With the huge impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the global cruise industry, Portland Port joined cruise lines, other ports, businesses and industries in welcoming the news that UK domestic cruising could set sail from 17 May.
Ian McQuade, General Manager – Commercial at Portland Port, said: ‘The port has been able to support numerous cruise lines throughout the pandemic and has witnessed first-hand how all sectors of the maritime industry have pulled together to help each other and collaborate.
“It is exciting to now see some light at the end of the tunnel and the prospect of passenger cruises re-starting.’
Cruise lines have spared no expense, using the latest technology and teams of experts, to transform their vessels and procedures to produce the safest and best experience possible.
Portland Port is looking forward to being able to safely welcome passengers to the Jurassic Coast and has been reviewing its own policies and procedures to comply with Government guidelines and to provide a safe environment for cruise ships to bring their passengers.
From the end of May some fantastic vessels will be touring the British Isles, which is a great opportunity for avid or new cruisers, to experience what they have to offer.
2021 was scheduled to be another record-breaking cruise season for Portland Port; the first half of its programme has been cancelled; however, many scheduled calls have been now replaced with domestic cruise calls which shows just how well the cruise restart has been received.
The port is excited to be included in the inaugural season of MSC’s newest flagship, Virtuosa, Viking’s latest ship, Viking Venus and Celebrity’s Silhouette. All will be making first time visits to Portland.
MSC Virtuosa was designed to offer its guests innovative features and facilities and is one of the two largest in the MSC Cruises’ fleet, whilst also being one of the most environmentally advanced.
Viking’s newest luxury small ship, the Viking Venus, can host 930 passengers who will experience understated elegance, modern Scandinavian design and verandas from every cabin.
Celebrity Silhouette was launched in 2011 and is fresh from her luxurious upgrade as part of the Celebrity Revolution, a $500 million programme for their entire fleet.
Discussions continue with a number of other cruise lines and it is expected that more “re-start” cruises will be added to the programme in the near future.
