “I am so delighted to have accepted this prestigious award on behalf of the destination and the Fowey Harbour team. It is wonderful that the collaborative work which has taken place to provide a warm welcome for cruise passengers to our beautiful destination, has been recognised”.

Some of the most frequently asked questions to the Harbour team are around the benefits of cruise ships to Fowey. Passengers coming ashore not only bring direct financial benefit to the town by purchasing souvenirs and local fare but to the wider area of SE Cornwall through the services they use, such as local tour guides and taxi operators. The town also sees increased footfall from locals and tourists who come to see the spectacle of the cruise ships moored in the harbour and this brings further financial benefits to the community. This value is recognised by the destination who provide a diverse range of exciting and authentic shore excursions and experiences for passengers, which have been highlighted in a map for visitors which is linked by QR code to the website. Working with the destination these initiatives are provided in French and German to welcome the guests.

The steep-sided valley forming the harbour physically limits the size of the cruise ships that can enter the port, so there is an air of exclusivity about the ships that can call into Fowey. Current cruise bookings remain stable at around 15 ships per year, with calls generally between April and October across a multitude of luxury and expedition cruise brands.

Watch our cruise video for more inspiration!