Astoria became the longest ship to dock at port's new cruise berth during her maiden call this summer
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Astoria made history during her inaugural visit to Poole this summer when she also became the largest ship to dock at the UK port’s new cruise berth since it opened in May 2018.
The 160-metre-long Astoria berthed at the new £10 million deep-water South Quay, which can accommodate 220-metre-long ships and is said to be one of the largest port developments on the UK’s south coast in recent years.
To mark Astoria’s maiden call, representatives from Poole Harbour Commissioners exchanged commemorative plaques with the ship’s captain. Meanwhile, Astoria’s guests were able to attend the Bournemouth Air Festival before the ship departed from Honfleur, France.
“The Cruise & Maritime Voyages team and I were very happy to be onboard Astoria to celebrate her inaugural sailing from Poole Harbour,” said the line’s group commercial director Chris Coates. “Talking to our passengers it was good to see how many of those onboard had come from the local area to sail from, and support, their regional port. I was also blown away by the fantastic display put on by the Red Arrows and am sure the passengers onboard also enjoyed their front row seats.”
2018 marks the first year that Cruise & Maritime Voyages has offered cruises from Poole. Following guest uptake, the line has already scheduled further calls for 2019.
“We were delighted to welcome the Astoria and her crew to Poole,” said Jim Stewart, CEO of Poole Harbour Commissioners. “Cruise & Maritime Voyages has seen a great response to the sailings from Poole and for this reason we’ll see the company back at the port throughout 2019 and hopefully for many years to come.”