Cruise ship tourism boosts Fowey’s economy and community spirit

On Saturday, a massive 58,000-tonne cruise ship docked in Fowey, a small port town in Cornwall. The Nicko Cruises vessel, towering over the small yachts in the harbour, brought in 1,258 mostly German passengers, surpassing half of the town’s population of 2,315. Fowey, pronounced Foy as in Joy, hosts around 15 cruise ships annually. Reports from last year suggested locals were displeased with these visits.

Complaints surfaced about the ships being an ‘eyesore’ and harmful to the environment. However, many residents have taken to social media to express their fondness for the ships, stating they don’t pollute the harbour. Interviews with residents and business owners this week confirm that the ships are largely welcomed.

Gary Barr, a retired business owner who moved to the town six years ago with his wife Kay, is an enthusiastic supporter. He said, ‘We think the ships are brilliant. They bring some excitement to the town, and some are genuinely beautiful.’ The 60-year-old also noted the economic benefits for local businesses. ‘During a time when many high street shops are closing, the ships help keep our shops, bars, and restaurants open,’ he added.

Gary, who sails passionately, hasn’t heard any locals complain about the ships. ‘The negative comments I’ve seen come from outsiders, basically keyboard warriors,’ he said. ‘They don’t realise the harbour has a long history of welcoming cargo ships. This is just a different type of cargo.’ Caroline Cooper, a resident for three years who recently opened the clothing and homeware store ‘Shop @ Number 3,’ also speaks highly of the ships.

‘I think we’re fortunate to accommodate something so special,’ she said. ‘We become an advertisement for Cornwall and even the UK, and that’s something to be proud of. It creates a buzz in the town.’ Caroline shared a video of Saturday’s cruise ship, a Portuguese vessel named Vasco da Gama, on her shop’s Instagram page, captioning it: ‘My commute to work this morning. Some places get coaches. We get ships.’ A local pub and restaurant owner, who asked to remain anonymous, said she had never heard any complaints from locals or guests about the ships.

‘Guests say how wonderful it is, and we love it too. When we hear the hooter, we run to the dining room to watch the ship come in.’ Captain Paul Thomas, Fowey’s harbour master for the past 12 years, boards the cruise ships to pilot them in and out of the harbour. ‘I stand beside the captain and guide them,’ he explained. ‘I know the currents and depths well to ensure safety.’ Paul stated that last year’s criticisms came from outsiders, not locals.

‘Ships are part of this town’s DNA. There’s been a port here for 150 years, and many residents have family members who worked with ships,’ he said. ‘So, for them, cruise ships aren’t a problem. Everyone was upset when stories claimed locals were angry about the ships because that’s not true.’

A survey on a local Facebook group at the time showed that 97% of respondents supported the ships. There is genuine affection for the ships, with people often lining the streets to wave as they arrive.‘It’s quite an event,’ he said. Paul, like Gary, believes the ships are beneficial for local businesses.

‘I spoke to a gallery owner who said she had many customers from Saturday’s cruise ship,’ he noted. When asked about environmental concerns, Paul replied, ‘The environment is very important to us, and we have policies to ensure ships don’t pollute.’ ‘The cruise ships have systems to prevent emissions from contaminating the water, and pumping sewage into the sea is not allowed.’ There have been no complaints about the sound of the ship’s whistle.

‘In fact, if I don’t blow the whistle while piloting a ship, locals tell me off! They enjoy hearing it.’ Recently, Fowey Harbour was shortlisted in the ‘Destination of the Year’ category of the international Seatrade Cruise Awards 2024. ‘We’re very honoured! Fowey is competing against places like Dubai and Ontario, so it’s a big deal for us,’ said Paul. He hopes the town can increase the number of visiting cruise ships to around 20 annually but doesn’t want the number to go much higher. ‘It’s important to keep a balance. If we have too many, it won’t feel special anymore.’