FOUR cruise lines will be bringing ships to Poole for a total of seven visits this year – and the world's largest square-rigged sailing ship will be among the visitors.

The ships will all be making their maiden calls to the port between June and September.

TradeWind Voyages will bring the 272-passenger Golden Horizon, the world’s largest, square-rigged sailing vessel. It will visit the port on June 27, August 2 and August 12 as part of its UK season.

German operator Phoenix Reisen will bring the 520-guest Deutschland to Poole on August 3 during a sailing from Germany to Iceland.

Poole Port prepares for cruise ship visits

The 170-guest expedition cruise ship Ocean Explorer, which was finished this year, will visit Poole on August 8 and 28, during two trips around the British Isles for Vantage Cruise Line.

Polar Cruises’ 164-guest Seaventure will come to Poole on September 26 during a sailing from Germany to Spain,

The Port of Poole has introduced a raft of health and safety measures at its terminal ahead of the visits, including an enhanced layout, a new temperature screening system and fogging machines.

Captain Brian Murphy, marine and port director and harbour master, said: “We’re delighted to announce the cruise lines that will call at Poole later this year, and are looking forward to giving their visitors a safe and successful welcome.

“We are officially open for business and have real aspirations for Poole, including becoming an increasingly prolific and popular hub for domestic and international cruise lines.

"We’re confident 2021 marks the start of this ambition.”

South Quay cruise berth in Poole Harbour is completed

The Port of Poole has sought to attract cruise operators as part of a seven-year expansion programme said to be one of the biggest recent port developments on the south coast. A £10m cruise berth at South Quay was completed in 2018.