Southern Maritime Services provided stevedoring and ancillary services when the vessel arrived at the port
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Southern Maritime Services (SMS) provided stevedoring and ancillary services when Voyages of Discovery’s Voyager made her inaugural call at Portsmouth International Port (PIP) in the UK on 1 March.
SMS handles the passenger check in, embarkation, disembarkation, valet parking and shipping agencies services for all cruise ships passing through Portsmouth.
The 15,270gt ship arrived from Spain and departed on a 16-day cruise to the Norwegian fjords and the Arctic Circle with nearly 440 passengers. In addition to processing the passengers, SMS loaded Voyager with food, provisions, beverages and technical supplies.
Voyager is to make six calls between March and the middle of May.
“We’re looking forward to a busy 2015 cruise season and Voyager will be an important initial part of that programme,” said Paul Kempton, SMS director. “She is a high quality ship that offers premier cruising and our service reflects that.”
PIP will also welcome an additional 30 cruise calls in 2015, including an increased number of turnarounds.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Europa 2, which will be one of the longest-ever vessels to dock in Portsmouth, will make her maiden call in June. Noble Caledonia’s Sea Explorer will also visit for the first time in May, sailing to the Channel Islands.
“The arrival of Europa 2 in June shows the faith major cruise operators have in PIP, a true vote of confidence in the high standards of service and facilities we provide,” said Captain Rupert Taylor, harbour master at PIP. “ From day one of the season, the team will strive to deliver an unrivalled package of care for each passenger and every vessel. The winter break has allowed us to make sure every detail will be in place when they arrive.”