CRUISE ships have become a familiar sight off the Dorset coast during the pandemic.

Ships have come and gone off Bournemouth over the last year or so and four more are set to make an appearance over the coming weeks – but this time in Poole.

Here we look at the ships to watch out for, when and also facts about each vessel that will be paying us a visit.

Tradewind Voyages - Golden Horizon

Bournemouth Echo:

When is it calling at Poole?
Sunday, June 27: 8am to 10pm.
Monday, August 2: 8am to 6pm.
Thursday, August 12: 6pm

Factfile
Entered into Service: 2021
Tonnage: 8440
Number of Decks: 4
Maximum Capacity: 272
Number of Crew: 159

An overview 

Golden Horizon is the world’s largest square-rigged sailing vessel. A near replica of the 1913-built ocean vessel, France II, she retains the charm, adventure, and romance of an historic ship.

The ship uses the wind and currents and follows the sun to allow adventure seekers to travel the world in a unique way. Tradewind’s philosophy is to be powered by nature whenever possible and they intend to sail, without using propulsion, for around 70 per cent of each season.

Bournemouth Echo:

The ships has 140 cabins, which are all outside facing, so guests can enjoy the breath-taking views. More ship info can be found here:

Where does the ship sail?

The ship travels worldwide to many locations including the UK, Indian Ocean, the Med, Dubai and Australia to name but a few.

Why is it coming to Poole?

Between June 22 and 28, it will embark on its first voyage of the UK when it will set off from Portsmouth and head west towards Weymouth, passing the Isle of Wight and Bournemouth before heading to Weymouth. After Weymouth, it will visit Falmouth when passengers can explore the southern Cornwall coastline. It will then dock at Fowey and then Dartmouth before the journey comes to an end in Poole on June 27.

Bournemouth Echo:

Golden Horizon’s second visit to Poole will be on August 2 as part of the 14-night British Isles Explorer tour which begins in Greenock and calls at a number of destinations including Belfast, Liverpool, Isle of Man, Ilfracombe and Dartmouth. It will visit Poole on day 13 of the tour.

It will visit for the third and final time on August 12 on day nine of the 10-night English South Coast and Islands cruise which will visit the Isle of Wight during Cowes Week.

Phoenix Reisen - Deutschland

Bournemouth Echo:

When is it calling at Poole?
Tuesday, August 3: 8am to 6pm. 

Factfile
Entered into Service: 1998
Length: 175.3m
Tonnage: 22400
Number of Decks: 10 (7 accessible by passengers)
Maximum Capacity: 520
Number of crew: 260

An overview 

MS Deutschland (as of 2015, it also sails as World Odyssey from September until April each year) is a cruise ship that launched in 1998. She is decorated in a 1920s style. 

Why is it coming to Poole?

As part of a cruise featuring planned excursions of the local area including Stonehenge, Salisbury, a Jurassic Coast walk and Dorset Panoramic drive, MS Deutschland will call at Poole on August 3. 

Vantage Cruise Line – Ocean Explorer

When is it calling at Poole?
Sunday, August 8: 8am to 4pm.
Saturday, August 28: 8am to 4pm.

Factfile
Entered into Service: 2021
Length: 104m
Tonnage: 7400
Number of Decks: 10
Maximum Capacity: 170
Number of crew: 74

An overview

Delivered in February 2021, MS Ocean Explorer cruise ship is an ice-strengthened (polar class 1A / PC6) expedition vessel which was delivered in February 2021 at a cost of $65m. It is owned by SunStone Ships (USA) and operated under charter by Vantage Cruise Line.

With the highest for passenger vessel ice-class 1A (Polar Class 6 / PC6), MS Ocean Explorer has icebreaking capacity of 1m and complies with maritime industry's latest polar code requirements and specifications. The boat offers "unprecedented levels of safety and environmental protection". 

It has 80 cabins and on board facilities include dedicated outdoor observation areas, stern marina and a fleet of 20 large-capacity motorized boats used for passenger transportation.

Why is it coming to Poole?

Guests will be travelling to Poole on day 4 of a 10-night cruise to meet the ship as part of the fly/cruise package called The Beauty of the British Isles. The trip will include the Isles of Scilly, Isle of Man, Isle of Mull, Isle of Skye and the Orkney Islands. 

Polar Cruises – Seaventure

Bournemouth Echo:

When is it calling at Poole?
Sunday, September 26: 8.30am to 10pm.

Factfile 
Entered into Service: 1990 with a refit in 2019
Length: 111m
Tonnage: 6752
Number of Decks: 5
Maximum Capacity: 160
Number of crew: 90

An overview

Formerly MS Bremen before its more recent refit, Seaventure is small ship designed to explore remote harbours and hidden ports of call.

Why is it coming to Poole?

After the season in the northern seas and with expeditions to Norway, Greenland and Iceland, MS Seaventure sets off for southern Europe at the end of September.

Passengers will visit Poole as part of the itnerary on day three of an 18-night Europe's coasts to the Canaries cruise which starts at Bremerhaven. After visiting Poole, it will call at Guernsey, La Rochelle, Lisbon, Funchal and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. 

What has Port of Poole said?

Speaking earlier this year, 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.”