QVSR Seafarers Centres has to officially launched the QVSR Cruise Crew Lounge located in the London Cruise Terminal at the Port of Tilbury.

Charles Hammond OBE, CEO of Forth Ports Limited cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony.

In 2023 QVSR approached the port management at The Port of London Tilbury to see if it would be possible to create a cruise crew lounge in some empty office space at the Tilbury Cruise Terminal.

It was proposed that this space would be used to create an area which cruise crew could use when they came ashore to relax with a cuppa, share in conversation with family and friends via free Wi-Fi and chat with fellow crew members away from their work environment.

The lounge area would also include a small shop where top-ups and confectionary and souvenirs could be purchased.

The port management agreed to the proposal and duly allocated 3 un-used offices.

With funding received from The Seafarers' Charity, the Merchant Navy Welfare Board and a private donor the charity was able to transform the space into a series of attractive seafarers' lounges, with a newly formed kitchen area and attractive seating.

This work was undertaken under the direction of QVSR / MtS Port Chaplain Ruth Campbell by a number of volunteers.

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The facility will see up to 8,000 seafarers using it per year and is used by approximately 200 crew members each time a cruise ship docks at Tilbury.

The seafarers appreciate the space away from the ship and being able to relax and feel normal and enjoy the opportunity to speak to the Port Chaplain and the team of volunteers who help at the lounge.