Sunday, March 31, 2024

Isle of Portland Weymouth, Dorset England cruise port schedule

portland uk cruise port

Experience local pub culture in a  seafaring ambience at The Little Ship, or grab a drink at the outdoor terrace of The Cove House Inn and enjoy the view of Chesil Beach. You could also sign up for a group tour to walk a short but dramatic stretch of the Jurassic Coast, from horseshoe-shaped Lulworth Cove to the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door. Some cruise lines also offer tours to Charmouth (top fossil-hunting beach) and the pretty nearby resort of Lyme Regis. Portland Harbour was a major embarkation point for Allied (especially American) forces on D-Day in June 1944 and the months thereafter.

Isle of Portland - user reviews and comments

Local Residents Frustrated With Growing Cruise Port - Cruise Hive

Local Residents Frustrated With Growing Cruise Port.

Posted: Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

You will have the staff guide you in understanding every piece of detail you will want to know about the lighthouse. It is believed that the stones that you are likely to view on this peninsula are the ones that are usually transported for use in building the great iconic buildings of London. The St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the beautiful buildings that were built using these stones, and stands in London even after centuries.

Travel Is Our Tradition

portland uk cruise port

Portland Port in the UK marked an exceptional year, celebrating a record-breaking cruise season. Over the span of eight months, Portland Port welcomed an unprecedented number of guests, the highest in its history. These guests arrived on 56 cruise ships, contributing significantly to the local economy in South Dorset. A cruise trip has become a popular option for travel as you get so much packed into the price – comfort, adventure, meals, entertainment and awesome relaxation.

Top Food & Drink Spots Near Isle of Portland, Dorset Cruise Port

Chalbury Food & Wine in Weymouth specialises in Dorset-made produce, including jams, biscuits, beer, cider and wine. Chesil Beach, which connects the mainland to the Isle of Portland, is reachable on foot from the port in under 15 minutes. In August 2022 was announced Portland Port's GBP 26 million (~EUR/USD 30M) berth development/expansion project for adding ~16000 m2 of docking space. In August 2022 was announced Isle of Portland's GBP 26 million (~EUR/USD 30M) berth development/expansion project to result in ~16000 m2 additional docking space. On 8th November 2018 Portland Port were delighted to be awarded Gold at the Dorset Tourism Awards for the International Visitor Experience of the Year category.

Portland Port's cruise season kicks off with AIDAsol - Seatrade Cruise News

Portland Port's cruise season kicks off with AIDAsol.

Posted: Mon, 19 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The mid-island village of Easton also has some shops, including a Tesco Superstore. Rock climbing, scuba diving, sailing, and kite-surfing are all popular pastimes for the adventurous. It has also served as the host for both Olympic and Paralympic sailing events. For such a tiny island, there are many places where you can get a bite to eat or a pint on the Isle of Portland. You’ll find most of the eateries on the northwest part of the island in the village of Fortuneswell, just before you reach Chesil Beach. Head to one of the fish-and-chips shops to enjoy a traditional British lunch, and wash it down with a pint of bitter.

In 2017, Port Portland completed a GBP 3 million cruise pier extension project to allow docking of larger vessels. The upgraded terminal facility allows berthing of boats with max LOA length 340 m (1115 ft). The previous berth had capacity to dock vessels with max LOA length 300 m (985 ft).

Regal Princess cruise ship cancels visit to Portland (Dorset England) due to protests

If we are given the information above at least 48 hours before the cruise call, we can add it to our security list and the passengers can be collected from the quayside. And when the time comes to depart our beautiful shores be sure to keep your eyes on the quayside. Portland Port prides itself on providing a memorable send off with a musical “Bon Voyage” and a 3 shot salute from the Nothe Fort Victorian Artillery Brigade. Please don’t forget to come back to whatsinport.com for new and updated port guides. There are plenty of friendly volunteers in the port as well as in Weymouth where the shuttle drops you off.

Church Ope Cove is a picturesque beach located on the eastern side of the Isle of Portland, where you’ll find a secluded haven of sand, sea, and cliffs upon which the remains of Rufus Castle sit. St. George’s Church is a well-preserved church built in the mid-18th century. Marvel at the exterior’s impressive stone facade and lofty bell tower, then peek inside to see its twin pulpits. On the church’s grounds, you’ll find dozens of leaning headstones that mark local residents’ final resting spots. During one of our Dorset cruises, visit the Tout Quarry Sculpture Park and Nature Reserve, an old quarry that’s been transformed into a sculpture park. Wander the grounds of the park and see how many sculptures you can find while admiring the view of the harbor below.

Nature walks are interestingly admired by many visitors coming to the Isle. You can take short but exciting nature walks from the Portland area, to the nearby areas such as the famous St George’s Church, all the way to the St Andrew’s Church and the Fancy’s Farm. Whether you are going to the place alone or with friends, or family, you are likely to find satisfying experiences for everyone. There are free shuttle buses to into Weymouth and you can spend the day exploring just what takes your fancy.

This is the best place you could just come to simply explore the beautiful port. One of the most picturesque areas is of course the habourside, offering satisfying experience. Being on the decks as the ship sails into different Bays as well as Portland Harbours is an amusing experience. On the Isle of Portland, you will see attractive features as you sail to different areas of the Isle. The backdrop of rising hills over the Eastern Bay end is quite stunning.

Enclosed between Chesil Beach and Abbotsbury is the freshwater lake Fleet. Weymouth is a super little resort with a beach & promenade, interesting harbor, smuggling museum, etc and more cafes, pubs & fish'n'chip shops than you can shake a stick at. This would be your cheapest & easiest option, and would be a good day if the weather's OK. The port’s growing popularity and influx of international visitors has had a substantial economic impact on the local area, contributing over £10 million. Portland in the UK celebrates a record-breaking cruise season, which, thanks to strategic investments, have brought significant economic benefits.

All is well documented in the Castletown D-Day Centre, whose military hardware includes a Sherman tank parked outside. The two giant concrete caissons in the water were used for one of the temporary Mulberry harbours constructed off the Normandy beaches. Portland Port is ideally placed for taking in Dorset's natural coastal wonders.

The earth that makes up the Isle of Portland has also played a part in its economic history. Portland Castle dates all the way back to the reign of King Henry XIII, who commissioned the castle to be built to protect the southern shores of England from invasion. Built in the mid-1500s, the castle is an interesting place to walk around and learn how soldiers lived at the fort centuries ago.

Route 501 (£5.00) is operated by an open topped bus during the holiday season, once every hour in the summer season from Weymouth to Portland Bill. On the way back you can get off at Portland Castle where the shuttle bus also makes a stop to bring you back to the ship. Looking forward, Portland Port is already planning for the 2024 season, with cruise calls scheduled for 11 out of 12 months, beginning in February with a visit by AIDAsol. Through June, there are visits scheduled from Regal Princess, Ms Rotterdam, Celebrity Apex, Seven Seas Splendor, and several others. When you visit the points of interest, there is always an experienced, certified guide to provide enthralling information on various sights on the tour. Nothing is set in stone either and you can look at the different tours and choose one that interests you the most.

Theses are both located on or just behind the beach and sea wall at Chesil Cove. Battered at times by the sea the Cove House Inn is ans has to bea sturdy stone building. Easton has a number of cafes, small independent shops and two supermarkets located mainly around a small square. Checking out some pubs such as the George Inn and The Punchbowl with well worth visiting White Stones Art Café . Just a short walk to Portland Museum (Avice’s Cottage) housed under a thatched roof and donated to the town by Dr Marie Stopes. In more recent times Portland and its man-made enclosed harbour built during the Napoleonic period.

Portland Port’s recent developments, particularly the inauguration of the deep-water berth, have brought significant economic benefits to the local community. The 56 calls included visits from AIDAbella, MS Zuiderdam, Oceania Vista, Disney Dream, MSC Euribia, and MSC Virtuosa. As though you will not have had enough with being in the sea, the Isle Portland Boat Trips will satisfyingly offer you about 60 minutes of pontoon trip across the nearby locations and back. Even if you don’t want to go on an excursion, that the best part about these ship ports – they provide all sorts of other thrilling alternatives. In the event of a cancellation due to last-minute medical issues, our standard cancellation policy will still apply. This policy is in place to maintain fairness and manage the limited availability of our tours efficiently.

Dorset Cruises: Best Cruises to Portland, Dorset

portland uk cruise port

Aiding Sir Christopher Wren to choose Portland stone for its construction in London. The cruise guide to Portland and the Olympic rings from the London 2012 games. The walk from Portland Bill up the west cliff path and back to back an area around the Heights Hotel. With several villages on the island the main one on the top of is called Easton. One is now the home to an RSPB bird sanctuary  and the third light can be seen high on the hill to the north.

Departures

Above the port is the Verne Citadel once a fortification built to help defend from a possible French invasion. Although you can safely enter through there to access the Jailhouse café. Who’s residents pelted them with stones from the high cliffs that aided their fight against them. Portland is located on the south coast of the UK and is in the middle of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast. A stick of sugary, tooth-rotting Weymouth rock, or a box of Dorset fudge.

Visiting friends & family on board a cruise ship

Always keep in touch with your ship company, as they will have precise details of on-shore excursions to local places of interest. Destinations vary by cruise so it’s worth looking at the details so that the trip you choose leaves you feeling revitalised. There are compelling and breath-taking views at the top which will certainly make visiting this site a pleasurable and rewarding experience.

PRIVATE TOURS

Please read the sections below for updated information on private excursion guidelines, meeting friends & family for day trips and visiting friends & family on board a cruise ship. There are bars, eateries as well as coffee shops around the harbourside from where you will enjoy quite a range of good foods and drinks. The hotels around the Isle of Portland have amazing offers on food, including sea foods, vegetables and others.

portland uk cruise port

Giant hewn rough blocks are exported all over the world as well as finished and polished examples for memorials. Leading to that very same stone being used on the Cenotaph in London in 1920. And they are still providing gravestone blanks for the Commonwealth War Graves centre and museum in places like Arras in the Pas de Calais. Today there are still two major companies working on the ‘island’ in the Portland stone business.

Or head out to the English countryside and tour crumbling castles, see the Roman Baths, or sample local sparkling wine. During season 2018, the cruise port had scheduled 44 ship calls (38% increase over 2017), including maiden visits from Pullmantur and Princess Cruises. For 2020, Portland Port reported a record-breaking season with scheduled 46 ship calls (berth bookings) and estimated 80,000+ cruise tourists (passengers and crew). Mein Schiff 5 (one of TUI Cruises newest ships / launched January 2016) made an inaugural visit on September 12, 2016. On September 20, 2016, another new (2016-built) cruise liner - ms Koningsdam (Holland America) visited Portland England for the first time. The small island’s popularity is growing with cruise ships sailing from major cruise homeports in the UK, particularly nearby Southampton and Portsmouth.

Arriving by Cruise Ship

We understand that any tour vehicles will want to be quayside before their departure time, so please ensure that adequate time is allowed for the security checks. We would advise arriving a minimum of 1 hour prior to tour departure time. We understand and appreciate that some cruise passengers wish to make their own excursion arrangements and we try to accommodate these wherever possible.

Norwegian Cruise Ship Arrives at Port Earlier Than Expected - Cruise Hive

Norwegian Cruise Ship Arrives at Port Earlier Than Expected.

Posted: Tue, 18 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Inorder to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departuretimes just follow the ship’s link. Portland and the nearby town of Weymouth sit on the south coast of England in Dorset County near the area's beautiful beaches. From here, visitors can wander on Chesil Beach or venture further afield to explore some of the most interesting sights of the British countryside. Outdoorsy types will enjoy walking along the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see natural arches, cliffs and fossils spanning 180 million years of geological history. Those fascinated by the life of the English aristocracy may prefer a visit to the fabulous Minterne House and Gardens, home to the Digby and Churchill families for 350 years.

The greatest place I’ve ever stayed (including a campsite in Wales) – according to 15 travel writers

These 2,000 tonne concrete caissons were  built to be part of a floating harbour for the invasion. Other sights along the Jurassic Coast (a Unesco World Heritage Site), and castles and country houses in Dorset's deeply rural interior, are easily reachable on day trips. Currently, Portland Port can accommodate passenger ships with max LOA length 350 m (1148 ft). On July 6, 2019, NCL's liner Norwegian Spirit became the first passenger vessel to use Portland Port's new gangway (mobile passenger bridge) system. It was installed as part of an investment plan for improving and extending the Port's cruise docking/mooring arrangements on Deepwater Berth and Outer Coaling Pier.

From where the shuttle bus service drops off at Portland Castle, you could follow the historic walking tour of Castletown. It is an easy walk over a distance of no more than 1 mile which goes past 2 museum which include Portland Castle and the fascinating Castletown D-Day Centre. Complimentary copies of the map are available from the quayside in the Tourist Information Facility or can be downloaded by clicking HERE. From here, cruise passengers can visit Abbotsbury Swannery (nesting Mute Swans colony), Bovington Camp's Tank Museum, and the seaside resort Weymouth (Dorset). Please ask your friends or family who are getting off the cruise ship, to board the shuttle bus from the quayside.

When a cruise ship is docked, a free shuttle bus service runs between the port and Weymouth throughout the day, a journey of about 20 minutes. There's also a fee-paying ferry service April to October, between Crabbers Wharf (just behind the D-Day Centre) and Weymouth harbour. To visit Portland Heights and Portland Bill, hop on seasonal bus 501 outside Portland Castle. To explore further afield, you're best off taking a cruise ship tour or to fix up a private driver guide for the day.

There is also the open-top bus tour, allowing you to see fascinating aspects of Portland. The area around Weymouth is very rural and it is best to go on a guided excursion so you don’t somehow get lost and miss the ship. During a cruise, there is so much being provided to ensure never a dull moment. Today it’s an amazing visitors’ site due to the exquisite beach ambiance as well as the intriguing beach experience that many tourists enjoy having a feel of while here. There are many activities that you will enjoy while visiting this part of England. Your tour is carefully planned to align with the arrival and departure times of your cruise ship.

For anyone with mobility issues or any other questions, please email us (-port.co.uk), so that we can help to the best of our ability. At the entrance to the cruise berth, a security officer will board the bus to check everyone’s passes, at this point please get off the bus and enter the cruise terminal. At the reception desk in the cruise terminal, photographic identification will be checked against the security list. A picture will be taken and will be used to issue a restricted area pass.

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