A NEW cruise ship has arrived in Weymouth Bay.
The waters have become a resting spot for cruise ships during the coronavirus lockdown and have seen numerous vessels come and go over the past few months.
The cruise ships are moored off the Dorset coast because the bay offers secure anchorage with the prevailing weather.
The ships have become the subject of interest by tourists and residents, with visitors taking boat tours to get a closer look.
Aurora, Britannia are now anchored off the coast along with Queen Victoria, Marella Explorer, Marella Discovery and Queen Elizabeth.
But the cruise ships have now been joined by another vessel – the Royal Caribbean ship Jewel of the Seas.
The vessel has previously been to Dubai before it sailed towards the UK and anchored up at Mudeford, then Southampton.
The £350 million cruise ship usually sails around the world and offers guests a luxurious trip to the Caribbean, St Lucia or around the Mediterranean.
First launched in 2004, it has a capacity of more than 2,000 passengers and features multiple restaurants, a wine bar, swimming pools, pool bars, outdoor movie screen, spa and casino.
Dorset Marine Policing Team said that although it might be tempting to get a closer look or a ‘cheeky selfie’ with the vessels, there is a 50-metre exclusion zone around the ships.
A police spokesman said: “There are a number of cruise ships in Weymouth Bay during the coronavirus situation.
“We know it’s very, very tempting to paddle over on SUP, kayak or other vessels for a cheeky selfie or to get the drone up to test your flying skills.
“Please remember that there is a 50m exclusion zone around the vessels, and be aware of other CAA instructions around use of drones fitted with cameras.
“Many of the vessels are still running and may need to move or reposition with little warning. The propulsion equipment poses a very real risk to other water users who come too close.
“Please keep at least 50m away, and if you need a selfie, get one from a distance! Enjoy the water and stay safe out there!”
Have you seen the new cruise ship? Do you have any photos or video of the cruise ships? Email me at michael.taylor@newsquest.co.uk with your photos.
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