Anthem of the Seas by Hanh Hoang

During the coronavirus pandemic, many ships have come and gone from the shores of Bournemouth and Poole, with at least one ship present off Bournemouth’s coastline since March 2020.

The ships became an attraction for residents and visitors alike last year and many snapped photos of the impressive vessels.

Royal Caribbean ships Anthem of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas are currently at sea off Bournemouth.

Anthem of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas by Julian Mennell

Anthem of the Seas has been there since August 16 and the Jewel has remained there since August 24.

A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean said: "All of our ships are currently where they need to be for relevant supplies and resources. We are working on our return to operations and a safe return to sail, however it’s too early at present to confirm details and timings.

"We are very much looking forward to welcoming guests back onboard our ships and once cruising resumes, our ships will move to their designated homeports and recommence their itineraries."

Some P&O ships have also visited over the past 10 months.

This included P&O Aurora and P&O Arcadia.

When asked about future plans, a P&O spokesperson said: "At P&O Cruises we are currently focused on preparing for future holidays, after our operational pause into April 2021, including for summer 2021."

Jewel of the Seas by Jane O'Connor

Despite ships being moored off Bournemouth, the future is uncertain for Mudeford Ferry captain Paul Derham who runs ‘Ghost Ship’ tours of the moored ships.

The ferry company received international recognition during the summer for its tours, but its services are currently on hold due to the pandemic.

Paul said: "Usually, we operate winter weekends but because of the pandemic we decided not top operate as we thought it was the right thing to do. We will continue not to operate winter weekends until restrictions are eased again.

"A couple of months back, we had a start date in mid which was April 1. We hope to start on April 1 but as things have slowed up a bit, it might be later. I think the cruise ships will still be there for some time after the restrictions get lifted.

"We’re looking forward to starting the trips again and we have already had some interest from people who have booked up."

Ghost Ship tours

Providing restrictions will be eased, the new tours will last around one hour and 45 minutes and will be occur on a RIB rather than the ferry.

Tickets will cost £40 and are to be paid with cash on the day.

To register interest and book a place, call 07968 33 44 41.