The cruise ship season is to resume as the Warrenpoint Harbour Authority is set to welcome three ships that will make calls to the seaside town in Co. Down this summer.

In advance of the cruiseships, the world's last seafaring paddle steamer, P.S. Waverley is to operate its first ever excursion cruise out of Warrenpoint tomorrow, Tuesday, 30th May.

The debut of the P.S. Waverley will offer a unique opportunity for 600 people locally to travel on board for a sunset cruise along Carlingford Lough.

Tickets for the event had been sold out within 24 hours, making it one of the fastest selling cruises ever for Waverley which first began in 1975 by running excursions around the UK and as Afloat highlighted to Ireland, firstly in 1985 and 2001.

Following Waverley's once-off cruise down Carlingford Lough, the port is to set welcome the first cruise caller of the year, Le Champlain on Saturday 3rd June on its ‘Celtic Secrets and Landscapes’ 8-day cruise.

This will be Le Champlain’s first cruise call to Warrenpoint, as will it be for the World Traveller, which is due in on Tuesday 6th June. These two newcomers will be followed by The Azamara Pursuit on Thursday 15th June on its second call to Warrenpoint (with regional ties, see story) and which will have up to 800 passengers on board its ‘Intensive Ireland’ tour.

David Holmes, CEO of Warrenpoint Harbour said, “We are delighted to be welcoming four cruise calls to Warrenpoint this year following a successful return post-pandemic for cruise ships to the Port last year. It is great to see three new ships coming in to experience the County Down welcome.

“We are especially pleased to have the Waverley sailing from the Port with 600 passengers onboard for a sunset cruise. The town has really engaged with this event, as it has extended the Blues on the Bay Festival which was originally due to finish on 29th Monday 29th. There will be a blues band on board and lots of entertainment in the town pre and post the cruise.

“It is a testament to the experience that the Azamara Pursuit had on its last visit that it has decided to return this year, and we will have a warm welcome in place for the new ships visiting – Le Champlain and The World Traveller. There will be lots of opportunities for local people to see the cruise ships sailing in and out of the Port. Exact timings will be shared on Warrenpoint Port’s social channels as soon as they are available.

“This is also an opportunity for us to showcase again our local talent which was really popular with cruise guests last year including, for example, performances from The McAvoy School of Dancing. This community involvement is very important to us.”

Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Cllr Michael Savage stated, “We are thrilled to have these cruise ships visiting our destination. These visits showcase Warrenpoint as a premier destination for cruise ships and maritime enthusiasts.

“The arrival of these cruise ships will allow visitors to experience the history, heritage and cultural traditions of the region, providing a boost to our local economy. Guests will be greeted with warm hospitality and a vibrant atmosphere showcasing the best of what Warrenpoint and the destination has to offer.”

These cruise calls are facilitated by Armagh Logistics, Hamilton Shipping and GAC Services. To keep up to date with arrival and departure times for the ships, please follow Warrenpoint Port on social media.

#Waverley70th - P.S. Waverley, the world’s last sea-going paddle streamer built for Scottish service, which in recent decades has visited Ireland, today celebrates her 70th anniversary since launching, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The paddle steamer built in 1946 was the last of her type commissioned to serve on the Clyde (See YouTube). Since the 1970’s the magnificently preserved excursion paddler steamer with its iconic twin slanting towering funnels, timber decks, gleaming varnish and brass, has struck a chord with the public’s imagination.

This season P.S Waverley included a call to Red Bay, Co. Antrim, though the 925 passenger capacity steamer has in seasons past, included Irish ports calls along with the routine annual UK excursion season. This is mostly concentrated with trips in western Scotland.

As for her excursions along Ireland's eastern seaboard, P.S. Waverley called to Dundalk, Dublin, Dun Laoghaire, Wicklow, Arklow and as far south to Rosslare Harbour.  She is featured on pages 13 and 15 of ‘Maritime’ Dalkey, a series (July 2011-July 2016) published in the Dalkey Community Council Newsletter.

It was on a short hop between Dublin and Dun Laoghaire that I had the first opportunity to sample steam-power. One could not ignore the impressive machinery available to view as those mighty engines where underway, having set off from the capitals Sir John Rogerson’s Quay bound for the harbour's Carlisle Pier.

The draw of nostalgia and for newcomers, is where Waverley Excursions provide a programme of the Glasgow based paddler. P.S Waverley explores the Lochs & Islands of the West Coast of Scotland, among them Firth of Clyde destinations to the Isle of Arran Bute and Cumbrae (see related ferry ‘Lego’ project).

According to the operator’s website, today P.S. Waverley is cruising in London along father Thames, where yesterday on the banks of the famous river the HQ of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) held World Maritime Day along with a debate on global shipping.