PORTLAND Port launched its cruise season as the first ship arrived.

Hapag-Lloyd's Hanseatic Inspiration arrived at around 6am yesterday.

The captain of the vessel was presented with a stone plaque as part of a traditional exchange and received a three-canon salute when it left.

Ian McQuade, Portland Port's general manager, said: "We were excited to start the port's cruise season, on a beautiful sunny day, with an inaugural visit from Hapag-Lloyd's Hanseatic Inspiration. The vessel is one of three new Expedition class vessels and is currently making her way to her home port of Hamburg.

"I presented the captain with one of our unique hand carved Portland stone plaques as part of a traditional exchange."

Hanseatic Inspiration is the first cruise ship to arrive in the port since early 2020 complete with an official welcome ceremony.

Mr McQuade continued: "For the first time since the pandemic began, the passengers were met on the quayside by two of our multi-lingual welcome team members.

"The port has also arranged for a harpist to perform for the passengers onboard and the Nothe Fort Artillery Volunteers will fire a three-cannon salute upon her departure.

"We hope the ship and passengers have an enjoyable day exploring the local area."

The ship is only three-years-old, having been built in 2019 and has an overall length of 139 metres.

The vessel, christened in Hamburg in October 2019 by round-the-world sailor Laura Dekker, holds 230 passengers, limited to 199 in Antarctica and Spitsbergen, and is targeted at German and English speakers.

Its top speed is 16 knots and it offers retractable glass balconies on each side of the hull to give passengers ‘the feeling they're floating on the water’.