Tag Archives: Queen Mary 2

Giant Cruise ship MSC Splendida To Return to Dublin Port This Thursday

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MSC Splendida pictured in Tunis, by Dave Jones

Report by: Afloat.ie

MSC Cruises operators of the massive MSC Splendida have confirmed that the ship will be back for a second visit to Dublin Port at 4.30am this Thursday, May 21.

Following MSC Splendida’s debut call last week (Monday, May 11)  as previously reported on Afloat.ie, the cruiseship had been scheduled to anchor offshore at Dun Laoghaire, but has now changed its plans to re-enter Dublin Port.

“Getting MSC Splendida into Dublin Port is no mean feat,” said Giles Hawke, MSC Cruises executive director for the UK and Ireland.

“But judging by the amazing feedback we have received, it is certainly an effort worth making. Our cruise guests love the convenience of being able to disembark quickly and make the most of their time in such a beautiful and friendly city.”

MSC Splendida made maritime history as the largest cruise ship ever to dock in Dublin Port during her recent visit, and staff were “blown away” by the amount of people lining the Liffey to wave it off, Hawke added.

Having carried out preparations for the anticipated visit, however, the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company expressed dismay over the change of plans.

“We are disappointed and surprised that the MSC Splendida has transferred its call to Dublin Port, considering that this was a scheduled anchorage call to Dun Laoghaire Harbour,” said Captain Simon Coates, Habour Master, Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

Dun Laoghaire had expected to welcome 21 cruise ships this season; while Dublin Port is set to welcome 83.

For much more The Independent has a report here.

Afloat.ie adds that Royal Princess (see previous report) which is even larger than the MSC Splendida (137.936 tons) was due to make a return call to Dun Laoghaire this Sunday, however according to the Dublin Port cruise schedule she is also instead to call to the capital on Sunday.

The Royal Princess had been due to make a repeat anchorage call off Dun Laoghaire Harbour that same day next weekend though this will be her first call to Dublin Port.

Royal Princess at 142,000 tonnes is in fact larger than MSC Splendida (137.936 tons) and will so outpace last week’s record for the largest ever ship of any type to visit Dublin Port. As for length, MSC Spendida still holds that title as the longest cruiseship ever at 333m to enter the port. 

Afloat.ie will have more to add to this latest developmment.

In the meantime, Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company can look forward tomorrow (May 20) to the visit of Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2, the cruise-liner having made her debut off the south Dublin Bay port in 2013.

 

Cunard kicks off 175th anniversary celebrations

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By Phil Davies

Cunard kicked off its 175th anniversary celebrations in the UK by having its three ships arrive in Southampton at the same time on Sunday.Queen Mary 2 led sister ships Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria down Southampton Water and into the Solent.

The ships arrived in Southampton from their respective three-month world cruises.

They then set off on their summer season of transatlantic crossings, Mediterranean fly-cruises, Scandinavian and southern European sailings.

Commodore of the fleet, Christopher Rynd, said: “It is wonderful to be back in our homeport of Southampton.

“All three Queens have just completed their world cruises and now we are sailing out in procession, into the Solent.

“What a glorious way to start our 175 anniversary celebrations.”

The three vessels will meet again in Cunard’s original home of Liverpool on May 25 as part of a weekend of celebrations which is expected to attract up to one million spectators, according to local reports.

Southampton cruise terminal opens following major refurbishment

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By Phil Davies


Southampton’s Mayflower Cruise Terminal has reopened following a multi-million pound refurbishment in time for the summer sailing season.The terminal now features a revamped open plan interior, with expanded security, check in and passenger reception areas.

More than 200 staff have been working on the renovation over the winter. Other improvements to the terminal include additional passenger and baggage x-ray machines and a redesign of the drop-off and pick-up area.

Port operator ABP Southampton said the project was critical to ensure Southampton retains its title as Europe’s leading cruise turnaround Port amidst a predicted rise in passengers.

An increased number of cruise ships visiting Southampton, coupled with the rising capacity of new ships, means P&O Cruises, Cunard and other brands of the Carnival Group, are expecting passenger volume to increase by 25% at Southampton over the next two years.

Carnival UK port service and government affairs director, Steven Young, said: “The Carnival cruise business at Southampton continues to go from strength to strength and with the introduction of new larger ships such as P&O Cruises’ Britannia, it is important that improvement to the cruise terminals and our passenger journey keeps pace.

“With the reopened Mayflower terminal we aim to keep this as free flowing and stressless as possible.

“The improved passenger lounge, together with increased check in and security areas will allow us to ensure just that and give our customers passing through Southampton the very best passenger experience with reduced congestion.”

ABP Southampton director, Nick Ridehalgh, added: “We are incredibly proud to hold the title of Europe’s leading cruise turnaround port but, as always, we will never rest on our laurels. We are committed to investing heavily in our facilities in order to help port-related businesses grow and provide world-class service to their customers.”

The Mayflower Cruise Terminal is one of four in Southampton and handles calls by ships such as Queen Mary 2, Ventura and newly launched Britannia.

Moe than 280 of Southampton’s 440 cruise ship calls to the port are by brands within the Carnival Group.