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Q-Park has partnered with Cruise Passenger Services to provide parking services for passengers departing from the Liverpool Cruise Terminal.

Liverpool has a rich maritime history

Liverpool was a major world trading centre and opened its first commercial wet dock in 1715. Liverpool’s innovative techniques, dock facilities and warehouse construction had worldwide influence. Long distance scheduled commercial passenger travel by ship from Liverpool began in 1819 and regular transatlantic crossing services followed in 1840. However, with the advent of container shipping in the 1960s, trade through the Liverpool docks declined significantly.

Dock area redevelopment began in the 1990s and the new Liverpool Cruise Terminal was opened in 2007. This floating structure on the River Mersey enables large cruise ships to visit without entering the enclosed docks.

The number of cruise ships docking annually at Liverpool has increased rapidly from 6 in the opening year to over 100 in 2025. Increasing numbers of passengers arriving at the city centre cruise terminal by car began to put pressure on Liverpool’s parking infrastructure.

Cruise Passenger Services (CPS), which operates Liverpool’s cruise terminal, previously worked with another nearby car park but faced concerns over quality, safety, and availability. Seeking a more reliable parking solution to address these issues, CPS turned to Q-Park, as we are known for our innovative solutions and quality in parking.

Major parking provider in Liverpool

Q-Park has a significant presence in Liverpool, operating six parking facilities offering more than 4,000 spaces, including some 200 spaces for PRMs and more than 70 EV charging points.

We have three parking facilities serving the Liverpool ONE Shopping Centre, which is one of the UK's largest retail destinations. We identified Q-Park Liverpool ONE, with an exceptional 1,900 spaces, as the ideal parking facility for this partnership.

Streamlined process for cruise passengers

Our versatile Parking as a Smart Service (PaSS) platform, which combines automatic numberplate recognition (ANPR) technology with digital payment solutions provides the functionality for this partnership. The PaSS platform streamlines the customer journey: from pre-booking a parking space in the designated cruise parking area at home to driving into the car park, enjoying the cruise, and returning home.

How does it work?

Pre-booking

A few weeks before departure, Liverpool cruise passengers receive an automated e-mail from the cruise terminal offering discounted parking at Q-Park Liverpool ONE. Pre-booking parking for the duration of the cruise is simple. Customers complete the form, add their number plate and pay. They then receive a confirmation e-mail with directions to the car park and instructions for arrival.

CPS then uses a PaSS API to upload the passenger number plates to our PaSS platform.

All set for cruise departure day

Easy access

The Q-Park Liverpool ONE underground parking facility is easy to find as it is well signposted in the city. As cruise passengers arrive at the car park, PaSS cameras at the entrance recognise the number plate and the barrier opens automatically.

Parking

Cruise passengers are directed to the designated cruise parking area of Q-Park Liverpool ONE.

We chose a dedicated parking deck because it has the capacity to accommodate high volumes of vehicles. Customers can easily find the cruise parking area by following our specially designed signage with a cruise ship symbol.

On cruise departure days, CPS ensures that sufficient staff are present in the car park to welcome and reassure cruise passengers.

Transfer to the terminal

Once parked, a CPS staff member greets the passengers and loads their suitcases on to a luggage transporter. Luggage is taken to the terminal for security screening and then delivered to passengers’ cabins. A CPS minibus takes passengers to the terminal for check-in, passport control and boarding.

Return journey

After disembarking, CPS takes passengers and their luggage back to the car park and their vehicles.

Seamless departure

As cruise passengers drive to the car park exit, PaSS cameras recognise the number plate and the barrier opens automatically.

Operational synergy and efficiency

We work closely with CPS to enhance the customer experience. Vehicle and parking data processing are automated. CPS uploads passenger number plates to our PaSS platform in advance, including late bookings.

CPS fleet vehicles need access to the parking facility, so their number plates are also uploaded in PaSS.

On cruise departure and arrival days, our Parking Hosts and customer service team work together with CPS staff to ensure passengers have a smooth journey. This is especially important for passengers who need some assistance and those unfamiliar with the parking facility.

After each cruise departs, Q-Park generates a report of active parking sessions for reconciliation with CPS. Occasionally, number plate errors occur and corrections are easily entered in PaSS without inconveniencing passengers. The last step in the process is for CPS to settle the parking fees with Q-Park.

Win-win partnership

Our partnership with CPS has created a seamless, efficient, and high-quality solution for Liverpool Cruise Terminal passengers: true multi-modal mobility from home to ship.

Since working together with Q-Park, parking complaints are a thing of the past. This has freed up resources for CPS and Liverpool Cruise Terminal to focus on enhancing passenger experiences within the terminal itself. The streamlined service has also attracted new cruise operators to launch services from Liverpool.

Digital integration, coordinated operations, and a focus on customer experience has enhanced the reputations of both businesses and paved the way for further expansion in the cruise industry.