Poole Harbour saw the departure of the ship Astoria on Friday on the first of a number of regular cruise departures this year with six further cruises planned for 2019. Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) is offering a variety of cruises from the local port that include voyages to the River Seine, Iceland and the Northern lIghts, Scotland, the Fjords and Baltic Treasures.
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 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!”
“It’s a very exciting time for the Port of Poole! Astoria is the largest cruise ship we’ve seen on our new cruise berth, South Quay since it opened earlier this year.” said Mr Jim Stewart, CEO for Poole Harbour Commissioners. “We were delighted to be able to welcome the Astoria and her crew on their inaugural call to the Port and look forward to seeing her return later this month, throughout 2019 and hopefully for many more years to come.”
Photo shows left to right Captain Michail Smyrnaios, ASTORIA, and Chris Coates, Cruise & Maritime Voyages – Group Commercial Director.
