#cruiseliners - Warrenpoint Harbour welcomed the return call of a cruiseship to the Co. Down port that first launched this trade in recent years, writes Jehan Ashmore.
Saga Pearl II had arrived into the scenic surroundings of Carlingford Lough last week having among its all-Ireland ports of call included Cobh, Cork Harbour.
The southern port this year had its first cruiseship, Saga Pearl II as Afloat previously reported.. The photo supplied for that coverage was actually that of her namesake predecessor, Saga Pearl which currently operates for other another company.
At just 18,000 gross tonnes, Saga Pearl II has the advantage of getting to visit smaller and lesser well known ports in Ireland and the UK as part of cruise itinerary also launched in recent years. This allows Saga cruisegoers to reach destinations that most giant cruiseships cannot.
On this rare occasion of a cruiseship call, Warrenpoint Harbour Authority organised a special public opening of the port through the Town Dock Office. This was to enable the public to gain access to view Saga Pearl II. Previously the cruiseship's historic first port visit in 2014 also drew in the crowds.
The public on this latest call were encouraged to get a 'Saga-Selfie' with the background of the cruiseship described by owners as a small yacht-like ship. With no more than 449 passengers on board and reserved exclusively as an adults-only ship.
There are seven passenger decks. Across these decks are facilities that include a small cinema, gymnasium, spa, hair and beauty salon, library, shop, card room and a
launderette.
