Bidding bon voyage to cruise liner
A BEAUTIFUL cruise ship has bid farewell to the River Tyne after visiting the North East as part of a bid to get more sea trips going from the region.
The Balmoral, a Fred Olsen cruise liner named after the Royal family’s Scottish residence, was berthed at the Port of Tyne for around a week before it set sail for Spain at 6pm on Monday.
Capable of carrying 1,325 guests, the Balmoral is actually
considered small compared to other cruise ships, such as the Cunard Queen Victoria, which visited the port last month.
However, it made for a striking display as it sailed down the Tyne accompanied by a tug water cannon display. Passengers gathered on the deck to wave at those who turned out to watch it sail away.
The Balmoral’s visit to Tyneside comes as a bid is launched to get more cruise ships to visit the North East.
The Port of Tyne, Newcastle International Airport and the Newcastlegateshead Initiative are working together on the Cruise North East England project which aims to boost the tourism economy by attracting more cruise ships to the area.
The Balmoral is now headed to La Coruna and guests will be able to enjoy facilities including two swimming pools and four hot tubs, as well as a spa and fitness centre. It also has bars, lounges and poolside eateries.
With 710 guest cabins and measuring 218.05 metres, the ship’s smaller size means it is able to navigate some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways.