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Poole cruising ahead after double visit

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Astoria at Poole’s new cruise berth
The UK’S south coast Port of Poole recorded a historic first after two cruise ships call on the same day.

The first of the two ships to arrive was Corinthian belonging to Grand Circle Cruise Line, making the last of her seven calls to Poole this year.

The 100 passenger ship is set to return in 2019 with a further six calls.

Second to arrive was Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Astoria, returning to port after a three-day round trip from Poole to Rouen, Honfleur and the River Seine.

At 160mtr, Astoria is the largest cruise ship to have visited Poole’s new cruise berth, South Quay since it opened in May this year. She will visit Poole seven times in 2019.

Jim Stewart, ceo for Poole Harbour Commissioners commented, ‘This was a first for the Port of Poole, we’ve never had two cruise ships in at the same time, but it was all plain sailing on the day.’

He added, ‘cruise ship calls to Poole have doubled in 2018 and, we are anticipating, they will double again in 2019.’

Saga and Ponant to add Poole

Poole Harbour Commissioner has confirmed that Saga Cruises and Ponant will also be adding Poole to their sailing routes. And with discussions well underway, it hopes to announce other cruise companies imminently.

A spokesman for Ponant commented, ‘Ponant has chosen Poole due to the unspoilt location and the opportunity to call where the larger cruise ships are not.’

At 200mtr long and 40mtr wide, the new £10m deep water quay can accommodate vessels up to 220mtr in length.

Since the completion of the new cruise facilities the Port of Poole has become a member of Cruise Britain. As part of this alliance, Poole is attending Seatrade Cruise Med, taking in place in Lisbon, September 19 and 20, 2018.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages returning in 2019

During Astoria’s inaugural sailing from Poole, Chris Coates CMV’s group commercial director said, ‘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.’

He added, ‘we are very happy to now be sailing from Poole and will continue in 2019.’