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A vessel literally fit for royalty chalked up a first for Plymouth when it visited Britain’s Ocean City this week. The Hebridean Princess became the first cruise ship to berth at Plymouth’s Barbican Landing Stage.
The vessel, operated by Hebridean Island Cruises, has called at Plymouth many times in the past but this time marked a milestone for a luxury small cruise vessel, and the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, when she tied up at the Barbican Landing Stage.
Described as having the “unique atmosphere of a boutique country house”, the late Queen Elizabeth II chartered the ship twice: in 2006 to celebrate her 80th birthday and in 2010 to celebrate Princess Anne’s 60th birthday.
The vessel, at just 72m in length and with a capacity for 48 guests, is the smallest calling in Plymouth this year. On July 30, it was piloted into the Cattewater, escorted by Pilot Vessel Stamford, and received a true Plymouth welcome from the master of ceremonies and the rousing drums of the Plymouth Maritime Corps of Drummers.
Guests stepped ashore into the historic heart of the city, via the purpose-built pontoon facility. Then, having enjoyed an afternoon at Buckland Abbey, guests returned to experience a sail-away complete with piper.
The sounds of the bagpipes could be heard echoing around the Barbican. A Plymouth Waterfront Partnership spokesperson said: “With an overnight stay in Cawsand Bay before sailing to Dartmouth, guests were treated to a Plymouth Gin tasting and history lesson.
(Image: Cattewater Harbour Commissioners)
“Many people and organisations make a cruise visit to Plymouth so special – many work tirelessly behind the scenes while, others such as the Plymouth Cruise Ambassadors, are always ready with their warm welcome and expert knowledge to successfully guide cruise guests to explore, and make the most of their time in Plymouth.”
The Hebridean Princess, which was last in Plymouth in 2022, started life as the MacBrayne car ferry and Royal Mail Ship based in Oban for 25 years. Now it operates as a luxury cruiser with 30 spacious and elegant cabins, of which 10 are designed especially for the single traveller.
Plymouth has had several cruise ship visits this year. In May, three ships arrived. The £120m MS Amera dropped anchor in the Sound, shortly after the vast Norwegian Pearl brought about 2,800 passengers and 300 crew to Britain’s Ocean City. It had arrived just a day after another ship, the Spirit of Adventure, called in.
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