11 September 2018
Maritime traditions were upheld at the Port of Poole as Poole Harbour Commissioners and the cruise ship Astoria exchanged plaques to commemorate the ship’s inaugural call to the port.
During her maiden voyage from Poole, the Astoria dropped anchor in Poole Bay for her guests to enjoy the spectacular Bournemouth Air Festival before continuing her onward journey to Honfleur and Rouen.
At 160m (525ft) the Astoria, operated by Cruise & Maritime Voyages is the largest cruise ship to have visited Poole’s new cruise berth, South Quay, since it opened in May this year. At 200m long and 40m wide, the new £10m deep water quay is said to be one of the largest port developments seen on the South Coast in recent years and can accommodate vessels up to 220m in length.
Chris Coates CMV’s Group Commercial Director said “The CMV team and I were very happy to be onboard Astoria on Friday to celebrate her inaugural sailing from Poole Harbour. 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. CMV is the UK’s leading independent cruise line operating from 14 UK and Irish regional departure ports allowing more people to cruise conveniently from their local port and we are very happy to now be sailing from Poole. I was also blown away by the fantastic display put on by the Red Arrows and am sure the passengers onboard also enjoyed their front row seats!”.
Jim Stewart, CEO for Poole Harbour Commissioners said “We are delighted to welcome the Astoria and her crew to Poole. Cruise & Maritime Voyages have seen a great response to the sailings from Poole and for this reason we’ll see them back at the port throughout 2019 and hopefully for many years to come.”