UK port hosts simultaneous call by two cruise ships from the same cruise line for the first time
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Portland Port simultaneously welcomed two ships from the same cruise line on 15 July 2018 – a first for the UK port.
Both Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Navigator and Seven Seas Explorer were guided into Portland Harbour by a tug named Rufus Castle, which sprayed water canons to signify their arrivals.
Guests and crew were greeted by the port’s quayside welcome team and two of Weymouth BID’s Weyfarers, who were able to provide information and answer questions about the local area. After guests returned from their various shore excursions, they were able to watch live music performances by The Dorset Rock Choir and Weymouth Concert Brass Band and see three shots being fired from the Nothe Fort Artillery Volunteer’s canon before their ships departed.
“It’s always exciting when we welcome two ships in one day, however this is unique and a first for Portland Port to have two ships from the same cruise line,” said Ian McQuade, the port’s general manager. “They are both from the luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises, which makes it even more special.”
Portland expects to host a record 32 cruise ships and nearly 39,000 passengers in 2018.