#OvernightVisitor – One of a quartet of cruise-callers to Dublin Port yesterday, Seven Seas Voyager remains berthed this morning having spent an overnight visit in what will be an overall 38 hour call, writes Jehan Ashmore.
The Regency Seven Seas Cruises 42,363grt tonnes ship is at the high-end of the cruise market with a 6-star rating for the vessel which had a major refurbishment in late 2013. She has an international crew of 447 which allows her 700 guests to be pampered by having a high crew / guest ratio of 1: 1.5. This level of customer-service comes with ultra-luxurious facilities and where all cabin 'suites' categories also have balconies.
Her extended port visit allowing her guests a far more leisurely time to take in the attractions of the capital and beyond. Such calls and turnarounds are been encouraged by Dublin Port Company to increase cruise business and in boosting the local economy from such high-spending clientele.
All shore excursions from Regency are free in every port-of-call and where her guests can avail of many excursions in a day and during the entire cruise. This is offered so to increase experiences in the history, culture and cuisine of destinations visited with local guides and transportation.
Those wishing not to spend longer shore-time excursions can remain on board, however her berthing location in Dubin is somewhat unusual for a cruise-caller been further tucked in within Alexandra Basin. This is unfortunate given the more industrial backdrop at this stretch of quayside compared to those along the more customary cruise berths lining Ocean Pier.
It should however be acknwlowedged that AidaCara and Ocean Majesty (see report) had occupied these main cruise berths at Ocean Pier leaving the fourth caller, Ocean Princess to berth upriver at North Wall Quay extension.
In order to meet the demand from increased cruise calls and ever larger vessels, Dublin Port Company propose a €200m dedicated cruise terminal at the North Wall next to the East-Link Bridge. This more attractive solution closer to the city centre along the main river-channel would bring shorter transport times between the port and the capital.
After today's second opportunity to visit the capital and visitor attractions in the surrounding hinterland, guests will head back to the comfort of their floating hotel for her 20.00hrs departure tonight.
This will involve Seven Seas Voyager firstly moving astern into the channel to swing off opposite the Poolbeg Yacht Boat Club & Marina before she heads downriver bound for Waterford.
