With ports either side of us going to enjoy record breaking years in terms of cruise ship calls Falmouth is currently on a downward spiral, with another six calls struck off the scheduled list making a total of just 19 ships visiting.

Portuscale Cruises pulled the plug on the Funchal’s cruising from the UK resulting in four calls being axed, then the German operated ships Deutschland and Berlin cancelled visits. The Deutschland is up for sale but Berlin cancelled due to itinerary planning.

Across the water, the Isles of Scilly will be the cruise hub of the southwest in 2015 welcoming 45 cruise ships this season thus making it a record year in terms of passengers to visit the scenic islands. Over in Guernsey the island is expecting 120 cruise calls this summer. Whilst a comparable port to Falmouth in terms of overnight steaming for cruise ships, the Port of Cork is expecting 60 ships.

St Mary’s harbour master Dale Clark said: “We are, at present, looking to have another record year - providing the weather plays its part! The year on year increase of ships is certainly pleasing and we are thrilled that so many cruise passengers are being made aware of the delights of these Islands. The location of the islands plays a crucial role, as we are ideal for vessels passing on passage to or from Ireland/West of UK/NW Europe. This, along with cheap port/pilotage fees and more importantly the stunning scenery of the Islands, have made it a must see for many cruise ship operators.”

Magellan, 46,000 grt, carrying 1,400 passengers will be the largest vessel to anchor off St Mary’s. Over 17,000 passengers are expected to visit St Mary’s and Tresco from ships.

Mainland Cornwall is missing out on this very lucrative industry. However, port costs are an important factor for the cruise companies to consider when planning itineraries and shore excursions (shorex). Captain Simon Dowles of Holland America Line said last year: “Port costs have become a major deciding factor in itinerary planning.

Douwes said: “There are North European ports that have lost calls due to unsustainable costs, for example Norway has more calls and Scotland has less due to high costs. The shorex revenue in general is very good but in some ports the shorex revenue is lower than port costs so it costs us to go to these ports.”

Comparing pilotage and harbour dues charges between Falmouth and St Mary’s for say the cruise ship Europa at 28,800 grt, the combined pilotage charges (sea to docks) payable to the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners is £1,698 with harbour dues at £607. Coming alongside is obviously more expensive when the ship has to pay for shore side security (£2 per passenger, even at anchor), lights dues, wharfage and agency fees. A total cost in excess of  £17,000 would be a realistic figure to put on her call here.

In St Mary’s the Europa will pay just £2,000 in port and pilotage fees for her day-long call plus a few smaller ancillary charges.

Falmouth may just be suffering a temporary dip in cruise ship numbers but it may become the norm until such times as the dredging is sorted. Even then port bosses will have to ensure port charges are realistic. There has to be greater interaction between tourist bosses and the ports to satisfy the demands of the cruise companies who have the trump cards.

With the first of the new Tide Class RFA ships due in December for customization the County wharf will be the prime RFA berth for these vessels, forcing cruise ships at some stage to berth on the Queen’s wharf where there is less water.