Cruise to the Olympics

One way to get to the Olympic Games in Beijing and London could be by cruise ship.

When the Olympic Games comes to London in 2012 there is likely to be growing demand from cruise passengers to visit the Games. But the Passenger Shipping Association is concerned that the Port of London Authority is failing to develop a cruise terminal for London capable of handling the new generation of cruise ships.

Speaking at the World Travel Market in London, director of the PSA Bill Gibbons said the Port of London Authority "did not seem desperately interested in marketing their cruise services in London".

The PLA currently offers a floating cruise terminal that enables some cruise ships to tie up at Greenwich and Tower Bridge. Tilbury is regarded as London's official cruise terminal, but has been accused of failing to invest in adequate facilities.

"There is talk of a new cruise terminal by the O2 arena in Greenwich associated with a hotel development, but I would not hold your breath," said Gibbons.

While London prepares for the 2012 Olympics, Beijing in China is almost ready to host the 2008 Olympics. One of the cruise lines offering cruises to China is Silversea Cruises. As part of Silversea's Wonders of Beijing and the Great Wall cruise passengers will have a chance to view the 2008 Olympic Stadium and the new National Aquatics Centre.