The 2019 cruise season is underway in Isle of Portland (Dorset, England) with the double visit of Saga Sapphire and inaugural call of NCL’s Norwegian Spirit. NCL has a 50-year history in the business and has been sailing to Portland for several years.
The arrival of NCL Spirit ship on her inaugural call enhances the expanding relationship between the port and the cruise company. The return of Saga Sapphire is also significant as the ship will soon be leaving the Saga Cruises fleet as they take delivery of a pair of new, ultra-modern vessels.
Having two cruise liners alongside at the same time is a more regular occurrence during the season. It is the 2nd time during 2019 that the cruise port has seen both of its major commercial berths occupied by cruise liners on the same day. The situation will be repeated a further five times during the summer months.
NCL Spirit's visit marked another first for the port as its new gangway system was used for the first time. Having invested in improving and extending the mooring arrangements on both the Deep-water Berth and the Outer Coaling Pier, is aimed at improving the guest experience as they disembark and embark the ship.