A £2MILLION boost is estimated to sail into the local economy next year thanks to big spenders on cruise liners.

After enjoying the biggest cruise season to date this summer, the island’s commercial port is set to break its own record in 2013 with 19 cruise calls already confirmed.

The Olympic year saw Portland Port attract a total of nine cruise liners for day calls, which included 9,000 passengers.

According to the latest figures, passengers spend an average of £100 each on a European port call – which would mean an estimated £900,000 to the local economy for the 2012 season.

Seven of the nine cruise liners were maiden calls to Portland, and were commemorated with a plaque presentation on board the ship.

Ian McQuade, commercial general manager, said: “It’s very exciting to welcome a new call and important to us that they have a great experience.”

The biggest cruise ship to visit the port in 2012 was Royal Caribbean’s ‘Jewel of the Seas’.

With 1,980 passengers on board and weighing approximately 90,000 gross tonnes, the vessel dominated the quayside.

Passengers enjoyed excursions to local landmarks as well as visiting the borough.

Budmouth A-level students volunteer on the quayside whenever there is a German cruise ship in, to offer information to passengers in their native language.

For British and American cruise calls, Weymouth College travel and tourism students provide passengers with information.

Paid work is also provided with the Nothe Fort artillery, Wey-mouth Concert Brass Band and Portland Town Crier brought in by the port to entertain passengers on the quayside.

The port’s focus now switches to 2013 which is set to be another record-breaker.