#CancelledAnchorage – A German cruiseship with around 900 passengers on board had to cancel an anchorage call off Rosslare Europort this morning due to the continued bad weather that also prevented a cruise call to Dublin yesterday, writes Jehan Ashmore.
The Albatros operated by Phoenix Reisen which is on an 8-day cruise of the British Isles had embarked mostly German clientele at the start of the cruise in Bremerhaven.
The last port of call of the 28,500 tonnes cruiseship was Belfast Harbour. She was to anchor off Rosslare Europort as her draft is too deep to be accommodated within the Co. Wexford harbour.
Passengers on the Albatross were to be taken ashore by tender and onto shuttle bus services this morning to visit the main visitor attractions of the 'Model' county before returing to the cruiseship departing at 1400 for Portland.
The Dorset port is where instead the Albatros is currently heading for today having made a transit of St. Georges Channel this morning.
Commenting to Afloat on what was to be the first cruiseship to visit Rosslare Europort in more than two decades, Barry Kenny, Corporate Communications Manager Irish Rail (operator of the port) said "unfortunately, the weather conditions would affect tendering operations hence the call has been cancelled.
He added, "Obviously it is disappointing, however we look forward to welcoming Fred Olsen Lines cruise ship MS Braemar which will visit on 16th July next year (which will come to shore), and to developing cruise ship business further at the Port.
