The Port of Poole disappointingly had just three cruise ship calls scheduled for this year (all maiden visits), although only two ships actually arrived.
On 10 May the 172m Seabourn Venture (2022/23,615gt) called en-route from Plymouth to Dover. A 30 September call by Atlas Ocean Voyages’ 126m World Voyager (2020/9,934gt) was cancelled due to bad weather in the English Channel, instead she continued to Tilbury.
Better luck was had by Plantours’ 144m Hamburg (1997/15,067gt) on 9 October, arriving from the Port of London for an afternoon visit, with passengers able to enjoy coach trips to local attractions.
Both vessels moored at the port’s South Quay cruise berth and both captains were presented with traditional plaques by the Harbour Master.
During 2019 Poole had 18 cruise ship calls, but this number has dwindled post-covid due to various factors including the failure of Cruise & Maritime Voyages and Vantage Cruise Line plus the decision by Grand Circle Cruise Line to drop Poole from its schedules.
The port also has a 210m working limit for ships and is therefore at a disadvantage to nearby Portland with its deepwater berth.
Photo and report by Kevin Mitchell
