Luxury cruise ship dodges storm and visits port

THE current run of bad weather prompted a surprise visit to Cornwall from a huge, luxury cruise ship.

Following a warning from the Met Office for strong winds across the South West last Monday evening, the ultra-luxury expedition cruise ship Seabourn Venture made an unscheduled stop at Fowey the following day.

Half-way through a 26-day cruise from Malaga to Edinburgh, the 557ft ship was due to be visiting the Isles of Scilly, having departed from London on Sunday.

However, a spokesperson from the cruise operator confirmed that “weather-related issues” had forced a change of plan.

Launched in July 2022, the ultraluxury cruise ship offers capacity for just 264 guests, despite its size. The Polar Class vessel, equipped with two submarines, is capable of visiting Antarctica and the Arctic, and is joined by a 26-strong expedition team on every voyage to lead passengers into adventure.

For this unscheduled stop at Fowey, the 24 Zodiac boats were put to good use, ferrying the passengers into Fowey for a Cornish adventure while the ship remained anchored outside the harbour entrance.

The two custom-built submarines that are carried on the expedition ship were not expected to be used during this short stay in Cornwall.

Although the first scheduled cruise ship was not expected in Fowey until the end of April, the surprise visit by Seabourn Venture is now the second of the year.

Fowey Harbour Commissioners confirmed the poor weather had prompted another visit last Monday, when the MS Maud opted for the safety of the harbour.

⨠ The luxury expedition cruise ship Seabourn Venture made an unscheduled stop in Fowey last Tuesday Greg Martin