The new South Quay at the Port of Poole welcomed its first cruise ship on 5 May when Corinthian (1990/4,077gt), operated by Grand Circle Cruise Line, arrived without passengers from Barcelona repositioning for its Northern European season.

The 98-passenger ship, a regular visitor to the Dorset port, embarked 84 passengers and sailed the following day for Tresco, Isles of Scilly.

The £10 million South Quay can handle cargo ships, yacht transfer vessels and cruise ships up to 200m in length and will host new customer Cruise & Maritime Voyages when its veteran 550-passenger Astoria (1948/16,144gt) arrives later this year.

Poole Harbour Commissioners has 20 cruise calls booked for 2018, including a first with both Astoria and Corinthian due in port together on 3 September, and around 40 calls expected next year.

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