THE multi-million pound cruise ships moored in Weymouth Bay have been one of the highlights of a challenging 12 months.
A number of vessels, including Queen Elizabeth, Aurora and Britannia, are currently anchored on the coast as the cruising industry prepares for a comeback.
Cruise ships have been anchored within Weymouth Bay because the bay offers "secure anchorage with the prevailing weather", according to the RNLI.
The cruise ships appear to be staying in Weymouth Bay for the time being, but for how long?
Based on P&O and Cunard's latest announcements, this is when they could leave the Dorset waters.
P&O
P&O has announced the resumption of cruising in June, with Britannia and new ship Iona offering cruises around the UK “where the sun shines brightest.”
Setting sail from Southampton guests will be able to enjoy the ultimate British break on Britannia and Iona, with gourmet dining and poolside food, cocktails and coffees, shopping, spas, shows and endless sea views on offer.
Britannia will offer three and four night breaks and one six night holiday running from June 27, 2021 through to September 19, 2021, which will allow guests to enjoy the South Coast. Prices start from £449 per person for a three-night break on Britannia.
But travellers will have to prove that they have had two coronavirus jabs to take the trips. Carnival, its parent group, said that passengers wishing to board would have to have had both vaccination jabs at least a week before departure.
Guests must also take out travel insurance "must include medical and repatriation cover" and medical expenses related to Covid-19.
Meanwhile P&O’s other ships, Aurora and Arcadia, are offering cruises from October and December onwards.
Cunard
Cunard has announced it will offer a series of UK voyages on Queen Elizabeth, with more details to be revealed later this month.
These sailings will be from Cunard’s home port of Southampton and will be in UK coastal waters as Cunard, like other cruise operators, ahead of the Government’s guidance on foreign travel.
These new UK staycation voyages will replace a number of international sailings that unfortunately will be cancelled due to the current environment.
Cunard president, Simon Palethorpe said: “With the UK Government confirming that domestic travel is close on the horizon, we are introducing a series of exciting, shorter duration holidays for Brits looking for the perfect staycation in Cunard luxury this summer. These will be sailings from Southampton, for UK residents, around the UK and will make the very most of the summer sunshine.
“However, with international travel restrictions still in place, we unfortunately need to cancel a number of departures. We know how much everyone is desperately looking forward to longed-for holidays overseas, so to all affected by this news, I am sincerely sorry for the disappointment this will cause.”
Queen Elizabeth’s summer Mediterranean fly cruise season and all departures up to and including October 11, 2021 are cancelled while Queen Mary 2’s current programme is affected by a number of factors and all departures up to and including November 12, 2021 are cancelled.
Sailings on Queen Victoria are now cancelled for departures up to and including August 27, 2021.
Marella Cruises
Owned by TUI, Marella Cruises has announced sailings due to depart on or before May 16, 2021, have been cancelled.
"If your booking can’t take place due to COVID-19, we’ll be in touch as far in advance as possible to discuss your options with you," said TUI.
"This will be done in departure date order."
Their cruises have been seen in Weymouth Bay, including the Marella Explorer.
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